sarita

I'm embarrassed because this is such a pathetic NSV, but I figured if anyone would understand, it would be someone on this forum. I went to my family doctor yesterday for weigh-in and blood pressure check, and the doctor put the cuff on me. I immediately told him he put the regular cuff on by mistake, not the "fat" cuff he always has to use. But he said - I think this one fits now - and it did! Still a long long way to go, but this felt kind of good.

HI Pennie - I'm 6 weeks out and have been having toast since about 3 weeks post, according to my doctor's and nutritionist's plan. I have a slice of whole wheat toast with avocado or egg salad or tuna salad or hummus. It is very filling and satisfying and causes me no problems whatsoever. However, they did say to stay away from rice and pasta for the first 3 months, I think because it fills you up too quickly and doesn't leave room for protein. Just wanted to reassure you that you will still be able to have your toast.

Ada, I am just a month post surgery tomorrow, and I can really relate to your question because I am still struggling with it. I am one of the "lucky" people who has had no problems with food since the surgery whatsoever. Everything tastes good to me (no changes in my tastebuds), no foods have bothered me yet, I have not had nausea or thrown up once. I am actually a bit worried because I fear I may not have such great success because I feel so normal. I kind of wish I weren't so "lucky"! But I can tell you what the full feeling is - although it's taken me a while to figure it out. As you are eating, all of a sudden you just feel totally stuffed, as if there is literally no where else for the food to go. You really cannot fit another bite in your mouth, or rather down your throat - and believe me, I have been trying. For the first time in my life, I actually have to leave something over on my plate, even though I have been taking much smaller portions. But there are still the struggles of the old habits which die hard, and that is eating the naughty stuff like cakes and chocolate and other sweet stuff. And that's where the real will power comes in - because even though I won't be able to down a whole chocolate cake in one sitting anymore, I still have to learn not to even start if I want to have results like Tiffy. To lose 122 pounds, Tiffy has had to watch herself and what goes into her mouth very carefully. I just told my friend the other day that unfortunately the sleeve surgery doesn't come along with a lobotomy - I mean cutting out the part of the brain that makes me eat the wrong things. But hopefully, with the help of my sleeve, I will slowly learn to change my habits.

Girly-girl, I'm so happy you asked this question. I had surgery three weeks ago today, and people have already started noticing that I've lost weight and are asking what "I'm doing" to lose. WLS is not that popular here, so I don't think anyone suspects sugery. I had decided not to tell too many people before the surgery, but thought I would tell after. But I find myself reluctant to share the info right now - still want to keep it to myself. On the other hand, I am very uncomfortable not being honest with people when they ask. I have been saying that I'm on a very strict diet, that I started exercising more - yes, all true, but not the whole truth. I really can't figure out why I don't just tell everyone who asks - anyone have any insight on this for me? Other than that, everything is going great. All recovered from surgery, eating all different kinds of food to see how they go and so far so good, hungry sometimes but get full fast (which I LOVE!!!). Got a treadmill and an ipod and have started exercising. Weight loss going pretty well. Went to a support group which I found interesting and helpful. Went to a wedding last night and danced like crazy - no one would have guessed I had surgery ony 3 weeks ago. Think I'm gonna love this sleeve!

Hi Megan I had surgery on a Monday, home from hospital on Wed., and back to work the following Tuesday. But the truth is I could have gone back to work on Sunday if I had had to (just don't tell my boss!). I too have a desk job, and it was no problem going back. I had no pain by then, and no one could even tell I had had surgery (I only told a few people at work). If all goes smoothly for you, then you should be fine going back to work one week post. I didn't need pain meds at all. Also havent needed anything for gas. I bought a few boxes to have on hand, but haven't used them, so maybe it would be a waste to stock up on them. Good luck with your surgery next week!

Wannabe, can I add a few? 11. Have a regular towel fit around me. 12. Fit into boots. 13. Not worry if I'll fit into a ride at the amusement park. (almost happened this summer - VERY embarrassing) 14. Adding to your airline seats - fitting into the seatbelt. 15. Going up a flight of stairs without feeling like my heart is going to explode!

HI I am scheduled to have surgery on Dec 14th. My question is this - my husband and i are planning a trip to Thailand about 7 weeks after surgery. Assuming all is ok after my surgery and that everything is going according to schedule, is that too soon to take a big vacation, or should it be ok? We can't really push it off any later than that, so if we don't go then, we can't go at all this year. Those of you who are after surgery - what do you think? Thanks!

I know the feeling - have also not been sleeping great, not sure why. Have been waking up at 3 or 4 and am wide awake. Am usually a great sleeper. I am a lot of hours ahead of you here in Israel (8 or 9?) so my day is almost over, but it was a really good day - hope yours will be too. I guess today is Day 7, since surgery was last Monday? The weather was good here, so I decided to take a walk and do some errands, and to pick up a few things in the supermarket. Even went for a manicure! I can't remember the last time I walked by choice to do errands, and I can't remember the last time my back didn't hurt me when I took that long a walk. Already seeing some positive changes!

