InfiniteButterfly

My journey to better health 'began' May 15 when I finally went into surgery and got my sleeve Although the prep for the journey took much longer, and sometimes seemed never-ending. The bariatric center where I'd signed up to go through the procedure lost their surgeon when I was five months in, which unfortunately delayed my surgery by a few months (thankfully, Dr. Eid stepped in. He's the head of bariatrics in the medical group my hospital is a part of, and he and his partner started making trips to Erie specifically to care for the patients here that were left surgeon-less) So here I am, five days out. I had astronomical pain yesterday (I think I walked a bit too much the day before, because I was getting belly twinges which turned into full-blown burning poker to the tummy yesterday whenever I was upright). The doctor's office told me to listen to my body, take it easy, and if the pain was unbearable, to come in. But since the pain was next to nothing when I was reclined or propped on pillows on the bed, I just took it easy. I saw a suggestion on here in one of the threads I read yesterday about compression pants helping (because it supported some of the belly weight so it wasn't dragging down on the healing areas.) I had several pair of compression yoga pants, which aren't really tight, but were just enough to give a little added support and I was able to get around a bit better last night. I'm looking forward to more walking today...within reason. I don't want to push too hard and have another setback. Even with the pain yesterday, and the unspeakable nausea coming out of surgery, I haven't regretted the decision for a second. I did have to leave the room when the rest of the family was eating dinner (I had my Soup early so I could go elsewhere). I wasn't really hungry, but everything smelled really good, and I figured it was better to remove myself from the temptation zone (I say temptation, but I've worked way too hard to get to this point to give into temptation at this point. Yes, there are things I would like to someday have again, but I'm in no hurry). I am incredibly thankful that my insurance allows for continued psychiatric care, because I really credit the counseling I've received to this point with being able to maintain my equilibrium. I had started anti-depressants shortly before starting this journey as well, and I don't think I would be doing nearly as well without those two things. A supportive family helps as well. My bf was really wary of the surgery (more because he's got a horrible phobia against doctors and hospitals that because he was against the surgery), but he's learned that he can no longer be a food pusher (his words...he likes to share whenever he's eating and it's been very difficult for him to change his patterns as well...but I give him credit. He's doing good. He's also an exercise pusher...when I wanted to lay in bed feeling sorry for myself yesterday, he encouraged me to get up and shower, take small steps). Hubby is just the rock that I've leaned on through all of this. While the bf is almost like a drill sergeant at times, hubby is a comfortable pillow to rest on when I've had enough. My kids are kind of meh about the whole thing...but if I can be outside more with them this summer riding, walking and playing, they're all for it. I won't say it's been easy or fun...the gas pains alone remove it from the fun zone (hence me REALLY wanting to walk more today), but I have my eye on the prize: a healthier life going forward.

Support groups are wonderful. I can't wait until the next meeting of our local one (I'd been attending prior to surgery, and am looking forward to going back) It definitely helps being around others who have the same restrictions. (I have definitely noticed a nasty taste in my mouth as well.)

I had PB2 in almost all of my pre-op shakes. If you're really worried about it, check with your NUT.

Hmm...my two weeks pre-op was a liquid diet and I easily lost 10 lbs on it. Protein shakes, and up to six servings of cottage cheese, cheese sticks, yogurt, sf pudding, V-8. I know everyone's pre-surgery diet requirements are different though.

I was sleeved 5/15 also, and today is the first day I showed loss since the hospital. I've been struggling with my Fluid intake, because I just don't feel like drinking (yes, I drink anyway, but it's not always easy). I'm alternating Water and juice currently (I have little Jello shot glasses that we use to feed our geckos. They're 30 ml like I was given in the hospital, and I have a counter beside me for whenever I finish one) I just started my Protein liquids today, and managed a whole four baby spoons full of yogurt mixed with Protein powder =P You'll start your protein shakes/protein liquids when the doctor gives you the go-ahead. Mine was at 5 days. Others were on protein liquids before leaving the hospital (and there are clear protein liquids that you can get now...I think someone mentioned Isopure?) Those may give you a fuller feeling than Clear Liquids...although honestly, I never felt hungry on the clear liquids. I was too busy feeling gassy to feel much else =P Best of luck on your journey

I finally did this afternoon. Right after getting permission from the doctor to get Colase or chewable fiber tablets.

I had one loud gurgle that I thought was hunger...but a few sips of Water later and I was fine (I'm five days out, and really not having hunger issues) Everyone's body is different, and it is completely possible to not be hungry on clear. Sorry, I really disagree with this statement. I've worked very hard to stay on target and not mess up. I want this to work, not get back in the same boat I'm in the process of climbing out of.

