Ok here we go: I don't regret having the sleeve and I'm sure in a few months I'll be happy as hell. In the meantime these are the issues -

Figuring out how to eat while missing 85% of your stomach. I hate that! I had surgery in Mexico because that's what I could afford to do. Did I think I wouldn't require any counseling or guidance? Yep! Well wrong! This is the most difficult adjustment I've ever had to make. Today I ate 6 Ritz crackers with a little hunk of cheese on top. Too much! It made me feel bad. One more lesson learned. Only have 4 Ritz crackers and then you won't feel bad.

I hate protein shakes. I hate water. I don't get near enough water or protein. Yes I know I need to step it up. I'm currently busy feeling sorry for myself at having to make this adjustment so I'll step it up any day now.

I've lost over 20 lbs in less than 3 weeks. I should be overjoyed. But I'm not. I don't know why. There seems to be a lot of emotions swirling around that I am unaccustomed to. When will these leave so I can get on with being my normal, non-emotional self? I just don't know!

I'm tired, my tummy is still somewhat swollen, incisions are healing but taking longer than I'd like, and wearing my regular clothes is uncomfortable. I'm not a wear your sweatpants in public kinda gal. My entire life I have made sure that I look nice, hair and makeup as good as I can get them, and I pull myself together before I step out the door. Well not now! is this superficial? Oh yes! But i don't even care. I prefer to look nice and I'm damn tired of these sweatpants.

I could go on and on but I guess I've summed it up well enough. I'd feel a lot better to know that others felt the same and when exactly did it get better.

Thanks for listening. Yes I need to get my s##t together and shut up. I'll do it later.

You will need your protein so you will have to find something you like, even if you have to doctor up the shakes. I wasn't fond of them either, but protein is essential and so is water. Try some crystal light or drops to make your water tastier, you know its important. Finally, put some clothes on and reintroduce yourself to the world, get out of that rut and shine girl! You will be just fine, you just need a few to adjust.

Yep. Some days are like that. It blows but tomorrow is another day. I had a pity party or two after as well. You are not alone.

Tomorrow will be better.

P.S. Get your ass moving on the protein and water. (Sorry, it's the mom in me.)

Haha! yes I'm going to get my ass moving on the protein and water. Thanks for saying that:)

You will need your protein so you will have to find something you like, even if you have to doctor up the shakes. I wasn't fond of them either, but protein is essential and so is water. Try some crystal light or drops to make your water tastier, you know its important. Finally, put some clothes on and reintroduce yourself to the world, get out of that rut and shine girl! You will be just fine, you just need a few to adjust.

What protein shakes do you drink?

Hang in there it will get better and make more sense as the days pass Good luck stay strong

I've tried a few kinds of shakes. So far the EAS is the best if you put it in the blender with some ice and a banana. A lady told me yesterday to try the EAS rich dark chocolate so I got some and will try it out in a little while.

Oh - and speaking of the lady. The ads that go across the top of the screen, the ones for the Nicholson Clinic. Look for the brunette lady that has lost 162 lbs. I know her. We have kids that are in the same sport. She is amazing. If you were to just meet her you would think she never had a weight problem in her life. This girl exercises A LOT. She is happy, healthy, and an inspiration to us all. She had the band rather than the sleeve and has completely transformed herself. Just thought I'd throw that in - that the folks on the ad are indeed real success stories. This lady rules.

Oh im going through the same thing...I can't stomach protein shakes ...I can't eat...and im 2 weeks post and at a stall for a week. I just tried this today I took a pack of carnation instant breakfast 8gm protein (no sugar added great flavor) and a half of scoop of my protein shake mix (nectar chocolate truffle) 22gms of protein per scoop so a half would be about 11gms so I get 19 gms by mixing the two and yes Its tastey! You have to try what works for you

It's very hard but you can get through this. Here are some things that helped me get through it.

First of all get on Myfitnesspal.com and start tracking your food intake if you havent already done so.

Start out small. In your situation with ritz crackers start out with 3 or 4 crackers. chances are that is all you will need to be satisfied. (ritz crackers are my weakness as well).

Get yourself some powdered Peanut butter and add it to the chocolate protein shake. Tastes just like a reeses peanut butter cup! If you are on pinterest there are many boards dedicated to protein shake recipes. They have some really good recipes. You can also check out http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ she has some great recipes as well for protein as well as other stuff.

I have a hard time drinking water as well (HATE IT) i use Mio, Crystal Light, diet ice tea etc. to get my drink in. I also have an app that reminds me to drink every hour (it gets annoying but it has helped me improve my intake) its called water your body.

As far as the incisions put a bandaid over them. I had a rough time wearing a bra and jeans for a while and the bandaids really made a HUGE difference.

As you get farther along it will get easier and easier! Good luck!

Have you tried Isopure protein drinks? They are along the lines of Gatorade or Crystal light. All sorts of flavors and each oz has 2 grams of protein. One 20 oz bottle can give you half of your protein right now. I find the Grape the best for me.

What Protein shakes do you drink?

Premier Protein. They have the best taste and 30g of protein. I am picky and I don't like cold shakes, I drink them warm.

Premier Protein shakes (at SAMs club, Walmart, Costco) are the best and have 30g protein. I have 1 a day and then I at least have 30g in although I am only 2 weeks out so I split over 2 or 3 "meals"

As a suggestion, try mixing your Protein shakes with a low sugar vanilla almond milk. It really does help, adds few calories, and a few more grams of protein. It sweetens the shakes just enough, I have tried many shakes over the years and find that the Designer whey chocolate is works the best for me. I also have tried shakeology, which is expensive, but has some really great bonus minerals. I just hope they taste this "okay" after surgery!

I hope that you feel better soon!

PB2 is great for sprucing up Protein powders. And I'd throw the ritz crackers away. They are only preventing you from losing weight. They have no nutritional value whatsoever. You don't need them, you have very limited room in your sleeve and you should fill every bit of that room with Water and protein. Until you can meet your requirements on those 2 things, don't waste precious sleeve space.

Edit....but yes, it gets easier each week. And soon those sweat pants will be too big and you'll have to buy smaller sweat pants.