Phoenix Rising

Hi Everyone, Hope everyone is doing well. I decided I could not stand another day on liquids only and just had to have something slightly thicker or chewier to eat. So I decided to have a boiled egg with a few shavings of cheese. I mashed it all down to pulp and added some salad cream to make it moist. OMG, it was just heavenly, delicious, the very best egg I have ever eaten. I ate it with a teaspoon, chewing extremely well and it went down like nectar. I ate the whole egg!!!! That did surprise me, as most people seem to only be able to eat about three teaspoons of anything. I waited half an hour before I had a drink again, and I had no problems whatsoever. I am delighted that I am making progress but seriously worried by how much I can eat! I even checked out my paperwork to see what size bougie(?) they gave me, it was a 32. Can anyone else out there do this, this early in the process? (I am thirteen days out from my op) Strictly speaking I should not have mushies until tomorrow, but hey, I have had nothing but liquids for the last month and was getting desperate. The other question I have is this, does your weightloss stop when you eat mushies? Or do you carry on losing as your meal/s are so small? Or is this what causes your first 'stall'? I know your body does stall, in fits and starts, so I won't get too worried if this happens; but I would like to know ahead of time so that I am mentally prepared for it. Thanking everyone in advance for any help they may give Phoenix

Hi Lissa, the difference is amazing. Well done you. Not only half way there but kudos on the exercising to tone up too. I hope I am as successful as you have been. Give yourself a pat on the back.

Congratulations, well done.

Wow, Lady in red, You look fantastic, red is definitely your colour. Congratulations.

Before surgery on my pre op liquid diet I had to drink at least 8 pints. After surgery I was told a minimum of 1 and 1/2 pints but 3 is preferred. On this forum most people have been told to drink 64 ozs per day. This is all liquids, water that you may take medication with, milk, coffee, squash etc. As to exercise, you will be able to take short walks from the get go. I was told to build on that slowly. I was also told not to do any heavy lifting or overly vigorous exercise for 6 weeks. Surgery can last from 30 to 90 minutes depending on your size and any other problems you may have. I am only 11 days out from surgery and have had no pain, just some discomfort. I was able to drink by the second day as much as I needed to. I walked on the day of surgery and everyday since. Good luck in May I hope your recovery is as easy as mine has been. Phoenix

Hi Everyone, I can hardly believe I am going to say this...so listen very carefully I shall say this only once..........I weigh under 300 lbs for the first time in 25 years!!!!!!!!!! I decided to take some measurements to compare from last June, boy was I amazed to find that I have lost 24 and 3/4 inches. Yea me. That of course is spread all over my body, but on my main areas bust, waist and hips I have lost 4, 3 and 1/4 and 7 inches respectively. Woohoo, I can hardly believe it. Well of course, once I saw that I just had to weigh myself didn't I. Again, I could hardly believe my eyes 299.5 Woohoo. Ok, I know it is barely under the 300, but when you have been this big for sooooooo long you never really believe you'll ever get under that number again. I have been dancing around the room like a whirling dervish, and wouldn't you know it, there is no one at home to tell. I shan't be able to tell my husband until he gets in later tonight. So I had no option I had to come on here and announce it straight away. If I didn't I would probably have burst something! So, for anyone thinking that the sleeve won't work for them, rubbish, it is obviously working for me. I am just so happy and delighted I can't wipe this smile from my dial. Love to all Phoenix

Hi Everyone, Well, you guessed it, I couldn't resist the lure of the scales and just had to weigh myself again today. Not counting my extra water weight that I lost, I am now down 4lbs WooHoo. I did promise myself that I wouldn't weigh myself all the time and I will try harder to keep to that. Once a week is more than enough and gives my body a chance to really lose some too. I am still very happy and high in spirits, we are having a very early and warm spring here and everything in the garden is lovely which is making me feel good too. I am now starting to see the difference in myself too. Not huge differences, just little things. Like, it is easier to climb my stairs now. I can bend easier to do up my shoes and I actually have a neck (who knew!). Now I must go and change my ticker, if I can, I have been having a problem with that. It may be the computer or more likely is that I am doing the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place. Wish me luck. Phoenix

