FitnFabfor2014

I thought I would be prepared reading posts and getting my meals, medications and necessities ready. Nothing could have prepared me for post surgery. It gives new meaning to the words "everyone is different". Pain, no pain, eating, not eating. I experienced things I would have never thought about. Something as simple as eating apple sauce. I still can't tolorate it. I bought tons of apple sauce pre-op to try to "prepare" myself. Now I have jars of apple sauce. Dang it! I had pain with my drain, when I read most said they hadn't experienced any. Everything is still new. I still stumble cooking/trying foods, but thankfully I have my "go-to" foods that my sleeve has not rejected. Foods I thought I couldn't live without don't even cross my mind now. It's so strange. It was definitely an eye opening experience. You can't imagine unless you actually go through it. I don't regret it at all. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!

Ya, sounds like too much too fast. That happens to me. When I am starving and dive right in, if I don't chew it enough, and eat it too quickly my food is going to make an appearance soon. Once I start feeling the fluids in my throat, I run for the bathroom. It doesn't matter how much I try to keep swallowing to keep it down (at least for me). I also found out that if I drink too soon after eating (I have to wait at least 30 minutes) I will throw up. Most of it is just the liquids though (doesn't make it any easier). This has been a crazy journey. Trying to figure out what works for me and what doesn't. It's like a puzzle... .

I start puréed tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out what to eat throughout the day My Dr. Said no lettuce right now, but every doctor is different. When I started soft foods my doctor said anything soft and make sure I chew really well. I have gotten used to lunch meat (Turkey or chicken) just rolled up. Sometimes I get a slice of cheese (low fat mozerella) and warm both in the microwave and wrap them together. It tastes so good. Sugar free jello, Apple slices (no skin), and lots of different soups. I bring a soft cooler to work and store it in the fridge so I have lots of options and don't get bored (and nobody steals my lunch).

Does it feel like your over salivating? That happens to me when I eat too much and too fast. If that's the feeling you're having you might want to try eating a little slower and see if that helps.

I understand what you are saying. I only told one person, that's it. I didn't want to deal with the questions or the "food police". I am 100% secure with my decision. I would never changes thing. Good luck with your upcoming sleeve surgery.

I lost 15 pounds prior to surgery. I was on my period when I had my surgery. I was wondering after my surgery if my period would become irregular, and actually it's been on time like clockwork (I have never been on the pill). It has however, become more painful. Prior to the surgery I would drink at lot of Water prior to and during my period, but since having the sleeve drinking water has become a little more difficult, so my periods are a little more painful. I still try to get in more than I can. It helps for me .

That is a good point. When I started taking all these supplements I had no idea I had to spread out my vitamins. I used to get so sick and I didn't know why. It is suggested that you take your multi-vitamins, B-complex, Biotin, Vitamin E and Vitamin C together and if possible with your breakfast meal. The B vitamins in your multi-vitamins and B-complex will help convert your food to energy. It is suggested to not take Calcium along with your multivitamin if your multi contains iron. The calcium may interfere with the iron's absorption. If you take an iron containing multivitamin with your breakfast meal, take your calcium with the other meals you consume throughout the day, such as lunch and dinner. Calcium may not be absorbed as well if it's taken at the same time as iron, zinc or magnesium.

I am taking vitafusion multivites gummies. They taste great. 15 calories and approved by my doctor. I bought a bottle from costco, 250 in a bottle. $15 (on sale).

Hi, I don't own a scale (only weigh in at the doctor), but I can definitely tell the difference in my rings and belts. This morning I put on my belt and I usually have it on the furthest hole, but this morning I had to put it on the second to last hole, and my ring was a little tight. This period (2nd since surgery) has more cramps and has me really tired. I usually am not because I double up on Water, but have not been doing that. One thing I have been, is on the same schedule with my period (no pills). I've been really surprised about that.

Thank so much! I was hoping they would have the sampler packs, but I ordered two boxes anyway! I didn't realize their shipping was so cheap ($1.95) even though they are offering free shipping. Great info, thanks again!

I just packed up my clothes and I believe I have some 2xl & 3xl work blouses. I may only have a few size 20 pants. If ur interested inbox me. I can send you pictures (my style may not be your style ).

Hi, that was one of my main concerns when I got sleeved. I started off just making my son something and I would eat something else. That stopped real quick. My son is a 240 pound football player in high school, so I had to start getting creative so we can eat together. We both love vegetables, so I do stir fried with grilled chicken strips from costco (he has rice, I don't) I use lean turkey and make spaghetti (I just don't eat the noodles) and frozen Turkey meatballs are amazing. Unfortunately my son is so sick of chicken he won't touch it whole, but if I shred it and make burritos or quesadillas he will chow down. Then I just eat shredded chicken and pinto Beans. I don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen during the week, I just don't have the time or energy (the weekends are much better), but every day I am learning new cooking ideas. There is a book called The Weightloss Surgery Cookbook for dummies. It has recipes ideas for everyone (so you don't have to cook separate meals for everyone in the house). Good luck on your journey.

Hi you were in my neck of the woods. Did you get stuck in the rain storms we had?

As long a there are no complications (just being real) you will be perfectly fine! I am going to Florida (Disney world/universal) in July, I will be 7 months out by then, and I am ALREADY ready to go!!! Have a great time on your cruise!

