Butterfly66

I find that I can tolerate more water after a workout. I don't quite understand why.

Have you tried sipping warm water to dissolve it?

As long as she is committed to the lifestyle change and not being able to eat the same foods and drink the same drinks as her peers, go for it! She has to be ready though.

Walking definitely helps.

I had the same kind of pain. Walk, walk, walk and drink water. It will pass!

Why were you denied?

I really like Costco's Premier Protein. Haven't tried the chocolate yet. It has low calories, low sugar and high protein. Atkins at the regular store is the same, but a little more gritty.

I read on this site that a stall after the first few weeks is normal with sleeve patients. Keep doing what you are doing, increase your exercise and you will do great! Good luck.

I got to the point where I was tired of the yo-yo dieting...losing 50, gaining 20, etc. Falling off the wagon wasn't just a meal, a day or a few pounds, but a month and 20 pounds. I don't have to rely so much on my own will power. Now my stomach makes the choices for me. I don't regret the surgery for a single second. Weight loss is slower than I thought it would be, but I figure it is because I lost 100 pounds on my own over two years and had already slowed my metabolism by doing so. Inches are coming off faster than the pounds are dropping on the scale. But, like I said, I don't have to rely solely on will power anymore. Good luck. Best life changing choice I have ever made.

I like the skim plus. It has a thicker consistency...less like drinking milk flavored water :-)

I agree. Since our stomachs are so much smaller, it's more important what you put in your body, Protein fills you up longer and gives you more energy. I haven't tried bread at all and just a bite of hamburger, White meats I find don't upset my stomach. Tried thin sliced deli turkey and chicken with no problem, but the roast beef upset my stomach. Haven't tried steak yet.

I am definitely losing more inches than pounds. I'll take it! My butt is getting smaller!!

Anyone else out there have slow weight loss? I lost 100 pounds on my own in two years then tried to get approved for surgery and was told my BMI wasn't high enough. I gained 50 back, lost 25, had surgery and now my weight loss is slow. I would love to hear others similar experiences. Thanks.

What we all have in common is a lower starting weight at surgery. I was 220 when I had mine. I knew right after surgery that I would have to incorporate the same level of exercise I did when I was losing on my own. The difference being, there is no more "falling off the wagon" which I am ecstatic about. No more losing 30, gaining 20, etc. It may take longer to lose, but to always be moving in the right direction was definitely worth it. Best of luck everyone. I am focusing on more exercise and more water. Take care.

Can we take things like ibuprofen, sudafed, etc. post surgery?

I chose this restrictive surgery because I was sick and tired of losing and gaining, losing and gaining...falling off the wagon wasn't just a meal, a day or a few pounds, but a month and 20 pounds. Now my body makes the decisions for me. No more losing to a weak willpower!

I had mine repaired the day of surgery as well. I also didn't know I had one. Haven't had heartburn since!

I think you have to be careful how much you consume because you are eating less and because the alcohol turns into sugar in your body. Definitely need to wait 20 - 30 minutes before or after eating. Enjoy. Remember, everything in moderation. Drink slower. I'm anxious to reintroduce alcohol. I tried a few sips of beer after my surgery and it went well. Haven't tried wine or any hard liquor yet.

I still feel that way, but now my body dictates what I can and can't eat. I love that.

I don't know about protein pills either, but the Unjury brand makes an unflavored protein powder you can sprinkle on anything and add to any liquid. I am going to get some on payday! Good luck and getting enough protein is a big deal. I drink a protein shake in the morning to give me a nice boost of energy for the day. Christi

I am now a month out and can finally eat scrambled eggs. When I take just one too many bites of something, I really pay for it and remind myself not to do that again! It's a trade-off. You decided to do something to end your cycle of weight loss/weight gain. For me, the sleeve will prevent me from falling off the wagon like I have done my whole life. Falling off the wagon wasn't just a meal, a day or a pound...it was weeks and 20 pounds! I don't miss what a can no longer have and am happy that the sleeve makes the choices so I don't have to. It gets rid of the temptation because I know if I tried to eat that cookie or cake or bread I would pay for it miserably! Good luck.

As soon as you are cleared to exercise...do it! And drink a ton of water, just slowly. Remember, after surgery walk as soon as you can. It will really help with gas pain. Good luck.

Don't freak out too much. Stay on liquids these last few days and you will be fine. Remember, some surgeons don't require their patients to go on a liquid diet at all. I was a little worried before my surgery too, but all went well! Good luck and remember, after surgery walk as soon as possible. It will really, really help. Christi

Also, mashed potatoes go down okay in very limited quantities as they are heavy and have lots of calories! Good luck. Let me know what else I can help with. Christi

I am one month post op and can now tolerate chicken breast and canned tuna with mayonnaise. I find the drier the meat, the harder it is to tolerate. I can also have thinly sliced lunch meat like turkey and ham. Light string cheese goes down great and has a good amount of protein. Really mushy vegetables go down okay like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Just small amounts and slowly. I haven't tried any fruits yet. I have found the gluten free crackers go down great with a thin slice of cheese (also good protein). I can finally keep scrambled eggs down (yeah!). Of course protein shakes are great in the morning for a pick-me-up. I haven't tried any red meat yet except a small, tiny bite of a burger I was making for my son. I will have an occasional "Jamba Juice" with extra protein added. Goes down heavy though.