LadyIvy

There is no research to support this theory because there is little research on the sleeve in general. I am sure in another 15 years we may see something on this. We are all guinea pigs when it comes to this surgery. Because there is so little research I tend to err to the side of caution on this one. It makes perfect sense that the carbonation will slowly expand your stomach. It may not be true, but since it seems logical to me, I am going to stick with it.

The other day I was craving a soda really badly. Instead I got a G2 at the store. After a few sips I realized it wasn't a soda I wanted but the fluids. I was just really thirsty and wanted something very cold.

Try using baby forks and spoons and putting them down between each bite.

Yes, I had pain almost 2 weeks out when I overdid it one day. If you use pain meds and cannot bring it below a 6 or so, go to the ER. Better safe than sorry.

I was never told to drink gatorade. I was told water was more important than anything else. Gatorade has a lot of sodium. Unless you lost A LOT of blood your electrolytes should not be imbalanced.

I would never be able to get all my nutrients in at 3 meals a day. Do you manage it Nadz?

You can eat carbs. You SHOULD eat some carbs. In fact, your brain and body use it as fuel. You just want to focus on healthy carbs. The ones that come from "white" foods usually are not the healthy kind. I am particularly sensitive to carbs but need them to fuel my workouts and my graduate studies so I eat them. What this means for me is that I lose about 3-4 lbs a week instead of maybe 5 or 6. I am okay with that because then I am not as tired all the time and I can think to write the many papers you need to in grad school. Also, my breath doesn't stink anymore from the ketosis from a no carb diet. Don't get me wrong, I still don't get in a quarter of what I used to (I am focused on Protein primarily) but no carbs is not a great idea.

I would have a look at the websites for the places your boss is likely to go and mentally decide NOW what you will order if this ever comes up again. Also, you can feel free to say no to a drink and just mention you are trying to drink more water. Most people understand that. I am already finding that this surgery is all about pre-planning. Also, I would not tell someone in my office I need them to go somewhere else just for me. Just have some things to fall back on. This is likely to happen again (whether it be your boss or out with friends). If you are prepared it won't throw you Good luck!

I agree with most of this post. I was addicted to soda too. I cannot ever go back without losing it. When I am craving a soda, I pick up a Powerade zero (this isn't often, but is sweetened with splenda and has 0 calories). That was my worst weakness. I do not completely agree with the NO bread, bad carbs or sweets. It really depends on where your weaknesses lie. There are many breads that contain high quality grains and Fiber. It isn't necessary to cut out breads for the rest of your life unless you know it is a major weakness. I chose this surgery because I didn't want to say NO to anything in my lifestyle. I feel that when you completely deny yourself, this is when you are most likely to fail. This is a lifestyle change, not a diet. To say that you will never again have a bite of cake at a birthday party is unrealistic. It doesn't have to be a whole slice, to have a bite or two and decide you are satiated is what happens when you are living a healthy life. For many people, this cannot occur right away. The surgery only happens to your stomach, not your brain. However, it is very likely you will try something you thought you wanted and decide it is too sweet, or you just have no desire anymore. However, you now know you don't like it and the cravings start to disappear. You don't feel like you had to give up everything you ever love, because you had that bite and you don't love it anymore. Keep in mind, if you have control issues with sweets, this advice may not be for you. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. You are aiming for a healthy LIFESTYLE not another diet. I felt like I had to look at all my previous diets and determine where I failed. This is one of the self revelations I have had as I learn my new stomach. I spoke with my NUT about it just this week and she confirmed that I wasn't rationalizing bad behavior (I had a small cookie on mothers day and even though that was my favorite thing in the whole world, not only was it TOO sweet, but it made me sick for a day) it was part of my process. Now I know that things high in sugar do not make me happy and I don't crave those things anymore. Everyone is different this is a voyage of self discovery. I hope you do what is best for you and change your lifestyle for the better!

I get my first "salad" this Friday and I am so excited! Ironically, I posted this same thing just a couple of weeks ago!

If you aren't used to a very low carb diet you will know when you have ketosis. Your breath will be AWFUL within an hour after you brush your teeth. The last 3 days of my pre-op diet I was swishing almost hourly because my breath was SO bad I could smell it. Its part of ketosis and there is little to be done about it until you either up your carb intake or wait a few weeks (I hear it tapers out for some people with time).

I eat between 4-6 times a day. It depends on how busy I am. Also, "eating" includes my morning breakfast of a protein shake. I agree with everyone. There does not seem to be a difference between a meal and a snack at this point!

I explained to my 7 year old that mommy was going to get surgery. I explained that because I had been sick for the past year it made it hard to exercise and spend time with him outside like I wanted to. He still had questions so I told him that my heart was working a little too hard and had him pick up a 20 lb bag of cat food. I had him walk around the yard with it for 2 minutes and asked him how he felt, he said his heart was racing. I explained to him that was the reason I was having trouble, because I had to carry more than 5 of those bags around everywhere I went. I put emphasis on me wanting to be healthy and play with him without getting tired. That also made it so that now post op, I am much more active. I told him we would play outside more, and that is exactly what we are now doing. I want him to realize it was for health, not vanity and that I was telling him the truth. I also don't mention the amount of weight I am losing around him. I emphasize how I feel, how my clothes fit and that I don't need medications for my heart anymore.

Call the general surgery clinic at the hospitals on post. They will be able to answer it. Also, you can do a visit with your PCM for a referral and get the info that way.

I think you are underestimating the power of your new tool. I would aim for the top end of the healthy weight category. When you make it that far and want to go a little further, you have room. 190 is still large for 5 foot 7. I think your brain is having issues realizing you don't have to be heavy. However, if you are comfortable at 190 set that as one of your goals. It will swing around faster than you think. Set other goals that don't revolve around the scale. As you hit those goals you will see 190 come and go! I set my goal way past what I ever achieved before. However, I have other things that I am working for. For example, I would like to be able to run a 5k without dying. I have a feeling that by the time I get there I will easily reach that goal I have set. If I keep focusing on that instead of lbs I make a healthy lifestyle change. Isn't that what we are all aiming for? In the end, it is all about what feels right to you. You are making a great choice either way! Keep us updated on your journey!

WTG! Keep up the great work!

I would do a nutrition search for local restaurants that you usually go to. You can find a menu as well as calorie information. Honestly though, after doing this, you may find you don't want to waste your intake at restaurants. There are very few that actually have anything nutritious (or not LOADED with sodium which will make you retain water). You may want to look into finding something new and healthy to do with your friend. Good luck on your decision!

Interesting. Thats a brave doc to say there is no downside to bariatric surgery though.

I don't want to open those floodgates. When it comes to soda, I am like an alcoholic. I can't even have one.

I am at 5 weeks and I drink completely normally.

Why are NSAIDS a no no? Is this just while you heal?

Have you changed your soap or detergent? Have you started eating something you never had before? Sounds like an allergy of some kind!

I miss me some cherry limeaid. I gave up soda months ago and that had to go too

Way to hang in there! I heard someone say that a craving is only supposed to last 20 minutes. If you can get past that then you are mostly in the clear!

When did you have your surgery? I did too much about 8 days out and was in pain for a day. It was mostly muscular though and I didn't really have any "deep" pain. Are you still having the problem a few hours later? My doc said if my pain meds couldn't bring it below a 6 in the first three weeks, to go to the ER to just be safe.