swimmom

I was totally fine with one night - I was very ready to go home the next day! My insurance only covered one night, unless there was a medical need requiring more. My surgeon said one night was pretty standard.

My husband was at home with the kids for the night I was in the hospital, which was great for me so I didn't have to worry about the kids! I had plenty of visits - my husband brought the kids to see me a couple of times, including before their bedtime so they could say goodnight! And my friend and my Dad both paid me visits as well. Between all of that and the nurses, I was rarely ever alone in that 30 hours or so I was in the hospital. No, I didn't shower in the hospital. I probably could have, but I didn't even bother bringing stuff to shower - I showered on Monday morning before going in for surgery, I went home Tuesday afternoon, and I got up and showered Wednesday morning - really, it was all fine.

I just made the cauliflower crust tonight for dinner - delicious!!

I am three months out, and I started shedding profusely a few weeks ago. I am thinking about investing in some cute hats. I already have short hair - I am thinking about getting it layered a little. I think the hats may be a good option for me (even though I have never been a hat person) because I am out in the sun a lot at my daughters' swim meets - my scalp often gets burned right at the part, and I am thinking it will be worse with the thinning hair!!

My first time out to eat after the surgery, I stayed on the safe side and just had iced tea. Here are some other things I tried in my first few attempts out to eat: egg whites with a little cheese, a side order of black beans and some cheese melted on them, and fish. I am pretty lucky to live in a place where almost every restaurant serves fish in some un-fried form, so this is always my "go to" restaurant order. Do NOT be afraid to ask for what you want in terms of special preparation - most restaurants are very accommodating. We have a local Mexican restaurant that makes a killer veggie black bean chili - very healthy and high protein. I also recently discovered that Chili's has a great "Light" Mango Chili Tilapia. It comes with rice and steamed broccoli. Ask them to double the broc and leave off the rice. I ate my tiny portion and took home the rest - worked out well for 4 meals!!! And if possible, ALWAYS look at the menu online BEFORE going to the restaurant. Make a gameplan and stick to it. You can even call ahead and ask questions about the menu or what they can do to modify dishes for you. Fail to plan, plan to fail.

I got the Party Bullet because it was on sale after Christmas for 60% off. Same thing as the magic bullet - just has more cocktail-shaped cups. Honestly, I'm glad I didn't spend that much. I used it quite a bit during the puree stage, but have not used it at all since - really only used it for 2 weeks. For my Protein Drinks, I much prefer the Blender Bottles - they are cheaper, and easier to use and clean (I can also take them with me on the road).

My name is Julia and I am a food addict. Done with denial. OA wasn't enough for me to overcome my addiction. However, the surgery, in combination with reading OA material, has helped tremendously - trying to work it from both angles.

I have found so many great Bariatric-friendly recipes recently, but they always make SO MANY servings - especially when I am still only eating a third of a cup at a time. So a few weeks ago, I decided to try getting a vacuum sealer so I could freeze meals in individual portions and take them out only as I want them. I did a great deal of research online, and asking friends about them (some people i know have them). I finally made my decision yesterday on a brand, model, and accessories I wanted. Went to Walmart and picked up my first Foodsaver. Let me just say - LOVE IT! I made a Bariatric-friendly Spinach Casserole (high protein) last night in individual muffin cups (single servings). This morning, I froze them individually for an hour or so to firm them up, then I vacuumed them and sealed them. PERFECTION! So easy to use! I now feel like I can do more cooking, since I have the ability to preserve the leftovers for later (without having to eat the same thing, three times a day, for a week to use it up!). This even inspires me more to bring home restaurant leftovers - I don't have to eat them right away, but I can seal them and freeze them and use them when I am ready! Awesome!

The brand and model that I found with the best reviews overall was the Foodsaver v3230. I ordered it online with Walmart for $99 (and then picked it up in-store for free so I didn't have to pay shipping - and I picked it up same day!). I liked that it had the moist/dry food settings, the ability to seal without vacuum (when desired), an accessory cord (so down the line, I can purchase things like the marinator and use it for marinating, etc.), and a few different sample bag configurations to try. Our local Costco carries a much fancier model with more sample bags for like $189 - however, that particular model got really mixed reviews - people either loved it, or hated it. The v3230 had consistently great customer reviews and was only $99.

First of all, the depression is TOTALLY normal right now - your hormones are still all out-of-whack from the surgery and you are adjusting to a radically different lifestyle. Second of all, just work your plan and keep track of everything you eat - as long as you are doing all the right things, you are just in the 3 week stall - it will eventually end and the weight will start coming off again! It happens to everyone at some point in their sleeve journey - keep the faith!

Keep fighting and working the plan and your body will eventually move. My doctor said most people with the sleeve continue losing into their second year - you are still a long ways from that! I have had several "mini" stalls, which are really frustrating. But I just keep the faith - and I keep logging EVERYTHING on MFP - and eventually, the scale starts moving again.

I, too, was a diet coke addict. Gave it up cold turkey. I still do some caffeine, but in the form of a protein cappuccino every morning, and some plain iced tea in the afternoon - no carbonation. I am happy with my decision, and really have no desire to go back now that I am 3 months out from surgery - diet coke doesn't even sound good anymore! I am happy to sip an iced tea if the family goes to McDonalds, or anywhere else. But it has taken me a few months to get to this point. I did crave diet cokes in the beginning - just had to push through and get beyond the tough stage!

Yep, that will be life after surgery. Two things... One, talk to your PCP and surgeon about it BEFORE surgery so that you have a gameplan for afterwards. Two, some of your pain will probably diminish with the weight loss. It may not go away completely, but you may have less pain, and tylenol may be able to handle it.

