Katie713

This is a huge period of adjustment. You will have your down days and your up days, you are doing the right thing, focusing on your fluids and hopefully your Protein and Vitamins. If you can, go outside and take a walk to do some reflective work. Time passes quickly, and as each day goes by, you will start to feel stronger and hopefully get through the mourning of the old days of overeating or just being able to eat what you want. It takes time to accept the new way of eating...and finding other things to make sense of this new lifestyle. Good luck!!

newgrandmother.... I am also a Kaiser patient so I probably got the same dietary suggestions you did during the Options program. What I have found out is that the diet is somewhat carb heavy and not that low in calories either and by trying it over the months I quickly learned that to keep losing weight, I had to decrease carbs and focus on Proteins and then low carb veggies, if carbs were added it should be whole grain. Verbally our nutritionist said one thing and the handouts were different, we were basically told no rice, no Pasta, no white potatoes, no bread, (except toasted whole wheat) no regular tortillas, no chips, no sweets, etc. (This is all mostly during the losing phase, maintenance is different, of course) As you move forward you should be able to see what works for you, so keep your journals, they really help to let you examine what worked and what didn't. I do find that if I eat my Protein (about 4-6 oz) first, I can hardly eat much else, so I do have a few sprigs of a veggie like broccoli or brussle spouts or cauliflower or squash. Also, when I eat a good protein for a meal, it holds me longer, I don't get hungry as fast. Good luck on your journey....I am six months out and feeling great!

fyre_storm....interestingly enough, most people show their weight loss in their face and neck first...so if you do embark on this journey...just imagine the compliments!! You have such a slim handsome face!!

Obviously how one feels after surgery is different for everybody. I was lucky, not too much pain just some discomfort, I was walking around the same afternoon. The gas pains are annoying but they go away fairly soon. I had a specific plan to follow for the re-introduction of foods. One thing will remain the same, try to get in at least 64 oz of liquids every day and 60-80 grams of Protein. Most people start with a couple of days of Clear Liquids, Isopure for protein (you can buy it at Vitamin Shoppe or GNC) decaf coffee and decaf tea, all sugar free non-carbonated drinks, chicken, beef or vegetable broth, SF Jello and SF popsicles.....after that full liquids including regular Protein shakes, creamy soups, thinned out hot Cereal, thinned out yogurt, SF puddings, jello. After 2 weeks, move to pureed or mushy foods, hot cereals, softly scrambled eggs, soups, softly cooked meats and veggies (think crockpot meals) yogurt, cottage cheese with fruit, refried Beans with melted cheese, chili beans, mashed potatoes with canned chicken and gravy, tuna and any soft fish, stuff like that. At this stage of the diet, I was still drinking 2 protein shakes to meet my daily goals and lots of decaf hot and iced tea. At 4-6 weeks start introducing more solids, start slowly and see how you tolerate foods, move toward being able to get in at least 4 oz of a solid protein, then a non-starch veggie...try and stay away from carbs for the most part, if you do eat carbs have whole grains if possible. At 6 months out I can eat most things but not very much of them. I do still drink a Protein shake each day, and sometimes a Protein Bar as a snack. I was not hungry after surgery and it took a while to normalize and feel hunger come back, but not with a vengeance, and you get full so fast. I have 2 hiccups when I am full and that has happened since I had this surgery. A lot of people get these little burps/hiccups that signal fullness, or a runny nose, it's weird, but a good signal from the body. I feel normal, just that I can only eat very small meals, but you have to eat right to keep losing weight and exercising. That has to continue ...so be prepared, the sleeve is a tool, but you still have to make the right choices. I am so happy with my sleeve...down to a size 14 from a 3X-4X and I can walk for miles, and none of my old clothes fit, they are tent size on me....this is the best decision I ever made for myself. Good luck !!!!

That deserves a cartwheel !! Whoo Hoo!! Fantastic !! Welcome to "Onederland" !

I saw a video from a bariatric surgeon showing how its done and addressing them specifically. They never dissolve, but as I said your tissue grows over them. I had the same question before my surgery so I was glad to see the video.

Which staples, the internal ones on your stomach? Those stay forever and your stomach tissue grows over them, they are very tiny, many row of them and they are titanium which the body does not reject. They are not detected at the airport or anything.

Sweetiebell....what a great decision to face your health issues at a young age, it is easier to bounce back and heal the younger you are. I am also 4'11" and I was huge at almost 280 last summer 2011. I am in the 180's now and on my way toward a healthy goal for me. You can do this. I had surgery 6 months ago and already feel so much better. My knees used to hurt but no more, my cholesterol is normal now and off my blood pressure meds and I am 57 years old. I wish I had done this sooner. It is very doable, but you have to be ready to do the work, its not a magic potion. It helps you cut down on the amount you can eat but you still have to make the right choices and exercise. Hopefully many of your concerns will be addressed at your initial appointment. I was in a mandatory 12 week pre-op program and was asked to lose 10% with their dietary recommenations which I did, lots of classes with a nutritionist and behavioral specialist. Glad I had time to learn so much of what to expect anf how to eat post-op. Good luck, hope your appt goes well!

