JerseyGirl68

I agree with the other posters, the majority of surgeries do not have complications. And when you read about them, it can get overwhelming. Best of luck to you!! Best advice I received and took was to walk around as much as as soon as you can. Congratulations!!

I also had a lot of growling noises but it died down after 2 weeks and now, it only happen very rarely, typically with vegetables like broccoli (more gassy). You will get to know if what you are feeling is real hunger - thirst - gas - or head hunger. I was very lucky and did not really experience the "hunger" others have. I was on Prilosec for a month and have not had issues with gas. Congratulations ! And good luck going forward.

Best of luck!!

So happy for you DeeDee!! Good luck and congratulations on all these great changes for you!

UGH. I have faith in us!! We can turn it around.

Same boat here. I just have to hope that our bodies are playing catch up and will start up the loss again.

As with any maintenance plan, you would increase/adjust your calories/fat/carbs and find a level where you are no longer steadily losing. Your NUT would be able to really map it out for you.

I'm so sorry you are struggling. The mental aspects are the hardest. I know that every time I got past a hurdle (pre-op diet, liquid diet, pureed... ) I took it as a personal victory. Try not to succumb to the "Can't... Simply because you DID. You DID get past the staple issue. You DID get past liquids. All you baby! You're off your meds. All victories. I never think of foods I will never have. Because there are none. I CAN have whatever I want. I choose to have what is best for me. I had to have a talk with my mom. Good ole Irish, Catholic, never-met-a-cake she didn't like mom. She never had a weight issue her entire life. I guess I fully waded into my dad's gene pool. Anyway, cannot help herself and tries to feed us all (I have 9 brothers & sisters) Every time I was at her house, she offered food with a statement "you have to eat SOMETHING" About 2 weeks ago we were talking and she asked if any of this process was hard on me. I was honest and told her that her kitchen, the source of soooo many fantastic meals and a never ending supply of cakes and cookies on the table had a visceral reaction from me. I have been to favorite restaurants and not been triggered. Her kitchen does it a lot to me. Her insistence that I eat, didn't make it easier (she kept making suggestions when I said "no thanks" ) I reminded her that there was no way I had ever in my life not gotten enough to eat. lol I told her I had a handle on it and she has WAY more to offer me than a snack when I'm there. I think it got through. Her intentions were always the best and I know that. My biggest wish for you is that it gets easier for you. I am also very happy that you have the support necessary. Congratulations on your successes so far!!

I live alone, and though I knew I would have help available, I made sure I put things where I needed them so I wouldn't have to reach high or bend down for anything "heavy" I had my Protein shake of choice, unjury chicken Soup, a blender, Vitamin Water zero, bottled water, a pill crusher, heating pad, sugar free pudding/jello and very comfy clothes all ready. I had phone/iPad chargers where I could reach them at any time. Even rigged up an extension cord and ran it under my recliner so they could be right next to me and I wouldn't have to fumble. Good luck!!

It is definitely a matter of insurance. I first went to see the surgeon and there was a 6 month supervised diet requirement. 2 weeks later that was lifted and I was able to schedule right away. I was initially scheduled for November 6, but they would have done it earlier. From the time of my first doctor's visit until I was approved was about 5 weeks. I had to have the necessary testing and get all the info for submission. Good luck!!

I also had surgery right before Christmas and was still on full liquids until the day after. I can understand it being hard during celebrations, but really try to focus on all the milestones that this next year will bring to you. When your next birthday rolls around you will physically be in a much different place. Head hunger and our emotional triggers are much harder to deal with than just the food. Can you have pudding? If it is a treat you want for your special day, make a little crustless chocolate cream pie. (non fat pudding and a little fat free cool whip) IT will get easier every day. Good luck to you and Happy Birthday!!!

Awesome Laura! Your willingness to be a voice of reason, support, humor and inspiration have made this journey all the better! A big Thank You and Congratulations!!

There is a thread on here called "Not all proteins are equal" http://www.verticals...ins +are +equal, it gets into types of whey protein, ones that are a good source of protein and ones that are not. See what your NUT recommends, Mine didn't' want me taking them at all, which was fine, I didn't like the taste. Good luck!

