Tamik78

Hi Heather, I am only 3 weeks post surgery and I can see that I will have the same challenges you are having. I want to strongly suggest that you find a therapist who is trained in counseling those with addictive tendencies. Yes, food can be an addiction--as if most of us don't already know that! It sounds like this is about what's going on in your head, not your stomach. Hang in there. Write down all the reasons you started this journey. Do you journal? If not, get a journal and start getting those thoughts out on paper. Do you have a menu plan? If not, do it. You have come this far and I am sure you an keep going. DONT GIVE UP! For most of us, this is a choice between life or death. Choose life....a healthy fun filled life! Blessings to you

surgery WAS ON 2/3/14. I have used up all my imagination about what I can eat on stage 1! I am so sick of Soup, broth, malt o meal. Most of it makeS me sick to my stomach anyway. I'm ready to just stop eating all together. Anyone have any ideas? HELP!!!!!

Thanks Bella. You have given me hope. I got bold and decided to try a few things. Cottage cheese, hummus, flaked salmon. I went too fast so had to back off. I think I will try eggs tomorrow. I am having trouble getting all my Protein in and fluids.

I am concerned about saggy skin too. I think that all we can do is exercise, eat right and stay healthy! I will not go sleeveless for sure and I am going to camouflage as much as I can. My concern is that I plan on looking for a marriage partner in the next 1 to 2 years. This guy is really gonna have to love me...saggy skin and all! Im 53

Stephanie, where do you get the isopure?

Looking for supportive, successful women buddies to encourage and provide advise.

Any good recipes for egg drop soup? That sounds delicious! Of course, it would taste even better with a couple of egg rolls!

I ate applesauce this morning with my cup of tea. I ate thinned pea soup last nite. I will try thinned mashed potatoes with a little cheddar tonight. I will try the sour cream idea. How does the Boost taste? Some of those Protein Drinks out there taste like poop! That's awesome! I added some low fat sour cream to broth last night, it went down fine and I felt full for the first time in awhile. Ate it a bit too fast though. Congrats on your loss so far! I was sleeved 2/5/14, and as of this morning I'm down 6 pounds from when I came home. Have you tried anything more than creamed soups yet?

I must be a rebel but I take potato Soup, thin it out with Water and add some cheese to the top. Pop it in the microwave and Im good to go. My doc allows creamed Soups on stage 1. So far so good. I stepped on the scale this morning and I have lost 11 pounds. Surgery was 2/3/14!

I wonder if the difference in recovery is due to age? Im 53 and it takes me longer to get well then it did 25 years ago! Mamat02 your doc said if you don't hit goal by 6 months the sleeve has failed? Gosh that's pretty scary! I just cant fail at this! This is my last chance. I'm going to talk to my doc on the 18th when I go for my 2 weeks follow up and see what he has to say about this.

Thanks Annasue. I don't feel so abnormal now!

Sounds like most everyone is doing better then I am. I'm in pain, hungry and craving all kinds of food. I look foreword to seeing and feeling more progress.

I had my surgery on Monday Feb 3rd. I have a lot of pain but it is manageable. Getting in and out of bed is the most painful. I have only lost 1 pound so I am bummed about that! I am having cravings for all kinds of foods that I cant have. I am looking forward to when I have lot a significant amount of weight. Right now I feel like I am in a holding pattern.

I am supposed to be on FULL liquids for 2 to 3 weeks. I am 3 days down now. I can eat cream of chicken soup, cream of potato, Jello, full flavor pudding, Protein drinks etc. The I get to start the mushies. I have heard that Taco Bell refried Beans are awesome at this stage!!!

From what I understand, the pre op is so that we shrink the fat off of our liver so that the doc can see our stomach better. If he cant see the stomach past the liver, the doc is going to have to cut open the abdomen. This means a MUCH longer recovery time, more pain, more risks.

We live in a wonderful world where our pain can be managed. Whether you have a high or low tolerance, you are going to be fine! I am on day 2 post op and the pain is getting less and less very quickly. It only hurts when I move certain ways. Getting out of bed is pretty bad. Get yourself something to grab onto to help lift yourself out of bed. I use and old crutch. Do the barrel roll and push up with your arms to get up. Don't use your sore tummy muscles. I have REALLY noticed a huge difference today. Getting better and better by the minute. Still craving Mexican food and I will have some when the time is right! A Protein packed smaller portion of course!

I had my surgery 3 days ago. It all went smoothly. I was out, then I was awake. Easy as pie! You will do well too. The pain after surgery is easily managed with meds. Don't psyche yourself into having negative thoughts. The professionals know what they are doing. <Make sure your concerns are not just you telling yourself you are not ready for this life change. If you are ready to do this, make a change, be a healthier more productive you, GO FOR IT!! We have one life and one body. What are you going to do with yours?

Confession: When I was on a my 14 day pre-op liquid diet, I did have actual food. If I was so very hungry I would eat one of those tuna packs or at night I have had a grilled chicken breast about 3 times in the 2 week period. I only lost a few pounds before my surgery which was 3 days ago. My "cheating" didn't seem to affect my surgery outcome. But, you really should do as I say and not as I do...follow your doctor. You don't want him cutting into your stomach and finding chicken in there. That may postpone things.

HI! I have a high tolerance for pain but the first night was pretty bad. FINALLY the nurse increased the morphine level and I was able o sleep. You know how it is....you are trying to rest and every 20 to 30 minutes someone is coming in to do something. I am resting much better at home. My doc is going to allow me to do data entry from home so I can get caught up on some work. I dont officially go back to work until 2/18. I sure want to see some results on the scale! When is your surgery?

Ok so when I checked in at the hospital, they did not seem to even compare my last doc apt weigh in to my present weight. I worried for nothing. So, surgery is over. I am on day 2 pot op. I'm not very hungry at all and I am focusing on hydrating (Gatorade and water) and getting Protein into everything I eat. I have not lost any weight, but that is ok. I know I have begun an exciting journey and so have YOU! I look forward to shopping for clothes and ENJOYING IT! That will be a first in my life. I always hated shopping!

Ok, what now? What can I expect? I know liquids for another 2-3 weeks, then mushy etc etc, When I Can eat real food, what should I start with? I am nervous but excited and very very hungry. Thanks

Hi Patsy! Ive been working on this since May 2013 so I completely understand. I was going to have the band too! But last minute issues and I had to change doctors. New doc recommended the sleeve. I guess they take out as many bands as they put in! Too many risks! My surgery is tomorrow morning and I cant wait to NOT be hungry. I am on Clear liquids all day today. Then driving from Prescott to Phoenix. Im excited for you too!

I have not seen my doctor for 3 months. Long story......I had to switch docs at the last minute...only saw him one time. I know that I gained a few in the past 3 months but I know I have lost almost 9 since the pre-op liquid diet. I remember the nurse that taught the class said they will know if we have followed the diet by if we lost weight or not. I don't remember how much I weighed the day I saw doc for the one and only time. So.... am I going n there tomorrow to be told I don't get to have the surgery????

One more day to go. Then 2 hour drive to the hospital on Monday then I will be on my way to health and freedom from a fat body! I cant wait! I already know the mountain I am going to hike as soon as I can!