AliveAgain

Syntrax Nectar is my favorite and the one I use the most for protein drinks. They have lots of great flavors that mix well with water, any type of milk, coffee, and juice. I buy mine mostly on Amazon, but my doctor has a good deal on their sample packs for travel.

My doctor explained that braking a vehicle puts more pressure on your abdomen than you ever realize. And should you ever have to come to a last minute stop and brake hard, it could damage your incisions and/or your staple line. If you think about it, a car is 1-2 tons. Not worth the risk. Plus, it can take a while for the anesthesia to get out of your system. Some people longer than others.

It makes me happy when I see people like you, being appreciative and happy for what you have instead of jealous or miserable for what you don't have. I'm right there with you. I've been out of work for nine months, we've had to put having kids on hold for longer than we'd like, and I'm trying to work out how to move 3,000 miles to be closer to family. But in the meantime, I love that I've had this time to heal and work on my health. To reprioritize what is important and put myself to the top of the list again. I'm thankful my weight loss journey has been uncomplicated and easier than I expected it to be -- not easier in that I haven't had to work hard at it -- but that I'm not struggling with it as much as I expected. I feel wonderful, and I'm so grateful to be getting my life back!

I've never heard of taking them every two hours. This was instructed by your doctor? I was told to take a chewable in the morning and in the evening, separate from my calcium due to the iron. Now I just take them once in the morning, calcium in the evening.

My experience was good, no major issues. This was my first surgery besides outpatient knee arthroscopy, so not a lot to compare it to. The nurses who checked me in and did all the prep were very nice, and the head of their bariatric center came and spoke to me at length. The room was nice, thankfully private. Most of the nurses I had were top notch, though the night staff was not the best. Just lack of personality and empathy. They allowed us to bring a recliner from another room for my husband to sleep in, though we got yelled at later by another woman because that chair was from the diabetic area and wasn't supposed to be moved. I complained about her. The staff on the second day was a little lacking in that they didn't communicate with me very well what was going on, if I could go home or was having to stay longer. I rang the nurses station a lot and they took their sweet time to come talk to me. Though I wasn't in pain or anything, and it turned out to be a lot of "oh I thought X person was doing your paperwork." Otherwise, no complications. OR was very clean, and I generally had everything I needed. Best of luck to you!

At least that's what it feels like. Look at all the extra belt strap!!! No extender here! And did you know the armrests go ALL the way down?!

Yep, I was trying to make a funny! I was in economy (I'm too cheap to pay more) but this was my first time flying since surgery. It was just amazing to not hit all the seats walking down the isle, to lift/pull down my own carry on, slide right in to the seat, and have so much spare belt! I could pull it loose when we were in the air, I had extra legroom because my butt wasn't pushing me out. I kept pushing down on the arm out of old habit when it would jam on my saddlebags. The guy next to me asked if I wanted it up because I kept touching it, not realizing it was all the way down!! Also, the energy and stamina I had today was great. A day like today of flying across country used to exhaust me, but I felt awesome. Had my Jerky, my Protein bar, my Blender Bottle and powder. Drank tons of Water, too!! I am so happy because for the longest time I got to a point of hating traveling because of how hard it was in me. I'd have bruises for weeks from jamming every seat, bumping into strange metal knobs. On top of it, I was able to pack for a whole week in just carry on!! Whoo hoo smaller clothes!!

It's different for me every month. Most will tell you days 15-21 are awesome for weight loss because, if your hormones are working properly, and you get the testosterone burst -- you lose more. I slow down between days 24-03 the most, perhaps losing/gaining the same pound for a week. Then it kicks in again.

I wasn't allowed mushy foods (like you listed) until three weeks out. I agree with joyv, go slow and maybe try more liquid protein for now. Unjury and Nectar are great brands you can get on the internet, and Healthwise makes great savory flavors you can add to chicken, beef, tomato broths or strained soups. Yes, 1-2oz or about 3-4 tablespoons is pretty normal for the first month after surgery.

My surgeon first performed the sleeve 12 years ago, and admits a lots of variations have happened to even what they do now. She may be confusing it with stomach stapling which would literally staple the stomach to a smaller portion and leave the remaining unused portion of the stomach inside. Like putting up a wall in the middle of a room with just empty space not being used on the other side. Since then the staples have improved, the "gun" that rapid fires is a major advancement, and the unused portion is removed. I agree that she should have facts before scaring you. I have a group of friends who all work in hospitals, one an ICU nurse, and that's like saying, "Don't get old. Getting old is fatal!" because that's what he sees all the time.