Good luck tomorrow Deb...deep breathing if you feel anxious, or ask for something to to relax you before you go in for the procedure. I had a little nausea after but they gave me something right away that helped so much. I didn't even use the morphine pump much, but I did use it to sleep because I couldn't get comfortable, but gosh it felt so good when they encouraged me to walk, and I stayed out of the bed for awhile, sitting down made a few calls, used the bathroom, they took my catheter out after I was in my private room just a few hours after surgery. That help me normalize since the walking helped with the gas pain. Amazed how well I felt when I got home, and being able to take in all my liquids and Protein. Those 6 months have flown by...I feel completely normal now, just eat so much less, but still I have to exercise and eat right to get to goal and to keep it off. Anyone can gain the weight back if they start eating the wrong stuff again, its a fact. I want to be healthy so I try to stay on track. Let us know how you're doing when you're up to it....

Chunkychick....sometimes we think the less we can take in the better, but for health purposes its not true, the sooner you can get 64 oz of liquid and 75-80 grams of protein in the better, you are perfectly managing your intake at about 600-700 calories. My body loses in steps, I stay the same for awhile and then boom, I'm down another 5 pounds. This isn't a race and when we read posts about crazy huge losses really fast there are so many factors including male or female, starting weight, how much exercise, heredity....I always had stalls before my sleeve, and I still do but I am close to 100 pounds thinner since starting the weight loss journey last summer 2011. I was on a mandatory 12 week pre-op program and lost 28 pounds on a low calorie diet before having surgery in April 2012. This has changed my life, I lose slow and easy, but I feel healthy and finally enjoying shopping in regular stores not the big girl stores. Good luck, I am happy to give you any support that I can.

Count yourselves lucky that you can get your fluids in easily...I was the same way and my surgeon said everyone is different and some have less swelling and inflammation. Stalls are a normal part of losing weight...your body is adjusting, just keep it up and you'll see that you lose the weight sometimes slow but surely. Don't worry...you'll feel the REAL restriction when you get to solids.

Get some prilosec and take it 30 minutes before 2 of your meals...I would usually take it before lunch and again in the evening to get me thru the night. Stay away from acidic food or anything too spicy until it calms down. I also keep tums handy for immediate relief. Good luck...it gets better with time.

Here's the other thing about protein, your body loses fat and muscle during the weight loss process, the protein helps maintain and support your muscles so that not as much is lost. Going low carb forces your body to burn the glucose in your own body fat rather than using the glucose (sugars) from high carb foods, your body uses the most readily available source of energy first.

I went through this too, almost cried after shopping at The Avenue as I couldn't find anything that didn't seem to be tent size, everything looked HUGE. Not long after the same thing happened at Catherine's ....I was looking for jeans and none fit...finally I walked out empty handed, but mourned it a little, for so many years these have been my go-to stores. I'm between sizes..kind of doing the 14-16 thing...but I can definately find clothes that fit in the regular stores now, and yes I am happy about it, I've put the past behind me along with bags and bags of 3X, 4X clothing!!

Your rights should be protected by the American Disabilities Act. An employer can't just fire you just because you are taking time off to attend to a health matter. Is there any reason to believe that he would be planning something different than what he is telling you verbally or are you just feeling insecure? I would have a frank discussion before you leave to clarify that there is not an underlying issue that you should be made aware of.

I understand. You've gotten to the point in your life where you are DONE being overweight and out of control, and yes, we each have that defining moment that had led us to the decision to do something proactive to change our course. I had years of being embarrased to ask for a regular table and never, ever a booth at a restaurant. Having to ask for the seat belt extender on an airplane An unflattering picture shows up and it is humiliating to see yourself as you really are Being rejected before boarding a theme park ride Getting out of breath at a public venue Focus on the journey in front of you, and be kind to yourself. Almost everyone of us here understands how it feels to be humiliated by our size and hates being photographed. I was at a retirement event yesterday where a power point presentation was being flashed on a big screeen, pictures over the years of co-workers at various events with the person who is retiring. I saw a picture roll by where I was at my highest weight almost 280 and I'm barely 5 feet tall, I had a beautiful smile on my face, but I have been unhappy with my weight most of my adult life - I was so huge....but then another picture rolled by that was taken last week, and there I was almost 90 pounds lighter, and I looked so different and the smile matched how I felt inside - that I am getting healthier and I can wear things I didn't have to buy at the big girls store. I had surgery 6 months ago - and it works - it will for you too - just hang in there and think positive. Give yourself a break, this is the end of that road. A new life awaits you....

Yep, its more about consistency too bad no pita chips!