Best of luck to you tomorrow. I didn't have a revision, but I did not feel any dizziness after surgery at all. You'll do fine!

It's great you aren't having issues getting in your fluids! I know initially I was able to drink more Vitamin Water Zero than water. It just went down much easier. Congrats on your surgery!!

I don't necessarily know that it will stretch your stomach, but you are still swollen, with a brand new staple line and healing. Having too much, too soon may make you uncomfortable and give you some pain. How long did it take to drink the 20oz?

I had been approved for surgery about half way through the 60lbs loss. They use the weight you are when you first go to the surgeon. At least that is what I was told by the coordinator. I also had more than 100lbs. to lose. If you are on a medically supervised diet plan and DON't lose some weight I would think they would worry more about that. Check with the surgical coordinator at your doctor's office. They have been through all kinds of scenarios and I'm sure they will have answers for you.

I like Vitamin Water Zero, it has several flavors that are more mild than the Crystal Light. Good luck!

I was concerned about this going into the hospital, so I asked. It won't interfere with surgery but, make sure to tell the nurse when you check in. They most likely will not let you use tampons if they plan on giving you a cathedar, but you never know. Best of luck to you tomorrow!

I have lived your frustration, and certainly reading about everyone's ( or at least at times it seems like everyone but you) big losses etc every day doesn't help matters. Since you don't have a NUTm let me ask. How many calories are you getting in? Protein? water? Up until 6 weeks I was taking in about 600-800 calories. At my 6 week followup, after not losing for a few weeks, my NUT told me to aim for 1000 calories. She advised I should be getting the majority of those calories and my protein from regular lean foods, not shakes/bars. (she ok'd one Protein bar or shake a day) She advised me to eat 4 or 5 times a day, small meals, about 4oz. each. I've been slow and steady since. I will lose a good chuck (sometimes 10lbs.) in one week, then nothing for two. I made my peace with it. I'm able to get in around 80- 100oz of water a day also. Do you track your food with a program like "MyFitnessPal"? This helps me a lot. Try not to be discouraged, you are doing great!

I agree, I think a bunch of factors go into how much of any particular thing we can ingest. How moist something is, is it more dense... what did we have the last meal we ate... If it continues to concern you, track what you're having and bring it in to your NUT next time you go. Now I'm curious.. I'm going to have to make some notes on things I can't eat as much of. Interesting topic.

Double check with your doctor, just to be on the safe side. I was instructed to avoid things with Ibuprofen and naproxin (Advil & Aleve) in them. Tylenol based meds might be ok. But again, as with this any new med check with your doctor. Good luck!

Hi Rebecca, I'm sorry you are having a rough time of it. I can't begin to understand all that you are going through, but I certainly can understand turning to food for comfort. I know you are feeling hopeless, but you're not. You have it in yourself to do what is best for you. Don't give anyone else that power over you. YOU owe it to yourself to forget about what you did yesterday and focus on what you can do today and tomorrow. You were strong enough to post about your struggles, and I know how hard that can be. You are strong enough to put you first and do what you need to for yourself. I hope things get better for you. Be well.

I'm so sorry you are feeling down today. The most important thing you need to remind yourself is that you are not alone. I agree with Laura. This is about you and the great decisions you are making for yourself now. We have all been there, and regardless of our starting weight, it seemed almost impossible to hope that we'll be as successful as others. You made a positive step towards leaving those feelings in the past. Take it one step at a time and don't focus on other people's numbers, as hard as that may be. Focus on you and what you are accomplishing. None of us put on the weight overnight, it takes time and commitment. Start fresh today, and only look back as a reminder of what you DON'T want to repeat. Good luck!

I've heard a wide range of Post-op instructions as far as what we should be eating. Some come out of the hospital on clear liquids, some on full (like me) and some go right to pureed. Call your doctors/NUTs office and ask them what you should be doing. That is your safest bet. Good luck and congratulations on your surgery!!