filodough

TIffykins- arrrgghh... what a bummer. I will say a prayer for you, and hope you find relief from the gall stones.

I confess that I have been weighing every day. I know everyone says don't do that, but I am on week 2, and it is tough to stay away. The scale has not moved every single day and it can be a little discouraging. As the weeks go by, I think I will eventually move to only weighing myself once a week.

Coco, Dr Alvarez will give you some pain meds to take with you on your way home. I carried some liquid Tylenol but did not need it. Used the Supradol (pain meds) instead, and they worked great. Good luck everyone, and keep us updated.

Ahhhh..... I thought I was the only person who was initially worried about this. I did have two flights to get home totaling 7 hours. I asked my surgeon about it especially since I was really tired, and did not know how much walking I was going to do. He said that I had been getting some kind of anti-coagulant through my IV. He advised me to try and get up and walk to them bathroom at least once on the flight (which I needed to especially with the liquid that I was sipping). I hope this was helpful.

I had a difficult time ordering it on Amazon. It is a little bit tough to find. My therapist actually recommended the book. I will let you know once I get mind, and read it.

I am only two weeks in, but might I suggest high-calorie foods that are good for you like nuts. They are fairly convenient (no prep), high calories, protein, but good calories and fats.

Another vote for myfitnesspal. I used all the rest before, this one is so much easier, and has an iPhone App as well if you do get one.

I did myfitness pal track today, and these were my numbers. Protein Bullet- 180 cals Muscle Milk light- 100 cals healthy choice lentil Soup (liquidated and sieved)- 300 cals 2 Jello free puddings- 120 cals Total 700 Calories. Is this a lot for the full liquid stage. I had the same can of soup a few times today (just kept getting hungry all day). Am I only meant to have exactly 3 meals? What are your thoughts?

So I finally decided to post to my blog. I am not sure how often I will do this since I am not a 'natural journaler'. I had my surgery Jan 15th, and I have had a fairly good healing process. Here are a few things I have done/learned/figured out- but not in order: ( I am a list maker so heck!) 1. I packed too much for my trip to Mexico. I bought EVERYTHING on the master list that I picked up. The most important things for me were my robe, my comfy yoga pants, my bedroom slippers, and a 'comfy-non-tight' top. 2. I was glad that I picked Dr. Alvarez as my surgeon. I feel that the care I received was top notch, and I think the reason why my recovery has been a little easier than it would have been. 3. Hallelujah for antacids and pain meds. Those first two days... oh boy! 4. I had to fly back home. I would recommend asking for wheelchair access if you were as uncomfortable wheeling/walking/tired as I was. It looked strange for me being fairly able on a wheelchair, but it was worth it. Also- now is a good time for a flight upgrade 5. I hated the taste of the protein drinks, but I have discovered water + protein drink. So I have to drink more (which is OK), but the protein drinks that I have been having- Isopure and those bullets just did not taste as great without the dilution. 6. UNJURY unflavored - has a FLAVOR- and my taste buds don't like the flavor. But I suck it up and drink it anyway. And it has texture too.... arrgghhh- don't get me started! 7. Walking has been a toughie for me. Just no energy. I have been saving my 'sugared drinks' (read: apple juice) as my energy booster. I don't know why/how- but it has given me some energy. 8. I was excited for full liquids, but I have only had one today since I went out to dinner. I had tomato soup. It was yummy. 9. I did not need to get staples taken off. Something about them getting absorbed. I still don't get it. Maybe someone can explain it to me. 10. Most importantly. I am down 11.2 pounds in 9 days. I figured I will be a slow loser, but I am perfectly happy with this number. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

I am in my second week, and have not taken any. I have them in the house for just in case I start getting the crazy acid.

WOW! I second seeing what normal compares to a four year stomach. Whoever thought we would be so interested in seeing stomachs, and ooh-ing and aaah-ing in the process

COngratulations Nagaraj!!!! And I love that you say THRICE!!! I once said that and everyone looked at me like what the hell does that mean. Ah- British school.....

Love, luck and happiness coming your way. And I pray for your speedy recovery. Welcome to day one of the rest of your wonderful life

Welcome lurker. I have to admit - I LURKED for a while too I hope that your appointment goes well today, and that you can move from being a lurker to a loser.

