Well the gas x strips for me were a lifesaver. Did you ask him why he did not recommend them?

Knowing What I Know Now, I would . . .

• not stress about what to have on hand food wise.
  
• I would use the little baby spoons again - they were perfect for me. They helped me keep my intact of food slow and steady. When I ate too much or too fast, that was when I got bubbles. The bubbles (sometimes air, sometimes gas) were killer for the first few weeks.
  
• treat myself with a little more TLC
  
• I bought myself a little dish, about 3" x 6" and that was, and is what I use for my meals. When I use a regular plate a) I put too much food on it and when I keep my food portion small, it looks stupid on the big plate. I used the baby spoon and little dish at Christmas with my family. They all laughed because it looked cute, but they also understood. I still use that dish and others that size to keep my portions realistic
  
• I would keep a sense of humour about this journey.
  
• I have my PhD in burpology
  
• My lunches at work - I use the smallest Gladware containers and my coworkers used to think it was cute. Now they know it is practical and they support me fully.
  
• I am glad that I had pureed yams and froze them in ice cube trays. I found them really satisfying on my new tummy.
  
• I would use My Fitness Pal to track my calories and exercise.
  
• I would not expect to loose weight faster. I fell into that trap. My body does not like fewer calories so it is hanging on to what I take in, until I could up the calories and now it is dropping again, but slowly.
  
• I would definite share my journey with friends and close coworkers. They have been a great support system for me.
  

And I would definitely use this forum - I have learned a lot here.

All the best to you,

I was just sleeved on July 8th, and YES, knowing what I know now, in this short amount of time, I would do it all over again. I made the right decision for me! I was on a liquid diet 2 weeks prior to surgery and am still on a liquid diet. The purpose of being on the liquid diet prior to surgery is to deplete the glycogen stored in your liver, making the size of your liver smaller. This makes laparoscopic surgery easier for the surgeon and no chance of your liver getting in the way. I have not had to use Gas strips as of yet. When I eat to fast, or gulp my liquids it hurts.The bubbles are a killer, like Shelley said. I also have learned a lot on this forum in just the short amount of time I have been on and there is a lot of support here.

I would have taken plenty of time off of work if I could do it over. I am self-employed so was working really the same night I had surgery (answering emails on my iPhone from hospital) and sitting at a computer working a few days later. If I had a job with medical leave/sick time, I would have tried to take at least 3 to 4 weeks off and I don't think I would have been so exhausted the first couple of months.

I would do it all again in a heart beat.The day of surgery and probably the 2 weeks following I had buyers remorse like so many. I did not realize the pain was going to be so bad, I did not realize that I would be upset that I could not eat. There are so many emotions you will go through after the surgery. You just have to take it slow and let your body and mind heal, remember everything about you just went through a trauma. Now I am 7 months out and have lost almost 70lbs. I know without this surgery I would not be as happy as I am today.

Now as for the liquid diet, it helps also get you ready for what is about to be a big part of your life.I know there are people who are 3 years or more still drinking protein drinks to make sure they get their protein in. Gas X is great for the gas pains you will have, but what works better is moving around to get the gas out. Some people use heating pads and swear that those help them more than anything. I wish you luck and please keep us posted to let us know how you are doing.

I had everything go wrong that could have possibly gone wrong with the surgery. After spending five months in the hospital after....I almost died..which is the absolute worse scenario...

I do not regret my choice and would do it all over again so that I could feel the way I am starting to feel now.......

I would do it all over again! I know I could not have done this without the surgery. My clothes are fitting so much better and I feel better about myself. Get the Gas X you will want it. Make sure you have plenty of protein drinks in stock and get a baby spoon to help remind you to ear small bites and go slowly. Keep us posted!!

I was sleeved on June 26th so I am pretty new to this but I am glad I did it. It is hard at first with the gas and such but now its not bad unless I eat to fast then I have an uncomfortable feeling. I also had the first couple weeks wondering if I made the right decision and at about the 2nd week knew I did. Its just the gases and bubbles in the body and all the emotions that go along with major surgery. I am so glad I did it. Can't wait till I have lost more to really feel the difference. This site has been a life saver for me. If I have a question I can find the answer her plus see how others dealt with the gas ect. Good luck to you and keep us posted.

I would do it all over again in a heart beat. I have recommended to many. I did use the gas x strips when getting that pain between the shoulder blades. Small plate, baby spoon...and reading these forums are a great help and support. I have never had any remorse or anything like that about eating. I'm 55 and have yoyod and lost and gained 1000 pounds over my life time so I am really good with this. Don't know how good my hubby is handling though. He has to eat left overs a lot and sometimes finishes what I don't eat. We had company the other night and the hubby makes the best ribs. I ate 1 rib and about 1/4 of a corn on the cob. I used to eat 5 or 6 ribs and 3 or 4 corns.....The grocery bill is soooo small...I like that, but I was a fruit aholic and I miss my fruit. Plus the best part is I'm shrinking, off all of my meds...sugar, cholestrol and arthritus and feeling very good