MegInNOLA

I'm posting in for the first time on this thread. I had a "secret" goal to have lost 50 pounds by July 4. Since my surgery was April 18, I really thought this would be a no-brainer---but I've been sort of stuck at -48 pounds for the last few days. I think I lose in stairsteps, though, and I'm definitely not gaining any weight (LOL--not enough calories in to do that!). So I'm going to be in the final push of adding some more exercise to see if I can't get there by Monday... and water, water, water!!! Good luck, all! Let's get that July 4 goal!!!

Are you a vegan? If not, you might try whizzing up your own "protein" shakes using milk, milk powder (for extra protein), eggs or egg powder, and whatever flavoring and level of sweetness you prefer. Throw in some tofu or Peanut Butter and whiz it up thoroughly. OR zap up some soup with milk powder and have something savory. I couldn't handle the Protein drinks, either (still can't), so I made do with "food" sources of protein, mostly dairy, until I got to the mushies stage. Cottage cheese and yogurt and peanut butter are staples in my diet now, too--I am not a vegetarian, but my sleeve seems to prefer seafood and dairy protein to meat and chicken (don't get me started on how sleevie really dislikes chicken and eggs now!). Best wishes to you!! Once you hit mushies, you're golden--Beans, tofu, nut butters, etc. If you can tolerate dairy, so much the easier. Meg

Another aspect besides the chemistry of your body might be that your sense of smell is more keen. When I was first sleeved, I noticed a HUGE jump forward in my sense of smell, which I had always considered fairly sensitive prior to surgery--after, it was really sharp, and I noticed odors were much stronger and much more detailed. Since a lot of times, it was food odors that I could smell (just in general), I jokingly asked my husband if he thought my body was saying, "Hey! You're losing weight--smell that, doesn't it smell good! Eat something!" You're in the losing stage, so perhaps this is happening to you because of that. I know that one's body chemistry DOES change the odor of one's perspiration, but it might not be the only factor in your noticing it more now.

Hey there! I don't have celiac disease, but I love a Protein bar called "Think Thin" that is gluten free--I eat one a day, 20 g protein, no sugar, no gluten, and they are YUMMY. Just tossing that out there in case you haven't heard of them. You can buy them online or in some grocery stores (I have bought them both ways--cheaper online at Amazon). Best wishes to you... Meg

Wow! What a difference! Congratulations to you! Keep on rockin' that sleeve! Meg

The only tablet I had any problem swallowing was a Fiber tablet--it sort of got hung midway and was VERY uncomfortable for about an hour. I have other smaller meds that I just swallow--thyroid hormone, Colace, Prilosec, and I have gummy multi and Vitamin C and chewable calcium. I can't tolerate bitter flavors, so I tend not to split any pills... I'm reminded that someone posted a few months ago about their husband making them some Jello shots to hide their Vitamins in--the jello just slides down with the meds hidden in the middle. I didn't try it but I thought it sounded like a good idea.

Peanut Butter Cream cheese Pimento cheese spread Crunchy crackers (I'm not low-carbing). Melon Grilled salmon (one 4-ounce piece makes 4 meals for me) Greek yogurt Cheese (cheddar, parmesan, co-jack, whatever sounds good) Nuts Milk and almond milk for my iced coffee Think Thin Protein bars--Creamy Peanut Butter and Brownie Crunch Gatorade When I was first back on foods, my list looked a little different: Cottage cheese Greek yogurt Peanut butter (I ate a spoonful a day) Gatorade Soup for blending up sugar-free pudding For your tofu, you can get some hot and sour soup at your local Chinese restaurant, and add extra tofu cubes into the soup (use the soup like a sauce), refrigerate, and then when you're hungry, reheat and enjoy! Since my husband is also a sleever, we really sort of "snack" at mealtime as opposed to actually cooking and having a "dinner" like before sleeving. I eat a small amount every 3 hours or so, aiming for 4 times a day (usually I only make 3 times, sometimes 2!). But we have ready-to-eat, sleeve-friendly food in the fridge so when we feel we need to eat, we don't have to worry about cooking or going out for it.

Since our diets now are much more limited in quantity (we're not getting in near the amount of Fiber we used to), it's important to try to get some fiber in through whatever means you can. There are a bunch of posts on this forum regarding people's strategies, but a lot of us use a fiber supplement (MiraLax, Benefiber, FiberCon, whatever). I have had a big ol' problem with this in just the last month, but I think I have found a strategy now with fiber supplements and Colace, plus I'm making a real effort to eat more high-fiber foods when I can--like I say, it's not easy to do with such a limited capacity in our sleeves, but some of these products can be stirred into liquids or added to Protein shakes. Plus you can go more natural with the old standbys of prunes or flax seeds (neither is low-carb, but they do work!!), which are relatively inexpensive and easy to consume. Check this forum for more--you might be surprised how common an issue constipation is amongst sleevers, especially those of us who are in the early months and aren't eating a lot of bulky veggies yet.

Wow, you're looking great! Keep on rockin' that sleeve!! Congratulations.