Since I had my surgery overseas, my plan is to get some after-care support locally. I really appreciated and took to heart LAN2k's advice on getting the correct psychiatric/psychologist care. so today I went to my first appointment with a therapist. She has worked with folks who have eating disorders, emotional eating and depression which is why I chose her. The intake session was more to give her information, so nothing huge to report. I know that it will be difficult to find a replacement for food, and food has always comforted me. So this is going to be an interesting journey trying to work through 'my issues'. I also went to an appointment with my nutritionist. I carried the supplements that i have purchased (but still not started taking- will start tomorrow). She gave me a list of what else I need and the quantities needed. She also gave me some really good ideas for 'foods' for my full liquids diet and mushies. Here are a few ideas I picked up today: 1. Mixing in half a pack of UNJURY chocolate powder with sugar free pudding for that extra chocolate load - tried it this evening, and it tasted like dessert. 2. Mixing in my supplements that are in liquid form (which are a few of mine) with my morning protein shake. Only one caveat here, don't mix iron and calcium together. You have to take those separately. I will write down the list of the supplements and portions later if anyone is interested. In other news, I did walk to my nutritionist's office. It was 1.3 miles. It took me 31 minutes. It will get better. And I walked Cooper to the park and back. Him and my neighbor's dog provide QUITE THE WORKOUT!!! So about 2 miles total for today. That is 2 miles more than three days ago.

I have not taked Zoloft , but I am taking Remeron. I just found out that Remeron makes you very sleepy and gives you SERIOUS SUGAR CRAVINGS!!! Ah joy.....!

My starting BMI was 33.3, and I was able to get approved by several doctors in Mexico. I did not try anyone locally because I also wanted someone who had done several surgeries. I believe my BMI is 'low' because I exercised furiously and watched what I ate even before the sleeve. But I do have several food issues (emotional eater), and I am predisposed to be a lot heavier. Both sides of my family hav morbid obesity. My father's sisters all died in their 30s and 40s from comorbidities. The last one passed away in December at 46- she had lived to be the oldest. She is who prompted me to take some steps before it is too late.

Hey Coco, THanks for your friend request. I think you will really like Dr Alvarez and his team. During my stay there he came over to see me about three to four times each time, and this is in addition to all the nurses/attendants checking on me. I got a 32 bougie. My understanding is that it does not make a huge difference (apparently millimetres difference). I did not have to do the liquid diet since my BMI is on the lower end. I did take the UNJURY protein powder that I mixed into my drink on the way back from the airport. (But I have to admit I did not like the taste of it a day after discharge). Good luck to you and your mom Ann. I know it will go wonderful for you as well.

Thanks for the comment DeeDee. You were part of my inspiration for starting to write it down. I feel like your blog/pictures/journey have been really helpful in my own journey.

So the AWESOME non sleeve related news is that I got tickets to the Oprah show with three of my other girlfriends. I AM BEYOND EXCITED! So what is the problem huh....? I have not 'outed' myself as a WLS patient to anyone except three people (who are not part of the trip). We are likely going to go to Chicago for two nights, and make it a total girl trip. My 'typical' girl trip involves hitting up a RIDIC awesome restaurant and having some INSANELY DELICIOUS food. And since I am such a foodie- the expectations would be there. Also, it will be week five for me after the op. My doctor has instructed me to have clears until todays, full liquids next two weeks and purees the week after, and then the week that I am going to the show will be the first one of Solids. Am i over thinking this? Will it be OK? What can I eat without telling anyone anything? What 'temporary conditions' can I say I have that are making me not eat much?

I think the WLS angels were on my side. It started with an unexpected upgrade to first class on my flight to San Antonio. Had my yummy last dinner of fajitas and then went back to the hotel for a sleepless night! The nerves did hit me at the last minute but dissipated after meeting my surgeon and his staff. (oh..... i did cry right before the anaesthesiogist because I was afraid I might not wake up) My surgery was fairly trouble free and I was up several hours later. Was certainly noy doing cart wheels in the hallway but good enough to go to the bathroom by myself. Day two and three of recovery have been comfortable. Whoever invented pain, anti-nausea and anti-acid meds gets a big hug from me today! I get back home tomorrow, and can I hope for another upgrade.... maybe I am pushing it- but its a 5 hour flight..... Thank you guys for being an awesome support. Special HUGS to you too. I thank you, my fiance thanks you and my Cooper send his doggy kisses!

It was Dr. Alvarez