MINI-Me

You CAN do it. The Protein drinks (in my opinion) are TERRIBLE. You just have to find something that will get you through the first few weeks. Have you tried unjury chicken Soup? I was able to get that down - it tasted like a salty chicken broth. Another option is the unflavored kind mixed into yogurt or pudding. Not sure what your pre-op diet consists of so not sure if those are allowed. Some also swear by the chocolate Ready-Mixed Protein Drinks from costco. They made me gag, but not as much as the powder mixes. I hated every minute of the protein drinks. But, remember, it's just a small part of the process. You will be able to get protein from food very soon after surgery. Don't let this little bump make you turn your back on being the new healthier you.

Rootman may be right, but I am not so sure. I also have this issue around my TOM and believe it is very hormonal & the hunger is very real. Now, what you do about the hunger is where you have control. I fill it with cheese, pepperoni sticks, and other Protein rich Snacks. Try not to give into the carbs ... they are the devil!

I can really relate to your worries and concerns. I was so there last year. My best advice is to follow exactly what your doctor's plan is for you. If you can only eat 300 calories comfortably and his plan says 600, call him and talk about it. You paid for aftercare as much as the surgery. Try to relax ... learn to listen to your body ... and ask for help when you need it. YOU CAN DO THIS!

Globetrotter - Please don't panic. While I think it's important to remember what could happen if we aren't careful, we need to remember that we now have a powerful tool to help us when we are idiots. We don't know anything about this woman other than what was presented. How big was her sleeve from 4 years ago? Did she have a competent surgeon that removed enough of the stretchy fundus? Does she or did she ever have any restriction? Is she so addicted to food she has no self-control? I've read your posts & you are mentally prepared to do your part. Do your part and trust in your sleeve to do its part. YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL!

How awesome for you. Can't wait to hear how things go. Congrats on the "instant weight loss" that is coming! You will be in my prayers.

I'm sure the trainer has the best intentions, but you really need to follow your surgeon's plan right now. Sounds like you are about right for your meals at 4 weeks out. What does your surgeon say about Snacks? Mine allowed 2-3 snacks but they were Protein rich - meaning pepperoni sticks, string cheese, egg, etc. From my understanding, the protein is the most important right now. Protein is going to have some fat attached to it, so you'll be fine there. But, your body will burn muscle (i.e. heart ,etc) without appropriate protein intake.

Ditto what Tiff said ... OK, ok, ok ... I'm not the "perfect" sleever. I have a few vices.

I've been having night sweats since about 4 months out. I figure it's pre-menapause, but it SUCKS!!! I'm cold all the time, but when I'm dead asleep, I'm burning up. My husband teases and says I'm "One hot chick in bed!"

YOU GO GIRL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wait until you have to put a pillow between your knees because you aren't used to them rubbing each other when you try to sleep. LOL! What wonderful problems we thin people have now!

Welcome and congratulations on your surgery and success.

Diva has some great advice. I also kept reading my surgeon's statistics about quality of life and improvement of co-morbities (sp?) after surgery. It quickly changed me from bawling to being excited again. This is very normal and natural. You will get through it & be so pleased once you see the results! You are almost a LOSER!!!!!

Congratulations. Feels good to get to a year, doesn't it? I like your goals for year 2: What is next during the next year? Well...definitely losing the rest, not regaining, firming it up, lasiks eye surgery, and giving the girls a lil lift. I've done: losing & lasik (You will love that!!!) ... I'm also focused on firming it up & the lift. Can't afford the lift right now & to be honest, I'm a little scared of it. But, it would make a WORLD of difference. Keep in touch & let us know how you are doing on your goals.

You've got it! They are going to slide down. But, you had the "well satiated" feeling. That's really what you should be looking for. We shouldn't really eat to a "full" feeling - that usually means we've overdone it. Satiated is the goal. (Now, just because I said that, doesn't mean I follow that all the time. ) At only 6 weeks out, you are still learning your "stop" signals and how much is enough for you. And, it's going to change a lot over the next 4 months or so. Just try to rememer the feeling you had today & stop when you get to that point. Good for you!

I agree with Tiff - the Pasta is making it go through faster. But, pasta and bread are part of life. My nutritionist recommended that I start with a small Protein - think of it as a sink stopper - and then eat my pasta/bread and meat mixtures. You might try that & see if it helps with a longer saiety.

LOL ... I just feel like I've read a MasterCard Commercial. "Priceless"

Welcome!

A heating pad. That was a must-have for me. It helps so much with the gas-related shoulder pain.

Hunger is very different now ... It's not that ravenous "I GOT TO EAT NOW" kind of thing. It is more of ... "Hmmm ... I feel kinda tired (no energy). Oh yeah, I need to eat". Right after surgery, I was never hungry. I even forgot to feed lunch to my youngest at around 3 months. He finally spoke up & wanted to know if we were "ever going to eat". I had been dragging him around for the day shopping and doing errands. Oops! Head hunger is different. It strikes and I want food "NOW". I've had to be very careful deciding which is which.

I don't like beer due to the carbonation and how filling it is. Wine is a different story. I drink it & my nutritionist is fine with it at this point in my journey. One fear is transfer addiction - meaning trading one addiction (food) for another (alcohol). alcohol goes down easy & is not filling - so just be careful how much you allow yourself. A glass in the evening is fine ... A couple glasses with friends is fine ... Overdo it? Not so fine. Besides wine ... most mixed drinks go down fine. Margaritas are high sugar, but one or two on vacation is perfectly acceptable. You can also try Screw Drivers, Rum and Coke (hardly any fizz is noticed when it's mixed like that), etc. Enjoy your vacation. Congratulations on your 2 years. Please feel free to stop by sometime and let us know what life is life for you at 2 years. How are you maintaining? Any "secrets of your success" for the rest of us?

Thank you for your honesty about what you've gone through. It must be tough and sharing with others is very brave of you. Other than the fist month of weepiness which was attributed to estrogen, I haven't any issues. EXCEPT ...... You KNEW THAT WAS COMING - RIGHT??? PMS is terrible. It lasts from 2 days prior to about 3 days after my period ends. I'm moody, crampy, and want to eat everything in site. Just like when I was a teenager. Ugh!

No regrets other than not being able to pig out at Thanksgiving and Christmas. But that also means no January Resolutions to lose weight (which always seemed to translate into gain more weight). I really believe this surgery saved my life. I was on my way to a lifestyle of unhealthy eating, poor labs, diabetes and heart disease. My lab numbers are incredible now ... I feel great ... My husband has loved me at any size, but now I find that I'm getting my exercise running away because he can't keep his hands off of me ... or involved in extra curricular activities. Do you research. Talk to a surgeon (or two) ... Come join us on the Loser's Bench!

I'm surprised you didn't need a psych consult ... I was told that was a requirement for a surgeon to be considered a Center of Excellence. No matter ... good luck on your journey. Your surgery will be here before you know it!