OwlMom

I also have a bad back and bad knees and recently went through physical therapy. The doctor told me that an elliptical was the best for knees. I have never been able to go very long on a treadmill. Good luck and best wishes on your surgery!

I'm 5 weeks out. I've tried several brands and flavors of protein shakes, made my own and even the ones I used to really like make me gag now. I'm trying to get all of my protein from real food, but it's a slow process. It takes such a long time to eat anything (meals take an hour or two). Having to wait between meals and drinking fluids means that I have days without enough of one or the other. It's certainly better than it was in the beginning, but my body and brain are weak. Can't wait until I can take in more nutrients. No way that I'm taking in empty calories! Need fuel!

Me too! I keep trying different foods, but nothing tastes right or sits well in my stomach. It's a bite of this and a sip of that all day long. One or two bites or sips and I feel full. I feel like I end up throwing out most of it (the food) because I don't want to go back to it and finish later. I'll be glad when this isn't such a chore! I still feel like food has control of my life, just in a different way.

I have hypothyroidism and was sleeved on 8/31. No real problems, other than having to crush my thyroid pill. I was concerned about getting the full dose. Doctor said that I could swallow pill whole after two weeks. Much better! I have lost weight just fine. I lost 7 pounds on 2 week pre-op diet and another 18 since surgery so far. Good luck!

Wow! Good luck with the energy thing. If you have a pedometer, maybe you could try to incorporate steps during the day. I used to have a desk job and would go out during lunch and walk through a nearby plant nursery. It was good for me mentally and physically. I am feeling weaker than I was in the beginning. I think it's because I got so tired of the Protein shakes that when I got to mushy food I tried to get all my protein through food. I just couldn't get it all in. Now I'm trying different Protein Shakes for variety and eating foods that have more protein bang for the bite. I feel like it's two steps forward and one step back. Little by little, it's getting better. Maybe a Saturday morning would work best. Not much, but it might motivate us to do better on our own during the week. This Saturday is bad for me, though. I'll message ArkGirl and maybe you two could meet. If you didn't see earlier, my name's Carol, sleeved 8/31 by Dr. Clayton Frenzel.

Hi Michelle! What is your schedule like? I live near Veteran's Park and ArkGirl is near River Legacy. I'm a stay at home mom, so I have some flexibility during the week. Meet to walk or something?

Jazzeeja, I will be praying for you as well. The support of others through prayer and meals for my family has been such a blessing. Don't turn down offers for help. It makes people feel good to help out. God's peace!

TinaD, you are in my prayers for a smooth surgery and recovery. Remember that God is with you every step of the way.

Advice: Learn to rely on the help of others. I'm a very independent person, but I can't imagine going through this without the support of my husband, son and many friends. I just keep telling myself how good I feel when I'm on the giving end. Also, take things slow. It gets better, but it's tough at first trying to get enough Protein and fluids in. I'm almost 3 weeks post-op and I'm seeing progress. Encouragement: Youve made a great decision for a healthy future. There are a lot of great people on this website to keep you informed and motivated. Good luck! You'll be in my prayers.

Yea! Good Doctor's visit on Thursday. Have to stay on liquids one extra week due to hiatal hernia repair during VSG. Weighed myself Friday (Week 2). Down another 7 lb. Celebrated with a Watermelon Margarita (margarita flavored Crystal Light and pure watermelon juice, plus I salted the rim!)

Celebratevitamins.com

I tried Bariatric Choice. Ended up throwing stuff out it was so bad -- chalky, bitter. I like Celebrate a lot. Great vitamins. Everything from them tastes great to me. It is designed for bariatric patients and actually taste like a treat!

Hey arkgirl! It looks like you've lost a lot of weight. Was this just since your surgery? Here are my stats: High Weight: 273.0 Consult Weight: 262.2 Surgery Date Weight: 250.2 Last Friday (1 Week): 247.2 I weight myself every Friday. Right now it's hard to wait, but I think it will feel more rewarding. I live close to Veteran's Park. Lots of walkers there and the weather is starting to be about right (I'm pretty picky about my temps - hope that will change!). Because of my knees, I'm lucky to walk 1/4 mile at a time -- hope that changes, too!

Well, I didn't say much the first time, so I'll say a little more now. I'm newly 50, live in Arlington with my husband and teenage son. I'm a stay at home mom, which has made this sleeve process easier. I was sleeved on Aug. 31 by Dr. Clayton Frenzel at Forest Park Medical Center. After severe nausea the first couple of days, I seemed to be doing better every day. On Wednesday (Day 6), I went to the ER at Arlington Memorial with a blood clot in my arm. Turned out not to be dangerous, just very painful and scary. I had some sort of panic attack that evening with lots of shaking, sweating and general "crazy person" behavior. Lots of prayer. Took a cool shower carefully, some calming aromatherapy, and lots of TLC from my guys. It helped, along with going back on pain meds for my arm. Back on the mend until Sunday. I went to the big WalMart with my pedometer and walked every aisle whether I was interested or not. Only made it through half the store, mainly due to my son's boredom. Logged over 3000 steps while there. Sunday, I overdid it, although on paper you wouldn't think so. Went to church! I think it was just too much emotionally and physically. Everyone asking how I was, glad to see me, etc. Only made it through 20 minutes and I had to retreat to the restroom. I had terrible pain in my low back (right side), I was sweating and dry heaving. By the time we got home, I was in the worst pain of my life (including major car accident and giving birth by C-section). Doubled up on pain pills, cried for mercy, prayed that I might pass out. Finally, pain pills kicked in and I fell asleep. By 6:00, I was feeling much better and craving watermelon. Found a way to chew on it, swallow the juice and spit out the pulp. It tasted soooo good! Day 12 now. Feeling better and walking more. Mine is not the best story, nor the worst. Just mine. I said that I would say a little more and I wrote a book! Sorry, just got on a roll! I'm hoping to connect with some other Arlington area sleevers during the next few weeks and months. Maybe a mini support group, walking buddies or something. I'll be in touch!

Had surgery Aug. 31. I'm in Arlington, Texas.