curlytopmomoffour

I had weight loss surgery, called "gastric sleeve," on February 5, three days after a major family event. I'm pretty open about it with friends. Anybody else, I just say "I eat very little" if I'm asked how I did it! So far I am down 49 lbs. I was 224 and now I'm 175. I went from 20 Plus to about 16 regular. I did it purely for health reasons. The Dr. said that I would have diabetes w/i 5 years otherwise and having tried about everything, felt that there was no other way I would lose the necessary weight. Maybe someone much more disciplined could -- but not me realistically. I have also eliminated my blood pressure medicine and cut down my thyroid and other meds to lower levels. I've added umpteen Vitamins. Going in, I was very fearful about mortality, shall we say, and was just ecstatic that I even woke up in the recovery room. The rest is a plus! The first week, including the surgery, was a drug-induced blur, and after that mostly I've been not in much pain or had too many problems. The eating is rough, particularly the first month. The food regime for now is to eat 3 Protein "meals" a day if you can call them "meals." For example, I might have yogurt or a Protein shake for Breakfast, 1/3 c. cottage cheese for lunch, and 1/4 c. salmon or chicken and one broccoli tip for dinner! If I get hungry, I have another protein shake or some nuts or another one of those listed things. It is hard when I have cooked lots of delicious food and can't have it. I've been out to restaurants and had, let's say, just miso Soup, or just Greek salad the size of a coffee lid. Or 1/4 of a sandwich. I have an occasional bite or two of a cookie, cake, or chocolate. I can eat anything, in theory, but my stomach will only hold about 1/3 cup maybe. It will expand as time goes on and then I'll have to be very careful. The discomfort has come when I've been tempted to eat more than that, and then I can feel nauseated and/or have a pain behind my sternum. That goes away in 1/2 hr. Also, I can't eat and drink at the same time yet I'm supposed to drink a lot! So, it is a new regime. Right now, I'm sipping a half decaf/half cocoa and then about 1 hour later, I'll have yogurt with strawberries. I still want to eat things I see and that taste good, so I have to sometimes leave the table. I am a little more energetic and less encumbered by the weight. More likely to want to go for a walk. My "interim goal" (heaviest "not obese" acc. to charts) is 165, which I weighed when I was married. I'm planning to have a little party at home with some friends and wear my wedding dress. At least then, the dress will only have cost $400/wear! My "expected goal" is 157 based upon statistics, and I have set 135 (heaviest "not overweight" acc. to chart) as a final goal. If I reach that, great, if not, OK too. That is what I weighed during college, of course I was eating tons but swimming miles most days. In terms of wardrobe, since this is dynamic, I'm reluctant to spend any money at all. I have given away almost all my former clothes and have been going every few weeks to consignment and thrift shops since I need to look decent for work. I'm not having anything altered b/c why spend the money now on that? But yes I have bought brand new undergarments!! That could not wait longer nor be done on the cheap. I don't seem much different in the mirror to myself, actually. Part of the whole body image problem. I didn't think I looked awful before, only when I saw pictures was I upset. I don't have current pictures, but will take some when I get to 165, which could be soon. And that's the story.

You can have all the things you want to eat eventually. Go out for a nice meal with your support team and Celebrate your life-improving decision. I've done well after 3 months and am happy I did this. Good for you too!

Eat Protein first at every meal and stop. In between stick to Fruit drinks diluted with Water.

Mirena IUD no question.

I think I would be less nervous if I knew what the day or surgery was like. I'm petrified about going into the OR alert and having a mask placed on my face (even though I use a full face C-PAP! -- I know I can take that off!). I'm just having anxiety. Help!

I am an observant Jew and having surgery on Feb. 5. 3 days after my youngest child's Bar Mitzvah. Anyway, I have finally found a kosher Protein shake, but would love to hear about others. I am also having to host Pesach just 2 months post-surgery. I will do everything the same I guess, but eat what I have to.

to gdetty: I'm having Dr. Ramanathan too for gastric sleeve on Feb. 3. Very anxious, but your post helps me a great deal. Many thanks.

Thanks. I will tell Dr at pre-op tmw that I don't want to see the OR!! Maybe that will help.