janerose

Hi, My wonderful Doctor told me to embrace my kitchen and start to cook my meals to help me keep within in the program. Well, I have tried - I either burn it (lots of smoke detectors going off) or it just lacks flavor. So, I am wondering if anyone else has this issue and how they solved the problem. I would appreciate any suggestions -

I too have been stalled for 10 days - I am 5 weeks out today - feel great; eat my Protein first (but do have a few crackers during the course of the day to keep down the sometimes "empty" feeling. My pants are baggy so I am looking at that to stay away from being discouraged. I have my six week check up with the Dr. on Friday hopefully he will give me the ok to go to the gym and move the scale along.

Silvia - she was named after surgery when she woke me up gurgling so loudly.........

I posted my decision on my Facebook page a month before my date; I got nothing but positive response (at least to my face) - During the past month many have send messages asking how I was doing! so the other day I posted a simple post "My jeans are too big" I got 62 likes and 25 messages - I told people I did this for my health not to be skinny; I keep positive so my family of friends does also! .

I forgot and drank a gulp of water right after eating some soup - just careless on my part. My stomach started to girgle loudly then all the water came back up - won't let that happen again that is for sure.

Four weeks today - down 24lbs which is great - but haven't lost a pound in a week! very fustrating to say the least. Now trying to find out what I can eat and how much - trying to work in all the water - which is a huge challenge at this point - water makes me feel empty and hungry. Good news - my jeans are too big - today will be their last day, then on to the pile of giveaways.

My pain is in the middle of my back - just started (I am four weeks out) They took me off all arthritis meds so I am thinking this is the issue - I crunch up a tylenol which helps but does not stop the pain. I feel as though my body alignment is off - which could be true as my stomach is alot smaller.....

I miss diet pepsi - it was my go to every morning - always a bottle in the frig for a quick sip to start my day off - this morning I craved Water when I woke up. I think a scallop would be ok - cut up in small pieces. My thought on the food intake is to not totally deprive myself of anything - just a taste is all I need; I am fine knowing that I can eventually have a bite or two of anything my stomach will accept; just not going to eat a half a bag at one sitting - just a taste will be fine. Yesterday I had two parties to attend; ate piece of cheese, small meatball and a piece of shrimp at both - I even ate an eighth of a piece of boneless buffalo chicken - (before I would have eaten 8 of them). I have lost 28lbs to date - my doctor put me on regular food after three weeks (sleeved four weeks ago) so far everything is great - so glad to not feel deprived of anything (except beer and pepsi) - it is working for me!

I had a rash from my chest to my thighs after surgery - Dr. put me on a steriod and told me to use Eucherin claming itch cream- all is well now but it was tough for a week!

Meginola - Exactly what I was looking for! You had some great ideas for someone just like me! I will go to the store this weekend and stock up on all those great easy to make and tasty good foods. Amanda, thanks but at this stage of my life - I don't want to cook for myself anymore - I brought up a family who I cooked nightly for and did a great job of providing meals; that part of my life is over; I now enjoy not coming home from the long days of work and having to "put something together" We are all different people with one common thread - the sleeve

Great ideas - I thank you all. If I could embrace cooking I would - I am not a young person - I have attempting cooking for many years - It is just not something I do well - I can write a story, I can make you laugh, I can run an event for 40,000 people no problem - cooking - well we just don't get along too well

I tried to go back after a week only to come home after four hours - had some issues with low blood pressure and dehydration (minor) Went back full time 2.5 weeks. Really tired by the end of the day - take as long as you can; rest and relaxation is so important after surgery.

Love the receipe and know that I will make it this weekend; with a variation or two - allergic to onions. I just got a cup of chilli at Wendy's and so far so good (three teaspons). I will also try the stew thing (just not with veal) there are so many ways to make this successful!

How about Wendy's chili in a very small portion? I know fast food is bad - but it is fast and less expensive during the week - any more ideas?

My surgery was January 10th - I am on stage five - solid foods and doing fine with eating solids. I just need some food ideas (and yes some fast food ideas as lunches are the toughest at work).

