Momonanomo

I'm almost 6 weeks post surgery, and I have noticed it with what I drink. The only thing that really tastes good to me to drink is water (thank god it's water!) I no longer like Crystal light, G2, juice, etc...all the things I enjoyed prior to surgery (besides diet soda but I'm not doing carbonation) I don't know if this effect will wear off over time as I get further from surgery. But I tend to think that the longer I can stay away from sweet stuff (real sugar or fake) the less likely I am to want it.

I am not Muslim; please forgive me if I sound ignorant.. My boss & friend is Muslim and has had some health problems the past couple of years, so I know that he's struggled with this, but I have not interfered enough to ask what solution he came up with. I respect your devotion. I have heard that additional days can be added. Perhaps this one year, since you are so early out from surgery, you could at least take water during the day and extend your daytime fasting period to make up for it? Or could you perhaps make up for it next year when you are further out from surgery?

I'm so sorry you're having a rough go of it, but it's to be expected. I have to say that I too felt great in the hospital, but the day after I left hospital and the day after that (days 3 & 4 post surgery) sucked sucked SUCKED!!! In the hospital you are on an iv, and the fluids help you feel good (not to mention the pain meds). At home, you've got to work to stay hydrated. And when you get dehydrated you feel hung over (that's actually why hangovers hurt so bad -- it's because you're dehydrated. But I digress...) I didn't take my liquid pain medicine once I left the hospital because i found that the taste was horrific. Made me nauseas for sure. I had several bouts of nausea the first day or two but I just tried to take deep breaths and get through it. Don't take too much liquid into your mouth at a time, but don't allow yourself to go without. You do NOT want to get dehydrated. that will actually make the nausea worse. Slow and persistent will get you back to feeling human in a couple of days. Rest, sip, walk a little, sip, and repeat. Don't panic, you won't feel this yucky forever - I promise it does get better. I'm sending good thoughts, prayers and energy your way!!

I was told no coffee immediately after surgery, because caffeine irritates your fresh cut stomach! BEFORE surgery, I was told to (and I did) wean off of it slowly to avoid the withdrawal headaches. It would have sucked to have that first week of recovering from surgery also having a caffeine withdrawal headaches! During my 2 week pre-op I went from 12 oz daily down to 4 oz, and by the time I had surgery it was all good. HOWEVER, now I'm 5 weeks post surgery and I'm SO ready to have some coffee! I've decided to wait til the weekend to try it, just in case it does upset my tummy. Want to avoid emergencies at work

I agree -- when I drink the fruit nectars I use water, but vanilla & chocolate seem to call for something more substantial -- therefore I often use at least some milk with those. If I don't want to mix my chocolate or vanilla with milk because I'm saving my calories, then I will put in an ice cube or two, then run it through the high speed blender. The crushed ice helps thicken it a bit.

Today marks 5 weeks since surgery. I am down 35 lbs since start of pre-op, 25 since surgery itself. I’m currently going roughly ½ lb per day, so I am sure not complaining. I feel I have a normal appetite when there’s not food in front of me, in other words, I do get hungry. But once the food is in front of me I don’t really want it. I kinda do miss enjoying my food, but honestly, this is what I signed up for, and I prefer the way I am now. It will just take some getting used to. For 41 years I have been food-obsessed (yes even as an infant, according to my mom). It will no doubt take a while to learn to refocus my energy. I have an awareness that I need to really take advantage of this honeymoon period to change my habits, because I know eventually it will become physically easier and more satisfying to eat and therefore I will be in danger of over eating again. Actually, I think the real danger will be in eating the wrong things. Emotional eating was never my problem, I honestly feel like I was crazy-hungry (the grehlin monster?). Preparing for surgery, I was open to the possibility that I was an emotional eater – I really wanted to figure out the issues and deal with them head on. But apparently that wasn't my problem. My problem was a big appetitie for the wrong things, which exacerbates the cravings for more of the wrong things, which leads to weight gain, which leads to inhibited activity. And down goes the spiral from there. I finally feel like my spiral is turning upward! And, the point of my emotional eating tangent here is that yesterday I had a pretty nasty argument with my husband (we’re good now, thanks), and all I really wanted to make me feel better after our fight was………a cigarette. Ha! I quit in January, and I miss it. But I don’t miss all the icky things that go along with it, so I’ll deal. But I took a moment to acknowledge that in my time of stress I didn't want a chocolate bar. It was interesting to me. I’m also dealing with my impatience – it doesn't seem fair that I am practicing the habits of a fit & slim person, yet I will have to wait months and months (and possible more) to actually BE a fit & slim person. But I guess it's that instant -gratification mentality that got me here in the first place. A healthy weight is not something to be grabbed at the drive-through (figuratively AND literally) This will take time and it will be worth it. I vow to try to find ways to enjoy the journey. It’s going to take time, may as well find it entertaining on the way, right? Onward!

