Hi Everyone,

I am starting my journey and I figured I would write about it thinking it will be nice one day to look back and see how far I've come. Yesterday was Day 1 of my 2 week pre-op liquid diet. Let's just say it was rough. I can't lie, I really wanted to eat something. I was supposed to have 4 shakes, and I only had 3. I did have some broth (added some unflavored Protein powder) in between and I had one string cheese. I know, it's not liquid but I was literally starving and figured based on other per-op diets, it was the best choice as it was protein. Anyway, I know today I will definitely have all 4 Protein drinks and see if that helps me. Surprisingly, I am not as hungry as I thought I would be but I do feel week and I am sure that withdrawing from all the carbs is contributing to that. Lucky for me, I was off yesterday and was able to lie down when I was tired.

What brought me here was that I had a lap-band put in May, 2005 at 230 pounds. I lost about 40 pounds over time but was never able to go further with the band. I ended up pregnant and gained all the weight back. I tried to use my band but ended up with such bad reflux that I would end up waking up in the night choking on acid. That happened about 3 times and I knew, it was three times too many. My band was deflated and I was told that I would have to have my band taken out and wait a few months to have another band or a sleeve. I went to. Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia and got a second opinion. My doctor is now doing all of this in one procedure as well as repairing my hernia on March 3, 2014.

Today, I am 1.7 pounds lighter and as crazy as it sounds, I feel lighter. My starting weight was 227 and now is 225.3. I am looking forward to being thinner but more importantly healthier. Thanks for sharing my journey with me!

I did it!!!! Pain level was high when I woke up. They gave me meds and they helped a lot!!! Now, I'm just on Torradol because I want to get better and go home! So far, it's been a very good experience.

So great to hear that you're ok. Hope your pain control continues to improve and that you're home to your family soon.

Thank you!! I'm hoping yo go home tomorrow. I've been walking the halls a lot and it really does make a difference!

Glad to learn your surgery went well. Hope you go home today.

I came home this afternoon. Believe it or not, I feel better when I move around. When I sit it lay down, I get stuff and then I hurt. I've never realized how many food commercials there are when you can't eat. This is how I feel.... I want to taste something...pizza, ravioli, egg with ham....something! I can't lie I WANT to eat! However, I FEEL like I don't want to even drink my 4 ounces that I have to. I know it sounds strange but that's how I feel. Looking forward to soft and mushy foods!

Glad to hear that you are home and doing well. I know what you mean about the food commercials-every time I'm recovering from a GI bug or fasting for some reason, they drive me crazy!

I felt the same way after coming home. I was ravenous so that first week of clear liquids was hard. Hang in there. Try to keep your mind occupied with other things and that will help the time pass mire quickly.

6 Days post op! Down 14 pounds since starting 2 week PreOp liquids. Overall feel good but get tired very easily. I'm starting to feel good about my decision now that I'm getting back to feeling like myself. It really wasn't painful much. I only took pain meds the day of surgery and two days after. Then I took Tylenol on the 4th day and haven't taken anything since. I'm moving around good but like I said, I get weak after doing too much because of my limited intake. But, so far so good!

Hi, Jerziegirl

I've been wondering how you were feeling, glad to hear that your pain has been very manageable. No wonder you're feeling weak. When do you start on Protein drinks?

I know that the post op diet is designed to allow your stomach to heal properly, but it also seems like it's hitting a restart button on your metabolism. A profound change that allows a new system to function well.

Anyway, I hope your recovery continues smoothly.

Phyllis

Be patient with yourself. You are doing great! I was exhausted for about a month post-op. Just part of the healing process I thought.

I am about to be scheduled for the sleeve. I had a similar experience with the lap band and can't wait to get it removed. Even with a little fill, I still have to vomit occasionally. I look forward to following your experiences.

1 week Post-op. I'm down 15 pounds total. I feel good and I'm trying to get out more so I can be good to go back to work early. Just sore near belly button incision but otherwise doing good. I am still only drinking protein drinks, broth and jello. Looking forward to 2 weeks post op so I can eat soft and mushy.

15.1 today.

Thanks so much for your 'diary'. My op is 4 weeks away today! Excited and nervous. It is very encouraging to read your journey. We'll done and good luck healing fast!

Thank you!! I'm 1 wk, 2 days post op and today was a good day! I am down 16.5 total.

HW: 229, SW: 220 Today: 212.5

I feel so good! I'm going to try to go back to work tomorrow. If it's too much, I'll leave early. For me, I can't wait to be back in my daily routine and I am so happy that I did this. I actually catch myself looking in the mirror and smiling! I haven't done that in years! The only thing is I think my teeth are yellowing and I wonder if that's from lack of chewing! I start puréed in 5 days and I can't wait to chew! I'm going to be seeking out recipes and tips for the puréed stage. I live my sleeve!