HELLO ITS ME CAMI

First day back to work....again...since surgery. I worked Tuesday last week, but ended up in the ER Tuesday night b/c of a major kidney stone/infection- fun times. I'm working a full day today- but only 1/2 tomorrow b/c I need to go back to the hospital to have them take this stent out so I should be good to go after that.
I weighed myself this morning, was kinda bummed to see only a few pounds off, since my first week was super successful. I went from 240 pre-op to 238 the day prior to surgery (2/27), first weigh in was on 3/4 and I was already down to 228. Today 226.
I'm having a REALLY hard time getting my fluids and any kind of food/protein in- it's not that I can't keep it down or that it hurts or anything like that- I simply have NO desire to eat or drink... :/ I guess that's better than what I was dealing with before...right?

50 lbs in 5 months, it was slow but it sure feels good !!

Today My weight is the same than last week but I am doing good.No gin and tonics..lol,clean eating!
 
Cauliflour does not agree with me,even when pulverized in the food prosessor,dont know why.
 
ThenI decided to put what I ate in December,lost nearly 17 pounds in 6 weeks,into fitday to see how many of what I was eating.Calories worked out to 1200 plus per day.Fats were 55 plus and carbs were about 70.
At first I thought I must have made a mistake.But I did it twice and the results came out the same.
 
This is shocking as all I ate for weeks were the following.I would take chicken breast,cup into atrips or veal cut into strips or pork cut into strips and dust it with flour.17oz of chicken takes about a cup of flour.Then I would put olive oil in the bottom of the wok and fry it.When the oil was gone,I would add more!I didnt measure it but I am sure that it was a lot that I used!
 
Now,maybe I didnt eat as much as I think I did.Maybe I ate less of it after a week or so as usually when I eat protein only I gradually start eating less.I had 5 cups of tea with milk and 2 dolci gusto cappuchinos per day.Very little water,maybe one small bottel during the day and half at night.
 
With only 2 pounds to goal I am going to try that again this week.
 
At 10 and a half months out I do feel that I can eat more and should start weighing my food again.I ate like this because I regularly get a stomach ache when I eat veggies.Any veggies.I also cannot eat fruit as this causes acid even though I am on a PPI.
 
Now to just reach goal already and then to decide if I should drop more weight.Acouple of my friend's husbands no less,have commented that I am now getting to skinny.Thr girls just say they dont recognize me!I just wish I could see what other people say they see.(they might always be lying..lol)
 
I now wear a size 12 pants and top even though I havent lost more weight but it is very clear that my shape is changing,and not all for the good.I have saddlebags on my upper legs that appeared over the past couple of weeks and my boobs are now a size 36 C.One thing I never realized was that as we get older our waistline increases even when there isnt fat anymore.I use to be very curvy when I was young but now I am straight as a plank and my waist seems to have widened...lol.But I need to just get this weight loss phase over and done with now.It still takes up too much of the space in my head and I just dont want this anymore.
 
I had a bit of a realitly check today when I witnessed a motorcyclist die in an accident.Life is short and all this seems so much less important tonight and in the bigger scheme of things.Accepting myself and others and living life the way the Lord has intended fo me to do is what my focus should be on all the time.I am second!But while Im counting and weighing and logging and cooking and posting I do get a bit consumed with myself which is not the way I should live my life!
 
One more week to goal (positive self talk..lol)

Finally got a mile in at the track today. The temps outside were alot warmer than it had been and I decided to go for it. After walking a mile I came home and weighed in and I had lost another pound. so I was very proud of myself for that. tonights for dinner I decided to focus on protein and so I had Tuna with green beans. I hope it is warm outside tomorrow so I can walk another mile!

Wow, it's been a long time since I have been here. Post sleeve life has been good. Ups and downs and unforeseen events but the majority of it I would not trade if I could. Weight is still an important part of my life but it does not hold the control over me that it did while I was obese or even that it did for the first 18 months post op. I was fanatical about doing everything right in order to shed the weight as quickly as I could. It worked by following the recommendations of my surgical center professionals. I have since realized I can not live the rest of my life so regimented and constrained. That does not however mean that those things that were recommended and I proved worked will be abandoned. It is really about using those tools I learned, in addition to my surgical tool, to manage my weight for the rest of my life. My weight is under my control I am not under it's control.
 
