Teachamy

Go You! That's great!

I had surgery 3 weeks ago. My first weigh-in was at my 2 week follow-up with the surgeon. I will weigh again at week 4 when I meet with my NUT and nurse-practitioner. At some point I will start weighing every week or every other week at my local bariatric center. I am not measuring inches, but have taken to wearing a heavy-duty belt and attractive underwear (as someone suggested in their signature!) because my pants don't want to stay on! I obsess too much about the scale, so I refuse to purchase one. I know myself too well. Best, Amy

Yes, you're right about the air issue. I'd buy a straw if you invented one that was OK'd by my NUT!

Yay! Good luck.

1. I was on drugs through my IV. I felt nothing in terms of pain. The nausea was what affected me. Everyone is different, but I couldn't even sip Water without dry-heaving. It was tough for a couple days, but it's all good now! 2. No undies. 3. I had a toilet in my room. (Sorta like a jail cell. ) I could go on my own, just had to drag my little friend, the IV pole along with me. No problems. 4. I kinda rolled onto my side and used my arms. Good luck!

Lately I dream of Pasta when my blood sugar is too low. (I am diabetic.) Freud aside, our attachment to certain types of food takes time to break. Our bodies are going through addiction withdrawal. For you, chocolate cake. For me, pasta! But we will succeed! Amy

I was nervous the morning of surgery--scared I would be the one that wouldn't make it! But the nurses were great, and once they slipped a little drug into my IV, the butterflies were gone and I was good to go! You will be fine and thankful you had the guts to go through with it. Best, Amy

good luck! You're on your way!

Soup. Not broth, not creamed Soups, but chicken and vegetable soup. I had some wonderful soup with ground chicken and tarragon, spinach, carrots and mushrooms. It was delicious, and the chunky bits went down very easily, but eating the broth too was a challenge. I know we are not supposed to drink and eat at the same time, but is there ever a point when I will be able to eat soup comfortably? I am 3 weeks out. Thanks! Amy

Our program made it well known to us that if we gained weight at any point pre-op, our surgery would be delayed. Sorry your NUT wasn't up front with you about this. There is a reason for it, as annoying as it must be for you right now. They want to make sure your commitment is there, since the sleeve isn't a magical pill. As you know, the sleeve takes work, and it doesn't take away all our bad behaviors and desires for certain types of food. I'm sure your NUT just wants to ensure that you will be successful for the long haul. I know you can do this! Best of luck. Amy

I find cottage cheese (which has some decent protein) keeps me full for a while. I eat 1/2 c. at a time. I too get hungry, especially if I don't pay attention to the clock and it's snack time! My old triggers (especially being sleepy) still make me want food.

I was in the hospital and didn't eat for the first 4 days after surgery. Drinking made me sick too. It is true what they say that every day it gets a little better. I can eat and drink without problems now. (Just not at the same time!)

I am assuming you feel nauseous because you are not getting enough calories. I am 3 weeks out and eat between 500 and 700 calories a day. Are you eating regular meals with Snacks in between? No more than 2-3 hours between meals/snacks? Are you having some Protein before bed? I am diabetic and sometimes feel nauseous when my blood sugar level drops too low. I hope you feel better soon!

Wow. So glad my NUT never banned soup for me! I love it. Our local organic store makes amazing gluten free soup.

Thanks, K! The couple of times I forgot and sipped a bit of Water while eating, the food came right back up! I guess I just need to give myself time to heal before I will be able to eat soup and not think about it!

I agree completely! I weighed in at my first post-op having lost 15 pounds 2 weeks after surgery. I won't get weighed again until my NUT and nurse appt. on 1/15/14. I know I am losing--that's enough. If I had a scale, I know I'd weigh myself every hour. It would be too much of a temptation. Instead I am focusing on cutting 1 of my blood pressure meds in half (Yippee) and taking less than half of my original insulin dose. (I am a Type I diabetic, so I can't be cured, but I can be healthier!) Looking forward to moving my little mermaid after my appt. on the 15th!

While I agree with staying away from starches, 1 week out of surgery means teaching your new sleeve how to swallow while still getting most of your protein from liquids. 2-3 TBL of mashed potatoes will not be a bad choice in the soft food stage. Watch out who you call a "bad sleever". Not cool.

I found instant potatoes flavored with garlic. Not normally my cup of tea, but they went down so easy and tasted delicious! Just wait until you can eat an egg! That was heaven for me! Congratulations! Amy

I am new to the sleeve, so I am not sure if this is a new normal, or the fact that it is -4 degrees outside. But in terms of the sexiness factor, there is something to be said my thick socks, blankets, flannel, and of course the C-Pap. Make him work for it you gorgeous ladies!

I have had 2.5 weeks off and am starting to feel better. I was very weak at first, and nauseous the first 4 days after surgery. So I would say, plan for the worst, hope for the best. (Can you do it while you have a semester off/summer?)

Good luck! You'll get there! I agree with looking at NSV's. All that walking is probably doing wonders!

Uh oh. I am new to this sleeve thing, and my surgeon talked to me today about these first few weeks. Eat what's suggested, and eat until I feel overfull. Next time, measure out that amount minus 2-3 bites. She said that is my new normal portion size. Go by measurements, not by belly. If I am eating the right amount, I will feel satisfied. She never mentioned I'd have to account for my monthly guest!

I think it's great that you are able to pin-point your problem. Therapy will definitely help. Also, my bariatric center has a lot of support group meetings--perhaps you can find one? I know you feel like a failure, but contact your surgeon if possible. The more people you contact to help you , the less alone you will feel. You are brave, strong, and capable. One day at a time! Amy

You have a lower starting weight than a lot of people. (You're like me!) And you lost 10 pounds in 9 days. That's over a pound a day--a terrific loss! If you have a lower BMI to start with, you're closer to goal, so you won't lose as fast. You are doing nothing wrong!

Welcome!