I wanted to start a thread because I am pre op and wanted to ask the veterans what they wish they knew before they were sleeved. I love this site and find it much more informative because it is people's experiences, not just what your surgeon tells you.

I wish I knew that the only foods that restrict me are healthy, less 'tasty' food. I can eat chips and ice cream and candy all day but only a few ounces of tuna or chicken. So in the end it's still 100% up to you! Kinda wish I had more reactions to fatty or carb-y meals.

I wish I knew that the only foods that restrict me are healthy' date=' less 'tasty' food. I can eat chips and ice cream and candy all day but only a few ounces of tuna or chicken. So in the end it's still 100% up to you! Kinda wish I had more reactions to fatty or carb-y meals.[/quote']

Amen to that sister!!

I wish I would of known that complications can be very serious, and what to look for to know. I had major complications twelve weeks in hospital almost lost my job due to excess time off from work was out 4months.

Wish I would of known about all the throwing up.

I love my sleeve just wanting to comment on what I wish I would of known.

Drink Drink Drink, or post Sleeve Sip Sip Sip, I became dehrydrated and it is NOT fun.... So Sip sip sip on Fluids all day for a few months for sure. I still have a water bottle with me at all times taking little sips. And your head hunger will still be with you after the surgery, Just dont give in to " her" and I am hoping one day after I do not feed "her" for longe enough, she will DIE!

I knew pretty good bit of info before I got the sleeve but going through it is one thing .. The whole social thing going out to eat is hard for me I don't like eating in front of ppl you feel out of place oh my mother inlaw knows I've had surgery and she be like you have to it more cause when I dieted I ate more .. I'm like lady if could eat I would I told her do you not realize I'm not on a diet I had 80 % of my stomach remove its hard when u have ppl that don't understand but my husband does and I have a few friends that understand but going out is a waste of time for me but I'm happy Im 17 weeks on Monday and I've lost 80 pounds been at a stall for almost three week which I don't like but hey I feel so much better

So do you just find other ways to socialize with people beside going out to eat? I guess I could always just order an appetizer or Soup...

I am in sales and travel all over the world...part of my job is taking clients out to eat. I am 7 months out and have done great when eating out. The only issue I have is that I don't eat as slow as I do when I am Home...it's something we can't avoid (socializing) so don't avoid it. Believe me...I have lost 120 pounds in 7 months eating out 2 or 3 times a week.

Hey - I appreciate it because I have no idea what that will be like. How many ounces of Water is a sip?

On a completely different topic' date=' does anyone know how to add pictures or files?

Also, as to what you say to others. I'd say something like:

1) If I tell you, I'd have to kill you.

2) I'd tell you, but I'm afraid you'd lose all desire to eat.

3) If you really want to know, I can give you the name of my drug dealer.

4) They're having a biggest loser contest at ... work ... church ... in my family ... in my neighborhood ... and I wanna win first place, which is a trip to Hawaii for 2. Maybe I'll bring one of you along.

5) Thank you for noticing. I really appreciate that kind of support![/quote']

I have a water bottle that has the ounces marked on it that helps me track how much I have drank for the day.

I wish I would of known that complications can be very serious' date=' and what to look for to know. I had major complications twelve weeks in hospital almost lost my job due to excess time off from work was out 4months.

Wish I would of known about all the throwing up.

I love my sleeve just wanting to comment on what I wish I would of known.[/quote']

I'm sorry you had to go trough this!! If you don't mind me asking what complications did you have?

So do you just find other ways to socialize with people beside going out to eat? I guess I could always just order an appetizer or soup...

I live in Louisiana everyone loves to eat and yes it's other ways like shopping is so fun but still when it come down to the eating part of it it's uncomfortable for me like I said a waste of money or time but I always share when I'm out w my love

But I still go out cause I've shared my surgery w all my friends it's too much work to keep it a secret it easier to just be honest

A good friend had this surgery a year ago. She orders all her meals "to go", asks for a plate and serves herself only what she can eat. It's very empowering, plus, she gets to do all the talking while everyone else is eating.

I am in sales and travel all over the world...part of my job is taking clients out to eat. I am 7 months out and have done great when eating out. The only issue I have is that I don't eat as slow as I do when I am Home...it's something we can't avoid (socializing) so don't avoid it. Believe me...I have lost 120 pounds in 7 months eating out 2 or 3 times a week.

Good to know!

But I still go out cause I've shared my surgery w all my friends it's too much work to keep it a secret it easier to just be honest

Good to know u got support.

A good friend had this surgery a year ago. She orders all her meals "to go"' date=' asks for a plate and serves herself only what she can eat. It's very empowering, plus, she gets to do all the talking while everyone else is eating.[/quote']

Ooo great idea!

I wish I had known that food withdrawal would turn me into a raving, maniacal, get-in-my-way-and-I-WILL-kill-you witch for a week in my 2nd week post-op. It was kind of scary (atleast that's what my husband says . I was ok when I got to the mushy foods stage.