Thanks for the good words - just want my stamina back as my work life is crazy and while I was out the pile of call backs just mounted up. Before the surgery I was on an anti depressant, they took me off and did not replace (with my permission) so at one time I am going through the loss of that - no cocktails for a while - and no comfort food all happening in the dreary winter in New England. Today I feel better and thing are starting to work themselves out. My blood pressure has dropped so the meds had to be adjusted - seeing the cardiologist on Friday. I know this summer when I am walking to the beach without huffing and puffing I will so glad I made the choice.

well, wish I could tell you it was a great experience - the surgery was smooth - but I had a reaction to the adhesive used during the surgery - bad ugly itchy rash. Took a week to gid rid of it; it was unpleasant. Must admit can't get enough Water each day - so I am weak and have very little stamina; trying to do ice tea, gatorade, chrystal lite. Have little appetite at all - eat as much as I can, but nothing tastes right. I miss my crutch which was food. I know it will get better; but for now I feel sad and confused. I have lost 23 pounds since January 10th - but it doesn't make much difference right now. Can't wait to feel great again - which I know I will !

Sleeved on Tuesday, January 10th - the procedure went pretty well - Dr said it took about an hour - came back to room with the necessary PCP for pain and some pretty wild dreams - little pain. When I fully woke up I was nauseus and dizzy this unfortunately continued - vomitting and not being able to vocus and anything. Second day work up with a small rash - still dizzy and just not feeling well, no pain or stomach distress - just everything around it. Sent home and woke up with the rash taking over the enitre area from my arm pits to my knees - could not scratch enough or find any relief - went to Doctor next day who prescribed a steriod - after four days it was better and now is controllable with some Euchrin calming cream. Having trouble with getting all the Water in; got semi dehydrated and began to feel dizzy and tough to stand up for periods of time. Blood pressure was way low; so cardiologist took me off one pil. Today went to Gastric Surgeon who confirmed some dehdraytion and made me promise to try harder with liquids. He said I was recovering very well and put me on a stage 5 diet which allows more real food. I am down 24.7 pounds and feel much better today; went to work for a few hours - (I have such a supportive boss - I am blessed) So in the end it was a good decision to have the sleeve - I do miss food; I loved it so; but am going to make this all work. This is a wonderful place to get it all out - .

I posted it on facebook right after christmas - I was shocked by the amound of support from everyone - I am so glad I did; I am not ashamed - hopefuly I can help someone else find some help!

Tomorrow for me also - as of right now it is 8:00a - expecting a call from the hopsital this afternoon to confirm check in time. Yes, I am nervous - but know I am doing the right thing for my health. Good luck and as they say see you on the losers side of the bench!

Tomorrow is the day! Normally I am a very relaxed person; but for some reason this past week I have been stressed out and cranky. I am certain it had to do with the pre-op diet of no carbs and not having my normal food to comfort me. I am sure I made the right decision but I just want to get through this week; I will be celebrating my 63rd birthday on Friday with a Protein shake and resting at home. Thank you all for the support; so glad I found this website and the over 60 group!

Tomorrow is the day - must admit it was a really rough weekend - the pre op diet (five days) on top of the anxiety of the upcoming surgery (on top of watching my two grandchildren ages 2 and 10 for the past four days). I am feeling very anxious and out of sorts. Yes, I have questioned my decision to go through with the surgery - I love food and it was my comfort - but I want to be healthy and the sleeve will give me the tool to work with to make it all happen. Just want to make it though the rest of today at work - go home, clean my house, and hopefully relax until 6:00a tomorrow morning

Thank you Suzanne for the words of encouragement - five more days; can't wait to have the surgery behind me not in front of me - doing the pre op diet now and it is not easy - I want to eat something other than Protein - but know this will all be worth it. Will definetly keep you posted on the process - I don't know about living to 110; will be happy with 80! thanks again! Jane

After 6 months of Doctor's appointments, sleep studies and prodding and probbing I got the call from the Doctor's office to schedule the date; decided to opt out of December as I have two wonderful grandchildren who I want to watch throughout the holiday season as they go through their concerts and excitment. So we scheduled the date for January 10, 2012 - three days before my 63rd birthday! It is the very best gift I could give myself and my family. All these years of struggling with weight and now not being able to do the things I always did because fo the extra pounds I am carrying around with me. This is my first post - have been reading daily for weeks; being inspired by all of you and your honesty.

One week from today - I have my pre op with the Dr on Friday - January 6th - preadmission at hospital on January 5th. Pre - op diet starts on January 5th. I am excited - can't wait for it to be over and be on my way to a healthy lifestyle.