I started my journey on Nov 23, 2010 at 492lbs. One year post op (Jan. 10, 2012) I was 200. Today nearly 2 years post op. (Jan 7, 2013) I set here at 196. This is about 6 lbs heavier than I want to be. I had gotten to a low weight of 177 around September 2012. I was still 4lbs away from "ïdeal" weight but my body fat was under 9% and I felt like crap. For once in my life I made a conscientious decision to be heavier. That concept is still surreal to me even as I type this. I found that I felt the best and looked the best in a range between 185 and 195. I am using a target of 190 as my new life goal. Now is where I get to make myself feel better and preface that this is all weight before any removal of loose skin so in all reality my "real" body does weight less. My best guess based on others I have seen that have had removal is that I have at least 25lbs of skin that could go. Will I ever be able to get the skin removed so that I can actually see what my "real"body looks like? Who knows, I doubt it. And yes there is a bunch of extra skin. I like to make jokes about it, after-all who doesn't want a butt that looks like a Shar-Pei? The reality though is that it sucks. I have bags and folds that are a constant reminder of the size this container used to be. I can dress it well but in my birthday suit it is not a pleasant sight. Uhhhhggggg! Is the extra skin burdensome enough to regret the decision to have surgery, nope, never. The surgery is still the best decision I have ever made.
 
One statement of advice to those looking to go through this that have significant others (in the pre-politically correct days I would have said spouses). Be very aware of what THEY are going through as you are on your journey. This affects them too and often in a blindsiding way. Even the most supportive and enthusiastic partner can get lost in the waves of attention that a successful WLS patient will be seeing. And trust me, when they get swept under and begin to feel like WLS has unexpectedly become their whole life too.....the results are not good.
 
I hope you all are doing well and I will be back more often. I had forgotten how good it feels to simply put into text what is swimming around in my mind. Take care Ya'll!

I'm now 6 weeks post-op and feeling great. My surgery date was November 20th, but it seems like years ago. I'm Down 30 lbs which I think is pretty much on track with what my Doc says I should be losing. I think lower BMIs tend to not lose as quick, and I'm OK with that. I'm trying not to be a slave to the bathroom scale, and I said before surgery I never would. But man it's tough to stay away from it! I said I was only going to weigh myself once a week, but I'm finding myself sneaking into the bathroom for a quick weight check. I'll do measurements again a the 2-month mark.
 
I'm getting used to life with my new stomach, or stomach size rather. There have been a couple hiccups along the way (pun intended), but nothing that makes me regret this life-changing decision. Some of the things that I read on this website and others from my Doc are making sense to me now. My doc used to say that the sleeve is only a tool that is one of many that need to be used to achieve and maintain weight loss. I get that now; Even though I'm restricted by the amount I can eat at any one time, it's still entirely possible to make bad food choices and eat *almost* continuously throughout the day. Sure portion size is limited, but I'm hungry in about 2 hours. I use the word "hungry" here not as head hunger, but as my body really needing food. this is something new for me - and weird. But it's as if my body is getting used to using food as a source of nutrition, rather than my brain using it as a source of comfort or stress reliever. Yes, I have had head hunger twice in the past few weeks and it didn't work out very well. the problem was not in the quantity of food I ate, but the speed with which I ate it. I just can't eat fast anymore! So the feeling of overeating, I mean really overeating, is not pleasant. I'm ok for about 5 -10 minutes, but then it starts - light sweat accross the forehead, heart races a little, dizzy. I don't know exactly what dumping is, but maybe that's what happened to me.
 
Now I have to eat very slowly in small bites and pay attention to the small signals my body gives me telling me to stop (I read this on this forum and didn't believe it). I might have the occassional burp which generally clears the way for a little more food to enter, or the occassional hiccup, but I notice a very slight tingling sensation and a VERY light sweat on the forehead. Nothing major, but similar to the very, very, first stages when you're about to be sick (vomit sick, although I never have). I need to pay attention and wait a couple minutes to continue eating. Usually it goes pretty well, but I'm eating small portions of food almost continually during the day. Yes, I've followed the Doc's plan about 98%.
 