Your blog is not boring, I am fascinated to read about other peoples journeys. It is what helped me decided to go for the sleeve. I am still new at this myself. One week two days post op. I am doing well, no pain, good recovery, able to drink all the fluid and protein I need. I wish you well in your journey and if I can be of any help just ask. Phoenix

Wow, how lucky were you? Who knew that a few short months could make such a difference. Love the plate dilemma.

Hi, I am one week and one day post op. I have had a really easy time of it. No pain, able to drink easily so could get in all my water and protein. I was able to take medication from day one with no problems. In fact I was seriously wondering if they had actually done my op! The only thing that has changed is seeing, smelling and being around food doesn't bother me now. For that I am truly grateful. I am looking forward to being able to chew something though, I really miss that.

Hi Everyone, Well yesterday I did manage to hit the 64oz mark Hooray! I felt really proud of myself, how daft, to be proud because I can drink fluids!!! Oh well, it must be because I am still on an incredible high, I can't believe how positive and good I feel. Hope this feeling carries on forever. Another good nights sleep last night and I even slept some of the night over on my side (not quite all the way but enough to give my poor butt some relief).I have been doing a few things about the house but not much. I feel full of energy go and do something small...and the next minute I feel worn out, weary and in need of a rest. I know my stamina will build up as I get further out from my op and start taking on more protein etc. Luckily my husband is taking care of anything that I don't feel able to do. Mmmmmm...I wonder if I can convince him that spring cleaning is absolutely necessary in the next few days!!! The burping is easing off, and not all day like it was at first. Now it tends to be when I have a full drink, like chicken soup or protein drink. It is still pretty impressive but I don't think I would win gold now! Oh well, there go my hopes of an olympic medal. I am getting in as much walking as possible but in short bursts. I can only seem to do about ten minutes at a time at the moment. I am hoping that will improve as I go along. Things are still good for me and I hope everyone else has a good a time of it as I am having.

Thanks Lissa, I tried to pull it out with tweezers but it is obviously deeply connected and I couldn't. So I have cut it off at skin level and hopefully that will be that.

Hi Everyone, Things are still going well for me. I am so grateful for that, believe me. When I have read of others problems on here I cannot believe my luck. Long may it continue. Now the water weight has gone I did a proper weekly weigh in and am one pound down on before surgery. (However, you could call that 8lbs as that would include the iv fluid weight gain that has gone too) but still one more pound to take off my ticker. Hooray. Went out and about again today, saw someone I hadn't seen in three weeks and they actually said and I quote "Wow, you have lost weight in your face" Thank you thank you thank you. This is the first time someone other than me and my hubby has noticed! I do have one small problem, no, that is overstating it. It isn't a problem, just a little query I am hoping someone can help me with. On one of my incisions sites I have what looks like a piece of clear plastic wire/gut/fishing line???? sticking out. It appears to be attached inside me. Do I a) cut it off close to the skin and forget it? or need to get my doctor to take a look at it? The incision itself is healing nicely and there is no pain around it, and is not puffy or red or anything. So Ladies help me out here, what do I do next? Don't you just love the fact that we can call on each other whenever we need a helping hand. I am as I have stated before, a bit of a luddite when it comes to technology, but here I am asking help from people I have never met who may be half way around the world. Not only that, I am pretty certain that I will get a response too. So thank you in advance if you do respond, and thank goodness for technology too. Best wishes all Phoenix

