Took Plunge-Made Appointment-Sleeve is Scheduled-Jitters You Bet

lynn225 · July 14, 2011

July 14, 2011--Day one. Called today after putting off sleeve surgery for approx. two years. Daughter had sleeve two years ago due to health reasons, so could only do one out of pocket at a time. When she had her surgery this site was wonderful for a mom full of questions. I never posted but learned a great deal from wonderful people. Hopefully you can gently guide me through my process. I am really looking forward to this journey. My daughter has done wonderful. She had lost 105 lbs., but learned the art of grazing, so has put back on about 40 lbs. She is back on track now and loosing slowely but surely. I am to see my GP and surgeon Monday, and scheduled surgery for Aug. 2nd. I am really doing some reading trying to remember all the tips I learned back then. I know a lot has changed with the Protein, bullets back then, and pre diet. Let the journey begin.

SeattleSue · July 15, 2011

July 14, 2011--Day one. Called today after putting off sleeve surgery for approx. two years. Daughter had sleeve two years ago due to health reasons, so could only do one out of pocket at a time. When she had her surgery this site was wonderful for a mom full of questions. I never posted but learned a great deal from wonderful people. Hopefully you can gently guide me through my process. I am really looking forward to this journey. My daughter has done wonderful. She had lost 105 lbs., but learned the art of grazing, so has put back on about 40 lbs. She is back on track now and loosing slowely but surely. I am to see my GP and surgeon Monday, and scheduled surgery for Aug. 1st. I am really doing some reading trying to remember all the tips I learned back then. I know a lot has changed with the Protein, bullets back then, and pre diet. Let the journey begin.

Hi Lynn,

I think you'll do wonderful having had such an intimate experience going through this with your daugher. Good for you taking this step for yourself. I'm just over a week out from having been sleeved. I bet I could learn more from you!! Anyhow, welcome back. Amen, let the journey begin!

Susan

lynn225 · July 15, 2011

Hi Lynn,

I think you'll do wonderful having had such an intimate experience going through this with your daugher. Good for you taking this step for yourself. I'm just over a week out from having been sleeved. I bet I could learn more from you!! Anyhow, welcome back. Amen, let the journey begin!

Susan

lynn225 · July 15, 2011

Thanks Sue...

Hope things are going well for you. I am getting recipes so I can freeze hubby some things and maybe some broth for me. Keep us posted on your recovery. Any tips please let me know.

SeattleSue · July 15, 2011

Thanks Sue...

Hope things are going well for you. I am getting recipes so I can freeze hubby some things and maybe some broth for me. Keep us posted on your recovery. Any tips please let me know.

hahahaha cooking advice I could probably give; as for the VSG, I'm flying by the seat of my pants! I made various broths before my surgery....and based on a tip I got somewhere on this forum, I froze the broth in ice-cube trays and stored in zip-locks for my recovery. Turns out I have no real taste or desire for broth. I've been cooking for my family since I got home. Easy stuff--but it's what I like to do. I need to use up the brothcicles, so it's a good way to go. hahahaha I'll have enough left to add to things in my puree stage (bleh).

I've got no real hunger yet, so it's not like it's cruel or unusual punishment to cook. Funny, but the aroma of coffee seems to be 'enough' to meet that fix...and with food, it's sort of been the same way. It was extremely difficult not to taste the tuna salad I made. That was just very appealing...but, I behaved. :-) Killing old habits. It's hard not to 'taste' when you cook; especially from scratch. I have enlisted my 14 year old son to be my taste-tester and spice barometer. haha

Do you have a regular rotation of stuff that you can make and freeze for hubby? What kind of recipes are you looking for?

lynn225 · July 15, 2011

hahahaha cooking advice I could probably give; as for the VSG, I'm flying by the seat of my pants! I made various broths before my surgery....and based on a tip I got somewhere on this forum, I froze the broth in ice-cube trays and stored in zip-locks for my recovery. Turns out I have no real taste or desire for broth. I've been cooking for my family since I got home. Easy stuff--but it's what I like to do. I need to use up the brothcicles, so it's a good way to go. hahahaha I'll have enough left to add to things in my puree stage (bleh).