I've determined that I can take 4 swallows of water before I get the light sweat feeling. I've got that one down and never drink more than 4 straight gulps from my water jug. No problem. Other than that, I've had no issues at all with salad, some veggies I've tried, any type of meat as long as its moist and cut into small pieces. I did have a little cheat last week and ate a good handful of toasted plantain chips...maybe not the smartest move, but they went down fine. But I saw the Doc for a followup visit yesterday and he said to be very careful and limit carbs to 30 - 40 grams a day. He said anything over that would slow my weight loss. I didn't have my whole wheat toast with cream cheese this morning.
 
I'm going to the gym around the corner from my apartment 4-5 times per week and walking about 40 minutes on the treadmill. I think its a good time to start exercising (sp?) because even though the gym is full with all of the "This is the Year I'm finally going to lose weight" promise makers, I feel comfortable there because most have a bit to lose. But I feel great, and even though I'm already cleared by my Doc for any physical exercise, I'm going to wait a couple more weeks before getting into some strength training.
 
I'm on my way! More later,
 
Joe
P.S. My libido has returned full strength, yeah! (and stamina is much better too

I'm almost at my 6 month mark. Since the surgery I have had about 40 lbs down (maybe more), definitely lots of inches. I don't feel the "restrictions" that some of you have posted to a significant degree. Yes, if I overeat, but I'm not 2 ouncing it and getting sick like some are posting. I feel like either 3 things exist:
1. I got a good handle on my limitations with my new stomach so I'm inherently just able to deal.
2. The doc didn't take out the 80% or better and my stomach is a little bigger than it should be.
3. My stomach is just stretched out significantly (but I just don't see that being the case).
 
I do feel that I'm able to tolerate more food than I should in one sitting though. The biggest issue I have is drinking with my meals. That....I've learned is a BIG no-no for my body. I will get sick. As long as I don't indulge in fried foods and eat slowly, I'm good for almost anything.
 
I still don't feel the pounds are coming off as fast as I'd like to, but I do confess that I've not been working out consistently for the past 2 months. I've had a couple of health scares with migraines and a neurological condition which I'm still getting dx tests to see what's going on. I just used the hospitalizations to justify my lack of working out.
 
BTW the reason I'm quoting 40 lbs (maybe more) is because I have held true to my resolution to not be a slave to the scale ("My Precious"). I have done well with that part!
 
Other good things...I've still not felt a true hunger pain since the surgery. I am battling mind hunger daily and those old tendencies to eat what I see just to feel better. I do give in to my sweet tooth for at least 1 week out of the month, but I now splurge on sugar free Russel Stover's Dark Choc Pecan Delights and sugar free caramels. I know they're still not calorie free, but it's still progress!
 
My last A1C wad 6.7, which is down from 11.3 (yep. I typed it right!) just prior to my surgery. I was on Metformin too when I clocked 11.3. Since July 14th, I've been off all diabetes meds and I'm sitting pretty at 6.7. That in and of itself was worth the surgery!
 
I'm no longer on hypertension meds. I have not been using my CPAP machine (sleep apnea) and I've been sleeping well, refreshed, no snoring!
Also my lymphedema in my left leg is all but gone.
 
So even if my weight loss seems slow, healthy wise, I'm still a winner. I will get back on the work out horse and hopefully be in the century club by the time my 1 year post-op comes round.
 
I am considering visiting a therapist though to address my stress issues and my mind hunger issues. I still feel I have a lot of emotional issues that I need to address with food.
 
I don't quite have my Sexxy Back, but I'm getting there.
 
Professionally I'm still struggling with the backstabbing Boss but I'm holding strong for now.....

