kathp

My surgeon had us progress the following way: 2 weeks liquids (including plain greek yogurt and sugar free pudding), 2 weeks puree, and 2 weeks soft food. Then back to real foods. The change between each phase had how much I could fit into my stomach go back smaller as I adjusted. (My theory was that we were retraining the stomach how to digest the more complicated items so it could only handle the smaller amounts at first. ) Other than the first few days adjustment on a new phase, when I could only fit 2 oz instead of 4, I don't recall not being able to eat, up until this week (which is a reflux issue, I hope). And when this week's issue started, I was on the phone to the surgeon and I have an upper GI scheduled. Remember that the sleeve is the only stomach you have, and you don't want to mess around. I don't think you should be struggling to eat at all. And I think progressing back to real food is important as part of healing. You can live on Protein shakes, but not well and not healthily long term. So I'd call your NUT or your doc ASAP. My $0.02, for what they're worth.

I'm dealing with some issues with my pouch now, 9-10 months out. I was eating chili (that I made myself) almost every day for the last 6 months or so since surgery. Now I think it was too spicy / the tomatoes too acidic. My lesson for the week is "Variety". And I've yet to find a pre-packaged meal that has a good level of fat, carbs, sodium, and Protein for what I want to eat. I have purchased pre-made meatballs, the small ones, (turkey or beef), and they are great to pop into sauce for a meal. I have also done well with the Green Giant just for one veggies with cheese sauce - they work well with a protein. Or the pre-cooked chicken or steak strips for on top of salads. So you can do convenience food, but not all in one package. Kathy

As a comment on the rules: I was told not to drink 15 minutes before, during, and for an hour after eating. And I have a friend who is very into CrossFit postoperative, her carbs are higher than mine because she needs them. But our caloric intakes are pretty close based on the restriction and eating protein first, dense foods, etc. everyone is different Listen to your body...

Your stomach is permanently small. I'm still less than a year out, and I'm back up to near 1000 calories a day. I think as you shift from loss to maintenance you can eat more - but you still can't fit more than 1c of food at a time, and eating too often leads to grazing which leads to weight gain. You don't want to be back for a revision (I actually met someone who has had all three surgeries - band revised to sleeve revised to RNY!). It's a lifelong journey. If you aren't prepared for the lifelong changes, make sure you get the facts and really think. It's a tool and it's not removable

Pre-op nerves are normal. I understand where Recycled is coming from in terms of "not everyone being ready" - there's a lot of people who have it, thinking it's the easy way out (despite all the pre-op education) and then are surprised by the outcome. Yes, complications can happen and they're no joke. It's dang permanent to have the majority of your stomach yanked out. But I've lost a lot of weight. I lost almost 60 lbs pre-op, (I had 6 months diet and exercise required by insurance) and really got questioned by everyone. I've been at a standstill for about three months because bad habits are creeping back in - and I'm still less than a year out from surgery. So the surgery was the right decision for me. And I had "mental" complications, and doubts. And believed I could do it. But if you did your homework, and have a good support system (a big if, and a MAJOR necessity, in my opinion) and plan to follow the rules (do not be planning your next pizza, please), go for it. You will feel better. You can be successful. Obesityhelp reposted a bunch of articles from a therapist on "why weight loss surgery fails" and they were great. If you haven't read them, though, that might be a good idea. The first one talks about the mental piece. And the next one talks about unrealistic expectations. Go to their website and search for the topic. It's a 4 part series, I think. But don't stop your pre-op diet at this point - if you do, your insurance will make you start over! Keep your options open. Good luck.

Hi, I went looking for and found this thread. I've moved from Pennsylvania to Connecticut and have a new surgeon following my care - I was sleeved 5/13/13. I've vomited off and on when I eat too fast or too much or don't chew well. However, the last few days, if I eat too much I puke, and then an hour or so later, I puke again. Saw the new surgeon here in CT and he's ordered an upper GI study. Then possibly endoscopy, etc. I was most shocked when this surgeon said that sleeve patients should only puke maybe once or twice a year! I'm way exceeding that. I was kind of hoping it was the flu, but they ruled that out. Thanks for having other info for me to read on this thread! It doesn't sound impossible to fix.