I am a vegetarian, and I love to do lentils (cheap and high in protein) - I have found several great recipes using lentils in chilis and soups. Eggs are also good. My favorite protein drinks are the American Bariatrics fruit drinks (taste like Crystal Light or Koolaid) and the AB cappuccinos (which I mix with my coffee). Another favorite powerful protein combo is a vanilla Greek Yogurt mixed with some PB2 - Peanut Butter Powder. Delicious and high in protein!

I am still losing I am only about half-way to goal, so I have many more months to get to maintenance. However, I must admit that maintenance is the scariest part - I have lost large amounts of weight before, and that maintenance phase (which should be the rest of your life) is the part where you feel like you are constantly walking a tightrope!

My doctor and insurance also required chest x-rays, ekg, and lots of bloodwork. However, do it happily and consider it part of your road to wellness. I think the people that have the biggest problems with the surgery (and are most likely to gain it back afterwards), are the people that were expecting a fast, quick fix. Take the time to really study, research, and prepare for the surgery. Talk to as many people as possible that have already had the surgery - find out what life is REALLY like after surgery. The people that do the best with it are those who come to it ready to make lifestyle changes permanently. Those expecting a fast, quick fix inevitably end up complaining about how horrible life is immediately following their surgeries, and they are the ones most likely to gain the weight back in the end. So don't rush it. The doctors and insurance companies may seem like a real pain, but in the end, the longer pre-op process DOES help!!!

I have told people selectively. What surprises me is the number of people that are secretly interested in it for themselves or their spouses - and when they hear I have done WLS, they have a million questions and are very curious about it for themselves. I have encountered this probably 5 times since my 3/18 surgery. For that reason alone, I am happy I told them - it may help them with their decision on their journey.

I was pretty open and honest with my 9 and 11 year old girls. They know I have struggled with my weight - and we don't talk about it as a vanity issue, but as a health issue. They know my Dad and my Brother and my Husband all struggle with their weight as well, and that it causes health issues. They have some with me to Weight Watchers for years, and they totally get the struggle with the scale, with losing and gaining. So I was honest about the surgery. The surgeon had given me handouts that had illustrations of the procedure. I showed the girls and explained what would happen, and how it would help me lose the weight and keep it off - and help me get healthier. I also explained how my eating habits would change, etc. I tried to involve them in the process as much as possible so they would not be afraid of it, and also so that they could understand it better. They have responded really well!!! They make fun of how little I eat now, but it's all in good fun (they are both on a competitive swim team and eat TONS and stay thin). Besides being a mom, I am also a teacher. Knowledge is power. I believe in being as honest as possible with the kids - it is a great teachable moment!

Keep walking for the gas, and keep your nose to the grindstone on the water - dehydration is one of your biggest risks right now! The water seems impossible to get down in volume - we have all been there! But keep sipping slowly all day long - right now, that is your full time job! Carry that water bottle with you while you walk off the gas!

I think this all brings up an interesting point about pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery support. Fortunately, in my case, my doctor was adamant about a very thorough pre-surgery "reality prep" - we had to attend the support group meetings BEFORE surgery, so we could get a clear picture about the realities of life AFTER surgery - I heard all about the dumping, the sliming, the potential for regaining the weight, how easy it is to slip into bad habits, slider foods, the need to get into a good exercise routine, gateway foods, difficulties with going out to eat or going to a party (and how to handle it), etc. That was on top of the psych eval, nutritionist, and classes put on by the surgeon (all required!). I also have had excellent post-surgery support with continued visits to my doctor, and required attendance at monthly support group meetings. What I find REALLY concerning is the number of people choosing to go to Mexico for surgery, where they don't get the same kind of rigorous pre-op preparation or post-op support. I think that without these elements, the chances for long-term success would be questionable - although I know there are people who do it and are totally fine.

It does slow down as you go along. I am 10 weeks post-op (or something like that...), and I have definitely noticed that the pace of weight loss is slowing, although I am still moving consistently downward! All is still good! Likewise, I am roughly halfway to goal and pretty excited! Just need to stay focused and keep moving forward!

I have not been cleared to start into real carbs yet, although I understand from other people that most of us won't tolerate much of these foods. However, I know there is a product out there called CarbQuick that is a low-carb baking mix - you can use it to make pancakes and waffles. I have seen it in many of the Bariatric Stores, such as American Bariatrics.

1. Attend a support group pre and post op if possible - Pre-op, it will give you valuable insight into what life AFTER surgery involves. Post-op, it will give you fabulous support to keep you going and answer questions. 2. Know that most people can feel marginally miserable and/or depressed in the first few weeks after surgery (and many think "what on earth have I done to myself?"). Know that it will pass and you will get into the groove of things, and all will be fine. 3. Before you do this, make sure you are aware that WLS involves permanent lifestyle changes - if you are expecting to going back to eating pizza and pasta 3 weeks post-op, you will be very disappointed. This is definitely not the easy way out, and it involves committing yourself to a lifestyle change. 4. As long as you fully understand the previous 3 items, this will be an AWESOME decision you are making - I am extremely happy with my decision, and having great success!

Dumping syndrome isn't just vomiting, and yes, sleevers can get it. Definitely talk to your nutritionist about it - he or she may be able to give you some suggestions. I have found that anything high in sugar - including most fruit - gives me problems. Other people have no problem with sugar, but my sleeve definitely does not like it at this stage. I tried sampling 3 jelly belly jelly beans (very small jelly beans) - and I had severe stomach cramping and gas for 3 hours! Learned my lesson quickly! I also find that fruit that is high in sugar will do the same thing to me. I am 2.5 months out from surgery. I am still trying new things to see what works and what does not. I had my first raw spinach last night, and I seemed to tolerate it well!

Awesome post! Love it!