Things are getting to crunch time and I have some major issues that have definitely been relived. First and foremost, I was afraid to have a drainage tube and catheter. I was able to ask my surgeon about this directly and he assured me I won't have either. He went on to explain that usually the tubes are for patients with much higher BMIs for safety reasons. Thank goodness. I am now at the home stretch. I know I am going to be kicking screaming on my way in there but dammit I'm going in there in less than 48 hours and I'm coming out a new woman. Pray for me everyone!

hey everyone :0) did my second weigh in....down 6 more lbs! excited, but not feelin' so hot after tryin' to advance my diet to more regular food....seems my belly isn't wanting to cooperate :0( came home sick from work today & gonna' take the next two off....droppin' back to the broth & cream of wheat for a couple days for a break....time will tell...hope eveyone is doin' well! :0)

It is 2 weeks post-op and all is well!! I feel good. My incisions are healing up nicely and the soreness is pretty much gone. (unless I bend over to far)
 
I'm not drinking enough water yet. Getting about 32 ounces in most days. I know it should be more but I get so nauseated with it!! I find that in the morning I can get more down easier.
I can drink without the squeezing feeling now.
I can't wait till I can get more water down though 'cause it is causing some bathroom issues!! hard ones!! if you know what I mean.
 
I'm still trying to keep a sensitive awareness for Minnie to tell me when she's full. I do good and sometimes when I let myself get to hungry, I don't listen as soon as I should. Bad habits take over and I have to re-organize my thoughts.
 
I honestly wasn't prepared for the emotional struggle being so strong. I knew it would be here and head hunger is real! Food plays/ed such and important part of my life. I truly thought that learning new recipies and balancing a healthy diet that my family as well as myself can eat would be the bigger challenge. I felt that if I could just put enough energy into cooking recipes that were tasty and fitting for us all I would be fine.
And for the most part I am. BUT there are times when the emotions get all fired up and what I used to sooth them in the past just doesn't work anymore. It's like someone changed the passcode and I can't get to my feel good area!! Frustrating and It's definitaly a work in progress.
Thank God I have great support of family and friends.
 
I will take this time to warn everyone about having a love affair with the bathroom scale!!
I loved my scale from the moment I got home from the hospital!! I made sure we saw each other frequently and the feeling was mutal. Until day 5!! Not sure what happened on day 5 BUT our relationship took a dive!! It said I gained a pound and then on day 6 it said I gained another!!! FREAK!
Not sure why, I was doing everything by the book!! I was already on the break of the emotional reality of having to change my coping mechanisms and then this!!!! WHY? WHY??
Alas, I went through this torture for 2 days only to realize at 11pm on day 7 that my scale was playing cruel jokes on me!! Yes, I could stand on different areas of the scale and the weight changed each time. it went down 3 pounds or up 3 pounds!! just depended on where I stood!! LOL I could have died! All that turmoil for nothing!!
So I ended my love affair with my scale. We have broken up for good! I don't know what I've really lost since surgery and won't know until tomorrow when I go for my check up with my doctor!!
hrmph!
I start my mushie food tomorrow and am very excited!! I did have an egg scrambled today and I can't say enough how good that was!! I know, I know, it was a day early and now I'm little nervous that I did something bad. BUT Minnie did just fine and didnt' hurt or anything soo I'm praying that means all is well. Will blog tomorrow to let you know the results. Oh and ALL I could get in was 1 egg....
Merry Christmas
Oh and I can't wait to drive again!! I need to do some secret christmas shopping!!

In 4 months I've learned a lot of things. About myself and my body. I'm now down -51.4 lbs, and past my first goal. I've had a lot of things go wrong over the past 4 months, and my sleeve has saved me from my emotional cycles of binge eating. I've worked hard, made mistakes, but I've recovered. I find confidence in places that I didn't even realize I had lost it. I've been cleaning out my closets and along with the large sizes I've also been shedding a lot of emotional baggage. I'm proud of myself. My impulsive, self destructive behavior was the most obvious with food- and since my sleeve I've become calmer, more clear headed, and grounded. I no longer lose control, and it's trickling into other parts of my life. I'm dating again and instead of accepting mediocre offers, I've set high standards, and remembered that I'm a valued person. Mr. Right will come when it's time. On God's time. I went out Friday night with a good friend, and we took pics together for the first time. Full body shots. And I was flipping out about how I looked in them. She was more shocked than I was at my reaction. When we went to our favorite place downtown, we danced and had fun- and I was scanning the room to see if I was the fattest chick in there. More than a couple of guys took notice of me. I wasn't interested in anything more than a good glance. It just felt good to go out, and not feel all I eyes were on me for the wrong reasons. I look back to so many evenings out with friends where I hid, and felt miserable, and disgusting in my clothes.
 
