hope2Bfitand40

Are you taking vitamins regularly? My hair loss seems to slow when I take my vitamins. I was sleeved on March 6.

Just to reiterate, I am 5 months out and I eat a lot more than 4 bites. I eat at least 3-4 ounces of meat plus a side of vegetables and sometimes even carbs, which I know I should not eat. It is actually very easy to live with the sleeve, the hard part for me is to learn what I need emotionally so that I don't stop losing. I CAN eat comfort food, but just because I can, doesn't mean I should. I think it's the emotional connection to overeating and bad food choices that I (and maybe we?) have to work on, but thank God for the sleeve to allow me to see a better choice than my overeating. It has restored my hope. In myself.

I slept on a narrow couch for about three nights. I used a pillow to brace my stomach when moving around, and I always took my pain meds. Don't be a hero and take the pain meds on a regular schedule for the first 5-6 days (or longer if needed).

Don't lose hope. I think you can take off another 10-20 pounds in the next 6 months, with just a little diligence. I think you are right about not having hunger. That's the best weapon we have now. I'm almost 5 months post op and have lost right at 40 pounds. I'm not losing much anymore, but my body is still changing. I am short and had only about 80 total pounds to lose which is why I think it is going to take longer and more work. I will consider myself done at 1 year out, in the meantime, I'm just going to try to lose as much as possible.

My husband said today that he loved my body before but since I am so much happier, that's all the better for him! I love good men.

It took me a couple of months to feel back to normal in terms of exhaustion. I hope you get your strength back soon!

Yeah, I'm with 2ndtimesacharm, 37 pounds off and three books of "50 shades of grey" and I'm in the mood all the time!

I would've never written it (out loud), but I have experienced some of these same improvements! (Yay!)

2 weeks

I added decaf instant coffee to my Protein shakes. It takes the sweet edge off. Hope you are doing better!

Yes, I took a nap everyday at lunch in my car for 3 weeks. I don't think I got my energy back until I was about 5-6 weeks post op. I feel really great now at 10-11 weeks post op. My advice is to get the rest you need.

Nanny, you can do it! Seriously, I have cooked without sampling and it is OK.

I am 10 weeks post op, and what I've come to realize is that change is hard, even "good" change. Someone on this board has said more than once that they operate on our stomachs, not our brains. This is an excellent perspective. We didn't get to the point of needing WLS without some kind of "stinking thinking" and the sleeve is merely one of the tools in our tool box. Doubts are normal. And I think mine were strongest right about 2-3 weeks. Keep working on your brain; take this opportunity to grow and change in a positive way. Have you looked at the blog The World According to Eggface? She seems to enjoy food in a healthy way. This blog has given me some insight and a few new food ideas. Best wishes!

I am about 10 weeks post op and I had brisket a couple of days ago. It did not settle well and was somewhat painful going down, big mistake. My nutritionist told me to eat ground meats and fish until I am 3 months post op. I've learned my lesson. I have had the most luck with ground turkey patties. I usually mix the ground turkey with egg and a little bit of bread crumbs. It makes a moist turkey patty, which is very satisfying, better than Greek yogurt. I'll be avoiding beef for a long time!

Just in case you need one more "no" vote, I'm in. Don't eat the popcorn.

I had back pain for a long time too, maybe a month. It still aches occasionally. I also had a hiatal hernia repair, and I don't know if it is related. My best explanation is that I think I was avoiding the use of my abdominal muscles which put a strain on my back. Hope you feel better soon, try to relax.

Yay, that is amazing!

I drink Chike too, and I love it. I have tried the Click as well, and it was yummy, but less protein per serving and caffeine. It is my understanding the Click will be available soon in decaf!

Wow, sorry about your bad episode. I can't believe Lexi died...

I drink Chike, which tastes very good.

I didn't have to do that for my sleeve surgery. I did have to do a bowel prep when I had an ovary removed...depends on the surgeon, as with most advice.

I love her ice cream. Bought an ice cream maker because of it! Satisfies in so many ways!

Wow, might try to take in more fluids, I know that is difficult. Also, are you taking your vitamins? Hope you feel better soon and happy birthday!

Last weekend my husband told me he can't wait until my ex-husband sees me after losing all this weight (about 30 pounds), and that my ex-husband will be blown away (although, I don't think he used "blown away" I think it was more obscene). My husband isn't a typical "macho" man, but apparently there's a competitive caveman in every man. I think he's proud!

I felt the same way, until about week 4 or 5, then the anxiety lifted. I have tiny theory that the Protonix may have made my anxiety worse, it also made me stall, but I think it was good to have used it anyway. Hang in there; there are many chemical changes because of the changes in caloric intake, types of food consumed, and general frustration for the affirmative actions necessary to do the things we formerly took for granted. I don't know about you, but this is the first time in my life I have affirmatively thought about what I was eating, rather than obsessive or mindless eating. It's a drastic change, but it does get better. I am 9 weeks out now and some of these habits are becoming second nature now. But it has taken lots of effort over those 9 weeks, and I have LOTS more effort to go!