Hi Tracy Just found your posts here in this part of the forum - I was wondering why I hadn't seen anything from you since the day of our surgery. Glad all went smoothly and that you're home safely. Am feeling a bit guilty that my hospital is only 20 minutes from home after reading about your trek. Just wanted to share with you, someone had posted a recipe for easy soup - boiling a few small potatoes in some chicken broth for about 10 minutes, then adding some lowfat cream cheese and pureeing in the blender. It really hit the spot today, just when I needed something a little salty and different from the last few days. Give it a try if you're allowed to eat those things. Take care and feel good! Sarita

Today is day 5 - and so far so good, thank god. The surgeon I used here in Israel doesn't put in a drain, like I have read so many of you had, which I think makes things easier. She also doesn't recommend protein drinks - just straight on to soft liquids like cottage cheese or pudding on day 3. I haven't had nausea at all, just some burning when I drink or eat sometimes. I have noticed that when my stomach is empty, I get an uncomfortable gurgling feeling (Hunger??) which gets better if I eat or drink. I love that I am not really hungry at all. I was a bit depressed on day 3, the day I came home from the hospital, because when I weighed myself I hadn't lost any weight - in fact I had gone up. I felt like when I gave birth and didnt even lose the weight of the baby! But by today the scale seems to have moved down a few kilos, so I am feeling better. My husband said he is going to hide the scale from me! Do you all weigh yourselves a lot too? One strange thing I did have - a huge black and blue mark appeared yesterday near the rightmost incision. Doctor says it's ok, but I was a little concerned at first. All in all have to say that I think I got lucky so far in my recuperation, and am very thankful for it. Wishing all my fellow recent sleevers a quick recovery and quick return back to "normal" - whatever that may be for us now. Take care, Sarita

had surgery at 11:30 this morning and so far so good thank god. was out of bed by 5 and took a little walk and then sat in uupright recliner for few hours. so far just a bit sore when i breathe deeply but other than that ok. hope it continues! hope the other dec 14thers around the wworrld are doing ok too. will write again soon, sarita

Hey Chilli - sleeve buddies or sleeve sisters as Tracy called it! Less than 12 hours till I leave for the hospital early tomorrow morning. Hope we are all back here in a day or two posting our stories and telling everyone how good we feel and how well it's going. Hard to imagine what it's going to be like post-surgery, but at least we have some idea thanks to all those who have come before us and posted their stories. Talk to you all soon, Sarita

Three more days for all us Dec 14thers!! Everyone keeps asking if i'm nervous but I don't think I am - I just feel happy and excited. How do the rest of you feel?

Chancie - I love your ticker. So close to the end now! Seems so far off for me, but I have been so extremely encouraged since starting to read about Chancie's and everyone else's successes the last few days. It really is inspiring and makes me so completely sure of my decision. Thanks so much for sharing your good news! Congratulations!

Funny how different the process is all over the world. I am having surgery in Israel, and the 14-day pre-op diet is a high protein, very low carb Atkins diet. No protein shakes at all, pre or post op. After reading about it here, I asked my surgeon, and she said that for the sleeve she does not prescribe it. Strange, isn't it? Hope it works...

I am so happy that Deb posted this question, because I have been wondering about this since the day I got my date for surgery. Outside of my immediate family, I have only told my bosses, 2 coworkers, and 2 close friends. I have a few other friends I think I should tell because they will probably be insulted afterwards that I didn't tell them, but something is holding me back. Now, reading what you all wrote, I see that most of you feel the way I do. I feel funny being secretive because I am usually an "open book", but this seems more private to me, something I need to keep to myself for now. As you all said, as the weight comes off, I will tell people how, but for now, 8 days pre-surgery, I am going to try to keep my mouth shut! Judy - can you write more about how you are feeling 2 days post surgery? I like to read everyone's stories, before my own story begins!!

Hope it all went smoothly for you Mountainlover. Looking forward to hearing how it went and how you're feeling, since I'm right behind you - 10 days away. Hope you're feeling better soon and are able to post updates. Good luck!

OK - I'm new - what's an NSV???

Hey Carolyn Thanks for your post. Sounds like an AMAZING problem to have to deal with - and I look forward to buying lots of new clothes on my way down! Thanks to all for your reassurances. I thought it would be ok, the doctor said it would be ok to travel then, but then I started to get nervous. Who better to ask then all of you who have already gone through this! And Tracy - it's great to have a sleeve-sister!

Thanks for your reply, Tracy. Hoping to hear more responses along the same line. I see you are also scheduled for surgery Dec 14th. Good luck!

And mine is Dec. 14th in Tel Aviv Israel! Good luck to all of us!!