JerseyGirl68

Congratulations on a successful surgery. Please keep in mind that you need to let your stomach heal. It's not all about you being able to tolerate certain foods. Our doctors aren't trying to torture us. They have their reasons for not wanting you to progress a diet faster. Just my two cents, but why risk it? Amy hit it on the head, why risk the integrity of your new sleeve? You can get past this hard part. And if you are determined to continue, call your doctor just to be sure. If you are afraid of what he/she will say, then that should answer your question. I count on this forum for a huge part of my journey, the true medical advise, I chose to leave to the professionals. Good luck.

I was originally scheduled to have my sleeve and gall bladder done together, Unfortunately I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia half way through and they had to stop before I got sleeved... I went back a month later to finish up. My "complication" was just one of those things the surgeon said and had nothing to do with getting both done, they actually think it had to do with my taking an antihistamine the night before surgery. What added complications are they worried about?

Hey there: You'll get a lot of answers to this one.. I will respectfully disagree with Travelbug, I know there are a bunch of folks that adopt this option, but at least an equal amount that don't. I was in the second group. No judgements, to each his own on this one. Just giving another persepctive. Once I made the decision to move forward with surgery, I took a hard line. joined weight watchers (again) and vowed to do my best. During the lead time to surgery I was able to lose 55 pounds. I felt I owed it to myself to do all I could (granted I had a long way to go). This surgery for me was a last resort after 30+ years of never ending dieting. food controlled me for a long time. I didn't want my decisions taken from me because of surgery. Don't get me wrong, I am beyond thrilled that my restriction is firmly in place and doing its job. I made my peace with my eating /overeating issue before surgery and for me that was a huge help. I never once have felt I "Can't" have something, I'm making the best decisions I can. Not to say I don't struggle at times, but pre-op was my chance to tackle so many of the issues that have plagued me. There is a thread on here http://www.verticals...an-opportunity/ It's a great read. I wish you all the best with your pre-op, surgery and recovery!

Hi Nani: I'm so sorry that you're not feeling well and able to enjoy being sleeved. Did your doctor prescribe or suggest a PPI (like Prilosec) for after surgery? How about some home remedies like peppermint tea? You may have heard these before, I feel for you. Be well.

Hey there, It can be intimidating, don't be scared, you are among friends. Have you gotten any direction from your surgeon or Nutrionist? How long do you have to be on clears before surgery? A few things I stocked up on . Bottled Water (more for after surgery, it was just easier to gauge what I was drinking) Vitamin Water Zero (Or other no calorie drinks) unjury chicken Soup, (considered clear liquid and contains protein) Other low sodium Broths sugar free Ice pops. Good luck! Let us know how you are managing.

:-) Back at ya!! Exactly, I truly believe that is why it is so important that not only we share in the victory days but when we're not. I wrote in a post a few weeks ago that I felt so lucky to have had surgery after a bunch of the vets here. Emotionally, has always been the hardest part of any weight loss process for me, reading about the good, the bad, and the ugly reminds me that. Following the lead/the advice/or the "warnings" of those that came before me was and is crucial to my mental state. I always pay attention to those who had surgery around the same time as I did (we're about a month apart), not to compare loss but more to compare experiences. A good reminder of none of us are alone in this.

We all have our moments, there were so many times that I believed that I'm the only one that could possibly feel a certain way... Then a lovely lady, who more often than not, seems to have it all locked down and under complete control, shares that she too has struggles and doubts. Sharing these experiences make it easier for others to share and relate. I no longer feel as though I'm the only who goes through these weight related internal dramas. Sharing when you feel at your weakest gets us all to rally.. And really, what good is a site like this if we can't be there for one another. Laura, it's always a pleasure reading your posts.. they give me a reality check, comedy break and a kick in the a** if needed (sometimes all in one post!) Thanks for sharing all of it, it is appreciated more than you know.

Sweet!!

I totally agree that everyone is different, we all react differently to anesthesia, recovery , meds etc. You'll need to gauge how you feel post-op. I had my surgery on a Tuesday and was back in my office on Monday. I did so with the warning to our president that I'll need to assess how I feel and leave if needed. He was ok with that. I made sure I had all my liquids at the ready and made sure to get up a few times an hour and walk. Though I did not tell everyone at my office I was having surgery, I did tell the two I work closely with. I felt better knowing that someone here knew my situation just in case there was an issue. I was off all pain meds, except for tylenol and felt pretty good. More healing time is always better, you'll have to make the call when you see how you are recovering.

