help.... young and struggling more then id ever imagine!

[djchase 2]

Sleeved- April 8, 2013.

In Madison Heights Michigan.

So far, have a small infection in my belly button incision, and an allergic reaction, to the steri strips that literally look like my skin was burned with Water blisters.

Protein, eh not so much getting in. I been focusing on trying to stay hydrated with Water and diet v 8 juices.

My stomach hasn't been able to handle an egg at all. Dietician says to much Protein at once ?

My stomach handles creamed Soups and refried Beans with melted cheese.

I am not hungry usually but know I must get something in me... to stay healthy.

I don't know if I'm losing weight I don't own a scale. In past 2 weeks I know I have lost 30 pounds. I don't feel or see where on my body yet. Kind of bummed. Besides my rings are lose and close are a little looser for me.

I want real food. Even tho I know I cannot eat much of it in one sitting. Struggling with the baby stage of pureed diet. I miss chewing a piece of chicken or deli meat.

I miss working. And fear, because my energy level is not near as high as or was, I'm not physically ready to go back to work.

I have read many many forums and have read the critics and such.

I want to be able to enjoy outside life again, like yes, I can go have lunch w my best friend eat a yummy salad or chicken breast or 1/4 of a 6 inch sub on gutted bread or flat bread.

I miss middle of the night dying of thirst chugging iceeeee coooolllld water.

I miss sprite.... even tho I rarely drank it, I miss it. Something limey and bubbly.

All comes back in time. But I'm young and my patience isn't the best side of me.

I did try an coke flavored Icee float tonight. Small I ate about 1/8 of it. Felt good. No pain, no gas.

I'm ready.

But I don't think my stomach is completely ready entirely itself.

:+(

Some days feel like biggest mistake I could of made.

[lilbearzmom 584]

We have all been where you are, and it does get better! The best thing is, soon you'll be feeling back to yourself again, adding new foods, and yes, you will enjoy food again with friends and family. The best part is, you will have control over that food, it will not have control over you. You can only go up from here-good luck & keep us updated.

-Kendra

[melody2 61]

I understand where you are. I was sleeved on April 10 and I'm struggling with one incision that simply will not heal. I'm so tired of changing bandages 3-4 x a day. I do know that I'm feeling better each day and in time the struggles will be less. I encourage you to hang in there and remember its ok to "feel what you feel" but look beyond the moment at hand and realize that time will pass....it passes no matter what we are doing...sad to say...so just remember that time will pass and you will feel better. I hope that helps.

[ljmasterdebater 71]

how old are you? im 17 and am 4 months post op it is rough especially when you are young but from one young person to another it definitely does get better. if you are between the ages of 17-21 join my social group on here called Sleevin' Teens. best of luck!

[luckysmomma 407]

I know it is hard. It does get better. Just hang in there. Best of luck to you.

[djchase 2]

I am 25....

I just want a bite of grilled chicken or food that is normal...

Id settle for a piece of deli ham and cheese....

I am only eating 2x a day. And drinking Water or sipping on diet v 8 splash.

This sucks...

Dying of thirst all the time.

Can't drink milk and eat.

Crystal light became disgusting already.

And living alone I think makes it worse!

:+(

[ShrinkingBiker 121]

It's a bit rough until you move on to soft solids.. you will get there. The puree was kinda hard, but nothing compared to pre-op for me.. Just tough it out for a few more weeks and your world will get better. I'm 5/12 weeks out and even compared to last week I am able to take in food much easier. I'm struggling with dense Protein like meatloaf or burger patties (turkey buffalo beef) but for whatever strange reason steak type meats do fine. chicken still doesn't work for me.

Right now I am sticking with fresh broiled or baked fish, the frozen meatballs you get in the freezer section which are much more soft then the home made ones, tuna salad is a little harder for me, but I can do about 1/4 can. I think the adjusting to the new life is much harder then getting over not being able to eat some things. Just stick in there and be as strong as you can.. If you need someone to chat with feel free to add me on Facebook or pm here.. I'm happy to help anyone and everyone even if just standing in as a sounding board.

[djchase 2]

Thanks :+)

[djchase 2]

I would just like a bite of something other then pureed.

Or soft.

Something tasty and meaty. Like chicken Or piece of meat loaf.

But id take a few sips of sprite over any of that right now.

Not really scared. Of anything except causing a leak.

[nanaspez 58]

Believe me, it gets better and because of your age your healing will probably be faster than some of older sleevers. I was dead to the world for the 1st 31/2 months, (sleeve and other medical problems that arose made it difficult) I would recommend you get Protein Powder, such as Unjury strawberry Sorbet, it is not thick and it is refreshing especially with lemonade. I also mix the unflavored one with my milk in the morning and mix it with Protein Cereal. I am 5mos out and feeling so much better, especially my energy. It is still low but so much better. Hang in there, you'll be dancing that happy dance really soon!

[AliciaNoelle121 12]

If you really need to chew some meat chew it up and then spit it out. You'll satisfy that issue and not hurt your sleeve bc you didn't swallow it. Good luck

[djchase 2]

I can have soft foods starting Monday. I'm gonna try today.