DeniseM

I also follow the 30 minute rule. If I am eating something really dry though, like chicken breast, I might take a TINY sip of water to help me chew and swallow, but usually I am fine with no drinking during meals. It's a habit for me now.

I think that in the first few months, you really have to work hard at eating all the wrong things to not lose weight. Physically, there is only so much space in your sleeve for food, so it is almost a guarantee that you will lose. However, if you do not change your lifestyle by adding in exercise and completely change your food choices and eating habits, and eat the same way after surgery that you did before surgery, then the surgery will not work. It is merely a tool to get you started on a new path, but you have to put in the work and make many changes and sacrifices to see big and permanent results.

When I was in pain, nothing helped. I tried Tylenol and Zofran and that was a waste of pills. I would just lie down and try to relax and wait it out.

My diarrhea lasted about a week until I started eating pureed foods. I was more comfortable propped up on the couch then in bed- I could not get comfortable in bed for almost two weeks. Unfortunately, the first two weeks just plain suck, and there is not much you can do.... BUT, but week 3 you will start feeling great, so hang in there!

I eat at Boston Market quite a bit- I get a market bowl with chicken breast and have them take the skin off for me. I usually get green beans and sweet potatoes but I only eat a few bites of the sides.

I would definitely call your PCP tomorrow morning- sounds like you could be throwing up bile, which could mean you are having gallbladder issues, and you need to have that checked out. I just had my gallbladder removed, and while I did not throw up, my worst symptom was nausea, almost 24/7. Nothing helped the nausea, not even Zofran. My doctor did not think it was gallstones at first because I did not have any pain in my gallbladder area- but I insisted on an ultrasound, and sure enough, I had multiple gallstones. So, even if you are not having pain, you could still be having issues- do not let them just send you home without running any tests.

I just had my gallbladder out on Monday- I got to the point where even plain, skinless chicken breast was causing me pain- the only thing I could tolerate was protein shakes. I was miserable. But now, even though I am in pain from surgery I am back to eating whatever I want, so that's good. In a few more days I'll be all healed up and good to go.

Don't worry, it will happen! Days 3-5 were when I had the most gas and gas pain.

I took two weeks off but I have a desk job. If I had a physical job, I would have taken more time. But, everyone is different and we all have different pain levels and heal at different rates.

For me, the pre-op diet was the hardest because it was a dramatic change and I was hungry and craving food. But, I followed my plan exactly and did not cheat even once because I wanted the best chance at a complication-free surgery, which I had. After surgery, you will not be hungry, so it is so much easier to follow the post-op diet. So my advice is just stick with your plan and focus on the reason you are having the surgery when you are having a rough moment- this is the first big step in taking back the control that food and obesity have over you! You can do this!

I gained 5 pounds when I had my sleeve, all gone plus some the first week. I also just had my gallbladder out on Monday and gained 4 pounds- still waiting for those pounds to come off....

I'm on the Nuvaring and I like it. I don't have to remember to take a pill every day, and with taking a pill, I don't have to worry about any digestion issues that could cause me to not get the proper dose of hormones. My doctor did not recommend the patch because it is absorbed through your fat cells, and when you are losing fat at a high rate, you might not get the full dose of hormones. She recommends either the ring or the depo shot for her patients, and since I had a bad reaction to the depo shot once, I opted for the ring.

I need some ideas for how to eat canned tuna without cooking it. I'm not crazy about tuna and mayo, so I was curious if anyone has any tricks for dressing up plain canned tuna?

I slept sitting up on the couch for about 8 nights, then I was able to sleep on my side in bed. (I have a bad back which prevents me from sleeping flat on my back.) I was able to sleep on my stomach after about 3 weeks. I had my gallbladder out yesterday and am back on the couch..... dejavue..... but I am not in as much pain this time, so hopefully I'll be back in bed sooner.

I plan on participating in a triathlon with my hubby.

YUM!

A narrowing and a stricture are the same thing- it is caused by scar tissue forming. I have had a dilation of my esophagus (several years ago, before my sleeve) and you are asleep during the procedure so it is not a big deal, and I felt better immediately after my procedure, although I did have a sore throat. Hopefully they can do the dilation for you on Monday and you should feel much better.

I had to attend an orientation class first, then go through all my pre-op testing, and only then, the week before the surgery, did I meet my actual surgeon. It was a different experience for me, but I guess it saves the surgeon's time by only meeting with patients who are fully qualified and ready for surgery. The bariatric coordinator answered all my (numerous) questions.

At six weeks my doctor told me to try to get my nutrition from food rather than shakes, and I was doing really well until this past week when I had a gallbladder flare and protein shakes are one of the very few things that don't cause me pain. Before this week I would have 1 or 2 shakes a week, usually on the weekends when I was too busy to eat and needed the protein. I plan on always keeping them in my refrigerator just in case I need one, but I hope I can get down to 1 or 2 a month, if at all.

My hubby is in the Army and is extremely active, not only with what he does for PT every day but he also runs marathons and triathlons. I, until a month ago, was a total couch potato. He would have liked it if I were to exercise more, but he never pushed me or criticized me. Of course, he is really happy now that I have started exercising regularly, but our different fitness levels have never been an issue for us

A protein shake is a way better choice than a Snickers bar!!!

I agree with shrinkingmom- listen to your doctor! With your calories higher you will lose less muscle and feel better. I know when I finally hit 900-1000 calories a day I was feeling great.

I was told I had to remove my acrylics, but your surgeon/hospital might not require the acrylic to be removed, just the polish.

Had my swallow test today (man did that SUCK!) and the good news is that my sleeve is perfect- no strictures or leaks, and I have my gallbladder removal scheduled for Monday. I am a little frustrated to have to go back under anesthesia again in only 9 weeks, and to have to take more time off from work. But, I have been really suffering this past week with almost everything I eat, so it must be done.

I just found out today that I have gallstones- I have had a few attacks over the past two weeks, but mostly nausea 24/7. I am also having a swallow test in the morning because my surgeon thinks I might have a stricture as well. Definitely not what I wanted to hear, but it was a side effect that I was prepared for. I did not realize that there would be four more holes in my abdomen though