TES

So sorry to hear about your momma! I think everyone is just different, and age does make a difference (I say as a "middle-aged" sleever). My surgeon repairs hiatal hernias in about 90% of his patients who receive a VSG. Not sure about other surgeons. I didn't feel that mine specifically made my recovery any more difficult, but I did have a rough couple of days in the hospital after surgery--mostly related to respiratory issues. Had to have a respiratory consult, etc. The drugs made me feel really crappy, too, but then a wonderful nurse suggested that might be the issue and it helped tremendously. Hope your mom feels better soon! It's great that you can experience this together and support each other.

My surgeon wants patients off protein supplements after 6 weeks--he wants you to start getting at least 60 g of protein from meals alone. At first you can use up to one supplement if you are falling short, but he wants you to wean off of them. So I would say the answer is no, unless you aren't getting enough protein from your food--in which case you would probably want to look at your diet, bc even as a vegetarian, I can get close to 20 g protein/meal and if I'm short, I have a Greek yogurt. I do still use supplements/powders sparingly when I'm trying to get above 80 go of protein, though I don't plan to do it forever. I think it would be easier to get all from solids if you aren't a vegetarian.

One thing about Carnie that I can't understand (bless her heart--I think all of us can empathize at least a little bit with her) is that she is really into food and cooking. She was on a celebrity cooking show within the past few months on Food Network (one of those ones that spans several weeks). She wasn't necessarily making healthful foods. I think it would be really difficult to have food be that big of a part of your life and not be tempted. I think you really have to change your mind set. I don't spend much time anymore watching Food Network, I don't browse recipes like I used to, don't really look thru my cookbooks, and I would say I do a lot less cooking and more "preparing" of meals. I just don't want to be tempted right now and none of it really holds the same appeal, which I think is good. I really like thinking of food now as sustenance and don't necessarily anticipate a nice dinner out like I used to and that kind of thing. I still have lots of interests and don't feel that my quality of life has diminished at all because of it.

I am 7 weeks out now and have been very lucky that I have tolerated all of the non-starchy raw and cooked veggies (lettuce, spinach, red peppers, cucumber, cauliflower, zucchini, etc) and lower-carb fruits (eg, small amounts of berries) that I have tried so far-- but the problem that I'm having is having room for them after I get in my protein at meals. I asked my dietitian if I could have l them in between meals so that I can get in the nutrients and fiber and still undereat my sleeve at mealtimes. She said absolutely! And if I want to have a snack/fourth meal, I can make it a Greek yogurt or ricotta or cottage cheese dip and have veggies with it. Also, my weight loss was really stalling--for almost 3 weeks and I constantly felt hungry and a little weak/unbalanced (no, it wasn't stomach acid...lol...I am on a PPI). My RD said I probably needed some more carbs (good carbs). I upped the veggie (and limited fruit) carbs--still no refined/bad carbs--and feel sooo much better. She actually would be okay with me having things like Flat-Outs but I don't really miss the bready stuff so I'm going to skip it right now. Following my RD's advice, the "hungry" (lightheaded/low energy) feeling between meals went away, and the scale dropped 3 pounds. Very happy! It's great to feel better AND have the scale move. Have I mentioned that my RD is awesome? Truly! She answers every email within about an hour, sends me recipe ideas, etc., and I always leave with tons of notes and ideas when I meet with her. Plus I am a vegetarian and so is she, which makes things very nice.

that's awesome! you mean "non-scale" and not "non-sleeve," though, right? definitely a sleeve benefit...congratulations!

JustGreatStuff also makes a powdered PB that has a nutritional profile almost identical to PB2, and it's organic, which I like. I love it in Greek Yogurt with one splenda! or in a protein shake. For other Greek yogurt add-ins--I like dill dip mix. I can eat it with veggies now, 7 weeks post op. Really tasty! I like to add protein powder also--makes it taste like pudding. Chocolate protein powder with PB2 is really good.

Sorry you are going through this! the PA told us pre-op that most women of menstruating age would get their periods early after surgery, and it happened to me. One good thing was that the pain meds helped my cramps! lol Also, I had diarrhea that started right before I was discharged, and it lasted a week. The PA said "liquids in, liquids out." I also had a leak test the 2nd day and I'm not sure if it's partly due to the stuff they have you swallow. I was on liquids for a 2nd week but the diarrhea evened out by about the 8th or 9th day. As far as having trouble wiping (understandable due to swelling and pain from the surgery), I would recommend getting one of those shower heads that you can hook into the top of the shower and use the regular way or that you can take down to spray yourself in targeted areas. I think everyone should get one of those pre-op, actually. So you can clean yourself up as best as you can after using the restroom and then get the rest in the shower. I took a lot of showers that first week or so, and I changed clothes a lot. It helped me feel refreshed too. I also used the wipes they sell for that kind of thing. Hope you feel better soon!

