1-4-Many

Yesterday was my 2 week anniversary. I could have gone back today. If i had it would have been a mess. I was also the most sick today I've been since day 2 in the hospital w/ post op heaving. Use some judgement in terms of your relationship with your manager and how a setback would be handled. I was very happy to not be at work today. I was restless as all get out around the house, but so glad I was in my own bathroom. Physically, it's not the issue. When I'm good, I'm good. But the bad is also bad. Low energy, nausea, and ready to space out the not have to think. I have a very high stress long hour big pressure job. That alone makes me thing I was nuts to do this. But I've been nuts before so maybe at least this time it will lead to better things.

Does a year from now concern you? You have lost so much weight. Do you worry about eventually having issues with not being able to eat enough. It seems to me that 6 or 7 bites at 5 months out is very little food. I really hope I can eat more than that at 5 months but I"m starting to get concerned. I was told yesterday I was very "low capacity". I want a tool, not a disability and I'm having moments when I wonder which I got.

Yep. And they don't agree with me either. I had taken it right after I got home then had a cup of warm tea because it usually settles my stomach as it's telling it it didn't like it. I've been looking around for a different brand but not much luck in finding chewables. I have some of the pills left over from when I came home from the hospital. I think I'll listen to Valentina and give them a call then maybe take one of those pills. I haven't taken one yet because I wasn't sure it would stay down. Thanks.

I'm following my plan to the lettter. It's not as strict as yours and I'm taking in about 350-400 calories a day. I'm 13 days out from surgery and not losing. I haven't lost anything in the past 6 days. I'm not holding Water and getting a reasonable amount of exercise. Right now I'd just like to meet one of those food expert jerks who say "calories in calories out - it's that simple" just so I could smack the stupid off of them. I imagine I will begin to lose weight when I can transition to food and go low carb. But that was always the way it worked for me so I'm wondering where the big benefit of this surgery is. I get sick of eating low carb all the time. I'm hoping I'll just get to where I don't care about food at all and can just use it for fuel. Then low carb won't be such a drudgery. Yea, I'm fed up. You can only keep thinking "it will start falling off" for so long and then you start to wonder. With pre-op 580 calories a day for 9 days I am one week short of a month in time and I've lost far less than I would have if I had joined weight watchers.

I'm only recently sleeved and still on liquid. But my peers in the support group tell me that once you get used to eating slowing, chewing thoroughly, you don't tend to want to go back to a faster style. It's one of the few universal things I've been told. I guess it just really helps to not have a pain in your chest or feel over stuffed. I'll be interested in knowing how it plays out for me too.

I am not a true binge eater. I honestly didn't understand how bad people binge until I did my psychiatrist's eval for this program. Because I would go maybe 10 days eating very well, then 3 or 4 days eating very poorly, I thought it was binge eating. They explained to me that it's a much more severe issue. But still, when you condense you bad eating into windows of time, it tells me that I was probably more stressed during those times which lead me to more food and worse food. So one of the things I thought about was when I quit smoking many, many years ago. For the first few weeks, it was rough. Cigarettes were in my thoughts a lot. But as time moved forward, I began to think about them less and less. Until about 6 months later I realized they were no longer the center of my universe. I honestly believe it will be the same way with food. I plan to use this tool to the best of my ability to open my world to other things and fun things. And I have every reason to believe that in 6 months, when my knees hurt less and I'm able to do more activities, those things will -- along with having had this surgery -- will help to push the thoughts about food to the back of my brain instead of the front. And then I'm strong enough to shut them up.

Amen. The more I read about Dr. Aceves, the more I like him. I was in a program that required I lose before surgery. Do you know they actually believe it is a "sign" of future success? I wonder how many times I rolled my eyes without realizing I was doing it. How an organization can work with obese adults and not eventually come to the understanding that every obese person in the world has tried every diet in the universe before eventually accepting that they need surgery. I could not count the number of times I've lost and gained back 30 pounds. Heck, to me 30 pounds isn't even a significant amount of weight. But, then again, I've read here where people believe that too. I'm not a believer. Granted, I think this surgery needs to go hand in hand with other help for some people. But to believe that my losing 30 pound pre-surgery will mean I'll be doing better than someone else in 3 years time.....well, that's foolish in my mind.

