nurse_ally

Don't be scared. Eating doesn't "hurt", but it definitely feels different. I'm almost 3 mos out and feel absolutely fantastic, and here's how it went for me: For soft foods, I ate alot of fish, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese...some of the soft foods that others ate like tuna and scrambled eggs didn't feel very good on my tummy. Again, it wasn't "pain", just an uncomfortable feeling. Once I was on the soft foods for 10 days or so, I just began trying out little bits of normal food. The key is to chew the heck out of everything, pretty much until it's mush. Steak is no problem, I just chew, chew, chew it. I don't know if I'm just really lucky or if I heal really quickly, but I haven't had one single problem. There have been times early on in regular foods where I've eaten something dense and either didn't chew enough or ate too fast, and food backed up in my esophagus and made me feel like I was gonna throw up, but once it worked its way down I was fine. Don't worry, just be careful and don't push yourself. I know that by the end of liquids I was DYING to eat something, but go slow and enjoy the feeling of chewing again. Good luck!

I'm in the same boat as you are. I'm almost 2 1/2 mos. out and can eat pretty much whatever I want. I do feel restriction and get a horrible feeling if I eat too fast, but there hasn't been anything that I CAN'T eat. I've lost 42 pounds since July 1 when I had my surgery, which is just over 20 pounds a month, which isn't bad. I think we should be counting our blessings that we CAN eat, and are not struggling with the problems that some have as far as not being able to get protein and water in. Like someone said earlier, you're able to eat a small wendy's chili. Before surgery, I could have eaten a small chili, a large fries, a baked potato, and washed it all down with a large coke. A small chili or 8 nuggets isn't gonna hurt us :thumbup: Keep you chin up and be proud that you've lost 48 pounds in only 3 mos! When have you ever done that before? :thumbup:

You guys! This is what we all wanted, to not be able to eat ourselves silly anymore! This is the reason we all got the sleeves done in the first place. I'm just about 6 weeks out and I'm getting to the point where I can pretty much eat whatever I want, just slowly and in small portions. Sparkle, I'm with you on knowing that you need to eat, but nothing sounds good. I find myself knowing that I need to eat, and even being a little hungry, but when I look through the cabinets and there's NOTHING that sounds good or looks good, I just go about my business and haven't eaten anything. Shame on me, I'm not keeping track of cals/protein/carbs at all, and I'm sure I'm not getting all the nutrition that I should, but I'll be danged if I'm gonna gripe about not wanting to eat. I've been dreaming of this my whole fat life! It'll get better, guys. Keep your heads up and know that we're all together in this :biggrin0:

Having a bit of disappointment at the moment, I'm hungry! All the time! I eat small amounts and get full, but in two hours I'm feeling hungry again. I take a PPI (not Nexium, my insurance won't pay for it), and Gas X strips don't really help. Has anyone had this problem? Any suggestions? This stinks!!

Tiffy-my PPI is called Dexilant and I do take it 30-60 mins before I eat anything. And thanks for the info on the GasX strips, I won't be taking them much anymore :001_wub:. ouroborous-I didn't expect to never feel hunger again, but this is a LOT. Like more than before surgery. And fighting the head hunger when my tummy is growling isn't easy. mb20mom-I agree, I wouldn't go back for anything in the world. It's really nice that, even when I'm hungry, a little bit of food takes care of it. globetrotter-how far out are you? if you're more than a month or so, I would think eating shouldn't hurt anymore. I'm about 6 weeks out and I can eat pretty much anything now without pain, unless I eat it too fast. But some things that I thought would be easy going down aren't. Tuna salad hurt. Scrambled eggs hurt. Which really stunk, because I really looked forward to them! Steve-good job on making good food decisions! That's what this tool is for Thanks for your help, everyone! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who still feels hungry.

woohooo hot stuff! congrats!

I went to Dr. Aceves and he used general and spinal, but I'm sure you could have the option of refusing the spinal if you wanted to. As far as using spinal only? As an RN, I really don't think that would be a good idea given the complexity of this surgery. Yes, it's a laparoscopic surgery. But it's still major surgery, having part of a major organ cut out of your body. They can give you really good nausea medication to help keep you from throwing up, if that's a big concern for you. If you're going to Dr. Aceves, contact Nina, his patient coordinator, and she'll answer your questions. She's great!

So I love scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes, but can anyone help me out with some creative ideas for things I can eat on the mushy stage? Are any meats cleared for this stage? I just need some ideas so I don't get bored.... Thanks! :001_tt2:

So I'm a week out today and I'm HUNGRY ALL THE DANG TIME!! I've been doing my Gax X and taking my Nexium just like I'm supposed to, but my stomach growls and I think about food constantly. Is this because I'm just used to chewing and haven't had anything to chew in a week? Is this what's called "head hunger"? Dr. Aceves says clears for 10 days post op but I had some egg drop soup today (hey, it's clear! it just has little tiny pieces of egg in it :thumbup1: and it was pretty darn tasty, but I was able to eat probably 8 oz of it. Any suggestions or advice, or even words of encouragement, would be greatly appreciated

Yay, Kathy! I'm so glad everything went well for you! Getting the head hunger under control really is the hardest thing, though. Even though my tummy isn't hungry, my head still wants to hit the road to Taco Bueno! But it's just a bad habit I'm gonna have to quit. Are you having any pain or nausea? What was Dr. Almanza's clinic like? Again, SO glad you're home and ok :thumbup:

Globetrotter, I know EXACTLY how you feel! I felt the same way the first 10 days post op when I was on clears. The only thing that got me through was ramen noodles without the noodles. And the unflavored protein mixed with the ramen broth tasted like broth with crackers mixed in it, not too bad. By the time I could advance to full liquids, I was seriously about ready to hurt someone for a cheeseburger. But it does get better. If you can make it through the clear stage, the protein is better when mixed with milk. I tried several different protein powders and the ONLY ones I can stomach are the 100% whey protein from GNC in chocolate and vanilla. Mostly just the chocolate. Hang in there, it will get better.

