wannalise

Hello! Well first of all bear in mind that our bodies all seem to tolerate this really differently. I had my surgery on the 25th, I had some extra nausea and couldn't hold any liquids or my seizure medications down and had to stay until the 29th. When I finally got home a had a couple days of EXTREME anxiety. I wasn't thinking about things that made me anxious but it was as if the combo of me starting my period while there, having my medications all messed up, being exhausted, and still having anasthesia in my body were too much. I had to have something called in for me but then ended up only needing the two doses. Since those first couple days I have felt pretty good, just very tired. And its a new sensation of tired for me. I am used to working 70 hour weeks and I do just fine, but this is where my body just feels like it can do nothing for me, but then I couldn't sleep worth Beans for a week either. Weird feeling! It sounds weird but for me getting all my liquids in is actually really time consuming. I have to set timers every 20 minutes otherwise I don't sip frequently enough. The main thing I would worry about in your situation is having things lined up. Have the food your kids will need for 1-2 weeks in advance. I got my foster daughter lots of frozen stuff and apologized and said for this first little while you are on your own in the food dept. Then I have everything I need for myself arranged to. The few times I trudged around in the store intially were a joke for me (mostly cuz I was in pj's and a hoodie.) Three weeks off work will be PLENTY. In fact at this point I am finding myself needing to go out because the WLS is already kind of an isolating thing, I would be really aware of my emotions in that time period. Use the message boards lots. Its cathartic and if you're experiencing it odds are someone else here has too. You are going to do so well. I am in the not fun phase of things still, but I would do it again in a heartbeat if given the choice, and if possible I'd find myself 5 years ago and tell her to get it done to. You won't enjoy the first three weeks but you'll get through and we've all got your back!

Good luck lady! These mental battles are the hardest part, but the conquering of these will be the difference this time. This will be our LIVES instead of the diet we are doing. We all have a tendency to hold onto things that are comfortable and safe in our lives because we know them. Focus on how amazing it is that your booty won't ever have to be in a size 20 again! Good for you.

I'm only a week out so I can just tell you how some of the surgeons recommendations will work. It is really different for everyone, but I am working with my original surgeon and then I am doing post op care here in the states and here is what I am doing post op. Week One- I am drinking only Clear liquids. My goal is to get 64 oz daily and to try and get 70g of Protein daily. I am not even coming close! Week Two- I graduate to full liquids. I get to add low/no sugar yogurts, strained low fat cream Soups. Week Three- Mushies/Pureed- I can eat mostly whatever I can tolerate within the guidelines of 70 g protein, 64 oz liquid, and less than 30g carbs daily. I am supposed to have a goal of 600-800 calories. I have to puree things so there are NO chunks and they encourage things to be somewhat watery. Week Four on- I get to add new foods daily and can eat them as I tolerate. I need to stay within the same protein, carb, liquid, and calorie guidelines. One of the best resources I have found is theworldaccodingtoeggface.blogspot.com she is post op RNY. She makes loads of recipes and masks lots of vegetables into her foods and they are all high protein. Hope this helps!

Kathy! Its almost here I am so excited for you. Its great too that you have some of the fear of the unknown out of the way having done your preops etc. I don't have any answers to your questions, just prayers and good thoughts your way. Aside from the things you need to do like walking and sipping, let them take care of you. Your body really does go through a lot and its nice to be able to focus on the little things. Good luck and feel free to text me if you need someone to chat with. I got pretty lonely at times!

I had my sleeve the same day as you. I ordered a few of them and I don't think they are in any way "ideal" but at this point I really want to get as much protein as I can since protein is the way bodies heal and I feel super weak still.

Maybe this is TMI but in the hospital I threw up crystal light for one whole day and even though I have different flavors in my pantry I just can't bring myself to even try them. I am actually loving water which is not my typical M.O. so....a good thing already I guess. Who knew how many commercials there were for food when you are in the lazy recoup mode?

Thank you! Yes the most calories I've gotten so far were about 350 and that took work! It feels so weird to be in a place in my life where I have to concentrate to eat or drink ENOUGH. Believe me this was NEVER an issue before, though I feel I am probably getting better quality food in my limited amount then when I was drinking 140 oz diet coke a day and enjoying daily fast food.

I don't think you are the exception. I appreciate just how honest you've been in all of your postings about the anxiety you've felt and the difficulty you've had. I KNOW that I will need more than just the tool of the sleeve. I will have to be a part of a support group and may need additional therapy beyond that. This is not for me just an issue of liking food too much, it is a full blown addiction that has affected me spiritually and I am excited to have this extra bit of help with the sleeve, but ultimately it all comes down to us. And lady we can rock this!