I've got mirena as well....for the first 3 years I had it my period stopped. Then about a year ago I started getting them like every 21 days! I guess cuz it's getting time to switch to a new one? I had one "real" period since surgery, and it came at a more reasonable 26 days. Then a spot today. Geez. I'm hoping that when I get a new one after the first of this year I can go back to being period free. OH and misslucy you are SO right! All things considered, I'd rather be getting my period then NOT getting my period right now!!! I practically had to hold my right hand up & swear an oath not to get pregnant within 18 months.

awww thanks I'm blushing

I'm waiting for the hair loss to start with me (I'm 5 weeks out)....seems inevitable regardless of what supplements you take or shampoo you use. I know that at the first sign of it I will try this stuff called Toppik that was mentioned on a post by another member. I went to toppik.com and found out it's basically a camouflage for thinning hair just to use until the new growth starts.

fuuny you should post this today -- I'm spotting and I just had my period 2 weeks ago. Not cool. If it continues I will get in touch with my gyno and ask her opinion, but it's good to know it's not too unusual

LOL I may post pics soon......maybe.......

Today is one month out since surgery. I am down exactly 30 lbs since the start of the pre-op diet, and 20 lbs since surgery. I was telling my mom that this morning, and feeling a wee bit bummed about “only 20 lbs since surgery” but she pointed out that it is a 5 lb average per week. I thanked her for setting me straight and making me look at it like that. I get so impatient sometimes, but this process will take some time of course. And time is going to pass anyway – I’m awfully glad to be losing as time passes! This morning I shopped in my closet and am wearing a dress I haven’t worn in months. That feels good, and I’ve already gotten a compliment on it. You know, I have lost weight before as an adult-- at one point I even lost like 75 lbs years ago. And I’ve noticed something…. it’s so funny how when people you work with, for example, who don’t know you’re losing weight, they begin to notice something is different but they can’t quite figure out what it is. So funny. I had a moment like that yesterday. I bought a dress two days after surgery; it’s a nice maxi dress that I can wear for a while as I shrink. I have already worn that dress 3 times to work since surgery! But it was yesterday that a male coworker of mine said “Well you’re all dressed up today! You look nice, is it a special occasion?” LOL! I’m changing but they can’t quite put their finger on what exactly is changing….in my experience ,soon I will get the “did you do something different with you hair? Did you get your hair cut?” questions. LOL As far as food goes, I am still technically supposed to be on soft foods. To be honest, I would be scared to eat anything not soft right now. I have no pain of course, but my Morningstar sausage experience a little while back is not something I’d like to repeat. So it is not difficult to stick to the soft things—I gravitate toward them out of fear! LOL. I am eating 2 to 3 protein meals per day – I try for 3 oz but it’s usually just under 2 oz. In between, I’m doing my “green smoothies” with protein powder. It blows my mind that I haven’t had bread in 6 weeks. Or chips or crackers or any of that crap. I’m pretty much carb-free! I can prepare those things for my husband’s meals and it doesn’t even entice me. I do have occasional cravings. If it’s something that’s on my current plan to have (like cheese), I eat it, and I find that literally after 2 bites I’m more than done. The sugar fiend in me is still alive, but when those cravings hit I 1) remind myself that I would probably feel horrible if I ate sugar and 2) when I am at goal, I will allow myself such indulgences occasionally. I KNOW that I could totally eat ice cream right now. But I am just not gonna do it!!!! I am finally getting a reasonable amount of energy back. I am walking 30 minutes almost every day. I need to start strength training. I am beginning to develop a fear of loose skin. Somehow I’m not sure I could bring myself to do plastic surgery – although never say never. Just depends on how bad it is when I’m there I guess. I need to worry about that bridge when I get to it. I bought bio oil and am trying to be really good to my skin. Hope it will return the favor! I totally have ketosis breath. It’s pretty funny. Love the altoids sugar free mini’s. They also are awesome right after a meal when I still need to wait 30 minutes to drink something. Monday I see my surgeon for my one month follow up. My incisions are great. I’m certain he will give the all-clear to hit the beach Onward!

