TwinsMama

I've never smoked but I have heard it is tough to quit. That you not only quit but then also made the WLS life change is amazing. Congrats to you on quitting and your new sleeve!

Congrats, you're doing great!!

I've had this problem roughly my entire time. Some days are really good but others I just feel sickly. In fact, I'm still throwing most of my food back up. The PPIs help tons but still each day goes as it goes. Hope you feel better soon...I know how annoying the nausea can be.

While this is not my thread...Cheri I so needed to read your comments. I was 326 at surgery, my starting (prior to my roughly 1 year of pre-op qualifying) was 365. So since my surgery 6 weeks ago I've only lost 16 lbs. I know what my individual problems are since the surgery but having so much to lose and losing so slow has been difficult. This thread and the encouragement was much needed!

If you're using the app go to the More section, then Edit Profile, then scroll down to the Net Calories Goal and enter what you want there. Be forewarned that you may have to enter your data twice on the app, as the first time they may assume you made an error with the lower numbers. You will get the "fine print" about the low calories but ignore that.

I second Don. In the beginning I didn't track (couldn't eat so didn't feel the need to). Now I've found since I can't eat most foods (even the safe ones like yogurt) any longer, I need to track to know what is and isn't working. I'm barely at this point losing a pound a week. I know it is because I'm stil having problems keeping food down. However, without tracking, I wouldn't know my stats to tell my Dr. at my visits.

Congrats!!

The Nurse at my Drs office who had surgery (she also helps with the surgeries), said she keeps Water near her (mini bottles if need be - the 8 oz ones) and a Protein shake. She is years out but she said she would rather get her protein than try to worry about a "balanced" meal. Hope this helps, I work at a desk (though some times I don't get to sit here much). So I'm not able to give too much advice about this.

My Dr told me chewable or sublingual (?sp). I did that for all of 5 weeks then switched to a pill I could swallow. My taste buds changed so much I haven't found any I like that are chewable or liquid. Also, don't forget to take them at least 2 hours after your multi.

If physically your body is telling you to stop please stop. I never feel empty once I've taken a few bites. It could be acid or you're eating too fast. I felt this before I could take my ppi. My acid levels were crazy. I also experience this when I eat too fast. I'll get this rock in the throat feeling but know I'm not yet at the satisfied (not full) stage of eating. I usually just stop eating and let it pass. So far I haven't passed out from it. I'd say stick to what feels like fullness.

Wow, you look amazing! Now you have to tell us your workout routine because you look so completely toned up.

I feel you. I had to start making myself drink at least 10 oz. before I got out of the bed. I literally sit and drink the oz on the side of my bed and then get up and get ready. The AM I didn't do that, the whole day it seemed I was dying of thirst. I've gotten it down to 10 min to get the oz in. Maybe try that. It might give you a bit of a jump start. Also, if you're drinking tea and/or coffee they could be helping you not retain your fluids. Same with salty foods.

I disagree a bit with this. I had a real life (one of my best friends in the world) example and even with all the years (3 from start to finish) of research I did, still it was a surprise just how involved this process is. I think we all think well, it won't be so bad, until you're in the thick of it. But you're right, as we keep at it, it will be much easier.

Sue, your suggestions are great. I've found that by adding calendar reminders on my work computer and phone, I don't have to remember when I last took my vitamins. I get a prompt and then take them. Easier for me to do it this way.

I was still in the hospital due to complications. If you can set up a sub just in case, I'd recommend that. This coming from someone who other than excess weight, had a clean bill of health (no co-morbs) prior to surgery. You just never know.

Thank you all so much for the information and resources. This has been quite a mind-shift. Normally I'm just happy to lose any weight, now to actually have a target is quite fun. I like the idea of shooting for my Drs goal and then reevaluating once there. Yes, I hadn't thought about how I might lose my curves if I drop too much, so I'll be considering that too!

The first surgeon I was going to use (ending up switching due to his long waiting list) said flat out in the seminar...no offense to any Nuts out there but the way you tell Americans to eat is flat out wrong, you're helping keep America fat. When he said that you instantly knew who the Nuts were. He said do what they tell you to do to qualify. However once you get sent to me, we're doing things my way. I really liked his style! The point is, they are going to tell you what the standards are and are not going to deviate from it. It is a special Nut that actually understands the true dietary requirements for post-ops. The surgical team I chose has a Nut on their staff, she specializes in bariatric surgery nutrition. She's great!

Be careful with this. Since you're still healing you could still have some sensation loss that while may make you feel you have room, you really don't. I would say try to measure your food if you can. Last thing you want to do is stress your sleeve.

Girl...I just want to hug you. Yes, my friend that went RnY 3 years ago, went through this. She didn't have anyone going before her that she could talk to about this stuff. I sat back and watched her so I saw all the pills, the frustration when eating, the constant liquids. But, still it is NOT the same until you go through it. So even if your friends had told you, they may not have truly been able to get it through...if that makes sense? The thing to remember is that we are still in the building/forming habits stage. At 3 years out, my friend has her vitamin routine down so much that she doesn't even have to remember them, it just comes natural to her. We'll get there too. We just have to keep forming those habits. Also, even with a 1/2 cup of food at a time, at some point our food will provide much more satiety so you will probably get back regular (which was a surprise to me because pre-op I was VERY regular). As of today I'm getting back to regular so I'm happy and eating more solids, I don't really feel like I'm missing out on eating.

We talked about this in our support group last night. It might not be the glue but it sure is part of it. Everything we do involves food to some extent. People don't realize we can still eat just not what/how we used to. Once they actually see you eating they may relax a bit.

Oh yeah that would make me mad. Not sure why she would say that, could she be jealous that you'll start being the healthy eating "go-to/guru" instead of her? Even though she may be known for healthy eating, once you get the sleeve you (generally speaking) become really attentive to healthy eating and exercise. Maybe deep down other sleevers have made her feel not so great about her food choices and she fears you'll do that too.

Congrats!

I have not been able to do Protein shakes since surgery. Anything with whey, soy, and even the veggie ones is a no go. I found some CLIFF bars that I can actually do. They are 20g protein but high carbs (like 30g). I was so low on protein that I decided that was better than nothing. Yesterday I made 55g of protein and felt great, slept better than I have since surgery. This at 6 weeks out. Today I'll probably get to 58g which is great. I just have to do lots of protein rich foods.

Awww, many of us feel that way in the beginning. Don't stress about having someone take care of you. This part is temporary and obviously they don't mind doing it. Your son is a sweetie by the way! Take your time. I didn't feel remotely able to get comfortable for weeks (I had complications though). But some others seem to do good as soon as 2-3 days. We're all different but just know this will pass. I hated hearing that as a new post-op, but it is true. Keep trying to walk (also hated hearing that) because it does help you heal. Hugs to you and hope you feel better soon!

I literally just gulped water down (trying not to spit it out)...oh the pain in my chest. But man that is hilarious!!