Changetome

I am a self-pay without insurance. I know I'm being overly cautious with the diet, but I am absolutely terrified of a leak. My doctor "fussed" at me at checkup. He told me that I needed to try different foods. So I slowly added soft meats. I mainly eat Protein, by way of tuna, soft chicken, bacon pieces, eggs, refried Beans, soft deli meats and cheeses. It's pretty rare that I eat the chicken - I don't like the way it just sits there. I want no parts of steak yet because a few weeks back I accidentally swallowed a hunk without thinking. (old grilling behaviors - subconsciously tasting a piece while cooking) I though I was going to die! I couldn't even vomit that piece back up. Also I do still make protein smoothies, although not daily as I should. I have not exercised consistently. I probably walk about three times per week. Starting tomorrow, I will have to do it daily. I need to do something about my painful booty! LOL! Butt muscles may help my situation.

I was sleeved on Feb. 22nd. I am down 37 lbs since preop diet. I am starting to notice the weight loss when I sit because I am losing my booty! That pretty much sucks! I can eat scrambled eggs and bacon (if I break it up in tiny pieces). I can not eat breads or pastas yet. I am still, mostly, on puree foods. Tuna is in heavy rotation in my diet. I tried to eat baked chicken, but it feels like its sitting on my chest. Overall, I am satisfied with my progress. Keep the updates coming!

I'm doing great. I am down 37 lbs since February 22nd. I haven't started a scheduled exercise program yet. I am so behind on my work because of the surgery. I can only eat very small portions. I forced myself to stay on the puree stage longer than my doctor wanted. I am still scared of getting a leak, so I'm being careful. My mind still hasn't caught up with my body, as I still feel very fat. How are you doing?

Greetings, I've been lurking this forum for over a year. I finally took the plunge to schedule my surgery. I'm getting sleeved on February 22, 2012. I am scared but feel like this is the best move for me. Any February Sleevers out there that can be of support with me?

I am so glad I found this forum. Your stories helped me make the decision to have sleeve surgery to "save my life". I am currently almost four weeks post op and although I have lost 23.5 lbs, I have a hard time believing that this procedure will work for me. It probably sounds pretty silly. I know I'm doing everything I should be doing at this points (sans getting 80g of Protein a day), so technically, I should lose weight. BUT... I keep thinking, "I don't believe that this will work for me. The sleeve won't work." I can't imagine being smaller than I am now. I've been overweight for so long that my mind won't let me believe that I will ever be a normal weight. Has anyone else had this irrational fear? Sleeve masters, could you shed some light on your mindset during the start of your sleeve journey?

Thank you guys for your words of encouragement. You have made me feel a lot better. It's good to know that I'm not the only one having these irrational fears. I guess the time is not passing by quick enough or I can't see the weight loss in the mirror. I will use this tool to my advantage and make sure that the first six months count. Still, I know I need to find a VSG group in my area to continue to talk about this.

Wow! You look great.

You look awesome! You look so happy! Keep the good news going for us newbies!

No regrets so far. Im two weeks out and returned to work today. No bueno! I started back cooking for my children. This is torture to me. I cooked meatballs and wanted one so bad. So I told myself just to chew and spit it out. (jr bulimic gasp!). Well it did not taste good. My taste have changed. No vomiting but I've felt nauseous.

I've had the same rib pain. I asked my doctor and he explained that he had to expand that area to get the tools in the right spot, so rib pain is common. When I asked him, "is my ribs supposed to be hurting?", he said, "I bet its on the left had side." YEP! According to him, this was common and expected. But just to be on the safe side, watch it carefully. Also I drive a Camaro and I have hell to pay getting in and out of my car.

I am happy to hear that you are recovering. Please take it slow with your sleeve. I keep reminding myself, "I'll be able to eat those things later." I took my kids to Taco Cabana yesterday and was frothing at the mouth, wanting to eat, but I told myself, "not this month." I did drink the juice off their Tortilla Soup, but that was all. I was so proud of myself. I am happy you are doing great and you look awesome.