aboslutely! It means you're in ketosis aka fat burning mode. Yes I too always have listerine strips nearby, as well as the altoids sugar free mini's. And I brush my teeth more. I'd rather have dragon breath and be losing weight than have sweet breath and be keeping the weight!!

This is a really great blog entry! So true all those things that affect the scale --- very wise words. I'm blown away by how well you'e done -- 80 lbs! Gone! And it seems like just yesterday that you were going in for surgery Your hard work -- and I believe you ARE working hard to be spending all that time in the gym! -- it's all paying off and will for the rest of your life. Well done my friend very inspiring.

You're only 5 days post op....you are still recovering from major surgery so you are going to feel weak and run down at times. I too would wake up in the middle of the night the first week or two and would take that time to get some fluids & a bit of protein in. I remember chuckling to myself that my body knew it was on a schedule. But if you're no waking up in the middle of the night, then I'd say just make sure during the day you meet your fluid & protein goals the best you can, start as soon as you wake up, and accept that it's just going to take a little while to get back to feeling normal.

I believe that with exercise and proper nutrition through good, clean food we can reach our goals. I had surgery so that I would no longer have to keep trying random diets and such. Plexus is just another multi-level marketing/pyramid scheme.

I third that!

I agree what what they have all said! I just want to add that you should not be too adventurous in what ever it is you decide to try....you don't want to have a "situation" while out in public! Go very, very slow and chew well. congrats to your son!

I'm finding that nowadays I never never never finish what's on my plate. Such a huge change for me -- I always finished that last bite! Your experience is something I'll keep in mind next time I'm tempted I understand what you were trying to achieve, but boy oh boy that must have sucked!!! As far as Protein -- I'm also just over 4 weeks out, and I'm still supplementing with Protein shakes to get my protein in. The Syntrax nectar fruit ones are pretty light if you just mix them with Water -- not thick like other protein shakes ---- and they have 23 g of protein each serving! So if you can drink 4 to 6 oz of liquid, why not mix in those 23 g of protein?!?! I'm averaging 700 calories a day, and 80+ g of protein all in all. My nails are growing like crazy....I guess it's from all the protein?

Hi ornurse as for the green smoothies -- I use a nutribullet blender to do a smoothie with 1/2 fruit and 1/2 green leafy vegetable (I've so far used kale, spinach, and chard) I add my protein shake powder to these. I had felt like my body was really missing fruits & vegetables since durign my meals I only eat protein -- that's all there's room for right now! I do feel a lot better since I started doing this, and I have more energy. I recommend it to anyone! Thanks Angela! Good luck to you as well! My pre-op diet was very similar. I remember that it was easier than I had thought it was going to be, and I beleive it's because I was thinking of it as being preparation for surgery, not just any old diet. I am really glad that I practiced not drinking with meals at that time too, because now I'm used to it.

