Just sharing my various thoughts through this journey:

1. Psych: Yesterday was a challenging day. Was an emotional roller coaster including lots of self-doubt and realization of physical limitations. I had two negative moments during the day where it was hard to keep my emotions in check. Ultimately, ended the evening with a positive mindset but this part of my new life is much more difficult than I anticipated.

2. Hydration: really, really, really hard. I didn't get to the 60oz the doctor instructed me to ingest. Because the sleeve is still extremely swollen, you have to take micro sips and its hard. It hurts a lot and physically hard to maintain. I woke up with a headache today which I assume is because I am starting to be dehydrated. Going to do my best to increase today. Just really hard.

3. Protein: for me, nearly impossible to get even close to 40-60g. It took me several hours to put down a Protein drink. I barely got in 7oz which clearly doesn't get me close to the protein recommendation. Will try and get 40 today. That also would knock out 16oz of liquid. I worry about this...don't want to be malnourished and start losing my hair.

4. Pain: obviously my abdominal incisions and trauma continue to hurt...swelling finally starting subside externally but clearly still very pronounced internally with the sleeve. I'm still taking the pain meds a few times a day.

5. Recovery: I have been shocked how much more its going to take. I'm 43 and wasn't in terrible shape at 270lbs...and this has been really hard. I really believed I'd be up and close to normal in a few days. Not so. Everyone is different but the recovery is slow and you can't rush it.

Today is about goals for me: 60oz of liquid and at least 40g of protein. If I fail, I fail. One step and one day at a time.

Thanks to everyone here for your support. It's a great community.

Day 3 I cried all day and wondered what the heck I had done to myself...the first few weeks are the hardest, you have recovery and a new normal to deal with all at the same time.

The mental side is the biggest challenge - can I get my Water in? Am I taking enough Protein in?Am I moving enough? Can I do this for the rest of my life? It takes over your life for the first weeks but gradually, every day, things improve and you start to look outwards and beyond.

I am four and half months out and the difficult first few weeks are fading in my memory. Life is good and my health is transformed beyond recognition. Just keep your focus on looking ahead - this too shall pass!

Thanks so much. It's hard to deal with it but I know time and some milestones will help. Thanks so much for your note.

Day 3 I cried all day and wondered what the heck I had done to myself...the first few weeks are the hardest' date=' you have recovery and a new normal to deal with all at the same time.

The mental side is the biggest challenge - can I get my Water in? Am I taking enough Protein in?Am I moving enough? Can I do this for the rest of my life? It takes over your life for the first weeks but gradually, every day, things improve and you start to look outwards and beyond.

I am four and half months out and the difficult first few weeks are fading in my memory. Life is good and my health is transformed beyond recognition. Just keep your focus on looking ahead - this too shall pass![/quote']

A little better. Got out of the house and about a mile of walking in. Tired me out but feeling better. The mental side of this is something I completely underestimated.

I'm so glad you said this! It is very dificult and mentally challenging, this sleeve. I've had some complications with this surgery and have had to have my sleeve repaired. Ever since the second surgery i'm having trouble getting my fluids in and making sure i'm eating enough. I'm do good but i'm sure its just enough to get by. I feel like mentally with how much food too eat and how much Water to drink its a Challenge to balance it all out, especially with all the heart burn and gas and the pain from the gas trying to find food that sit well with your new little tummy. Its hard! I've been mentally drained with trying to find a happy balance between all of this.