I'm not sure there is one. My doctor allows both immediately following surgery--and he is super strict about things (ie, no yogurt or pudding allowed during full liquid, strict rules about drinking calories, had to strain (not just puree) soups during full liquids--etc). I would always follow what your own surgeon says, but this was my experience. Before surgery, I only drank coffee on weekends bc sometimes it would give me diarrhea (TMI?) but now I am soooo grateful for it bc it helps keep me regular.

PS--what is the scar cream that you used?

You look wonderful! I would have guessed that you were at goal if I hadn't read the post first. Can't wait to see your goal pic. Pretty dress, too.

Never thought of this one--will definitely try it...thanks!

PotterGirl, I was wondering about that! When I was in England for a week, it was very difficult to find light vegetarian meals at restaurants (eg, entree salads, fruit, etc.). I was on a work tour and every restaurant we went to made me something like heavy veggie lasagna with bechamel. I hated to offend them bc they made it in advance since the tour guide told them there was a vegetarian, but I realized I could start ordering dessert plates--fruit and cheese--as my entree. that was a lot better! Hope you are having a great time!!!

As far as where you lose weight first, I have always heard--first on last off--and last on, first off. So depending on where your weight is distributed, I think it varies by person. Basically our "problem areas" (for me my hips) will the be the last ones where the weight will come off. I always lose first in my waist bc I'm naturally an hourglass. My pants have been falling down bc they are loose in my waist now but my hips catch them! I have noticed that my face looks a little smaller too. It's so difficult to look at yourself objectively and tell, so I think the fit of clothes that you've worn a lot are a good gauge.

there are a lot of posts on VST about this--one person even has in a signature line why it's bad for you. It is a form of disordered eating and it also can cause gastric juices to get going and lead to GI problems. I'm not trying to be preachy bc I know you are just sharing something that helped you, but based on what I've read, I'm not going to try it. I am surprised that a dietitian would recommend it....

Does anyone else's surgeon say 3 meals, no snacking? I have been paying attention to people who are successful in the long-term who post here, and most seem to have 4 to 5 mini-meals per day. I'm sure my surgeon doesn't want us to get in the habit of grazing, but at the same time, most of my "meals" are only about 150 calories, and I feel that I need to eat more than 450 calories a day or I feel a bit light-headed and can't concentrate on work (my stomach isn't growling but my body seems to need a bit more fuel). I feel best at 600-700 calories, 60-70 grams/protein, at least 64 oz of Fluid (more when possible), and a 30-minute walk per day (which I will increase when I am farther out post-op). I am 3 weeks post-op and on purees. If I were only eating 450 calories a day, I'm not convinced that I would be losing faster, but maybe. I lost 16 lbs in a 6-MONTH 1200-calorie/day pre-op diet (I am hypothyroid and have always been a slow loser with low caloric needs). Since surgery, I gained and lost 18 lbs in fluid and now have lost another 12 pounds. That may be slower than some, but I tell myself if I lose a few more pounds by 4 weeks out, I will have lost as much as I lost in 6 months pre-op! A six-time faster weight loss following a food plan that makes me feel good isn't too shabby! :-) The PA also told me that they do not want us to use Protein shakes anymore, for Snacks or for meals. I really feel that I need at least one per day, especially bc I am a vegetarian so some of my protein sources contain carbs, and I want to keep my carbs to about 50 g when possible. I'm so torn bc I'm so rules-oriented and want to follow my surgeon's recommendations, but at the same time this needs to be livable and I need to be able to concentrate on work and I want to get in all of my protein--etc. Any advice? Thanks!

That's awesome--must have been a great feeling!

what are energy squares?

haha, I like how we all notice the food! You look marvelous too!!!

Amazing progress! In your after/during pic, you remind of Kree Harrison, one of the finalists on this season of American Idol!

Well, it's not like I am uneducated about the process...lol! A lot of surgeons require you to stop NSAIDs 4 days before surgery, but it's really up to the surgeon. I was sharing my experience about what helps my sore throats and just assume everyone would of course check with the surgeon before doing what someone else does, but hopefully that goes without saying. Sounds like all's well that ends well for you, OP--good luck with your surgery!

Great news, Amanda!!

I'm only 7 weeks out, but my surgeon's rules are no drinking with meals forever, because then you tend to feel less full and eat more, and you can eat around the sleeve and stop losing/start gaining weight. Not drinking with meals was the thing I was most concerned about before surgery but I've found it very easy to be compliant.

Thanks Pookeyism. Do you have a goal of how many Protein grams/day you strive for? Thanks!

I like the lite Muscle Milk--the regular is high in carbs and calories. I drink chocolate (I get it at Costco). I sometimes shake it up with a little almond milk and it's even more delicious.

I would try to eat some of your on-plan food beforehand. Too much of a crapshoot otherwise. And then go tear up the dance floor!