Apple cider vinegar is used to help the stomach produce more acid. My earlier nutritionist prior to surgery had me drinking 2TB before a meal because it was assumed I made too little acid. Since most surgeons put you on an acid reducer for at least the first few months, the ACV may not be recommended. Ask him his thoughts. I love it now because I still get full after just 2oz of meat but if I then have some homemade vinaigrette with veggies or salad, we're talking 1TB, it will open up my appetite a little to get all my protein in. Just an FYI, my hair loss has been very, very minimal. It's more like some thinning, but only I notice.

Do you have the option to use the specialty sections of your grocery rather than the pre-packaged? Here in the states I can go to a fish monger and ask for 2-4oz cut of fish, 6 prawns, 3 scallops; or to the cheese counter where they have all the fancy cheeses, and ask for just 2oz of what you like. That's what I do to keep waste down, plus eating the same thing multiple times in a week. It's not ideal, but I figure it's better than not wasting food and staying unhealthy! Sometimes I'm paying a little more by not buying pre-package or bulk, but then I'm not wasting on the back end. I rotate that one week I will have Greek yogurt, the next week cottage cheese -- but I won't buy both in the same week since my husband eats neither.

I watched multiple videos and have a picture of my post op stomach. I take a look at it sometimes to remember my commitment. But I love facts and research, and I find the human body fascinating. Should have been a doctor!!

Search VST for "sliming" and you will get hundreds of topics on this. It's common with newbie sleevers when eating too fast and/or too much, especially when reintroducing solids in the first 3 months. Your body is signaling that food is stuck in the esophagus and the salivary glands kick in to help it down. It happened to me a handful of times and I always felt better after "letting it come up over the sink." I've only had it happen a few times recently, usually eating out and not pacing myself. I find spitting the extra saliva into a glass helps.

I would say not immediately after you get sleeved, but ask your surgeon. While honey and vinegar are wonderful on their own, your sleeve may not handle them well while it's healing (6-8 weeks). Plus, they are mostly sugar/carbs and depending on your guidelines, you may be restricting those for the first 3 months or so. However, I can say I love vinegar in all varieties and use it multiple times a week in moderation. We make our own vinaigrette for salads and artichokes. It doesn't bother my sleeve at all! I still limit the honey intake to just use in marinades for fish and chicken, with a rare drizzle on plain greek yogurt with fruit.

Fish fills me up like nothing else, probably because it's not as juicy as chicken, pork, or steak. But yes, it's amazing how so little can fill you up! I made a Lazy Caprese salad last night and popped a piece of mozzarella, then some tomato, more mozz, more tomato (man I love summer tomatoes) then sat down to some shrimp marinara and was full in no time. But thankfully if I just wait 15 minutes or so, I can still get in my 3-4oz of dinner.

Only my husband and one good friend (who I know is good with secrets) know. I've had to tell doctors and my personal trainer, but they might as well be strangers to not knowing anyone I know. So far, no problem. I've been able to be "honest" in that the weight loss came from better diet and exercise habits. It's not a lie, just an omission of my tool. The real test will come next week when I visit my family. I want to tell them, but just don't know that they'll understand. I was the only obese one, and a few are underweight for their height. My biggest nag right now: Friends from high school who are close to my church and family. The couple are both obese, much more than I ever was. She's been asking me how I lost my weight, and I'll be seeing them during my visit. I so want to tell them, because I think it would do wonders for them. They are my age with a young daughter, and I'd love to help them consider ways to get healthy. But my rule is that if I tell them, I'd have to tell my family. I'd never put that burden on friends who are close to them to keep my secret. Eating is the one time people will comment. When they see how little I eat. But I brush it off by saying that I love leftovers, I ate a big (X) meal earlier in the day, the heat sapped my appetite, etc. and they drop it. Do what is comfortable for you. I'm the same, didn't want to handle the stereotype of "cheating" just yet. I may come clean when I'm at goal, when I can emotionally handle what comes then. Lose friends? Maybe, maybe not. Some people can really surprise you, who's supportive and who's not.

I'm one of those that did not have a problem adapting to this rule. But I barely drank with meals prior to surgery. Now in my sixth month, I admit to keeping a small glass of water with me to sip down vitamins and the Actigall mid-meal. At best I'm taking in one ounce over 1-2 pills. My doctor has no problem with it so long as in still getting my protein and veggies.