Full for me feels a lot like it did pre-surgery, but it sure comes on a lot faster and a lot harder. I can eat around 1/4 c. of food sometimes, but mostly I eat less than that because I don't like feeling "full." As I eat or drink, I burp a little with almost every swallow, which is new after surgery. When I can't burp, I know I'm done. Usually, I can tell when it's getting to the "point of no more burping," and I stop before I hit that--full feels good. Uncomfortably full does not feel good--it's like some food is caught in the space where the opening to the stomach closes--you can feel it in there, and it won't go down. It hurts, like an ache of something caught in your throat (because it is!), kind of right in the center and slightly lower than the junction of my neck and my body, high in the chest. I can definitely feel that I have overeaten, so I tend not to do that any more; pain is a great motivator, as is the desire to never throw up again in my entire life (had enough of that the first month before starting a PPI!). Just eat slowly and pay attention to your body--be prepared for things to be different now, but it will become routine for you. No big deal with time. Cheers! Meg

I did what Jack did, ate a bit more ahead of my PCP appointment to be sure my BMI would be 40 (and it was, barely). My "last meal" before surgery was a hamburger, always one of my pre-surgery favs (and something I haven't had since surgery in April and am not craving, yay). I think a lot of us have "food funerals." When my husband was sleeved last year, the weekend before his surgery, I made him corned beef, one of his favorite meals, and he really enjoyed it--we haven't eaten it since, and he hasn't asked for it. I think you will find that your tastes really do change after surgery, and some of the things you absolutely loved and maybe ate several times a week will no longer hold the same appeal. You may feel sorry about that--I know I did and kind of mourned the loss of my "friends," but that only served to point out to me that I had done exactly the right thing in having the surgery. The sleeve has helped me change not only my body but my relationship to food--it's a fuel now, not a friend. It's something I enjoy, but I don't obsess about it any more. I do get cravings now, but those are mostly for things that are healthier for me--fish, melon (oh my--I have a watermelon thing going on now, maybe for the Vitamins?). I think you'll find you still enjoy your favorite foods, but you may not want to return to them very often, and the experience will be different for you. Cheers! Meg

Yay for your great vacation! Your story is exactly why I decided on this surgery. I want to be able to enjoy the flavors of things I like without going overboard on them. The sleeve is a tool that helps me do that--one can't physically overeat without consequences! I'm a week behind you and am just starting to feel really comfortable expanding the types of food that I eat, so it's good to hear that you are able to "get through" a vacation week without your staple foods--I'm about to do some more traveling this summer, and I'm looking forward to enjoying my trip without worrying about the food issue. Thanks for posting and way to go! Meg

I have to tell you, every time I swallow I have to burp. Doesn't matter if I'm sipping or taking a larger swallow--haven't really tried to "gulp" yet. But yeah, I think the burping is just here for the duration. Small price to pay, really.

My mental fuzziness improved with Multivitamins and 1 cup of coffee... seems like it just clears away the cobwebs. Hope you get some answers soon! Meg

You do look great, and I'm loving your T-shirt, too.... I can totally see shopping becoming my new favorite hobby! Glad you're doing well. Meg

For me, it was more difficult getting over the effects of the anesthesia--I felt awful, not because I was in pain, but because I was depressed, sluggish, seriously irritable, etc. My husband told me on several occasions that I didn't have any expression on my face at all, and I am sure I didn't--I felt exhausted and really, really mad at everyone and everything. I am normally a very good-natured person, so this was really different for me. As the effects of the anesthesia wore off, my mood improved, and I was fine. I was also worried that I wasn't going to be able to "do" the postop diet, which turned out to be true, but as in most cases, time helped, my body healed, and I figured out through trial and error what would work. It was a good decision that I'm glad I made, but I actually had serious regrets for the first month or so until my body kind of calmed down and I found a workable routine. It's all okay. Just be prepared that nothing will be like you think it will be. Flexibility is a virtue. And you can definitely deal with it, I'm 100% sure of that. GOOD LUCK! See you on the losers' bench in just a few. Meg

Hi Karelia, I eat what sounds tolerable to me... I do try to get Protein in, but I have a very picky and very small sleeve, and some days, a cracker is my best friend; I might try some Peanut Butter or cream cheese on there, but some days, I just eat the cracker. And I don't worry about it--I may lose more slowly than others, but I have to do what's right for my body, and nobody else is in here with me--I make the decisions for me. Dairy and peanut butter are much more frequent on my plate than meat or eggs, because I tolerate them more easily (and I used to LOVE meat and eggs--it's not because I don't like them!). So there is leeway in the post-surgical period for doing what feels right for your body. Part of the reason I had this procedure was to be able to stop obsessing about my weight and my diet. I don't have a clue how many calories I'm eating or how much of whatever I'm eating until I sit down and make a list (which I don't do often). I feel good. I eat quality food, not junk. I know that others may feel I'm being way too casual about it, but I'm just not interested in obsessing about what I'm putting in my mouth. The sleeve limits my portions substantially, and I cannot overeat without gross consequences, so for my mindset, it's a great tool that is allowing me to eat what feels right, not overeat, and lose weight. I have found my energy levels do vary substantially post surgery, but drinking a cup of coffee a day has helped (not that it's a good solution for everyone, but it definitely helps me feel better). Again, a lot of folks are much more strict with themselves, which is great if that is working for them. I think everyone has to come to a sane solution for their own issues. I was also prediabetic with a family history of that plus heart disease. I'm 48 now. I had high normal blood sugar. But at more than 100 pounds overweight, how long was I going to be able to be disease free? Post surgery, problem solved. Blood pressure edging high, solved. I didn't want to have the surgery; it took me a LONG time to decide that it was the best option available to me. Take your time. Research. Read this forum. If you'd like someone to talk to in more depth, please feel free to PM me at any time. I've never had an eating disorder, and I'm not as familiar with intuitive eating, but I've got good ears and a good brain and would be happy to serve as a sounding board. Meg