Yes! I use the nutri bullet, and you always are supposed to put in 1/2 greens and 1/2 fruit (then add Protein powder). The fruit covers the taste of the greens. Try mild tasting greens too, like baby spinach. I like to add a little avocado for creaminess. You can also add splenda to sweeten, or a prune or two will also sweeten it. I have felt sooooo much better since I started doing these shakes! Try googling "nutri bullet recipes" there's tons online. Best of luck!

Yeah, I know I need to step away from the scale, because it is happening. The scale has not budged in 3 days. Coincidentally, it's my TOM so there's another strike against me. I'm not TOTALLY freaking out, because hell, it's only been a few days. It's just funny that I truly can NOT eat very much at all, and for that to not be being reflected on the scale seems odd to me. But I know pretty much everyone goes through it. And it will end eventually. onward.

Well it’s been a while hasn’t it?! I believe an insanely long blog entry is in order!! I want to first say that due to you, my dear VST people, nothing that has happened has been a surprise, and that has been really, really nice I had my sleeve surgery on Wed., May 22nd. My “call time” was 1 pm, and my surgery was scheduled for 2:45. I believe I was #3 on my surgeon’s docket for the day. My parents, my husband and I arrived and were all ushered into pre-op, where I was asked to go behind a curtain and put on a hospital gown. I was so interested in the conversation my parents and husband were having that I rushed, and when I popped out from behind the curtain, the nurse said “No honey, you’ve got it on backward”. Lol. I was wearing it like a robe. So I had to switch it. Then I climbed into bed and my family sat in front of me in chairs – felt like I had an audience. The nurse was extremely nice – she got me all covered up and warm under the blankets and this special inflatable thing that blew warm air on me. I also got the leg-squeezy things and some fab socks with nonskid rubber on the bottom. Another nurse came by and started an IV – I asked what was in it and she said it was basically Gatorade without sugar. I’m guessing there was no color or flavor either. Then I heard some commotion and found out that my surgeon was running ahead of schedule so they’d be taking me early (!) The anesthesiologist came over. This was the first time I’d met him, and let me tell you, he was so adorable I would have gone anywhere with him! But alas, he only wanted to take me to the OR…. lol. Before we left, he put something in my IV that made me goofy – I remember looking at my family and saying “ooh that was fast” and then someone putting the shower cap type thing on my head & I had to help because I have long hair. I remember being wheeled into the OR, and once in there they had me scooch onto a different table. I think. That could well have been after – it’s one of those weird disconnected memories. Anyways, I do know that my surgeon was there and they started introducing all the support team “this is John, and you know Dr. Z, and here’s Vern “ and I was chuckling to myself like you guys really think I care at this point who’s who? I think they were chuckling too – I just remember that there was happy banter and/or joking as they went about prepping me, and it was a good feeling all around to have happy people around me. Next thing I knew someone was calling my name, and I surfaced VERY reluctantly from a deep sleep. Once I let them know I was awake they left me alone, and I could drift in and out all I wanted. At times I had pain in my upper belly and felt a little nauseous. What’s interesting is that it is such a distant memory now it hardly seemed like anything as far as the pain goes. I was aware of another patient in the recovery room – a large man who was moaning a lot. In my drugged out mind, this made me feel the need to do some moaning of my own just so I wouldn’t be forgotten. LOL. No logic there, just instinct. Someone was apparently standing behind me monitoring my machines, because pretty soon they said it was time to go and my bed started moving. We went in the elevator and pretty soon I saw my family come into view as I was wheeled past them to my room. I felt very concerned with making sure they knew I was just fine, so I was saying hi and trying to smile. But boy I was still pretty high! Once in my room, I began to experience some more pain. I must say it is nearly impossible to assign a number to pain. I think I’m a people pleaser, and I was like “oh it’s not so bad, a 4? Maybe?” But it was a bit worse than that. My mom said she could tell I was in pain because she could see my blood pressure going up. The nurse gave me morphine in my IV, and within