cah1128

Hi All! It's been a while for me, and I've been hard at work trying to be healthy and lose this weight. I am proud to say that as of today, I have reached -51lbs in 14 weeks. I feel so much better than before, and this was definitely the best choice I could have made. There have been times that I thought "Why did I do this!?" but lately it's more like "I am so happy I did this!" I still have about 100lbs to go to my goal weight, but I feel even if I come within 20lbs of that "goal" I will be ecstatic! I hope you Sleevers are all doing well...and please keep your chins up. This isn't supposed to be EASY...but it will be so worth it! Peace to all!

Hi all! It's been a while since I posted, but I have been reading all the posts as they come. I've seen alot of folks having issues with getting enough food in, and feeling satisfied, and/or not being able to tolerate some foods. I have been lucky enough to have liked just about everything I've tried, and I've succeeded thus far. I am 5 1/2 weeks post op, and down 30lbs. My doctors diet regimen means between weeks 4-6 after I've seen the doc, I can eat whatever I want. Now it's up to ME to make sure what I eat is healthy, and nutritious. I use the app "MyFitnessPal" to keep track of EVERYTHING I eat. And my doc says don't worry about calories, as long as you are getting enough PROTEIN (60-70g/day), GOOD CARBS, and SOME Fat. Watch SUGAR! and keep SODIUM as low as you can. And HYDRATE!!! 64+oz of water a day. So far, if anything, I have had trouble getting enough water. But for those who are struggling with getting enough protein, I have a list of Protein shakes/powders, etc.....that may help you find a good one. I use "Pure Protein" brand, Frosty Chocolate, found in Shoprite, Walmart and probably alot of other places. Maybe I can inbox it to whomever wants it? And once you can have FISH, it's SO PROTEIN PACKED, so make sure you eat your fish. I was basically vegetarian for a month (and Fish) and between that, and the shakes, i kept my energy up. Vitamins are a key too. Well, that's enough babbling....I hope you all are doing well. Keep your chins up, and never give up! This is a new life for us all!

@@jerseygrl09, Good luck tomorrow! You'll do great! Tomorrow will be the easy part...all you have to do go to sleep, and wake up to your new life. I remember "recovery" taking a few hours longer than planned, but not b/c of anything bad, they just make sure you are ready to leave, not sick, etc. Then, it's on to rest and starting a new chapter. You may be gassy, and feel a "weird, heavy pain" in middle of your chest. That is GAS. Burping is your friend! It will take days to get the gas out of your body. Then, just make sure you are SIPPING Water all the time. I was very DRY MOUTHED for the first two days, b/c I wasn't drinking enough. And you'll want to have sugar free ice pops. They are a godsend. chicken broth and water, ice pops, sugar free Jello, and decaf tea will be your best friends. Every doc is different as far as the food regimen, so not sure when you'll start "full liquids". Just be sure to HYDRATE. I wasn't really HUNGRY until day 5, and by then I had started Protein shakes and those help with hunger IMMENSELY. Good luck to you, and let us all know how it goes!!!

"Free Bird" guy....LOL! I've been known to shout that one out while SOBER! hahaha!

KJcasegreg, If your stats are correct, you have succeeded TREMENDOUSLY! I can't even imagine what it took to get you there. DO NOT get down on yourself. You are remarkable to have come this far. And I do agree that you should talk to a professional. You need to let out your feelings in a safe way, and not turn to alcohol. Remember, not only are they empty calories, but drinks will adversely affect your kidneys and liver, which post-surgery are already working OT. Don't sabotage your success. I wish you luck, friend....and keep chatting with us. We are here for you!!!

071, Everyone is different for sure, but don't worry about the post-surgical pain. It should be a small bump in the long road ahead. Mine wasn't so bad. 3 wks out I still have a twinge or two, but nothing that is keeping me from doing anything. As for the protein, at first this will come in the form of drinks or shakes. I use Pure Protein Frosty Chocolate, 1 scoop, added to 1/2 c milk and some ice chips to make a shake. It's not bad at all. 2 a day gives you 50gms of protein, and then eating Greek 0% Fat yogurt a couple times, and your'e there. Protein will help you heal, and help you lose weight. Try and focus on the END RESULT, which will be worth the struggles at the beginning. You can do it!

LWren, Keep up the great work...It is definately different and sometimes hard, but we know it will get better! I'm a newbie too, and I firmly believe it! :-)

Hi all March 2014 Sleevers..! This is my first post, so here goes! My surgery was on 3/4. I am doing really well overall. I have GERD and did have some lingering discomfort when swallowing anything the first few days, but then it subsided. The first 3 days were Clear liquids only, which to me was the hardest b/c it's BORING. But honestly you're kinda beat, and not very hungry anyway. By day 4, when I could add full liquids I started with alot of Soups, and did ok with that. S.F. pudding, and greek yogurt become your friends too. Once I was able to add eggs, cheese, and soft fish I became extremely happy and hopeful. Protein IS A MUST PEOPLE! Find a good Protein shake, and stick with it. I get my 65-75gms of Protein a day by eating right, and those shakes give you 50gms on their own! Use them as a snack between your meals. I have been very optimistic from start to my current status. I never got down on myself or the process, but I totally understand how it can happen. Just know that this is going to change your life for the better! You may have some hiccups/roadblocks, but ultimately you will be a healthier you! Good luck to all the pre-surgery folks, and also to those who like me are just starting out. :-)