My Sleeved Tummy

that's how I feel too. There were so many wonderful people sharing their experiences, so I thought I'd join them.

Happy New Year to you, too!!!

The mental hunger is pretty difficult to shake. There are times that I see something I want to eat, then I stop and try to pay attention to my body. Is my stomach growling? Do I feel hunger pains? If I don't, I'll try to down my Water and **try** to forget about it, or I'll grab something more healthy that I know will fill me up. Now that I'm 2 months out, I'll eat a string cheese. When I was on purees I would eat some refried Beans mixed with lots of greek yogurt and salsa. When I was on liquids, well...that was ROUGH! Nothing really helped the mental hunger at that stage, for me. It seems to get easier to handle the mental hunger the further I am post-op. I don't know though...each day is different.

For me they have went away. I've only felt hungry once or twice in the past two months--both times were when I was with people who were eating things I couldn't--but wanted to. I know that the hunger sensation does not go away for everyone, so you won't really know until you have the surgery. Just know that even if the hunger doesn't fully disappear, you will definitely be satisfied with less. Physically, you will not be able to overstuff yourself like you could prior to surgery. When I mentioned to my surgeon that I hadn't felt hunger, he told me that eventually the hunger sensation will start to creep back. It might not be similar to before surgery...but it'll still be there.

Eat something with it. It's most likely the Iron in the Vitamin, it makes me incredibly nauseous! I find that if I eat some string cheese or something directly before I eat it, and as soon as I chew it all up, I don't have so many problems with it. Unfortunately, my docs won't let me off of the flintstones until at least 3 months. I begged them to switch it, but they said no. Hope it gets better!

Awesome!!! She seems like a great role model!

FYI---at 2 weeks out I COULD eat chicken. It was pureed, but I could eat it. I was told a puree can be anything as long as it is smooth with no chunks. I'm sorry, but I just feel a lot of times that the way you respond to people--or mock them is rude. What do you mean by "time to clean house?" That's not very supportive.

4alongerlife, I completely agree with you--about everything you wrote. I, too, feel like sometimes this forum gets a little toxic. I'm nearly 2 months post-op (with no complications, thank God), and have been coming here for months. I was sleeved at Mayo Clinic, and I've got to say...I was not put on a rigid post-op program. Nor did I have a pre-op diet. I had 12 days Clear Liquids, a little less than one month puree, then the surgeon/dietitian said I could start adding soft foods in as I felt ready, and advance to a normal diet...as I felt ready. My surgeon has done thousands of surgeries, and the complication rate at Mayo is minimal. If they feel that I can progress as I'm ready...I'll trust them. But, sometimes I also need some advice. I don't want to email the dietitian or call the surgical service every time I want to try something new. For example, popcorn isn't listed in my book. I haven't wanted any, but I have no idea when it's safe to eat, so I look to others who have had this surgery for advice. With so many doctors having so many different plans, you can surely understand why people get confused. Why is it that this person can eat crackers and cheese sticks at 2 weeks out, but another person is told by their doctor they need to wait 2 months? It really makes little sense--since the surgery is basically done the same way in every hospital. Now, Mayo is a HUGE medical institution, known worldwide. If they don't give me a "strict plan" to follow, imagine how many other sleevers, who had their surgeries elsewhere, are in the same boat! Maybe a newbie posts about wanting to eat popcorn or they have a question about WLS friendly fast food options-- it could be because they honestly were not told and did not know. There have been a lot of times I've had questions about certain foods--just curious when others tried them and how they tolerated--but I really haven't felt absolutely comfortable doing that here. I didn't want to be attacked. That being said, I truly understand the risks of eating foods early. I've read enough posts on here to realize that leaks happen (how often they happen due to someone progressing their diet too early, I'm not sure, every story that I have read has been because of some sort of doctor error.), but I PERSONALLY feel that a lot of times threads get completely "hijacked" by the same people all the time, telling their horrible (they are absolutely horrible, I can't imagine ever living through such an experience. You ladies and gents are tough!) stories about complications, scaring the original poster half to death or making them feel like they're complete failures, all the while never offering an answer to their question. We've all been there. We've all made a mistake. We know what it feels like to fail. Instead of reaming the poster out, how about offering some advice or support? Not calling them "nuts" or making them feel worse than they already do? I don't know, maybe I just had to vent all this out, but it's kind of starting to get to me. Maybe this is a reason there isn't a ton of long-term sleevers on the board? I don't know.