a few minutes I felt no pain, but I did feel the nausea. I salivated a lot, but I breathed through it without heaving, thank goodness. In retrospect, the pain must have been gas and the nausea was from the morphine. I drifted in and out for a few hours, then in the evening I got the nurse to disconnect me from everything but the IV, so I could walk and go to the restroom. From that time on, I honestly had no real pain. I used gas x strips every 3 hours, burped a little, didn’t toot at all I felt the tiniest bit of the gas in my neck, but even that came and went quickly. They never had to put the oxygen thing back in my nose because my oxygen levels stayed good (yay for me for quitting smoking!!!) My hospital stay was uneventful. The tray they brought the next day was silly – I asked if there was any protein in any of it, and when I was told no, I thought why waste the time & tummy space? I ate some to prove no problems, and then was released to go so I could start working on protein My surgeon came by and said everything went really well. I have one incision in my belly button and two more "punctures" high up on my left side. These are smaller than a grain of rice and I'm sure will be undetectable once healed. I'm still completely amazed at this surgeon's skill -- to think that 85% of my stomach was removed and no one will ever be able to see a scar -- blows my mind. He said I was good to go if I wanted. Once unhooked from the IV, I admit I didn’t feel nearly as perky as I had when I was hooked up to it. But they let me walk out on my own and I did not have to do the wheel chair ride. The next 2-3 days were all about sleeping. I tried my darndest to get fluid & protein in, but I felt pretty nauseas. Had the super-saliva production thing going on a couple of times where I thought I would start heaving, but I never did, thank goodness. My sweet husband would run to bring me a paper towel to spit the saliva into (I mean I was producing tremendous amounts of saliva when I got nauseas! sorry if TMI) and then he would rub my back and say sweet things to me while I took deep breaths and let it pass. Nausea sucks. But! By day 3 it was ALL gone. Ever since then all I can say is that the vague soreness in my tummy has gotten MUCH better every day, and the tiredness is slowly getting better. Day 4 after surgery I went on a very short trip to Target and was amazed to stop and think about the surgery I’d just had and that I was out walking around. After about 10 minutes though, I was headed to the lawn furniture department for a lil break I have a desk job, and I took just short of 2 weeks off work – I honestly can’t imagine taking more than that with how normal I feel. Yes, I am pretty damn tired right now, but c’mon, I was tired all the time before surgery! It’s just going to get better and better. Today is the last day of ‘full liquids’. Tomorrow I get pureed! Hooraaaaay! Been daydreaming about cottage cheese lol. The liquid diet has begun to go literally right through me. Yes I get hungry but nothing like presurgery. Once I drink a few sips off a protein drink, I am satisfied. However, within half an hour, it is coming out tha other end if you know what I mean. TMI I know, but I’m here to tell it like it is So I’m hoping that pureed foods will be just what I need to set things right in that department. I had my first poo maybe 3 or 4 days post op and it was normal, if a bit small. I was very happy not to have the severe constipation some folks have immediately post op. I know it could still happen, but at least I’ll be a little further out from surgery. Last I checked, I had lost 20 lbs since the start of pre-op, and about 10 lbs since surgery (about a lb per day). HOWEVER – and here’s something really fun --- my husband accidentally kicked my scale into the wall in the dark and it shattered into a million pieces. I had left it out in the middle of the floor – my bad So... I haven’t weighed in days! I’ve ordered a new fancy scale on Amazon, and I think it will be kinda neat to just wait until it arrives. I know I’m losing weight. But for some reason, my immediate focus is not the weight loss, it’s just about doing what I should be doing. I really feel like I made the right decision for me, and honestly, it has been a good experience so far. looking forward to feeling better and better and better! ONWARD!

I drank ginger tea (as best I could) during immediate recovery and it did help. When I was cleared for greek yogurt but couldn't have the kind with fruit in it yet (too chunky), I would mix in splenda and powdered ginger, and it was yummy!

vegetarian refried beans, cottage cheese, eggs, ricotta, baked fish, canned green beans, baked tofu, and the ever-present greek yogurt