It happens, wet noodle spankigs for you!! Brush yourself off and do the best you can. You deserve your best effort. I know I could very easily give into temptation with things that just slide down, so I won't bring them in the house. Keep treats you can have handy. Get some sugar free Italian ice and keep it in the freezer. I'm mroe surprised that they didn't suggest getting off sugar before surgery. My nut wanted me only on Sugar free puddings etc. I got used to it pretty quickly. We cultivated those bad habits over YEARS, give yourself some time to find a new normal. On the bright side, you can always start fresh. Good luck! We got your back!

Nothing to share as far as the doctors go, but welcome! And congratulations on moving foward with your surgery! Good luck!

See if you can get an appointment as soon as possible. Let them know if you are willing to fill in for a cancellation at the last minute. With vacations etc., it might be worth a shot. Good luck, stay the course and do the best you can!

Documentation is what they are looking for. I got weights from my primary doctor & gyno (even though I had one year with no record) the fact that I could go back years was ok with Blue Cross. Unless your insurance require a doctor supervised diet for a specific time period it may not "help" but I"m sure it won't hurt . Good luck!

I lost 55lbs. in the months leading up to surgery (June '12 to Dec. '12). I feel it helped ease me into the whole new normal. Everyone is different, and has their own way of going into to the process. You are off to a great start! Good luck!

Hey there, Weight Watchers had always been a go-to for me in my dieting career. When I first decided to move forward with surgery, I joined Weight Watchers (again). Their point system always helped me lose, my problem is I had a hard time maintaining, and after about 6 months I always tired of it. Knowing I was going to follow it for a period of time was a great motivator. I wound up losing 55lb.s between joining in June and my surgery in December. I was happy to have a great jumpiing off point and felt that follwing that plan eased me into the stages after surgery. You are smart to be mindful of gaining inbetween and sound like you have the right attitude for wanting to do well prior to surgery. Your points, unless it has changed, is based on your current weight. The new WW plans are more flexible with working with what you want to do (low carb, etc.) I joined online and found the tools very helpful. Good luck!!

I slept in a recliner for a week, then was able to sleep on my back but I was achey when having to get up and use my stomach muscles. Side sleeping came about a week later. I'm not a stomach sleeper so that wasn't an issue for me. I had my gallbladder out the month before being sleeved and the recovery for both was similar (except in diet) Good luck!

I'm so sorry you've had so many complications. Hopefully the physical issues are behind and you can start healing, both physically and mentally from all this, it has to be a lot to deal with. Best of luck to you!

Good luck!!

Congratulations! Great progress!

Best of luck to you!!!

Initially a few bites will make you feel full, you'll still be healing and getting used to solids again. But, after a few months your portions will increase to about 4-6 oz. and since you'll be conditioned at that point to take smaller bites, it will still take you a bit of time to eat. It's all perspective. Taking smaller bites of less food will fill that dining out time and allow you to enjoy a meal out while still benefitting from the restriction. You won't be able to eat as much, but that's what you will want, should you decide to move forward with surgery. Getting the sleeve is only part of it. You have to be willing to commit to the changes and it sounds like you are asking the right questions for you. Read all you can, ask the questions you have, it's really the best way to decide if this is right for you. The first few months after surgery I avoided some social eating situations (specifically, going out places with groups where I knew the food choices would be poor for me at that time) I did that for me. I wanted to give myself and my new stomach the very best opportunity to succeed, and take advantage of the honeymoon period without doing anything to tempt me. 7 months out and I realize now, I'm stronger than I thought. I don't avoid any situation, I just make the best decisions for me. I plan ahead if need be, but I'm willing to do that. I absolutely enjoy myself when I go out to eat, my choices are just better now. Good luck!

I love reading and seeing the pictures! Congratulations on all your success!

WOW, Congrats on your success! DIning out should be as fun for you as it was before surgery. I think we might be more sensitive to "what folks think" when they may not be thinking anything at all. I was a waitress for 15 years all through high school/ college and then some and I don't ever recall having an opinion on how much someone ate unless they had a complaint. It's vacation, go enjoy! If someone forms an uneducated opinion on what you are or are not eating, ignore them. I can understand being bothered if this was happening at your favorite restaurant and you see the servers all the time, but try not to let random people ruin your good time. You are working too hard to let ignorance trouble you. Enjoy your vacation and continued success to you!!

Could be head hunger, but also could be dehydration. Are you able to get all your Water in? And... it could be hunger, it happens. How often are you eating?

Do you track everyday? What is your eating schedule like?