Imawhodat, you are singing my song!!! I couldn't tolerate any liquid Protein after surgery and I was freaked out about how it was all going to happen. I tried a bunch of them, too, but nope--your description of having an alien in your tummy really rings true. I'm so sorry you're still having problems!! As someone who's been there, too, I can tell you it really does get easier. At your stage, since you're on clears, I would try mixing some juice into my Water and sipping constantly. Don't worry too much about anything other than staying hydrated and maybe trying some of the clear Protein drinks (Isopure, although I couldn't....). You can definitely stir some protein stuff into your Gatorade or Pedialyte. Just stay hydrated and give your poor tummy time to heal. chicken broth is great and soothing (and there's a tiny bit of protein in there!). Hope it gets easier for you very, very soon. Meg

liquids just go through. You will feel a LOT more restriction when you move to mushies. Don't complain about the weight loss! Some of that is Water, as your body depletes its glycogen stores, and you don't have to worry--you won't continue to lose at that rate. Everything evens out as your body weight drops. Seems like you're right on track and having great results! Meg

I'm right there with you! I'm 10 weeks out and can still only eat 1/4 c. of food at a time, and it's HARD to make myself eat, especially eat Protein food! On the up side of that, it's nice and wonderfully surprising to feel absolutely full and content after eating 2 shrimp!!! LOL Post surgery, I couldn't tolerate protein supplements in any liquid form, shakes, Isopure, chicken broth, you name it--they all made me retch. I subsisted on milk and yogurt and blended cottage cheese (kinda gross to think about now, but back then, it was the stuff!!). I didn't meet my protein goal at all until well into my 2nd month post op, and most days now I still don't make it. My nutritionist said I should be aiming for 110 g of protein a day (!!! I guess because I'm really tall, 6'2"), and until I can eat more than 1/4 c. of food at a time, there is no way I'm getting there. Saving grace for me has been finding a Protein Bar that I could tolerate--ThinkThin brand, and I like most of the flavors. They are not going to work for you if you are low-carbing (I'm not), but there are 20 g protein in 1 bar (I break it up into 2 servings), and there's no gluten and no sugar. I supplement my protein foods (seafood, dairy) with 1 bar a day. So at least I get close. Obviously, if you're still on liquids, this won't be an option for you, but it's something to keep in mind for later. I carry a couple in my purse for "emergencies" and have found them a very helpful product. Cheers! Meg

(((Tiffanie))) Been there! In fact, I think most people on this board have been there. It's SOOOO hard to wait and see, but it really does get better with time. As your body adjusts to its new reality, you will lose weight, and it won't come back--if you eat healthfully and get some exercise, your sleeve is a tool that will really help with your weight loss. Give yourself and your body time. And don't fret about the freak-outs--like I say, we've all had them (or most of us!), and they do get better with time. Hang in there! Months from now, you won't even remember this part. Meg

Wow, you really look fantastic. Best wishes in your Quest for motherhood!! Meg

Yay! Good for you! That's a terrific accomplishment!! Meg

My husband was sleeved last April. He eats "regular" portions and regular food--for instance, yesterday we went to a seafood place, and he ate most of an order of onion rings, a side salad with dressing, probably a dozen fried shrimp, and a few French fries. I ate 1 onion ring and 2 shrimp (and it was delicious!!). I should hasten to say we don't eat fried food all the time, really only occasionally (and that was my first fried food since being sleeved). He basically eats whatever he likes and it's really pretty normal-sized portions. He can eat 1/2 a plate of his favorite Mexican enchiladas (there are three big enchiladas on there, with Beans and rice), along with some chips and salsa and queso dip. He usually brings home 1/2 of a restaurant entree, but you know how big most of those are! Don't worry. You will get there. It may not be the same as before, but you will get to where you feel "normal," and you will be healthier, too. Hang in there--maybe not this summer, but next... you'll be enjoying everything a lot more and will feel much more "normal." I'm waiting for that, too!! Meg

Sounds good--thanks-- I've been hunting other things than my usual shrimp (believe it or not, finally getting tired of it!) and Peanut Butter. I had a bad experience with chicken earlier, but these sound good. Meg