I love water. Probably the biggest for me so far is that water sits well on my stomach. I was so afraid it wouldn't. Otherwise, I am drinking caffine free ice tea. My grocery sells it in a gallon like milk and I like it a lot. They have different versions in the event you like something artificially sweetened or with lemon flavor. I also bought some of the protein drink mix but I have to water it down to where it's not worth the effort. Are you needing completely calorie free? A lot of the folks in my support group drank diluted apple juice in the first few weeks. I don't like apple juice but they were doing it just to help settle their stomachs.

You know, I'm not much of a TV watcher but the time window when I do have it on is from 6 to 8 pm and the almost non-stop food commercials amazed me. I know they are gunning for the dinner market but wow. BTW, my program said no tomato products until you move to full food due to the acid. I've read so many people here who are eating tomato soup so I went ahead and tried it yesterday. It seemed to have agreed with me just fine yesterday but today, having it a second time, I think it did irritate me quiet a bit. Aside from little issues I've not have too many big problems but tonight I feel like something is stuck in my throat so I'm backing off of the tomato soup. It's too bad because it was wonderful. Made me feel like I was actually having real food. But I can wait another couple of weeks to be safe.

People say it's "acid" in my stomach, not hunger. That it's not possible to be hungry but I am. Here's the thing - After day 3 or 4 of my pre-diet it was a breeze for me. The first few days were an adjustment, but after that I had no issues. I was able to take my 580 calories of liquid each day and was just fine with no to very little hunger. But now? I'm hungry about every two hours. I have 2 more weeks on liquid. I definitely feel "full" after I eat. About 3 or 4 ounces of liquid tops me off. But that full leaves and I am left hungry. I am going to ask my doctor about upping the antacids but I know from our informational group meetings prior to surgery that they do not want to build dependence on antacids since there are other long term consequences and he only prescribes 1 per day for the first 30 days. After that you have to have a medical reason for them. I'm okay with the idea of still feeling hunger as long as it's logical. And I guess I think that after I get back on real food in tiny portions, feeling hunger at 3 hour windows is logical. So I'll just see how it plays out. So far it's nothing I can't cope with and feel like I can still win. But I do feel hunger. And oddly, they told me in the hospital that it was a good thing, a sign of healing. And not to expect it to go away completely for a while. But that was the nurses, not anyone from the actual bariatric program although they were the nurses on the bariatric wing.

I haven't read all of the answers so forgive me if someone else has suggested this. Start researching and call every where within whatever your comfort radias is that does the sleeve. I was ready to bail on my program because they had cancelled my date twice before they finally actually did the surgery. And when I did I found out they have an existing reputation and another facility actually has developed a "fast track" program for people leaving mine. They offered it to me and said that if I had the time to squeeze in a few appts., I could have surgery within 2 to 3 weeks. It's worth a shot. Especially if you are already have the financial issue worked out. ...And what the heck is up with the you could die part? Surgically it's easier than gastric bypass. What a dweeb....

Good luck. The next thing I knew, I was in my room. I have no memory of recovery at all! Believe folks....it's not easy, but it's really not all that difficult either. You'll be great!

I'm not fond of ice cream. If I were an ice cream fan, I would have never bought any as I am trying to stay away from trigger foods. But I needed something I could mix the Protein power in as I was having issues getting protein. So I bought a low fat sugar free soft serve quart of vanilla ice cream to use for my Protein Powder. I ended up throwing about 2/3's of it away. But for the 1/3 I got down, it helped me to get some much needed protein. I think for a lot of choices like this you have to know yourself. If you would end up wanting to move on into even more ice cream, richer ice cream, if it's a trigger food, I would avoid these kinds of choices. For instance, even if I some day find protein enriched taco chips, I will have to pass. Sadly, that would be a very bad choice for me. (You see, already I'm dreaming of those wonderful salty crunchy chips.....bad, bad, me...)

