moonchild1968

I was not a happy camper on clear liquids, either. I took my hungry self to bed early every night during pre-op. Mine was only 2 days , but still....

Excellent recipe. I can't wait until I can have a serving of collards greens, again. A small serving is all I'll need.

I think it's great that you're asking so many questions on the front end. It can only help you on the back end. It also helps with going into this process with eyes wide open. I'm post op and I learned from the responses to your question. That's why I like coming here. I learn answers to questions, some of which I never knew I had.

We must have the same ill-fitting desk chair. It sounds like you're doing great, but boy can I relate to the body aches at 2 weeks and the back to work blues. I was hoping to return to work early, too. I thought that I'd go back in two weeks, but right before leaving work something told me, at the last minute, to change it to three weeks. I was glad that I did because I was just too sore and still moving around slow, like a old lady at two weeks. I went back to work this Monday after 3 1/2 weeks and felt pretty good, but sitting for long periods caused some discomfort on my right side. Not enough for meds, just uncomfortable. Today, no pain in my side and feeling almost 100%. Your going to feel so much better in a week. You'll see. I'm talking about the soreness, not the job. ; ) I was sleeved April 18 and I'm not cleared to eat deli meat, yet. Sigh.... Congrats on doing so well.

Bless your heart. That's got to be hard. Hang on to your positive attitude and keep looking at the bright side. Prayerfully, it will resolve on its own. If not, the doctors have options lined up. Here's hoping these troubles are behind you soon. Hang in there and please let us know how you're doing. All the best...

It sounds like things are starting to get better for you which is great after a rough patch! I, too, am amazed at how much food is advertised on TV. I move to the pureed stage tomorrow and I've never been so excited about tuna salad in my life.

I was scared, too. I was waking up in the middle of the night and truly freaking out as my surgery date approached. The closer I got to the date, the better it got. On the day of surgery, I was sure and grounded. A healthy dose of fear is normal, I think. When I looked at the complication rate, I began to realize that my fears were blown out of proportion considering the actual likelihood of a complication. Make your best decision and move forward with confidence so that you can look back without regrets. Good luck.

I'm trying to remember when I've ever lost 55 lbs in 8 wks. and if I did (and I didn't) what a success I would consider myself. You're doing great. Don't freak out. Just follow the program. Congratulations, too!

All the best tomorrow. Try to get some rest. You'll do great.

So far I've been weighing myself at home once a week, but I rely on my doctor's scale for accuracy.

I am looking for ideas for my pureed stage which starts tomorrow. This sounds like something I'd like. Thanks.

Congratulations on your surgery date. You've come to the right place for support. Lurk and learn.

I feel your pain. Sometimes people make the stupidest, rudest comments. Even people that love us, can say and do mean things that do no serve us well. Only you know if his comments are isolated incidents that should be addressed and excused or if it is part of a recurring pattern of hurtful negativity meant to tear you down. Either way, it is an important reminder to find a good support system for this journey. My support system includes my immediate family, a therapist with a sincere interest and commitment to WLS patients, online support, and a bi-monthly WLS support group. Hang in there. Don't be discouraged by the nay-sayers. They don't have the final word!

Being newly sleeved, I appreciate your post. Thanks.

I contemplated my revision for a long time and like many others, researched for months. Before I had surgery, I asked my doctor and members of his staff what were the most common sleeve complications that they see. They seemed to search their brains and were still unable to come up with any complications. In fact, they all said that they just don't see complications with the gastric sleeve. Today while on my daily visit to my doctor's office to have my lapband port removal site packed (it wasn't healing properly on it's own) , I also reported my recent acid reflux since being sleeved. The assistant quickly offered to call in a prescription commonly prescribed by the doctor for acid reflux. She said she'd call in granules, but I got tablets instead and since I'm not cleared for tablets, I'm calling the on-call doctor tomorrow for something else. The weekend can be long if you're uncomfortable. Here's another thing, I asked his assistant if gall bladder removal is common after WLS patients. She said, "You know, it's funny you should say that because I've noticed that to be true since I've been working here." She couldn't provide more insight, but promised to pose my questions to the doctor. I'm wondering 1. how common is acid reflux as a long term issue and 2. how common is gallbladder surgery and why and how/if it can be avoided.

You will find cheap vitamins online and at Walmart, but for a good tasting and quality product that meets your new needs, you might want to compare their prices and product to companies that specialize in bariatric formulas such as Celebrate Vitamins and Bariatric Advantage. IMHO Celebrate tastes pretty good. I tried to go cheap on the whey protein and only ended up wasting money because I didn't really like the taste. I finally caved in and got the good stuff at a higher price, but it taste good and it's making my full liquid phase just a tad more bearable. I figure that I'll use the money I save on eating out to splurge on my vitamins and protein.

Your pictures are beautiful (before and after) and so encouraging for a newbie like me. Thanks for posting and BIG CONGRATS!

I haven't tried it yet. I'm still emptying the contents of the capsule with one hand, while holding a sweet beverage (crystal light) in the other. It IS nasty. The liquid formula has got to be more palatable.

Glad you're feeling well. Congrats on your new beginning.

When I got the band, I got input from a few people...some that I now know I shouldn't have discussed it with because I didn't want to "go public". Telling one or two "wrong" people can be just like telling everybody. I didn't shout it from the highest mountain top, but I shared it. I admire those that can and do "let it all out". This time, I'm more private. I've been more selective because it is my second time around and if you think the first WLS surgery comes with judgment, WELL, LET ME TELL YOU... I want to learn my new tummy and lifestyle without the glare of the spot light. That is, the food police, the constant questions, comments and observations. Sharing every step of my journey with everybody does not interest me. I have a support system that works for me. One day, I will happily share my WLS story when and with whom I choose. Right now, I'm doing something that I have rarely done in my life. I'm focusing on me. This is about me being better and healthier for myself and my loved ones. When I think about it that way, the list of people that I feel the need to tell just got shorter.

I was advanced from clear to full liquids, including strained soups, on Day 3. Check with your doc tomorrow. Hang in there.

Congratulations on making the decision to take the bull by the horns. I can relate to all of your emotions. I was "all over the place" leading up to my surgery last week. I kept reminding myself of the actual statistics and the probable outcome. It helped me create a realistic view, not one based on fear. You'll do great, too. My message to my future self is: I promise to take care of you and never forget where you came from. I won't let you suffer under that weight, again. Good luck on your journey.

Good post. Funny. Thanks for sharing your story and writing talent.

Hi. I appreciate your story. I was banded October 2007. I lost 60 give-or-take pounds and then regained everything over these 5 1/2 years. I was so reluctant to try again because I didn't want to give up the dream of my own band success story and I really, really did not want another WLS surgery. I went from band to sleeve a few days before you, on April 18 and I'm down an incredible 21 pounds with only a 2 day pre-op diet. I feel better already and I'm glad I gave myself another chance at permanent weight loss success. So far, so good. I'll be looking forward to your future posts. Thanks.

GreatGreat post. Congratulations and thanks for sharing!