Hi Everyone, You will all be delighted to hear that my water weight has gone. My water tablets really kicked in this morning and I lost 7lbs in 2.5 hours. Woohoo! So I am back at my pre op weight. Now I hope to watch the scale drop again and again for 'real' weight loss. Had a lot more energy today, was able to go to a class, go shopping and for a good walk too. I collected a brooch I had had made from my Grandmother's and Mother's wedding rings today, it is so beautiful. I had a diamond inserted where the rings crossed as the diamond was my Mother's birthstone. I lost her just 22 months ago and miss her so very much. She would have been my biggest supporter and cheerleader too. Now I can wear her ring next to my heart every single day. It helps me feel that she is close by. Everything is still going well, my incisions are healing nicely and I still have no problems with fluids and protein etc. I haven't felt hungry once yet. Does that continue? Please tell me it does. It is making everything bearable, because I can see food, watch others eat and not be bothered one little bit. Long may it continue. Thanks for the comments ladies, I knew I could rely on you to help me through the iv fluid drama. If I can help anyone else just let me know. Phoenix

Hi Everyone, Well another good nights sleep. Yesterday I managed to clock up 84 ozs of fluid. Woohoo! I am really pleased but as I said before a little disconcerted. Especially when I read of so many struggling to get half of that down. Thanks for the comments ladies. I am pleased but beginning to think I must have a way bigger stomach left than everyone else. I finally got on the scale today too. (Weird, before surgery you couldn't get me off the darn thing) I knew (again from reading on here) that you could gain weight from the iv fluids etc that they pump you full of in hospital. Also, because I retain water I was kind of expecting to weigh more. Well, I was not disappointed to find I did weigh more, but didn't expect it to be quite so much more. I must be a full 7lbs up on when I went into hospital!!!!!! I am also 6 days out from surgery so had hoped to have lost some of it (if I am honest, I thought I would have lost all of it by now). So, although I am not too downhearted I am hoping to hear lots of people chime in and tell me the same thing happened to them and within days it will all disappear. OK Ladies that is a very large hint, please. Apart from the weight, I am still happy that I did this, still feel well, and content.

You are doing fantastically. Loved your post and I can just imagine the huge smile on your husbands face. Go girl go.

Hi there Madam Bones, Congratulations on your decision, you know it will be life changing for you. Please don't panic and worry about not eating on you pre op diet, as that really helps when you have had your surgery for you to stick to the plan and do things as your surgeon and doctors require. I had to do a three week liquid only diet without protein drinks to meet my requirements, but that meant that now, 5 days after my op; that I am more than satisfied with my liquids with protein that I am now allowed to have. If I have any advice for a newby, it is come on to the forum and read, read, read and then read some more. I found out so much information that way, and was fully prepared for everything that happened before, during and after my operation. I am sure that is why I found everything a) as expected and easier to do and cope with. Take advice and support from all the wonderful people on this forum who are always so willing to give that helping hand when you need it. If you have questions, ask away, there is always someone on here who will have experienced something similar or will have the answer you need. Good Luck and think positive thoughts.

I haven't told people either, so I am planning on saying that I am on a liquid diet that is really working for me and don't want to break it. It's only for another couple of weeks and will be so worth it in the end. I have been surrounded by family eating all sorts of things but it really hasn't bothered me too much as I know I just can't risk eating these things now as my sleeve is too new. Go to the party, chat all the time, and most people won't even notice. Good Luck.

Hi everyone, Another good nights sleep last night. I was even able to lie down in bed properly. The first night I slept almost sitting up in bed. The best bit was this morning, I was able to get up out of bed by myself and it didn't hurt at all. I was ultra cautious but it was not a problem. Great, that had been one of my worries. I also seem to be able to drink a lot easier than many on here. I am not sure why, I tend to sip slowly but am still able to get a lot down. I have had milk, orange squash, chicken soup and milk mixed with chocolate protein and have been able to tolerate everything. I am so thrilled that everything seems to be going so well, although a little voice at the back of my head keeps saying 'it's too easy, something must be wrong', 'perhaps they didn't really take out your stomach and it's still too big!' I suppose we all second guess every move we make in the very beginning of this journey. My medication is getting easier to swallow, and now my brain is working I don't have to totally rely on my long suffering husband. (although I do tend to - as he loves to take care of me) If anyone has any questions that I can answer then I most certainly will. If I can help others as so many have helped me I will feel that I have been able to give a little back. Still on a high, happy with my decision and happy with life. Love to all