When I first got this surgery, I was almost paniked at the financing-the amount of money I had to pay as a single mother was jaw dropping. I look back, only 4 months later, and ask myself "Why didn't I think I was worth this gift to myself?" I loved myself enough to get this surgery, and I'm truly a better person, mother, and friend for it. My outlook is bright. And I'm so thankful.
 
Attached are two pictures from Friday night with my friends. I'm now a size 8/9, 164 lbs (and I'm the brunette in the pic!). I started at 216 and a size 16.
 
 
Height: 5'9
 
Highest (Surgery) Weight: 216
 
1st Primary Goal Weight: 169 (Achieved 11/27)
2nd Optimal Goal Weight: 145
 
Sleeve Journey:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 8/17/12- PreOp/Surgery Day w/Pics Posted in Blog
Week 1 (8/24): 204.8 (-11.2)
Week 2 (8/31): 200.6 (-4.2)
Week 3 (9/7): 196.8 (-3.8)
Week 4 (9/14): 193.5 (-3.3)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 9/17/12- 1 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-22.5 lbs)
Week 5 (9/21): 191.6 (-1.9)
Week 6 (9/28): 190.1 (-1.5)
Week 7 (10/5): 187.0 (-3.1)
Week 8 (10/12): 181.9 (-5.1)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 10/17/12- 2 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-11.6 lbs)
Week 9 (10/19): 181.4 (-.5)
Week 10 (10/26): 177.9 (-3.5)
Week 11 (11/02): 176.8 (-1.1)
Week 12 (11/09): 174.7 (-2.1)
Week 13 (11/16): 173.3 (-1.4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 11/17/12- 3 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-8.6 lbs)
Week 14 (11/23): 173.1 (-.2)
Week 15 (11/30): 167.3 (-5.8)
Week 16 (12/7): 168.1 (+.8)
Week 17 (12/14): 164.6 (-3.5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~> 12/17/12- 4 Month Anniversary w/Pics Posted in Blog (-8.7 lbs)

Hello Everyone!!
 
My start weight was 242 and with Kaiser's help, by the time I was sleeved on December 7th, I weighed in at 221lbs. Today is Sunday, December 16th, I'm at 207! I've lost 14 pounds in 9 days. I am extremely happy!! I thank God that my surgery and recovery has been great! I have been Christmas shopping all this weekend! No more use of pain meds since day 5. I'm drinking the liquids although, I am getting a little tired of them. I keep telling myself this is temporary and real soon and (at the two week mark), I will be able to eat moist chicken and very soft cooked vegetables which I love!!
 
I'm very excited and I used to dream of the results but now it is real! It's really happening! I am on my journey! Thank you everyone who is a member on here. Thank you for posting blogs, and just filling out your profiles have helped me so very much! I got a whole lot of information from this site that has helped me tremendously through the surgery.
 
If there is any questions I can answer, or any way I can help anyone. PLease let me know. Otherwise, I wish you all the best!!!

I think I've got this thing about "dumping" with the sleeve.
 
Let me explain.I think I've been eating relatively low carb recently.And I say I think as I am not tracking my carbs,just checking my protein intake more or less every day.But I have not had any added carbs this week except green peppers and onions.Tonight I had a bit of TGI friday spinach and artichoke dip with some veal strips.During the day I had some chicken strips and some beef strips.Had 2 Dolchi gusto cappucinos.And then tonight I decided to have some Amarula liqeur.Its like Baileys.
 
I took one sip and bam,I started feeling hot,nauseas,palpitations,feeling like I had to visit the toilet,felt absolutely aweful.Early post op I had a couple of incidents like this when I would eat some sugar or fat for that matter.But lately I would have a cookie if I wanted or ok,I sont really do sugar at all anymore really.The cookie would be it.Mind you I've had some caramel popcorn and I was fine.
 
