I've written this before in previous blog entries, but I have been very fortunate so far with how the whole Sleeving process has gone, Everything since the beginning back in May, from the initial visits, the nutritionist visits, the insurance approval process, the surgery itself, right through today has gone amazingly well for me. i've followed this support site long enough to know that it hasnt been as smooth a process for others.

Today I feel as "normal" as I did before surgery, except without the anxiety. It was one of the first days that I actaully forgot I had a sleeve. There is no more pain, no heartburn, no tightness in the chest, no difficulty swallowing pills. The only thing I feel is the sleeve doing its job - making me feel full after 4-6 ounces of soup. Yes, I'm still on liquids and will be for another 5 days or so. My ususal diet for the past 8 days has been 60oz of water, sometimes more, 60oz of protein which equates to 2+ "Oh Yeah!" shakes throughout the day, and 8 -12 ounces of soup such as tomato basil (I put in blender again to make sure it's completely liquid) or chicken soup without chicken. I dont feel hungry at all, but would love to have some solid food now. Not sure why, but sometimes I find myself torturing myself unconsciously by watching the Food Network on TV - for hours! Can you believe it?!

Last night I had a first: I wandered into the kitchen and out of sheer habit opened the refridgerator door. I quickly remembered my sleeve, but spotted an unopened bottle of my protein shake. Without thinking, I unwrapped the top and put the bottle to my mouth. I began chugging and drank until about half of the 14oz bottle was gone. I capped the bottle and returned to the living room. At that point, I had 2 things I thought occurred simultaneously; I felt a quick flash of nausea and a remembered I was sleeved and had a 4-6 oz stomach, I felt very full - not as if food were coming up my esophagus, but full like bloated full. The nausea continued for a minute or two, but then gradually disappeared. There was no real consequence of this, except I had to relax a few minutes until the nausea subsided. I'm sure that won't be the last time that happens.

I have the feeling that food will eventually take on a different meaning. I don't think the urge to gorge myself *sometimes* will ever leave me, at least that's what some long-time sleevers have said. But I would like to think that eventually I will be able to enjoy, savor and truly appreciate a well prepared quality meal for its combination of flavors, textures, and aromas instead of viewing it as only a means to the satisfaction of being full or overfull. We'll see.

Up to today, no regrets whatsoever about doing this. This was a well thought out, researched, planned life-changing decision and I was prepared to have to live with any negative consequences. Thank God, I havent experienced any yet. I'm down about 10lbs post op, but I wont be a slave to the scale - I know if I do the right things, follow Dr's instructiions and exercise I'll loose the weight. Headaches are gone and I feel great. More soon.

~Joe