I have IBS, diagnosed prior to surgery. It was so bad that my stomach hurt after EVERYTHING I ate. I couldn't even remember what it felt like to not have my stomach bother me. Thus far--7.5 weeks post op--my stomach hasn't been an issue! It's felt so much better, actually! I'm hopeful that my IBS will be less severe/disappear going forward. Dairy is the only thing that seems to bother me now and gives me diarrhea. It sounds weird, but I'm somewhat grateful. When I'm having trouble going to the bathroom, I have a milk based (lactose free) Protein shake. Works every time. LOL

Don't be worried! Those foods pass through your stomach very quickly--leaving room for more. You really won't start to feel full until you start eating foods that are more dense. Believe me, when your tummy has had enough...you'll know! I feel a slight pressure and can sometimes feel my food "stuck" in my throat. Then I know I've overdone it... I never felt that on purees though.

Before surgery I worked out a LOT. I did everything from aqua aerobics, cable classes, yoga, circuit training...jogged on the treadmill and lifted free weights. I could work out every single day for an hour or two (I like exercising!), but my body would not let go of the excess weight! I know exercising when I was pre-op was a very good decision. I was fit, but fat. All my numbers (excluding weight) were perfect, which the doctors told me was because of my working out. They also told me it would help my body heal quicker. I just started exercising again, today. Nearly 8 weeks post-op. Exercising felt the same as before, but I had lost a lot of my stamina and found myself short of breath. It'll come back though. I did 15 minutes of strenuous cardio (my body wouldn't let me do anymore), and about 45 minutes of weight training. To answer your questions, exercising will get easier the more you do it. It won't necessarily become easy just because you've been sleeved. It takes practice. You might hop on the elliptical and find it impossible to even make 5 minutes. The more you try, the better you'll get and you'll soon be able to go 45 minutes...no problem! I don't think your exercising will (or should) decrease just because the sleeve is doing it's job. If anything, it should increase! Exercising will make your body healthy and will help you gain muscle. If you just rely on the sleeve, you will lose weight, yes. But, you will also lose muscle. You'll be skinny, but flabby...if that makes sense? I hope that helps a little!

I'm so happy to hear that! I always get so excited when someone tries my recipes--or an authentic curry--and loves it! The gravy is really similar to what you'd get in an Indian restaurant...minus the cream and ton of oil/ghee. Good for you for getting the spices! You can use them in all sorts of recipes, and since being sleeved I find myself adding turmeric (helps with inflammation and promotes healing, among other things) to nearly everything! Tonight I made a simple dish of shrimp cooked with cilantro, lime juice, mustard seeds, turmeric, coriander, cumin and garam masala...with a little yogurt dipping sauce. So easy...and so flavorful! As for the rice, I've been eating it--in tiny amounts--since I began purees. I don't have any issues with it, and my weight loss has not been impacted. (7.5 weeks out, 39.6 pounds down). You shouldn't have trouble in Asia. There should be plenty of lentils, tofu or paneer, if you're in India.

Preyaa, don't be scared. Everyone loses at different rates. over 16lbs in the first week is amazing! Your body is probably reacting to the shock of that by holding on. Stalls are common, but I assure you...you will continue to lose.

Thank you for the kind compliment! I've thought about developing recipes for sleevers, but I just couldn't do it if it meant I had to cook/bake with artificial sweetners and diet products loaded with chemicals. Unfortunately, when I read posts about what post-ops are eating...they usually involve those two things. I started my VSG blog with the thought that I would post recipes, but I just haven't felt inspired enough, I guess. But, thanks for the suggestion! I might just have to give it another go!

I also work in a hospital, and I was off work completely for 4 weeks, also on restrictions (lifting) for 6. Before I was cleared to go back to work I had to go to Employee Health Services, where they gave me work restrictions. When I went back to work they started me at 4 hour shifts for 2 weeks and now I'm finishing up 6 hour shifts. After the new year, I'm back on normal 8 hour shifts. Did I need all that time? Honestly, I think I did. I was so tired all the time from not taking in enough nutrition and liquids, and had to really figure out how I would manage to eat/drink while working.