But I think sometimes my carbs are just not that low and then the added sugar (like in the popcorn) doesnt affect me at all,makes me super tired but thats it.
 
I think when I am quite low carb and busy dropping weight fast,I cannot do sugar or a lot of fat.I think the Amarula like the Baileys have got cream in it and lots of sugar and boy did I feel sick from a tiny sip.I can drink a jin and tonic once in a while and if I sip it slowly and nurse it all night,I am fine.
 
So,sugary drinks,just like anything else sugary is now off limits.Thinking about it,I shouldnt really drink the tonic either as it is carbonated and even if you stir out all the gas,there is still some left.
 
One thing I am sure of.Alcohol will not be a problem in my future as it is as unappealing most of the time as ice cream,and I use to eat a pint of that per night pre-op.
 
You live,you learn.

Well today is one week. I see my surgeon tomorrow, which is kind of exciting. I didn't see him after surgery. I got discharged by the nurse practitioner before he came in to see me the next day per my request. I got discharged about 24 hours after surgery. I am interested to see how things went being an operating room nurse I like to know the procedure part of things. I am having minimal pain. Nausea is finally subsiding. I am not hungry. Just a little weak at the end of the day. I am getting all my fluid in and all my protein. So far so good. Hopefully soon I will be posting about some weight loss

I GOT APPROVED THIS MORNING!!!!!!!
WOOOT WOOOOT!!!!
 
TOMORROW AFTER MY CLASSES I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH MY DOCTOR TO FIND OUT WHEN THE DATE IS!!!
 
IM SOOOOOOOOOOOO FREAKING EXCITED!
 
THANKS EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
 
KEEP ME UPDATED WITH YOUR JOURNEY & BE MY FRIEND!! <3

I have never blogged before but I thought I would try this to help me stay on track and stay motivated. Like most of us on this site, I have struggled with weight for a long time. I was really proud of myself because I lost over 60 pounds on my own over a 5 year period but I got to a place where I could not get below 232 pounds. I finally decided to make a huge decision that will affect me the rest of my life and I feel so blessed that I finally made that decision. I spent the last 3 months going through my pre-program and I am so happy that they make you do that because to be honest, I probably would not have done that on my own. I learned a lot. I joined the Centennial Medical Center-Nashville program in June 2012. It is such an outstanding program giving you support, assistance, education and in the most organized fashion. Dr. Doug Olsen is my surgeon. By far he does not accept any excuses. He shows his support but you always knows where he stands - he wants you to succeed.
 
I finally had my surgery on 11/26/12 and today I am 7 days out. I am so proud of myself. I have followed everything 100%. I learn new things every day. I am nervous that I may be missing something but I am staying so focused, My post op pain has been very well controlled. I have had no pain medication since last Friday. Remarkable! I went to church with my daughter yesterday and enjoyed the time so much. Today I drove for the first time and had no problems. My main concern is making sure that I am getting all of my protein. Everyday it gets easier and I really do not mind it at all. I really like Unjury better than the Nectar product.
 
For 7 days out I am so pumped. I have lost 14 pounds thus far. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I move forward on this jourey.

Hello fellow sleevers,
 
I hope this blog finds you all well. I am almost 7 weeks out since my leak was confirmed to have healed. Yay. I should get clearance from my surgeon soon to start going to the gym which I think will help with my over fitness (or more to the point, lack thereof). Generally things continue to improve. I still struggle (some days more than others) with a faintly sick feeling and a gurgling in my tummy. This usually means I am not eating quite enough or regularly enough. The less I eat at a meal, the more frequently I have to eat - and that depends on the day.
 
So this blog is about the stupid things I have done, repeatedly, since going back on normal foods. In no particular order (I decided not to rank my stupidity as these are all, quite frankly, ridiculous) are:
 
Drinking soft drinks (soda): Okay so this is mostly my several attempts to drink soda water. I've had a little lemonade and coke but it's so sweet I only did this a few times before deciding it wasn't worth it. What I have been slower in giving up is soda water (sparkling water). I keep stupidly thinking something would change and it would be okay to drink soda water but I've finally realised (after several uncomfortable and frankly painful experiences) that I should leave it well enough alone. Duh.
 
