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I am one month out today. I have zero regrets. I was lucky, the pain was manageable most of the time. I recovered quickly. The lifestyle change is a challenge. I struggle to get in enough calories, Water and/or Protein depending on the day. Today I wasn't hungry so the calories are low but the protein and water are good. Yesterday it was my water that was too low. Eh, I live and I learn. I wouldn't trade the last 6 weeks for anything (I'm counting the crappy pre-op diet too) and here's why: I just regained at least a third of my wardrobe back- my clothes fit better, I can wear high heels all day again comfortably (and you better know that I am rocking them every day right now!), I have had at least half a dozen people tell me how great I look in the last two weeks, I got my glow back- literally my skin is smooth and glowing, I am a slow loser and I'm ok with it- no one knows I had WLS! I'm losing my double chin, I can cross my legs more comfortably, and the best yet- I'm finding me again- my internal strength to make better choices for myself. OP-I don't know you and I don't know if WLS is right for you or how you will fair afterward but I hope your experience is like mine. Sure I've had some bad days (can you say constipation) but man I wouldn't trade any of the bad for all the great stuff above. Best of luck in your journey and to all the struggling sleevers that post.

I'm on soft foods. Tonight was 2.2 oz of pulled chicken in bbq sauce with one slice of ultra thin sliced colby cheese nuked until hot and melty. Tasty!

Went shopping at Whole Paycheck yesterday. Picked up a bag of raw hemp seeds. They seem fairly soft in texture compared to other seeds and according to the package contain a high amount of protein in a few spoonfuls. Anyone tried these? Any suggestions on ways to incorporate them into food?

You look great. Keep it up! You can see a big difference. Not offended here. If conservative people are easily offended, then they probably shouldn't click on a gay and transgendered thread. IMHO.

Good luck on your first day back. I went back last week, it's hard to get all the food and liquid timed right. I try to drink a cup of water before work, eat breakfast in the car on the way in and then do what I can during the work day. On the way home I drink another cup or two of water, etc. You will have to find a schedule that works for you.

My Dr. told me I could take them off in the shower after my two week post op appt.

Pre op diet was hard but you get through it. Post op pain lessened much faster than I thought. Got off the morphine the day after surgery and stopped the at home narcotics two or three days after coming home. Took liquid tylenol off and on for a couple more days and that was it.

Tonight, I was just explaining to my mom what a NSV was. I have had several but my newest is being able to wear my high heels again and I'm now able to wear them all day long. Prior to surgery, I was known for carrying two pairs of shoes and swapping to flats after every business meeting. Now I plan to carry an extra pair of shoes but it's gonna be running shoes so I can exercise during lunch!

Could also have been a blood sugar spike.

I eat between 2-4 oz depending on the item. I have to weigh my food or I eat too much. When I eat too much I get pain between my shoulder blades and if I eat too fast I have a lump in my throat. When you ate your pancake, if you felt satisfied and not in pain or stuffed, then you did a great job getting full without getting overfull.

There is tons of soft food options. Doesn't sound like you eat meat. I do now but was vegetarian for many years. Lentils, soft cheeses, beans, eggs, hummus, soups/stews, over-steamed veggies, yogurt, vegetarian meat substitutes e.g. Morning Star Farms "sausage" patties, "meatballs". Keeping food soft and moist is key so I add different sauces like teriyaki, taco, pasta sauce, etc. I also soften hard foods in yogurt or pudding for example, I have been really low on fiber so I bought All Bran cereal and mixed it with low carb yogurt to soften before eating. Got 8 grams of protein and 13 grams of fiber that way.

I weigh after to so I know how much I am eating. I log all my food in My Fitness Pal

Congrats! You look great. you hair is so cute too!. I love how that shirts just hangs on you now. Wonderful job!

Morningstar Farms breakfast patties: 80 cals and 10 grams of protein per patty. if you are a few months out you can probably eat two as a serving.

You can try it plain, it's not bad but most people make it sweet or savory. I like mine sweet by adding unsweetened applesauce and cinnamon. My girlfriend likes her's savory and adds spices like salt and pepper. I also puréed a container and add sugar free pudding mix with some milk to make high protein pudding.

Smoothies can't be all things at once, i.e. greens, fruit, protein, and dairy. Your better off picking two: fruit and veggies; dairy and protein, etc. Spinach is easier when you are first starting, kale can be a bit bitter at first. Dairy is tricky in smoothies with greens, fruit and OJ or water is a better base. Start with more fruit than greens the first few times and slowly change your ratio as your tastes adjust. Green smoothies are delicious but an acquired taste.

I only had people notice that don't see me every day. Most of my coworkers, etc don't notice. Plus I'm not wearing anything very fitted yet. Some clothes like my jeans are baggy but that's about it.

Where do I buy them?

Dulcolax stool softener works for me. I just bought some psyllium husk to add to shakes. Anyone know if it works?

The length of clear liquids varies by Dr. I was off clears as soon as I left the hospital, I was on full liquids. Follow your Dr's plan but yes, pudding and shakes are allowed on full liquids.

My doc was fine with flying as long as I got up during the flight every couple of hours. I returned to work this week and first thing, hopped on a plane. I had no problems- I am three weeks out. I had a harder time with finding food I could eat than the plane. I also had a colleague with me so they helped with my bags. Good luck!

The biopsy is part of the EGD process- totally normal. Same with the gastritis (inflammation). Tylenol and ibuprofen pre-op are ok, just be certain to take them with a little food to reduce the irritation. None of these factors will affect your surgical dates unless they are severe, accompanied by an ulcer, h pylori positive, or the biopsy is abnormal.

Mine was in my IV at the hospital. The nurses said it was standard protocol for all my Drs post-ops.

I advanced to puréed food a few days early and same for soft food. So far I've only eaten what I'm supposed to but I'm practically on solids. I keep ordering grilled shrimp and every place over cooks the crap out of it, making it tough and chewy. I'm on a business trip so I have no control over the cooking. Chew, chew, chew.