I hope you do! If you'd like to try a very mild, somewhat sweet authentic curry...try my Vegetarian (Vegan) Korma. It is hands down my most popular recipe on the blog. I think your kids would even like it! To thin it down, just add Water until you get to the consistency you'd like. To up the Protein, add legumes, Beans, paneer, tofu...even chicken or shrimp would be okay in it too. haha...sorry if I sound like a curry snob. The truth is, I kind of am. LOL Actually, I'm super passionate about Indian cuisine...and just want people to enjoy it. So often people tell me they hate curry. I ask them what kind they've had and they'll tell me something from the Chinese buffet or something made at home using curry powder. I've turned many of my friends (and complete strangers) from absolute curry haters into curry fanatics! I checked out your blog, by the way. Nice progress! I keep neglecting my VSG blog more than I should, but you've inspired me to update today!

the curry sounds good, but for a real authentic curry...don't use curry powder. That stuff is just cheap filler. Especially if you're already using garam masala. Instead, try adding a little ground cumin, coriander and a pinch of tumeric. Before you start cooking the onions/garlic/ginger in the oil, add about a tsp of cumin seeds. When they pop, then toss in the onions. When the onions are soft, cook the garlic and ginger. Then, add the dry spices and cook for a min or so. You can toss in a few slit green chilies or dried red chilies too, for heat. You'll notice a difference...and it will be amazing! You can also make that curry without the coconut milk too. It's really not needed if you're adding yogurt. And I'm not sure why there is soup added...Just use Water or veg. stock. You'll cut out a ton of cals, and have a "homestyle" Indian veg curry! Tip for when adding yogurt to a hot curry (as you usually add it towards the end of preparation)...whip the yogurt first. Don't just add it straight from the container. It makes a huge difference and will help your curry have a balanced flavor. If you don't whip it, you may notice it tastes a little "off." Too tangy. Also, just add a little at a time. You really don't need much.

Congrats, Vicki! I'm only 7 weeks out...and never had a lap band before, but I'd be happy to try and answer any questions you have. Shari

www.myfancypantry.com Since being sleeved (I'm 7 weeks out) I've enjoyed the chicken masala and chole masala quite often. When I was on purees I would blend them up with a little greek yogurt and, occasionally, some rice. Most of the recipes are not completely WLS friendly--but quite a few can easily be tweaked. This blog is fairly successful, and I don't really plan on making it "vsg friendly." I really enjoy cooking with real foods and creating fun dishes. I don't foresee myself using sugar-free ingredients or replacing ingredients with "diet" food. For right now, I don't eat everything that I've posted. My husband does. If it fits into my plan, I'll try it though (just a taste). My ultimate goal is enjoying--with moderation--something I could never do before surgery! To find the curry recipes I've posted so far: On the right hand side of the blog there should be a category menu. Choose "Indian" or "curry" ...they should pop up. I'm hoping I'll be successful with my surgery and eventually I'll be able to enjoy a little bit of anything I make.

Awesome carol! I was sleeved nov 6 (almost 7 wjs post op), and im doing well. I, too, have troubles with some foods. Beef really bothers me. Im on soft foods, and im enjoying that for now. I havent weighed since 5 wks out, and at that point I was 32 lbs down. Congrats on your successes!

I have an indian food blog and cook spicy curries often. Almost 7 weeks out, and I tolerate the spice just fine. I keep a liitle yogurt nearby for if I feel its too spicy.

I started out with the same exact stats you started out with, sleeveofsteel. When I was being seen at Mayo and the doctors were telling me about the different surgeries, they said they wouldn't even consider doing DS on someone with my BMI. It'd have to be quite a lot bigger. I think if a revision is needed, they prefer it be to Rny, unfortunately. I don't know though, I suppose you'd have to talk it over with your surgeon and see if they have any insight.

Sleeved Nov. 6, I feel the same way! Things I used to love...I can't stand now! I don't really want to eat, nor do I care to---but I force myself. I've been pretty much surviving on lactose free chocolate milk (Rockin' Refuel: 30gm protein/12 oz), cottage cheese, greek yogurt and Beans. I can also tolerate chicken, but no other meats. Canned chicken or canned tuna makes me want to puke. I'm glad I'm not feeling hunger like I was pre-op, but I sure hope my tastes become more normal again.

I can't tolerate sugar free things. I talked to the surgeon about it, he said I could have items with regular sugar, but I'd really have to keep track of what I'm eating---and how much. I occasionally have regular fudge pops --60 calories instead of the 40 calorie sugar free ones. For a measly 20 calories, I'll choose the real sugar version every time and refrain from putting the chemicals in my body. I think they prefer us to do sugar free to ensure we don't consume too many "empty calories." Not real sure though.

I wish I liked it. I tried it a couple times and hated it each time. It was just too bland or something. I tried adding fresh herbs and other stuff...still didn't like it. Weird, because I love lasagna and italian flavors. Oh well, I hope you like it though! It really helps to find something you enjoy!