I also agree that you should never move forward as an exception to the plan you are on but I"m wondering why you believe she is so not ready? From what I've read here, it seems most folks move to thick liquids faster than her schedule. The real diff to me is when and how people move to mushies then to full food. Heck, it actually seems like some people skip mushies all together. To OP: Call your program and ask if there's anything at all that you can add to your day. Even something as simple as 1 cup of skim milk might help you out. There's no harm in asking. In fact, it will tell them that you are doing your very best to follow the plan to the letter. Heck, I've been on full liquid since the day after I came home from the hospital and I'm beat. I spend a lot of time looking at thing I should be doing and thinking "yep, I'll get to that in just a few minutes." Then I sit some more. I took my dog a walk yesterday and wasn't sure I would get us back home! I think my energy is going to be officially drained just about the day the mushies arrive. And I agree about the sweets. I was never a sweet person and I think this is just about going to close the door on them.

Take this for what it's worth but chewing sets your stomach in motion for accepting food. When you put gum in your mouth you are signaling for your stomach to create acid and prepare for food. I know it seems it helps but maybe try a day for two without it and see if you notice any diff. Or not. Up to you but just thought I'd offer it as a suggestion. I wouldn't say I am very hungry. Just occasionally feeling hunger. The liquid satisfies but doesn't tend to last to the next meal. Guess I'm like one of those babies who needs a little Cereal with my formula to keep me from getting cranky.

I agree with this but my place has a bogy you need to hit to move forward on the diet. Granted, they can't control what you do and it's about your own truth but it tends to reinforce that need to see the number move. I've been given my number of what I"m expected to hit at 30 days post op and I don't think I'll make it. The thing is, I completely agree with you! I'm more about doing this right and learning to eat as healthy as I can as my stomach lets me move forward. I've always found a few of the things my program does as counter to what would be a much wiser method but I have also accepted that the office has no "former fatties" working there. I think it makes a huge difference in the personality of a program. But, on the other hand, so far I'm thrilled with my actual surgery and that's why I chose this place. All along I was told I might not enjoy some of their quirks but the surgeon was excellent. And that was dead on target. (Actually maybe a little off as I've actually really NOT liked some of their quirks but learned to keep my mouth shut.)

That's a long time on clear liquids. I can understand why you are hungry. Luckily I only had to do 3 days of clears and then got to move to full which isn't too hard. Boring but not hard. I fixed cream of potato soup today with skim milk (for the added protein) then poured the "broth" off into a bowl using a strainer to be sure not to get anything solid. It was my first real temptation. I considered at least licking one of the potato chunks. I hurried up and put the actual "soup" down for the dog before I did something stupid. My poor little dog will probably need doggie weight watchers soon. He's having a field day from this experience.

How long was your pre-op diet? Mine is 9 pounds in 22 days. It worries me. Doesn't bode well for the future although if I even just lost a few pounds a month and knew I would keep it off I could live with it. I guess.

26 pounds??? I'm also 10 days post op. I did the 580 calorie pre-op for 9 days, hospital for 3 on clear, full liquids since and I have lost 9 pounds. It makes me want to cry. And yes, I am very hungry. But I'm staying with my full liquid plan because I want to be as safe as possible. Mainly I have no energy. I need to keep working on the Protein. My guess is that I am getting about 400 calories a day. My surgeon told me last week that I am a "classic metabolically challenged individual". Thanks. But on the other hand, it does confirm I needed this surgery. Diet alone would have never gotten me anywhere. I'm going to go mope for a while now. I really can't imagine 26 pounds. It just takes my breath. You are soooo blessed.