Hi All, Thanks everyone for all your lovely comments they are really appreciated. Including the one for my husband too. Bless him, he loved that he got a mention. Last night I slept reasonably well and woke up this morning with my head a lot clearer too. I guess that I am getting rid of all the anaesthesia out of my body. I am walking regularly and managing to take in plenty of fluid. I managed a final count of 50 ounces of fluid yesterday so felt pretty proud of myself. I am thinking of asking for belching and burping to be made an olympic sport, if it was I guarantee that I would win a gold medal for Britain this year! Does that go on forever? Or does it slowly subside? I am hoping it does subside as this is rather embarrassing to say the least. On the other hand, if it is a lifelong thing I guess I will just have to learn to live with it. Given the burps or being morbidly obese I will happily take the burps thank you very much. I am feeling very positive at the moment, but I am very aware that I could 'crash' down and feel pretty low. I hope it doesn't happen, but have read so many peoples blogs where they have crashed and felt very low and depressed that I wouldn't be too surprised if it happened to me too. Still, at the moment I am on a high and loving life. My husband is still being so warm and supportive, that if I wasn't already married to him I would snap him up in an instant. I realise just how lucky I am to have him totally on my side and with me every step of the way on this journey. So nothing new to report except that I am a day further on and hopefully today will manage my magical 64 ounces of fluids. Good luck to everyone out there about to take this life changing step and I hope you have my luck and have a relatively easy journey.

It really has happened, I can hardly believe it myself. I went into hospital on Monday 19th March and they allowed me home on Tuesday 20th March. They also sent me home with a ton of medication.I am truly thankful that my husband is here to help me make sense of it all. He has already made me a wipe board with my medications and times to take them on. He is so supportive I couldn't manage without him. Anyway, the operation went very well, I didn't need a drain thank goodness, everything looks good and my incisions were covered in a glue that holds everything together. They are beginning to heal well because they have started to itch. I am leaving them well alone. I am able to drink albeit slowly and steadily. I am also able to swallow all my pills even the large ones. (they are not comfortable but are doable) I have been both ends (if you know what I mean) so that is all working just fine. In fact, apart from the fact I feel as though I was kicked by an elephant I am just fantastic. Although I was on a morphine drip the first day I stopped using it at two in the morning as I really didn't need it. I have been incredibly lucky. I haven't really had what I would call pain. I have been uncomfortable but I expected that as a minimum. I am sure that I was able to cope so well was because of everything I have read on this forum. Thank you everyone here, you made this so much easier for me and I am truly greatful. :wub: I am drinking but not sure how much yet. I have been told different amounts by different doctors (!!***!!) But, I think the minimum I should have would be 1 and a half pints of liquid and if I can do 4 pints that would be amazing. At the moment I am on track for the 1 and a half pints, but who knows I may get better at it sooner than I expect. I will try and keep everyone informed on how I am doing as my head gets a little clearer and I have a little more energy.

Loved your pictures, esepcially the one of the tree in the graveyard. I also love the fact that life never quite takes us in the direction that we plan.

I have been teetotal for many years so not a problem for me, but it must be hard to resist if you enjoyed drinking with friends before. Remember how you felt on Sat/Sun and if you want to drink another time...stop at one.

I am very newly sleeved, but definately know you are heading in the right direction. Go for it.

Thanks everyone, for all your good wishes. Bella143, I am feeling just fine thanks, get a little uncomfortable just before I am due my painkillers but that soon sorts it out. Just feel really grateful that I have had so little pain. Hope you feel better soon. Smontgomery, I hope you get to go home soon, I felt so much better once I was on my home turf.