Hi, My first 2 weeks were by far the most difficult. I had a drain which amplified my pain. I lived on percocet during that time. Couldn't stand Protein shakes and don't get me started on the smell of any broth (I still can't stand it). I lived off sugar free jell-o and smoothies. I could barely hold anything down. The trick is finding something that you CAN stand and it will help you through. The hard part is finding what that food/liquid is. It's hard the first couple of weeks to find your footing. I was very honest about my struggles, because I did not have a good first three weeks, and didn't want others who are going through the surgery to think it's a cake walk (although it definitely could be for some). The one sentence I got so tired of reading was "It will get better." I thought I was going rip my eyes out. I am almost two months and I do struggle a bit, but it's definitely getting better each day. I hope that you feel better soon. You are not alone.

Hi! You and your body are adjusting to the new sleeve. I could only tolerate broth for two days and I was D.O.N.E! I still have 10 cans of broth on my shelves and I refuse to touch them (even to add to food). I completely relate with you on that. If your 4 days out then you're on full liquids right? Ask your doctor if you can make smoothies. Dr.'s are different with the food phases, if you are struggling there are options. I couldn't stand another Protein shake or broth, but those smoothies saved me. You can mix all kinds of yogurts, fruits, protein etc. Don't give up on your sleeve, once you get used to a certain kind of liquid it will be your "go to" on the days you can't tolerate certain foods. Oh, and sugar free jell-o! Most of us (not everyone) struggled in the beginning. You just have to find what works for you. Sometimes that's the hardest part. Good luck on your journey!

​I was cleared to eat fruits at 4 weeks and haven't looked back! I eat apples (peeled) and halos. I have had blackberries, cantaloupe and honeydew. For me, fruit was my go to pre-op and I still looove them. I haven't tried grapes (because of the skin/sugar) or watermelon (because of the high sugar) Funny though I can't tolerate applesauce post-op. At my one month appointment I double checked with my doctor before I ran out and ate my very first apple and she said "absolutely"! I had already been making smoothies with fruit. Doctors are so different with their food phases, and everyone is different with their tolerance, definitely check with the Dr. first.

Picture an Apple on toothpicks. That's how I feel like I look. This stomach of mine is like steele on the outside and mush on the inside!

My insurance has a six month waiting period. I just had my surgery in January. Unless a surgery is deemed "life threatening and urgent" my insurance would not bypass the waiting period. Apparently gastric sleeve is not considered "urgent" with my insurance company. After it was over I appreciated the waiting time. It gave me time to get ready and semi-prepare myself. There were some things that I could not prepare myself for until I went through the surgery. Good luck with your surgery.

Hi! Wow you have done amazing! Is it possible for you to fix something for yourself at the restaurant and put it to the side? Then it will be ready for you whenever you get a break? I used to work at a very busy retail store as a manager, and it was virtually impossible to get a planned break/lunch because you are constantly covering for other people, but maybe if you already had something prepared and ready to grab it could be easier? Even if you brought your own cooler (small construction worker cooler) you can grab and go. I have started shopping (food) for work and keep everything in a soft cooler in the fridge at work. That way I can just pick and choose/grab and go.

Hi I'm in the east bay. I had my surgery 01/07/14, in Oakland. If you need a buddy feel free to contact me or add me as a friend. That's one of the reasons I chose to not tell anyone. Don't need the negativity. I did this surgery for my health. Someone who has never been overweight can never sympathize with what we have gone through. It's so much more than not fitting in your jeans. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

Hi! It's so funny how different insurance companies are. I also had a six month requirement. My starting BMI was 40.5 (no co-morbidities) I had to lose at least 10% of my weight prior to surgery. I lost 15lbs and I was really concerned about them not approving my surgery because I was under the required BMI. I found out my insurance company goes off your initial weigh in with the doctor, everything after that is just logged in (as progress or not). I didn't lose anything for the first three months. It wasn't until my last three months that I upped my Protein shakes to two a day then I started to lose the weight. Maybe you can double check that the insurance company only looks at the first weigh in. Hopefully everything after what you lose will be an extra bonus. ​ Good luck!!!

Hi, I was VERY nauseous about 3-4 weeks out. My doctor got my lab work back and said my B-1 & B-12 were low. My B1 was very low. At that point I hadn't started taking my B Vitamins, but my Dr. advised me to start. After a week of taking them I felt better. That may or may not help you, but just thought I would mention it.

I used Syntha-6 (chocolate cake batter and vanilla ice cream). You'll be surprised what your tastes will be after surgery. There is an app called my fitness pal. It basically does the same thing, tracks everything. It's very useful. Haha I hear you about the Protein Shakes tasting like feet. I can't even look at a Protein shake these days! Good luck to both of you!

My 6 month pre-op I had one Protein Shake a day for three months. I cut my Pasta, rice and starch a little not completely, but ate tons of fruits and vegetables. The last three months I did two shakes a day and one meal (meat and veggies). And cut more servings of my pasta, rice and potatoes. By the time surgery came around I had weened myself of the pasta, rice and potatoes, but when I see them boy oh boy I want some jasmine rice!!! Lol.....haven't touched it. When I hit my goal I'll treat myself.....maybe