I had terrible nausea in the hospital (it's one of the first things I remember saying to them when I was coming out of anesthesia), and I was on anti-nausea needs the whole time in the hospital, but it seems to have eased some (my surgery was 5/15), and I hope it stays away. Have you asked your doc? I remember others mentioning getting meds for the nausea

I tried c25k last summer, but my knees didn't like it at all. I plan on doing it this year...I'm hoping that my knees are in better shape post-surgery I can tell they are already, even when I'm only down 25 from the pre-liquid diet. I have a few friends who have used it and swear by it

I primarily use sparkpeople for all of my tracking. I have it on my phone too, so I can track on-the-go.

5 days post-op, I've been walking since second day post-op (just sort walks, gradually increasing distance) I went around the whole block yesterday and I hurt substantially more today, so I may have overdone it a bit. Just do what you can tolerate

I just ordered sample packs from both syntax and chike. Injury has a sample pack as well (I wasn't a fan of their shakes pre-surgery and haven't had a chance to try them post-surgery yet)

I just ordered sample packs from both syntax and chike. Injury has a sample pack as well (I wasn't a fan of their shakes pre-surgery and haven't had a chance to try them post-surgery yet)

I was wondering the same thing...my surgery was on 5/15, and no sign of bowel movement (but no discomfort either, so I'm taking that as a positive)

I am really looking forward to getting back on my bike Hubby bought me a new Trek bike this spring so I would be able to ride it a bit before my surgery. I'm looking forward to getting my surgeon's clearance to start riding again I know it's going to be a little bit (only 4 days post-op), but hopefully not too long.

I'm on my third day out...I had a moment of ravenous hunger earlier, but a little sip of water and the rumblies in the tumbly calmed down. Most of my hunger pangs are fairly transitory and don't last past moving around a bit or having a few sips of liquid (I'm on clear liquids for another few days)

I have a box of smaller-size clothes that I'm waiting to get into. Some of it as far back as before my last pregnancy (when I gained the last large amount of weight). I haven't actually bought anything in smaller sizes, but I have added a few cute dresses to my Amazon wish list. (my bf has a really nice leather jacket I told him I want to borrow when I get small enough =P)

Awesome!! I still have a few months. I was just looking at Vitamins at cvs while I was getting cough meds for my hubby. Did you buy the vitamins yet? Didn't they say something about us not getting gummies? Yep...no gummies, but they need to be chewable. I've become re-acquainted with the Flintstones

I have to be at the hospital at 8:15 a.m. tomorrow morning to register for my surgery I got my final clearance this morning (waiting on CT scan results and CPAP settings). I'm really kind of nervous (although a bit better since I got the call. I've been dreading something going wrong last-minute and having to postpone.) The phone call makes it real. This is really happening. Now I can take the next step on the journey to myself.

I'm at the end of my 2-week pre-op liqui-diet. I wouldn't have complained if it were only a few days I guess every surgeon is different.

I got the samples of Unjury from my nutritionist during my visit. Honestly? I really didn't like them all that much. They just felt very thin (the shake I'm using now is much thicker) But everyone's taste buds are different. I will say the strawberry was a nice break from the chocolate/vanilla train I'm on with the other protein powders.

I've lost a total of 24 lbs pre-op (12 before the 2-week liquid diet and an additional 12 once I went to all liquids) I boosted my exercise quite a bit as well, so I'm hoping that helps with recovery and weight loss down the line. Great on you for losing so much during the pre-op process

Good luck! My surgery's the day before yours (5/15), and I can't wait

I've been working with a therapist consistently since my required psych eval (we mutually discussed continuing therapy, which I've needed for a long time), and I'm hoping with her help, I'll be able to weather some of the stormy days ahead (I'm pretty volatile emotionally, so I don't expect to suddenly be all sunshine and roses) and I was battling a fairly long-lasting depression (which I don't expect to clear overnight with the surgery), but one day at a time, I hope to get through it. To be honest, the thought of deeper depression scares me, because I've been there/done that and don't want to go back. I've made a lot of other changes in my life approaching the surgery as well (returning to school, working on my art career), so I'm hoping that I can focus the "must eat for consolation" feelings into artwork or exercise.

I've actually told quite a few people...because I have very few filters and I know I would end up mentioning it anyway. My family knows, my friends and the people I work with. And everyone's been pretty supportive (and if they weren't, they haven't said anything to me). Most of the comments I've received are pretty positive (I guess I'm pretty lucky in that)