Tom: I was almost 18 months getting myself ready for this and I still have had moments of regret. You know what has been hard for me from day one? Reading all the posts of people who are joyful and celebratory about not being able to eat any quantity of food anymore. That honestly just does not make sense to me. It seems to me that if you have that personality to begin with, you shouldn't have overeaten but obviously that's not the case. My entire problem was that I liked to eat and didn't want to give it up. So I had to work through that process. Everyone is different. If it helps, try to think in the future instead of today. I think about what next New Year's eve will be like for me. Instead of being here at home, I'm going out. I'm not a drinker but I am going somewhere that I will be able to dance. Today I can barely walk. That mental image of what my future will be like takes away some of the sting. I'm doing very well mentally. I don't know if I was just "ready" or it hasn't hit me yet. I've had no trouble staying with eating slow and staying on full liquid. It's boring but not difficult. I worry because I still feel hunger. Real hunger, not head hunger as would be suggested. It's the type of thing I think will be fine when I can get to solid food because just one or two bites feels like it would be enough. But after about 4 weeks of nothing but liquid, from full to clear to full, I am just empty. The fact that I haven't gone to the bathroom in 2 weeks (and not constipated) pretty much tells me I"m empty. I think seeing someone is a great idea. But remember, as you lose weight your world is going to open to new opportunities. Think about things you'd like to do when you are thinner and plan for them. If you try and build that new life, food will take on less and less importance. Good luck. You are a perfect example of why those people who think this is the "easy way out" are fools.

I was allowed to drive 24 hours after my last blood thinner injection. So some of it depends on meds. I think a week is typical.

Every program out there has different rules. Sounds like yours is exactly like mine. I move to mushies at 4 weeks. Until then nothing but full liquid. So far it's not horrible but I'm getting a little tired of the same things over and over. I don't like sweets or chocolate so all of the drinks turn my stomach. After 1 week home and repeating the same stuff over and over, ....yawn....... I really think this is the most cautious route. We were told that 90% of the healing happens in the first 25 days (or something to that effect) so that's the logic of keeping it Fluid. I don't mind the stricter plan but I think it would be fantastic if some company came out with pre-made bariatric canned soups boosted with Protein and pre-strained. Not that I'm lazy..........

My doctor wanted me out of the hospital the next day. I refused. Day two was dry heave day for me. I am so glad I did. Not only from the point of not having to suffer through at home alone, but from the aspect of learning to stand up for myself. You know, my doctor actually seemed to think I wanted to stay there for the "luxury" of it. Like I thought I was at a hotel. The next day I went home and have done pretty well since. I can only tell you that I think that a lot of people have that one day where their stomach kicks back. If you are taking any pain meds other than Tylenol, I would put them on hold if you can. (They cut mine as soon as the heaving started and I haven't gone back to them.) If it lasts more than one day, you will need help. Today, try sipping warm tea instead of Water. Don't worry about Protein at all. If real broth sits better on your stomach, use it. They can prescribe meds for the nausea, so don't hesitate to call and ask for them to call in a prescription for you. It's a rough day. But it really will pass. But if it doesn't, you may need to go back for help.

This broke my heart because I know the drill all too well. I'm your sister, everyonebutme. In this case, I eventually got sleeved but like many here it was not quick or easy. And now that it's done, it's still not quick or easy. But the interesting thing is that I am willing to put up with a lot of what would have driven others down because for once I am getting what I wanted. Hang in there. I'm not sure I understand the energy of this universe or why things play out the way they do, but after you grieve this disappointment, get up and start swinging again. Really, we have no other choice.

You've got the sleeve I dreamed of. I can get about 2 ounces of anything non-Water in 30 minutes and it goes down like it's hitting a wall. It sounds like you are sipping it down so that's good. I'm 9 days out and the strength comes and goes. I also had my gall bladder removed and have a slight infection at the drain sight. Time is sort of distorted for me. It feels like it's been a lot longer than it has been so I have to keep reminding myself to be patient. Age, previous health, a lot of things play into how fast you will bounce back but it sounds like you are doing well overall.