AliveAgain

Wow!! I'm jealous. My doctor and RD won't let me go near them. Even when I get to go to soft foods next week, they advise to use the bariatric oatmeals with the lower carbs and high protein. To quote them, "Forget buying the stuff you used before from the store, way too high in carbs!" Hey, whatever works - we're all individuals and our bodies working differently. I wonder sometimes if my doctor is a little "too into" the high-carb thing sometimes. But I'm hear because my previous own attempts would work then fail, so who am I to question it? I have two family members who are doctors with nutrition backgrounds. I know if they knew what I was restricted to, they would think I'm off my nut!!

I've already been on here with my first week post-op distress, and I'm so thankful to all who helped me through. Things seem a little better now with the shakes (I still hate them, but am pushing through). My worry before surgery and even more now is that this is not going to work for me, that I'm not going to lose weight with the sleeve. I know everyone said to expect to come home heavier than pre-op because of all the fluids they pump in you at the hospital. I came home 8lbs heavier. I'm now just over a week from surgery, and I'm only 2lbs. less than what I was the morning of surgery. I'm keeping to my diet plan (there is no way to cheat!) - 64oz or more of fluids every day, 60-70g of Protein and less than 40g in carbs (usually it's hard to hit 30g!) Taking my multi 2x daily, PPI, B12/Folic Acid, Calcium -- all on schedule same time every day. My weakest part is the walking. I love walking, and have been making an effort to get 30 minutes or more in every day. But I'm doing so with bad knees and a ankle tendonitis. My ortho and physical therapist support me fully in why I need to walk right now, but strongly urge me to stay off my feet as much as possible. And of course wear supportive shoes, etc. I find out next week if I need a second knee surgery. Before the sleeve, I enjoyed swimming and cycling because they are low-impact on those joints. But I won't be able to do those for another 3-4 weeks. So I read about all these people who lose 20-30lbs their first month and I'm curious when did it really start to happen for you? I'm scared that 2lbs on Day 8 is just not enough.

First, I get down the PPI with 2-3oz of Water, then my chewable multi and sublingual B12. Then, I usually start my day with a Health Wise shake (15g protein) or unjury shake (20g protein) that I make with 4-8oz of unsweetened soy milk or just water depending on the flavor of the drink. I've been using mostly vanilla, cappucino or chocolate flavors. I also have to add 2tsp of unflavored Benefiber for better movement. Then I try to get in 3-4oz of SF Jell-O in the morning or a SF Popsicle, some herbal tea or water. Then for "lunch" have another shake, same as above. Usually try to get in another flavor to break monotany - usually a cherry, berry or peach - the ones I like least. Usually this time with only water. More fluids through the day. Then for "dinner" I usually have a chicken or beef broth with either a complementary flavored Protein or unflavored Unjury. Sometimes I have half (4oz) without the protein so I can get it nice and hot, then the last 4oz or so with the protein at a nasty room temperature. Can you tell I can't wait to go to soft food in a week?! EVERYTHING is logged in MyFitnessPal app, and I have a litanny of measuring tools to make sure I'm getting no more/no less. I'm averaging between 380-500 calories per day, always under 40g in carbs - usually just under. A majority of that are the Vitamins, Fiber, calcium chew, etc. My protein waivers depending on if I have Unjury or use more water vs. soy, lower days are still above 50. Yesterday I hit 75g of protein! If anyone has any suggestions, let me know!!

