Classiladi13

Hello all. I am 7 weeks post op today and I have a terrible time with meat. I'm sure my problem is that I'm not taking small enough bites and probably eating too fast. I've tried hard to take smaller bites and slow down, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to help. I still get that terrible "stuck" feeling in my chest and even my throat. Can anyone offer any suggestions? Also, I'm still hungry quite often. For you veteran sleevers, does this go away? I've read so many posts where others are not ever hungry. This is a definite concern - especially at 7 weeks post op. Any suggestions are most appreciated. Thank you.

Hi all. Can you tell me how far out you were when you started eating Protein bars? I'm a month out today, and having a heck of a time getting all my protein in. On my pre-op diet, I lived on Protein shakes and bars, but I'm so sick of the shakes, I don't think I can stomach another one and would like to know when I can try the bars. I can call my doctor and ask, just wanted to get your input. Thanks!!!!!

Hi all. Today I'm exactly 3 weeks post op. I lost 28 lbs pre-op but I've only lost 12 lbs since surgery; not to mention the scale keeps going up one lb, then down 1. I'm so frustrated!!! I've been reading post after post where people are losing 25 to 30 lbs the first month post op, and here I am with 12. The scale has not moved in a week. Should I be concerned? Also, I am on stage 2 of mushies, and I can eat almost a whole (small) chili from Wendy's. It takes me at least 30 minutes, but I can almost eat the whole thing; and I seem to be hungry quite often. Talk about bummed!!!!!! Has anyone else experienced anything similar to this at all?

What an AWESOME group of people. This is absolutely the BEST support group on earth. This has been VERY enlightening to say the least; and best of all, I feel much better knowing that others have experienced this same type of thing. Congrats to you all and much continued success. XOXO

DITTO; DITTO! I couldn't have said it better my self. I am 23 days out and hungry every few hours! I hate it. I too thought that we weren't supposed to feel hungry. I feel like the food is in my throat, but I'm still hungry in my little tummy. When can we expect this to subside?:confused1:

Thank you all for your responses!!!!!! It's good to know that I'm not in this alone. I was finding myself a bit "depressed" about the whole thing, but then I remembered that I have this wonderful tool and new lease on life. Yes, I am a bit frustrated with the scale, but I've come to realize it's certainly better then where I was! I'm not exercising like I'm supposed to because I am tired and I too am not getting in enough Protein OR liquids. meat seems to be rather hard to get down. I feel like it constantly gets "stuck" in my esophagus and chest. So rather than entertaining that uncomfortable feeling, I turn to oatmeal or yogurt. :wink0: Drinking is just not appealing to me. Before my surgery I wasn't caught dead without a drink. I would drink at least 80 oz of fluids (mostly water) a day; however, post op, I no longer have that desire. I know we are in the early stages, and we have alot to learn about our new stomachs, and alot of changes to make, so I'm going to be patient and thankful. I love and appreciate you all. Thank you for coming to my rescue! P.S. I haven't updated my ticker either. :thumbup:

I had my surgery on Wednesday, September 1st, so I am officially on the loser's bench. This is truly unbelievable. I keep telling myself...YOU DID IT! Now, if only I could get rid of the gas pains in my chest and when taking sips. That seems to be the only thing slowing me down. Someone please tell me that the gas pains will go away. They are miserable. Everytime I take a sip it feels as though I have swallowed a pill the size of a golf ball....UGH. Has anyone else experienced this? How long does it last? All in all this has been a great experience. The doctor, the nurses, the hospital, everything and everyone was absolutely WONDERFUL. I lost 28 pounds pre-op, and very excited to finally be on the loser's bench. Thanks to all of you who encouraged me last week when I felt like backing out due to the loan company. Your words gave me the boost I needed to take back control. I don't think each of you realize how much your testimonies and advice mean to those of us who are (were) preparing for surgery. Continue to share....it's priceless! :confused1:

You will notice a title above the weight loss tickers (not just mine). You can create a ticker by going to that website; there are a few different sites you can use. Best of luck. Let me know if it works....glad to help.

No, I did not have my surgery with Dr. Rodriguez. Your friend will have to stop smoking. I'm not a smoker, but the first seminar I went to the Doctor definitely addressed it and said all smokers must stop and should not smoke after surgery. No caffeine, and no carbonated beverages.

LOL!!!! :lol0: OMG, that is so funny. One of my friends came to visit me yesterday and I told her if I see another "2 for" Applebees, $1.99 Popeyes Chicken and Biscuit, Lonestar Steakhouse, or KFC commercial, I'm going to SCREAM! You have got to be kidding me? I've never even realized how many FOOD commercials are on tv. No wonder we are obese. :001_huh: For every 3 food commercials, there is ONE Jenny Craig, Weight Watcher's, or Nutri-System, weight loss commercial.....unbelievable! Oh well, we are going to be fit n fab before long, and those food commercials will mean nothing to us. BTW, I am starting to finally feel better. I had my surgery exactly one week ago today and I think I might go back (half day) tomorrow. Still not feeling 100%, but I need to get back. How long do (or did) each of you stay home before returning to work? Thanks all....we are on our way!