LaSa, I also experienced the little headache you're talking about. I think our bodies are just so used to getting more fuel that they have to adjust to not getting as much. The protein shakes I drink seem to make me feel better when I get that feeling. I drink the whey protein from GNC, don't know if you have those in Canada. They're the best tasting ones I've found. Glad you're doing well! I had a great experience with Dr. Aceves, too :thumbup:

Okay, I'm so glad this thread was posted because I'm feeling the same way. Even though I'm only a little over 2 weeks out, I dropped 18 pounds in less than 2 weeks, and now the scale hasn't moved in about 5 days. I know, I know..I'm super impatient! And I shouldn't compare myself to others. I have a feeling I'm not getting enough calories in and should probably start counting them diligently...

So happy you made it through surgery, the first few days are the roughest. Actually, the whole clear liquid phase made me fairly homicidal! :tongue_smilie: Once you make it to full liquids, it gets better. As far as the ticker, you'll see mine in this reply, click on it and it should take you to the page to create your own. Hope you have a very smooth and pain-free recovery! Keep us posted on your success

I did the ramen noodle broth when I was on clears because the regular chicken broth didn't have enough kick to it. And honestly, I didn't pay one bit of attention to the nutrition facts, I was just struggling to get anything in because I was SO sick of clears! And now I'm to the point where I'm so sick of full liquids I could croak. Can't wait for some scrambled eggs!

Hm...I don't think it took me that long to pass gas, in fact before I left the hospital. Have you had a BM yet? (I'm a nurse, I can ask that

It's honestly not that bad, the chocolate one. I get the 100% whey protein powder from GNC in chocolate. The vanilla isn't really that bad either. Cookies and cream and strawberry were both gross. The unflavored isn't too bad mixed in chicken broth, it almost tastes like chicken noodle soup with some crackers in it. I needed something with a little more flavor than just broth so I bought ramen noodles and just threw away the noodles and made the packet with hot water. To me, the chocolate isn't gritty, but it is a little thick. And when you're able to make it with milk on the full liquid phase, it's REALLY yummy. I'm looking forward to putting some peanut butter in it and whizzing it up with my stick blender. I can also definitely tell by my energy level when I haven't had enough protein. I don't really feel hungry, but I get shaky and tired. One chocolate protein shake and I feel TONS better.

Awww, I was there with Dr. Aceves on July 1, I know this will sound crazy but I'm jealous that you got to experience an earthquake! I've always wanted to feel one, and here in Oklahoma they're VERY rare. My experience was wonderful as well, and I pray your recovery is as uneventful as mine is

Welcome! This forum is a wealth of information, as I'm sure you've already noticed. As far as the protein shakes, the chocolate whey protein from GNC is really not that bad. And one protein shake will fill that little sleeve up and also help keep your hair from falling out. I know you and your doctor will make the best decision for you, though, and I wish you luck and happiness on your journey. It's definitely the best decision I ever made for myself

Oh Kathy, I was in your place just two weeks ago! I'm praying that you do just as well or better than I and that you have a safe trip home. You're in the best possible hands

My tummy is just a gurglin' away, Jenn! I got some of the chewable Gas X and it seems to work for awhile, then the gurgling just comes right back. Also, this was my first night back at work since surgery and I am d-r-a-g-g-i-n-g! I don't know if it's because I don't have enough food on board or if I'm coming down with a cold. Ugh... How are you feeling?

Mi-Mi, they don't do a spinal block as your anesthesia, they use IV anesthesia same as we do here, they just don't use any anesthetic gas. The spinal is for pain medication, much the same as an epidural for women in labor. It's for pain control postop, and it worked wonderfully. Honestly, I didn't have hardly any pain postop and am VERY pleased with Dr. Aceves and his staff. :smile1:

Kathy, your flip flop abs have me laughing I personally enjoy Kathy Smith's cardio kickboxing DVD, and I have a Pick your Spot Pilates DVD with Ellen Barrett that makes my body feel amazing and strong. Plus, Pilates is very easy on the joints and no-impact. I also have bad knees and ankles and do whatever I have to to protect my joints.

I'm with ya, Jen. The clears are driving me CRAZY and I don't care if I never eat broth again. I have to admit I guess I sort of cheated and got egg drop soup from my fav chinese restaurant because I just couldn't take it anymore. I've eaten some the last two days and been fine. Granted, the soup part is clear and I chewed the little egg pieces until they were mush before I swallowed them, but I can't wait til tomorrow when I can eat full liquids. My mommy is making me some potato soup that I'll puree' Anyway, I totally understand how you feel. I'm gonna goole this Cornell program and see what they have to say...

I'm 33 years old from Oklahoma City, OK. I graduated nursing school this past December and I work nights at a wonderful hospital on the oncology floor. Alot of people wonder how I can work in such a "sad" environment, but I don't see it that way. I get so close to my patients because they're in so much for chemo, illness, etc., and I see it as a privilege to help usher them out of this world when their time comes. I've been overweight pretty much my entire life and have lost and gained with diet pills twice. My main problem is portion control, and since my portions have now been drastically reduced, I think things will be looking up for me. I weighed 280 when I made the decision to get sleeved, and my goal weight is 160. I was sleeved July 1 with Dr. Aceves in Mexicali and had a WONDERFUL experience. Thanks, Kathy, for starting this interesting thread...