I was allowed SMALL CURD cottage cheese as early as my third week in the mushy phase. Granted, I felt full after a single ounce. But it was delicious! I did not like it prior to surgery, but man when you're craving something not liquid -- you'll eat anything. My doctor said not to worry about fat-free since I'm eating so little and only every few days. Had some today in fact! I like to add unsweetened applesauce (a 1/2 ratio of sauce to cc) or have it with a slice of tomato and some salt and pepper. I tried it with salsa when I was craving that flavor and it was quite yummy!

What kind of support system do you have around you? Are you married? If so, can you work out a system with your husband to take the kids for an hour or so a few days a week so that you can hit the gym, or even just go for a walk around the neighborhood? Can you get up early to do these things to avoid the heat? Sounds like you could use some "me time" since you say that does make you feel better. Doing so much for others can be exhausting mentally and physically. I highly recommend making yourself a priority even if it's just for 2-3 hours per week wherever you can find it. Have you talked to your doctor about other anti-anxiety solutions? I tried Wellbutrin, and other medications, fifteen years ago and while it did seem to help with some of my mood swings, it also made me a zombie. I personally hated it, quit all those meds, and haven't looked back since. I still deal with anxiety and depression, especially in situational bouts (losing job, illness in family, etc.) but I made the choice to work at it with cognitive therapy, watching what I eat, exercise and meditation. However, I don't have kids. But all the advice I've every received from "professionals" applies to anyone with or without kids, or spouses, etc: If you're not making time and taking care of yourself, then how can you be your best helping others? I'm with PdxMan: try introducing some healthy carbs in small doses you're comfortable with (green veggies, black Beans, quinoa, etc.) The thyroid needs carbs to function properly, but not the starchy refined carbs. If the thyroid is sluggish, that could be waning on your energy. And do try to work in a walk here and there, even if it's for 5-10 minutes in 95 degree heat. I grew up in the south, I know what it's like. Put on the sunscreen, wear light clothing, bring Water, and soak in the Vitamin D. It will do wonders!!

I could never find adult Tylenol, heard it was discontinued (do not know why) -- so bought children's and it worked for me with aches and pains, not headaches. I was advised to not take NSAIDS while the stomach was healing. But my surgeon allowed me to start taking small does at two months out, and I've done fine with the occasional ibuprofen (400mg) for pain and menstrual cramps. But just like with a normal stomach, it's not good to "eat that stuff like candy" using it daily or in high doses -- and definitely not on an empty stomach. That will mess up any stomach, normal or small. I was told (by a few doctors) that chronic NSAID abuse can actually lead to the stomach producing less acid, causing digestive issues down the line.

I know! I was so bummed when I went from an 8 back to a 7-1/2 because it meant so many of my favorites are now too big. I try to wear them and my foot sloshes around. It's amazing how much I gained in my feet by seeing leather all stretched out!

How much fluid are you drinking every day? Dehydration is known to cause headaches. If I don't drink a minimum of 64oz or so I get them.

Keep the course and it will happen for you. You can only control so much in this process, and I believe the more you relax and enjoy it -- the easier it seems to happen. 33 pounds is a GREAT accomplishment!! If you want to provide the stats of what your intake is for food, fluids, Vitamins we may be able to give some advice. What exercise are you doing? Personally, I find mixing it up to be the best for me. Bike on day, walk or hike, swim, weights, gym class, yoga. Maybe your body needs a little shake up! I know it will happen for you!

It will not take months (plural) to eat real food, I promise. For me, it was about 6 weeks out before I was able to comfortably eat solids again. That was roasted chicken breast, deli turkey, firmer tofu, shrimp, scallops, fish and cooked veggies. I started introducing red meat around 2.5 months with filet mignon, skirt steak, and ground meat in chili. It does fill me up faster than the leaner meats, but I can still enjoy it. I tried my first bite of an In-and-Out burger at about 3 months. Just got a crazy craving and got one. Had about two bites and wasn't impressed. Don't get me wrong, it tasted good, but I just didn't want anymore than that. Now that I'm 6 months out, I can eat almost anything I want. It's scary how I can have a few bites of dessert, pasta, rice and other things I have to limit. I remember that feeling on the liquid diet, wanting real food so badly. It did pass for me, and now I still don't get really hungry unless I go too long between shakes or meals or don't drink enough water in a day. Hang in there!