My surgery took 40 minutes. I lost 28 lbs pre-op and evidentally shrunk my liver a good bit.

Well....the gas-x doesn't really seem to help me much. But I must say that everyone is different so please don't be alarmed by my post. I wish you all the best on Friday....I know you will do great!

LOL...thank you for the laugh. I needed that. I'm only on one PPI (which could be the problem). Are you experiencing any hunger pangs? Unfortunately I am, and I'm not getting all of my water in. I'm a bit shocked that you can have cream of chicken soup so early during your clear liquids phase. Did your doctor advise that?

Unfortunately I do not have a recliner, but I have been propping myself up on pillows. I appreciate your encouragement and advice and believe me, I'm taking it all in. You are all very much appreciated. Thanks for hanging in there with me. XOXOXO

I had my surgery September 1st, so I am just one day behind you. i posted on another forum that I am experiencing terrible gas pains and discomfort, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. I'm so happy to be on the loser's bench, but I had NO IDEA I would be experiencing this much pain. You are right, the gas pain far exceeds the incision pain. Everyone tells me it will end, but when? I feel miserable. I want to Celebrate the fact that I have this wonderful tool to start a new, healthy lifestyle, and I can't seem to get past the discomfort to even celebrate. I know this too shall pass, just wondering when. Congratulations and best of luck to all!

OMG, I'm so jealous. Where in the world did you find the energy to go to Chuck E. Cheese? Are you not experiencing ANY gas pains? I am miserable and I'm so ready for the day to come when I will feel better. I only sleep about 2 hours at a time and the gas pains wake me in my sleep. I can't seem to get comfortable lying down either. I'm really bummed right now, but I'm so happy for you that you are feeling good.

Thank you very much for your response. I will take that into consideration. I've been on the PPI since surgery and unfortunately the hunger pangs seemingly have gotten worse. What about the gas? Have you had found anything that will give you any relief?

Thank you Krista. The doctor gave me a prescription for Protonix and I've been taking the prescribed dosage of 1 per day. I don't understand how that could help the hunger pains though. I've only experienced heartburn or reflux once since surgery this past Wednesday. I too was very bad and took two bites of refried beans last night because i was feeling so hungry. What about protein shakes? Do you drink those? Pre-op I drank the ready-made Atkins shakes and they worked really well for me.

For me, and I'm just speaking on my pain level, it is probably a 7 or 8. I am in alot of pain and discomfort. I cannot lie down for long periods of time because the gas pains are so intense. The thought of taking a drink makes it worse, because I know as soon as I swallow there is going to be ALOT of pain, and as a result, I'm not getting in my full 64 oz. daily. I have another question....along with the gas pains, I feel hungry, very hungry also. Is this normal too? I don't see how I'm going to stay on Clear liquids for TWO weeks. The thought of any more Jello, chicken broth, or flavored Water makes me sick. Any suggestions? I am opened to anything right now.... Thanks all.

Ladies, thank you for your comments. It's good to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I hope I can ride it out for 10 days, cause it hurts. :confused1: Thanks again and good luck to all.

Hi everyone. First off, I want to thank each and every one of you sharing your experiences . Although I do not post very often, I certainly read your posts and they have been so helpful when I go to my doctor's visits, etc. I knew the right questions to ask because of you, so THANK YOU. My surgery is scheduled for September 1. Unfortunately my employer excludes the weight loss coverage, so I am self pay. I was so excited until i began dealing with surgery loans. Let me tell anyone who is considering financing through surgery loans NOT too. For the past week they have been giving me the blues so bad, that I almost cancelled my surgery TWICE, and because of this, I'm left second guessing my decision. So far, I've lost 23 lbs pre-op, and I am so ready for this surgery, but all of the BS surgery loans has put me through I am (or have considered) throwing in the towel. For you veterans out there, please reassure me that this is the very best thing for me to do. I know it is, but for some reason, I've been very depressed today. I feel like I've had to jump through so many hoops that I'm emotionally drained. Help, I need a pick me up. Thanks in advance to you all.

I cannot thank each of you enough for sharing your personal testimonies with me. Truly each of you are amazing! I realize now that this is DEFINITELY the right thing for me to do. Thank you so very much. 3 more days.....and I will be where you are....on the LOSER'S BENCH...HOORAY! Please keep me in your prayers as I go through surgery. I will keep you posted. Thanks again all!:thumbup:

That is awesome and very encouraging. Thank you so much for your reply. Best of luck.

Thank you so much for your reply. You look GREAT! Congratulations!