Thank you, every one of you lovely individuals! Your response is truly overwhelming for me :smile1: I jotted down every one of your great suggestions. I am calling my doctor today to see if I can go to full liquids. Up until now I didn't even realize I could try pureed/strained tomato basil bisque -- I miss tomatoes so much! I love all kinds of soups, it's been adding the Protein that made them taste horrible and not being able to get them nice and hot. I think from now on I'll keep my protein out of the soups (with some exceptions) so that I can actually enjoy them like a regular meal. Way to go Joiebean, reminding me of Won Ton soup -- one of my favorites as a kid when I was home sick with a cold or flu! The idea of getting back flavorful, savory flavors again just warms my heart. My husband and I are quite the food snobs, always organic and buying fresh from the plethora of food stands we have around us (excellent farmland for produce and fruit). I cannot wait to get into the mushy stage when I can get back to herbs and spices. It's not the quantity I want back, just the ability to TASTE fresh, delicious foods again. I love fish, love chicken, greek yogurt has been a staple in my fridge for years - so I know that stage should be a breeze for me. And we've been strong juicers for a while now, can't wait to shop again for kale and ginger! I felt horrible guilt to be complaining about something so silly as having to down vanilla, chocolate, berry, etc. type drinks -- such a small problem in the bigger picture I know. I really liked Feedyoureye's suggestion of looking at it like medicine, that really clicks with my type of thinking. I have always been highly imaginative and having visualizations works for me. To answer other questions, yes I do have a giant packet and diet plan from my doctor. But it's been a bit confusing to waddle through it all and understand HOW to improve on their suggestions. He is a great doctor, I'm incredibilty thankful to have found him and that I was one of the lucky ones who had insurance to help me out. His RN and RD are trying to help me, but I'm not the easiest person to deal with when I'm not feeling well. Yes, I take Omeprazole 20mg (PPI) every morning. The funny thing is that I suffered from not making enough stomach acid before the surgery, so I'm wondering if I really need it. But no doubt, I'll continue taking it! No problems getting in the Multivitamin, B12/Folic Acid, Calcium w/vitamin D -- all that feels very normal. I love herbal teas, they are the best part of my day. I gave up all caffiene about 6 months ago, and found myself rebounding with energy once I did. I only buy unsweetened almond milk and/or soy even prior to surgery because I had tested positive on a food allergy test for sensitivity to all cow and goat products (and eggs). The greek yogurt and some cheeses were the only things I allowed in moderation. But still, a majority of the protein is WHEY (cow) so no matter what I use, Water or dairy alternative, the whey is still problematic. I have been in the care of a wonderful psychotherapist for about a year now. I'm an A-type personality who works too much and suffers from anxiety/stress disorder, stemming from perfectionism and wanting to please everyone. So to be "down" for a week in bed, tired from regular everyday stuff like walking up and down stairs - just is not my normal self. Besides trying to "find my normal with food" I know that's been the biggest reason for my depression. I'm not used to being this weak! Yesterday, my husband and I fought while out walking and I found myself doing a good click for over a mile. That's what I usually do with stress, work it out with housework, projects or going full speed ahead like an idiot and overdoing it on the physical. Just can't sit still when I'm in a bad mood! I'm suffering a bit from that today, more sore than I was before around my abdomen. I'm listening to it and planning to go-easy today. Oh, and I should mention I'm ramping up on the PMS which is like adding dynomite to building with a raging fire. Up until about age 28, I was an atheletic, svelte 130lbs woman who lived vibrantly. But through a number of accidents and tragedies, I gained over 100lbs in one year, tacking on another 30-40 off and on over the years. At first, I just thought I could get it off myself -- but then it just didn't come off. Then the PCOS started, and that freaked me out. I continued to work 50-60 hours a week with 2+ hours of commuting by car each day, which left no time for exercise (along with injuries). A lot of people I haven't seen in 7 years don't even recognize me, that hurt. Inside, I'm still that girl that loved the 2-3 hours bike rides through the country and kayaking across lakes. I don't really care about what size I end up in, be it 12,10,8,6 -- I just want those things back in my life again. Thank you again everyone. I will reach out to those who I can work with together on this journey - mentoring or mentoree. You are all angels in my book!

I am really confused by your diet just 4 days post-op. My doctor (and most that I've read about) have sleeve patients on all liquid diets for the first 1-3 weeks after surgery before ever adding anything like yogurt, applesauce, much less high-carb items like cream of wheat and oatmeal. Is this just a difference of doctors?