I was sleeved on the same day as you. I was in a lot of pain, so I've been taking my pain meds. I hear about how folks are off meds after three or four days. Not me. It felt like my ribs were bruised. Now that I'm two weeks out, I feel better. I've lost about 20 lbs since pre-op liquid diet. I feel smaller. After surgery, my stomach looked like I was six month pregnant due to all the gas, but now that is a small concern. I had drains for two days and they were taken out. My insisions are healing fine, although one is not as smooth as others. I can't eat much. I struggle to get Protein in. For a few days, I "cheated" and went to Jamba juice and had them make me Protein shakes. I've learned to make them myself now with frozen fruit from the store, juice, and unflavored protein. I guess I shouldn't have the acidic juices, but they have really helped me to get the protein in. So to answer your question (sorry so long....) I have been wasting a lot of food because I can't finish them. I thrown away about 10 creamy Soups because I was only able to drink about 1/4 or less of them. I'm trying but with the drinking of Water and Protein drinks, its hard to get the creamy soups down. Have your taste buds changed? Everything is grossly too sweet (even sugar free things) or nasty to me now.

7 Days post op - No bowel movement. My nurse sister told me to use glycerin suppositories. The worked in about 15 minutes and I felt so much better. My issue started with the pre-op diet. I became super irregular. Then I messed around and took an exlax. LOL! Now I am 9 days post op. I have to use the suppositories. Plus it gets lots of gas out. THIS IS SO GROSS TO TALK ABOUT! But I guess people need to know how it affects your rhythm.

I was sleeved on Feb 22nd. Only four days ago. I am in pain at times. I have to walk very slowly. The bumps on car rides hurt. I think I am drinking too much, as I feel bloated/over full all the time. I have lots of gas. Other than that, I'm in good spirits. Folks are grubbing pretty hard on plenty of good food around me. I keep telling myself that I will get to eat that soon.

The isopure plus in the 16 oz bottles have worked for me. Alpine Punch and Grape are the flavors I chose. Each bottle gives you about 15g of protein

I had surgery on the 22nd. It has been very hard. I said in another thread that it felt like I had been hit by a truck. NO kidding. The poor nursing staff tried to get me up and walking but all I would do was take a step and dry heave. It was not funny at all. Luckily the nausea medicine kicked in. I came home today. I am able to get in 30 grams of Protein and I drank lots of broth. The warmth helps settle my stomach. I am still on hydrocodone, and acid reducer, and Gas-X. My belly looks like a preggo from all the gas. I hate to be graphic, but when I finally passed gas, I felt so much better LOL. (sorry!) I'm sipping (sometimes gulping with burps) and walking.

I had my surgery on the 22nd of feb. I wish some would have warned me that I would feel like I was hit by a Mack truck when I woke up for surgery. The vomiting was intense and did not let up until two days after. The gas pains are uncomfortable! I can't wait to recover! Right now I feel like hell on wheels.

We are having surgery on the same day. Good luck and speedy recovery. I will pray for all the Feb 22nd -ers.

Good luck. My surgery date is Feb. 22nd. I am experiencing all sorts of feelings. Scared, nervous, excited, scared some more, scare after that! I am just praying that all works out well.

Good luck Alexandra....See you on the losing side.

At Forest Park Medical Center. Yes I am on the torture "shrink the liver" diet. The first three days were very hard. I think I messed up by drinking creamy tomato Soup. I wasn't sure if it was allowed, but it sure helped me during those first three days. I think for the last week, I'll go clear liquid.

Thanks so much for all the information!

We are having surgery on the same day. This forum has been so very informative. I am still a little nervous, but I this forum helps calm my nerves. I'm in the Dallas area also.

My surgery was scheduled two months before the actual date. Plenty of time to go through the range of emotions - from excited one minute to scared to death the other. Everytime I squeeze into my jeans (I refuse to buy a bigger size), I realize that I am making the right choice. I tell you, though, I am scared of not waking up and having a blood clot. But I am so excited about being in good health. When is your surgery date?

What I want to know is how can I do what you're doing so I can travel 14 months! Glad you are losing weight with all the delicious foods around. I have hope.