I've got no real hunger yet, so it's not like it's cruel or unusual punishment to cook. Funny, but the aroma of coffee seems to be 'enough' to meet that fix...and with food, it's sort of been the same way. It was extremely difficult not to taste the tuna salad I made. That was just very appealing...but, I behaved. :-) Killing old habits. It's hard not to 'taste' when you cook; especially from scratch. I have enlisted my 14 year old son to be my taste-tester and spice barometer. haha

Do you have a regular rotation of stuff that you can make and freeze for hubby? What kind of recipes are you looking for?

lynn225 · July 15, 2011

Sue,

No real rotation for hubby's meals. I wanted to try to maybe pressure some chicken and put the chicken in some type of casseroles and use the broth for the brothcicles. I remember my daughter didn't like the brothcicles either. Seems like she used the cup-a-soup after clear liquid stages. What are your restrictions for the first few weeks. Are you on Clear Liquids or what type of foods can you eat? I am going to try to find my small food processor, think they called them bullets also, for grinding up food. I don't remember the stages she went through but I think she was on clear, then milky type Soups, then maybe puree. Could you or someone fill me in. I am also trying to find out about the pre diet. Surgery was scheduled so fast I believe I need to get started on that also. I think I read you were a paraeducator. I was also a para. Worked with milid/moderate. "Retired" a couple of years ago when hubby went on shifting. Miss my babies, but enjoying the beginning of my "golden years". Thanks for an "ear".

SeattleSue · July 15, 2011

Sue,

No real rotation for hubby's meals. I wanted to try to maybe pressure some chicken and put the chicken in some type of casseroles and use the broth for the brothcicles. I remember my daughter didn't like the brothcicles either. Seems like she used the cup-a-soup after clear liquid stages. What are your restrictions for the first few weeks. Are you on clear liquids or what type of foods can you eat? I am going to try to find my small food processor, think they called them bullets also, for grinding up food. I don't remember the stages she went through but I think she was on clear, then milky type Soups, then maybe puree. Could you or someone fill me in. I am also trying to find out about the pre diet. Surgery was scheduled so fast I believe I need to get started on that also. I think I read you were a paraeducator. I was also a para. Worked with milid/moderate. "Retired" a couple of years ago when hubby went on shifting. Miss my babies, but enjoying the beginning of my "golden years". Thanks for an "ear".

I had my first Protein shake this a.m. Still buzzing. But yes, my post-op is just as you described remembering. I have a magic bullet. LOVE IT. I quickly whip up my Protein shakes, etc. My surgeons post-op plan has me on Protein Shakes until day 21...I'm thinking that is severe and I may start soupy stuff in a week...putting my at about 15 days. I'm not trying to 'buck' the experts, but strike a balance between reasonably cautious and listening to my body. I'msure people will want to lecture me, but the post-op diet does allow for some discretion based on if you feel lethargic, etc. I don't yet, but I'm up to walking almost a mile in the a.m. and 3/4 in the p.m. on my treadmill. I have had zero problems with any area so far. I'm 9 days out (I count surgery day since I was done by 10 a.m.).

Anyway, how about chicken enchilada's (easy). Chicken and rice ala Campbell's cream of something Soup with baby carrots (all one dish cooking), chicken salad with some cashews (yum!) on nice rolls, chicken stir fry with frozen veggies over rice (use the packet sauces from the asian section), chicken dumplings (easy)...

Gotta run, I have a "lunch" date with a girlfriend who doesn't know about my quick trip to Mexico. lol I'm debating whether to mention it, for a lot of reasons, but I don't want to lie about why I'm not eating. I'm not hungry, well...that's true. Strict diet: drastic times calls for drastic measures...that's also true. Ummmm Maybe I'll order french onion soup and just eat the broth and she won't notice. hahahaha

Talk later!

Susan

AutumnBlueCarmen · July 15, 2011

Lynn,

How exciting to have your own daughter as a "sleeve sister". Very exciting. Hopefully your daughter can get back on track with you, but still 60lbs is a lot of difference. You sharing her experience will help us know what to beware of. I could see how grazing could become a negative. Good luck to you! Can't wait to hear about your progress and your story!!!

lynn225 · July 16, 2011

Lynn,

How exciting to have your own daughter as a "sleeve sister". Very exciting. Hopefully your daughter can get back on track with you, but still 60lbs is a lot of difference. You sharing her experience will help us know what to beware of. I could see how grazing could become a negative. Good luck to you! Can't wait to hear about your progress and your story!!!

lynn225 · July 16, 2011

Thanks Autumn,

Yes, hopefully with me getting very serious about getting ready for the surgery and planning meals she will stay on track. She has learned that she can eat and eats the wrong things. Her pouch was checked a few months ago because she had acid reflux so bad. Surgeon said pouch was where it should be. I think she just eats too much and her stomach is trying to tell her. I think she will need to be on Prilosec for a good while even though her surgery was couple of years ago. She would never go to the group meetings after surgery that I think would have helped her. I did learn that the surgery is not a magic cure. You still have to do your part or the weight can be put back on. I'm 55 so for my health and just being able to enjoy life I am determined to make this journey. The age I am hopefully will not matter. I started walking today getting ready for surgery.