I am a newbie to posting here - actually to posting anywhere, but here is my story. It took me almost a year to be certain this surgery was the path for me and to get through the preparation. I had my sleeve surgery on 12/3/13 and was completely confident that it was the right decision for me. I started to feel better as soon as I started on Optifast, which my surgeon requires for two weeks prior to surgery. I was disappointed that I only lost 15 pounds because I have seen on this forum where many people lost a lot more. My surgery went well, and my only issue was mild nausea, but I only spent one night in the hospital.

My surgeon requires 2 weeks of full liquids following surgery which was a challenge, but I held on and stuck to the program. I did not lose any weight the first week, but they said that happens sometimes. I felt like I was sacrificing a lot but not making any progress and I wanted something HOT to eat and something to chew on! However, my weight started dropping the following week. Week 3 introduced mushy foods which are my life for 6 weeks. I was very happy to have something real to eat. The first thing I tried was scrambled egg, which felt like it got stuck. I have since learned that many people struggle with scrambled eggs even well after surgery. I had the same challenge when I tried chicken. I have found some workable mushy foods, but would love to hear some creative things that have worked well for others.

I tried to return to work two weeks after the surgery, but I was still tired and found I only had about 4 good hours a day so I took a few more days off and returned to work on 12/26. I found that I could not cope without a little caffeine even though my doctor does not permit it. I found that the Isopure green tea Protein drink has caffeine so I have it every morning and that is enough to fuel me for the day. Was lack of caffeine a problem for anyone else?

I am 4 weeks post surgery with 15lbs lost before surgery and 15 post surgery. I find that I am really hungry some days, but I only let myself have a yogurt or cottage cheese beyond what I am supposed to have. I know everyone is different, but I am disappointed I am not losing faster like so many of the people I read about here. Any suggestions? I have all my protein every day, but I don't always have all my Water. I exercise almost every day.

Congrats on your WL! 1st thought: don't compare yourself to others. It will make you absolutely insane. The surgery itself wreaks total havoc on your body. I lost 18# on pre-op diet & gained 27 back from being in the hospital. (They claimed it was IV fluids) The drastic change in diet/calories confuses your body. The best thing you can do for yourself at this stage is to stay hydrated. You can get all the food/protein in the world & if you are dehydrated, it will stall you out.

You are doing a fantastic job! Keep on truckin! :}

Thanks for the encouragement! I am in this for the long haul and I know I will be successful. I am really encouraged by the support in these forums!