I would suggest you look at Quest bars, you can get them at GNC (4 for price of 3) or I order mine from Amazon prime by the case. They have 20 g of Protein and are high in Fiber, so the net carbs are closer to 6-8 depending on the flavor. They make a good snack all at once (microwave for 10s out of the foil packet) or even just half a bar sometimes. I think the stuff with more sugar can be a slippery slope. I have had as many as 2 quest bars a day, on a busy day, but try to limit it to one. I think with the more "fluff" food ones, you're better off limiting it even more, but that's just my opinion (as I consider my poor food choices and think pot, kettle). Good luck. I like Protein shakes with soy milk, some fruit, and some powdered Peanut Butter. whey protein is the best, or so I was told. unjury chicken Soup makes a nice change, but don't overheat the Water or it separates. Also, ready to drink protein shakes are good, depending. Oh Yeah Cookies and cream are fun every once in a while. I can almost believe it's a milk shake with the floaty bits.

I'm also looking for a buddy! I've fallen off the right path since my recent move. I need some accountability. PM me if you'd like to work together.

Focus on what you HAVE done! You have lost 58 lbs! You have not gained in 6 months! You have taken positive steps to a healthier you. I battle depression and have for many years. I think that's why I got so heavy in the first place. I have been under a lot of stress and have gained/lost the same five pounds for the last month or so. I know what I'm doing wrong (not following the guidelines), and I know why. But I'm also VERY aware that had I not had surgery I would have gained about 25 lbs in the last month. The glass is always half full AND half empty. And it's not a competition, it's about your journey for you, and their journey for them. It's hard to remember and much easier said than done. I don't focus on the numbers, because I'll make myself crazier. I remember what I can do now - ride roller coasters, fit in airplane seats, use a regular stall in a public restroom, shop in a "normal" store, borrow clothes from my family, work out (oh yeah, that's the other thing I should be doing right now). I remember how far I've come. I remember what size I was wearing last year at this time. I try not to focus on the scale not moving. I weigh myself every day but don't write it down except when I'm at a doctor's office for a follow-up. That's an "official" weigh in. I'm five pounds from one-derland. It kills me some days that I missed my personal goal of being there by Thanksgiving. Then I remember that no one is grading me, this isn't high school, and I'll get there and be there. My body is just adjusting to the new me! But talk to someone, because surgery was on your stomach and not your brain, and it takes a while for the brain to catch up. Love yourself!

Great! Good luck with the surgery. Going into it with a loss is better for your body and recovery.

I freaked out before surgery. I think the doctor's staff would worry about you if you didn't. They were a great help to me. Then I freaked out and had the "buyer's remorse" a few days after I got home from the hospital, and that was pretty normal too. Again, the office was a great support. Remember that there's a reason for what you're doing, and a light at the end of the tunnel. The transition period is not easy, and the surgery is on your stomach and not your brain. It took you more than a few days to be overweight, and it's going to take you more than a few days to be thinner. I still look in the mirror and am surprised, and I still catch myself thinking "I'm too big for that" every once in a while. And I've been down at least 100 for a few months now. I know I still have 30 to go, but I've been just overweight instead of obese for a few months. It feels great! Best wishes, and breathe!

These are all great! I have to remember them for the dumb questions we're all getting way too often.

I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to your family. Please try to celebrate your own success, at least in a small way, despite this terrible tragedy.

I live in Ansonia, so DERBY is super close! Thanks so much, I just called them and they were super nice and helpful and welcoming and just what I needed to hear. The move stress has me fallen off the wagon a bit, so now I can be back on track. Best wishes to you.

Our support group does it 3 times a year. I wish it was more often. However, try shopping at Goodwill! I have found it to be a lot of fun - even though the XLs are also kept in the Plus area in the store by me.