Eating Bread (of any kind): So being the genius that I am, I decided to try bread. I always feel kinda ill afterwards. And yet I continued to try it. White, multigrain, soft grains, wholemeal, sourdough...always left with the same feeling of discomfort and just generally a bit yuck. Thank goodness I have finally decided to LEAVE IT ALONE.
 
Eggs: Oh little eggies, how I loved you before surgery. I could have eaten half a dozen of you little buggers preferably poached, although I wasn't all that choosy. Now you have turned on me and make me very VERY ill. I no longer try to come to some kind of understanding with you...sometimes when you love something, you must set it free. Bye little eggies...you will be missed.
 
Milk: Another before surgery love. Now, to highlight my stupidity, I need to give a teensy bit of background - I am Lactose Intolerant. Have been for years. And depsite this, I would guzzle a 750mL Iced Coffee three times a day. Yes I'd get the runs. Yes, I'd feel pretty darn sick. But I'd still do it. Post-surgery, I am lucky to be able to have the lactose free milk on my cereal for breakfast. Milk (of any kind) makes me sick. As does icecream which is just wrong. No more yummy iced coffee's or frappe's. Gone for good...
 
Although it is taking me a while to work out what my sleeve needs, I feel I am making progress. It's slow. But I am learning to listen to what my body is telling me.
 
Quick weight update - I am 40 kg down from my surgery weight And this Monday (03.12.12) is offically 3 months since the initial surgery date. I am really happy with my weight loss so far and hope to lose another 5kg before Christmas.
 
Hope this finds you all well, sleevers! Talk soon, Lila

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

So very excited and wanted to share my good news. Pre-Op appointment went great, passed the written test that my Dr. gives, lost the weight she required me to lose. Sooooooo, on December 12, 2012 at 12 noon I will be sleeved.

OK, it has been 20 days since my surgery (REALLY???!!!!) My physical problems have been minor issues that develop when I DON'T follow the rules (i.e. although you may with effort make any food mushy, it's best not to push the envelope too far).
 
My primary problems are all in my head. I'm not hungry even though I average maybe 650 calories a day. I don't have a taste for anything now that the liquid stage is over and I'm on soft foods. I'm grateful for not being physically hungry and not having cravings; however, I have a huge problem with trying to find something else besides food to comfort me.
 
The last week has been hectic. I am on the east coast (DC suburbs) and the violent storm that came through our area made for a couple of challenging days. I'm not complaining about the storm because I was extremely fortunate to get my power (air conditioning) back on so soon. But I also had to offer aid to family who weren't so lucky. Then when the fallout from the storm seemed to be taken care of my nephew who lives with me was in a car accident and taken to the county hospital emergency room. Then one day later my brother had to have emergency surgery.
 
I'm not going to go on about any of these incidents simply because we all have problems and we all have to learn how to cope successfully with our problems. Unfortunately, my coping mechanism has always been food so not being able to stuff my face has made me more anxious.
 
I did worry about not being able to use food as a coping mechanism before the surgery and I can honestly say I was right to worry; however, I was worring about the wrong thing. I worried that I would make myself sick (literally hurt myself) by stuffing my face in a crisis. I'm not saying that I have been following my nutrition guidelines faithfully or that I am not tempted to start chomping on doritos, chocolate, or whatever. When I think of stuffing my face, I automatically think that stuffing myself is going to make me hurt. I hate pain.
 
Fortunately, at this point, I may be safe from damaging myself after being sleeved. Unfortunately, my problem is more subtle and a lot harder to explain. I think not being able to stuff my face is contributing to my depression. I just feel so sad when I think about my family's problems, the world's problems, my cat's problems... I 'm not saying that being sleeved is making me sadder. I'm admitting that even after over a year of therapy about why I eat I haven't developed an adequate substitute for eating to bury my emotions.
 
While I have been writing this blog entry a thought crept into my mind. I should change the title. I don't miss food. The great thing about being sleeved and being blessed with an easy recovery is that I haven't been deprived of anything after the surgery. My surgeon's nutrition guidelines are very generous compared to other practices. What I miss is using food as an antidote to sadness.