I went into the OR roughly 6 months ago. The operation and hospitalization itself were not too painful. I got the surgery for free because I live in a country with universal health care. The wait was long, 9 months, but it wasn't too much trouble.

The first few weeks were rough and there was some (but not a lot of) vomiting. Then I started eating what the hospital's dietician listed for me - 6 meals a day, one in every 3 hours, give or take. I don't follow her guidings too strictly, but those 60 lbs just came off by themselves. I didn't exercise intensively (once a week or less). I didn't abstain from candy or carbs - I ate less of them, not because I was "on a diet" but because I didn't want more than one slice of bread. It was enough.

I'm down 3 sizes and I wear UK size 14 pants now (US size 10, EU size 42). I can shop for clothes on any store and I don't need to go to the plus size section. My face is looking a lot better now. I realize I didn't shed all my excess weight yet, but even if I stay this way for the rest of my life, I'd be very happy. I started making further changes in my life - I'm learning to play an instrument, I date more and really try to be out there instead of hiding.

I hope some pre-op readers pass by here and read this. Go do this procedure. Life's too short.

Great job. I had my sleeve surgery one month ago. I have lost 20 pounds. My experience was similar to yours: not too much pain, kind of tricky learning to eat again, some vommitting if I overeat or eat a "new" solid food too fast. So, it is a learning experience. All in all, I am sure it is worth it! I am looking forward to losing another 60 or more pounds over the next year or so. It is a lifestyle...there is no going back, but that is ok. I am now one of those "little bird eaters" and I am very happy!

I loved your post. Thanks for sharing. I am 8 days postop and feeling a little sorry for myself. I haven't had any vomiting, but I am afraid of my sleeve and what I can and can't put in it (within the guidelines from NUT of course). I can't tell if I'm hungry at all, and I can't tell when I've had enough. It all just feels the same right now. I'm longing for foods I can't have yet. I don't regret this decision, I guess I just wish it would move along faster....your post made me feel better. Thanks again.

Congrats to you Estella! Isn't it wonderful to feel like you're in control?!

Joni, I wondered how you were doing! It does get better, and very quickly! Before long you will be feeling so normal that you will forget sometimes that you had this surgery!

I loved your post. Thanks for sharing. I am 8 days postop and feeling a little sorry for myself. I haven't had any vomiting' date=' but I am afraid of my sleeve and what I can and can't put in it (within the guidelines from NUT of course). I can't tell if I'm hungry at all, and I can't tell when I've had enough. It all just feels the same right now. I'm longing for foods I can't have yet. I don't regret this decision, I guess I just wish it would move along faster....your post made me feel better. Thanks again.[/quote']

I feel the same way I can't tell if im hungry or full.

I do get hungry but when I should be hungry. SOme of it is head hunger, but it's good. It does get easier. The hardest job for me is to get in my water. It feels like I get up in the morning and I'm dehydrated. Then it's like starting over to rehydrate myself. It's been this way for quite a few weeks now and it is work. But it's worth it. I was such a diet coke addict that I would just drink that all day. No problem with liquids then. Now it's such a chore. And my stomach is a little finicky with water. Oh well, I love my sleeve and my skinniness!

Awesome job...

congrats!!!!!!!

Good job. Keep up the good work

It is reassuring to read what every one else has gone through because that means I am "normal"! I felt a little panicky the first week or two, thinking this is PERMANENT! WILL I ever feel good again? Have energy? Why don't I like water anymore? (Yes, I too was a diet coke junkie). But, it does get better. I have started to forget about my sleeve sometimes, which is a mistake. Like, this morning, I started to eat an egg and toast, talking to my son....didn't pay attention to the size of bites or how much chewing. After a couple of swallows, I realized that I should have gone slower. I was uncomfortable for a few minutes. I am still "in training", learning to eat deliberately and very, very slowly. And, getting in the fluids is a challenge, but that, too has gradually improved. Hang in there.....!!!!