So probably the best advice is go with what your doctor says.

Be careful! I'm eight days out and starting to experience some hunger and I am OVER protein shakes, but its worth waiting it out. Look at your tummy, those sutures aren't healed and they aren't having to deal with stomach acids and other liquids so who knows what your actual stomach sutures look like. It'll be worth it. Hang on!

I'm with you! 8 days out and my biggest frustration has not been able to gulp a big glass of ice water. We'll get it! Its been interesting to learn how to listen to my body. I have spent years ignoring my body and it hasn't worked out so well...

I am sad to see you go. I understand though. Thanks for your encouragement and support, I hope things continue to go well for you and that you get all the support and encourgement you need. This is a rough journey so I hope you find the things that make you the most comfortable!

I went back yesterday which was my one week mark, and I managed but then crashed. I usually work about a 14 hour day but I did a 6 hour day and a minimal job at that. It is so individualized. I wished I would've given myself a couple more days, but it really depends on what you do and what you can afford. Good luck!

Okay, so I'm still on clear liquid but I've been peeking ahead at future eats that will fit within my goals. Just wanted to share a yummy link. If you try any and like em let me know. Yoplait Greek Yogurt recipes ? Greek Yogurt Recipes from Yoplait

You really should consider all those concerns you have and then remember this, complications are a possiblity with surgery, being obese is a GUARANTEE for eventual health problems. You will not avoid them and stay obese (unless you get hit by a car.) I am exactly one week out today and I've been super sick and tired and I can't quit thinking about cheese, but I also can't tell you the immense sense of relief I feel knowing that I can be healthy, that my outsides can resemble who I have always felt like. Good luck with your decision!

Make sure you hang in there with your protein so you can heal quickly. It'll be okay. Good luck to you!

Also...as far as you PCP they've seen it all sister! I was worried about that too and mine said she's had plenty of patients go to MX. Dr. Aceves sends you home with documents for your PCP including your pre surgery EKG, a report of your surgery and hospital recovery, and then your pre surgery chest x ray, and your post op surgery swallow test. You'll be great!

I don't know if its affordable for you, but my travel home day was rough and if I could have I would have bought myself first class tickets. I also would be really careful about not having big delays between flights, lots of people have no problems at all, but I was so physically and emotionally drained. Also, I wouldn't take anything extra. I packed too much and on my way home had to check everything because I couldn't carry anything.

Well I have two that are both personal. The first is I would plan to start your period while you are there. It is super common and it happened with me and I was NOT prepared and was so worn out that it seemed much harder than it should have. Also, I am someone with some mild depression and when I got home I experienced the most extreme amount of anxiety, not for any mental reason, but I think because I was still full of anasthesia, having my period, had to miss my antidepressant for 3 days, and then when your body doesn't have carbs it has a harder time producing seratonin. In hindsight I would have arranged for an anti anxiety medication or a sleeping pill just for a few days. Thats me though! Good luck, you will love Dr. Aceves and the hospital. His staff are great and they took excellent care of me.

Wowzers! Good for you. I am sure switching phases will be a giant relief, but it sounds like you are doing very well. I am so glad that you got so much time off work too. Thats one of my regrets. I started work today and I wish I had another week. Oh well! Live and learn.

I was sleeved a week ago today. I had lots of nausea, but really minimal pain. The nausea thing isn't super typical so don't get scared about that. The only real time I've needed pain meds was the night I came home I woke up at about 130 am and had fallen asleep on my tummy and that made things super tender, but nothing crazy at all. I've had worse headaches. The pain really is manageable.

Oh Mini, Hang in there friend. From the moment I started looking at the boards you were a person to watch for me! I adore your attitude about this process and seriously 15 lbs a month. When were you able to do that before? I was part of a biggest loser competition for 12 weeks once and worked out 3 hours a day and was exhausted ALL THE TIME, and guess what I lost a whopping 18 lbs. I learned NO new life skills and as soon as the competition was over I gained 60 lbs. This is different. This isn't temporary. You are learning to cope with life without food as a friend. Even if you hadn't lost a single pound yet, isn't that so spiritually liberating to not be owned by something so silly as food? I am thrilled for you, and know that you will keep losing. And the perceptions of our old bodies may take a long time to change, but don't forget to love yourself through this lady. You are my rock star!

Okay, thats not actually what I mean. When can I take a really delicious satisfying drink of Water and not have to wait another 20-30 minutes for my next drink? Just wondering. Thanks, Anna