No thanks....I gave them up after day 3. I make a variety of Protein shakes with chocolate or vanilla protein powders and Torani sugar free syrups, coffee etc...Isopure is a 3 day episode, I didn't like it, but it was tolerable for the few days...that's why I said Water it down and add ice, at least you'll get your protein in. Good luck!

Its not that bad with ice and a little water, I promise!!

Hey chunkychick...welcome to the Losers team. Sounds like you are doing well. I had surgery 6 months ago and am feeling great, losing slower now but not gaining, and that was the old life...I could lose but always gained it back. Soft/pureed food...let's see, refried Beans with melted cheese, crock pot meals, mashed potatoes with canned chicken and chicken gravy, tuna fish, yogurt, cottage cheese with canned fruit, soft scrambled eggs, SF pudding, Soups, ricotta bake (layers of marinara, ricotta cheese and motzarella baked in a ramekin) hot Cereal. I do weigh myself but I don't obsess, it comes off when your body is ready to release the weight, just stay focused and you'll have success!

Deb...I was extremely prepared because of the 12 week pre-op program, and then what I read on the site. Surprisingly what I learned was right on. I know with self pay sometimes the educational materials are lacking, so if my explanations help then I feel happy to be of support, I can't tell you how to handle a complication, but what to expect under normal recovery most of us have experienced and can help the newbies : ) Hopefully your experience is a positive one. If you do feel something isn't right, speak up loud and clear so that you can be attended to before you are released. Did you get your chewable vitamins? You may also need a PPI like prilosec twice a day 30 min before a meal. It decreases acid production which can irritate your already injured tummy. Buy your supplies for clear fluids and full liquids before you have surgery so you don't have to go shopping afterward when you don't feel up to it. Almost the weekend, are you going to TJ for surgery? Have a safe trip and think positive!!

Deb...in the beginning there is swelling in the stomach from surgery and the incision (stapled) edge of your new little tummy needs time to fuse and heal. I think that is one reason for the various steps in the re-introduction to foods, there isn't much room at all, and to prevent damage to the new incision line while it heals. I did not have much hunger in the beginning but knew I needed Protein (at least 65-80 grams) and hydration (yeah-yeah the recommended 64 oz) and it can be very hard to achieve those goals in the beginning because you feel you cannot physically achieve those lofty goals.... The Isopure has 40 grams of protein in a 20 oz bottle and it is a clear Fluid, it doesn't taste wonderful, but it's not that bad either. I bought mine at the local Vitamin Shoppe. I would pour half a bottle and Water it down a little and add ice and let that melt as well. Because I was used to having coffee or tea in the morning, I kept that normality, that little ritual and had decaf vanilla chai - a 16 oz cup slowly in the morning. By 10 am I would start the Isopure and finish about 16 oz in 2 hours, then make an 8 oz cup of broth mid-day, then 8 oz of water before starting the afternoon Isopure (I rotated between the orange and grape flavors) and then broth (sometimes 2 cups slowly sipped )again for dinner, then just decaf iced tea in the evening and either a SF popsicle or SF Jello. It is doable, but you will feel like it takes effort to make it all happen, because you may feel like you are not hungry/not thirsty and how the heck am I supposed to meet the goals. Take it easy at home, don't even run the vaccum the first week home, or carry laundry, you can sit on the bed or sofa and fold clothes, but don't be carrying anything heavy as your internal and external stitches need to heal properly. You may not feel good laying down the first couple nights, I had to sleep on the sofa propped up a bit the first night, my tummy felt very weird and the incisions were tender. Finding the right position in bed takes a little work - it may different from the usual, but soon, you heal and start to feel more like yourself. Remember to take your Vitamins. I would usually do it with my first Isopure mid-morning, and when on full fluids with breakfast. You are at the beginning of this journey....but time passes quickly and it is amazing to see the results you may have up until now only dreamed of.

Deb...I can hardly believe you're almost there!! Monday is just around the corner! Good luck with everything. I hope it all goes smoothly. I was surprised that I felt as good as I did after surgery. I had some discomfort but nothing too bad, I was walking the hallways by the afternoon after a morning surgery, and released the next morning. When I got home I was able to tolerate my fluids fairly well...I would have chai tea in the morning with my PPI then pour myself a big glass of Isopure (grape ice) with ice and Water mixed in and sip that all morning. At lunchtime I would have chicken broth or beef consomme, then more Isopure all afternoon, sip, sip, sipping....and broth again for dinner...and a sugar free Jello in the evening. After 3 days I moved to full fluids, so thinned out hot Cereal for Breakfast, creamy Soups for lunch and dinner and regular Protein shakes. After two weeks, started pureed/soft diet adding yogurt, cottage cheese and canned fruit, soft scrambled eggs, tuna, Beans, etc...By 6 weeks full solids...and sweetheart, that is when you will feel the real power of your restriction, you get that full sensation quickly - so you have to pick your food wisely, make it count for health!! Good luck!! Let us know how your'e doing as soon as you can.