melissa45154

I was the same way. It wasn't until the mushy stage that I really got all of my protein in. My doctor said I was fine as long as I kept trying and adding more each day. One thing to try is Isopure. It isn't milky. It's more of like a gatorade type. I could handle some of it. The nice thing about it is it has like 40 grams of protein in one bottle. So, go to gnc and try one. If you can stomach it then keep it in a water bottle and take it with you all day. The other thing I did was nestle of all things makes an unflavored protein mix. It also doesn't really alter the taste or consistency of the broth/food. They gave it to me in the hospital to put in my broth. It worked pretty well and I still use it today if I'm needing to up my protein for the day some. It doesn't have a lot of protein in it, only like 8 grams per serving. However, I came to realize to take baby steps. That 8 grams is so much better than not getting anything in. If you add it to your broth/applesauce/or whatever 3 times a day then at least that's 24 grams right there. Broth was a huge thing for me. I think the warmness really helped me out. So adding the unflavored to it was a god send. By the time you get to the mushy stage the swelling will have gone down some and you will be surprised at being able to eat. It will mess with your head at first that 1 container of yogurt is too big (at first, not forever). However, you will start to figure out a lot of things you can do to get your protein in that doesn't involve shakes i.e. scrambled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, peanut butter (watch the sugar on that), but you will get creative and figure out what works for you. Hope this helps some.

I'm 5 months out and am thinning very badly. I get all my protein in and my nails look fantastic. I remember my doc saying your nails will be the first sign to see if you are getting enough protein. So, I have that covered. I also have PCOS and had already lost quite a bit of my thick locks a while back. I know I'll never regrow that loss. I'm just hoping that I regrow what I'm losing now. I didn't realize how bad the back was until my son freaked out and said he could see my skin. Hoping it starts growing back soon.

My doc told me not to worry about the calories as long as stuck to "the plan". He said I would be floored with how few calories I eat in the beginning. He did say that once I got to a weight that I wanted to maintain then that is when I should be def. counting calories. He said just add a "0" to whatever weight you want to maintain. For example, if you are weighing 130 and want to stay there then you should consume around 1300 calories per day. Not counting calories and staying within my food plan is working for me, especially since I absolutely hate counting calories. I am 10 weeks post op and I have lost 42 pounds (all post op, no preop diet), 8 inches from my waist, 3 inches from my neck (crazy), 9 inches from my chest, and 11 inches from my hips....I would say worry amount your water intake, protein intake and limiting starches and you should do fine. I also find the weeks I'm serious about working out I really do see a difference in the scale......Goodluck to you.

I was just sleeved on Dec. 28, 2011. I am losing at what I think is a pretty good pace. I have recently started back at the gym. I mostly do walking on the track (I am doing the Susan G Komen 3 day in Dallas in Nov.) and the eliptical. I honestly haven't done much in the form of weights. I think I will start this week because I am definitely noticing the skin sagging. While I actually do enjoy weight training, I'm also looking for some sort of group exercise that I might enjoy and keep me motivated that would help some with toning. Has anyone ever tried Pilates with for toning after being sleeved?

I had the same problems and when I talked to my doctor about it he said to keep trying and yes how important it was, but also that it would be hard for the first few weeks. Actually, it wasn't until I was able to start eating "regular" food again that I am able to meet my requirements. I still can't stand any protein drinks and have tons here. Good luck and just try not to stress too much. You will start to meet the requirements soon.

I was on a liquid diet for 5 weeks. My doc actually told me to drink about 8 ounces of apple juice every morning during those 5 weeks because he said with just broth and water you're not getting much if any carbs and your body still needs some carbs. I think it sounds very good and yummy.

I was the same way, but made it through just fine and I'm loving it. You will be in my prayers. This is the awesome new start to your life.

i don't really have much recommendation about preventing the clotting. They did give me anti clotting injections in the hospital. I think that helped a lot. When I was 2 weeks post op my doc had me starting on an asprin regimen again, but not until 2 wks out though....I'd say the injections at the hospital was the best to make it not as serious as it could have been....Good luck to you all.

I had 9 previous abdominal surgeries due to a nasty staph infection after a hysterectomy. Due to this the surgery was a little trickier to navigate through all of the mesh. It almost had to be completely open vs. laproscopically. Then, I got dehydrated. It was hard for me to find things to get down, but this site was a big help with solutions. I stocked up on crystal light lemonade before surgery, but to this day can not tolerate it to get it down. My go to drink is decaf unsweet warm tea (helps in the morning) and then iced cold the rest of the day w/ lemon added to it. Adding lemon to my water helped for some reason also. Then I had a deep vein thrombosis in my arm where they tried to do the iv. I have had a stroke at the age of 32 (35 now) so when I saw and felt what was happening I got to the er pretty quickly to get it broken up. This is not something most people would have. It is something I am prone to. The biggest advice I can give is to worry the most about getting the liquid in (warm chicken broth went down pretty well and it counts as a liquid). You don't want to get dehydrated. I was so worried the first week because I couldn't get enough protein in me. My doc told me at my first post op appt that it was normal, but he didn't tell me b/c he wanted me to try. The second week was much better with the protein. So, don't worry yourself so much over that. Just keep sipping from the time you get up until the time you go to bed...

Congratulations to you both. I'm 8 weeks out and I was scared to death. There were a few hiccups, but everything was ok. I'm loving my decision more and more with each day.

I thougth I was the only one.....I was weighing myself every single time I walked into the bathroom. I too have gotten myself down to just in the mornings. I think because that is when I weigh the least. Makes me feel even better about my progress. I want to get to the point where I weigh just once a week.

You look so good. Keep up all the hard work and all the encouragement to the rest of us.