gottagonow

I wouldn't go that soon after surgery. I was Oscar the Grouch until about a 7 - 10 days post. I didn't take weeks off (I went back after 1 week) and I felt fine with that decision. I didn't want to just be laying around my house. Also, it made me move more and just feel a bit more normal.

Give them a call so you don't have to go it alone.

Sorry for hijacking the thread. In my search, I found there are all kinds of numbers and opinions out there. Here is an example: http://www.muscleforlife.com/the-truth-about-protein-absorption-how-often-you-should-eat-protein-to-build-muscle/ So if I get my full drink in within 2 hours, I don't sweat it.

Another thing, I too was told to spread my Protein throughout the day. I too use a 40 g one (isopure) and I try to do about 1/2 in the morning and then half in the late afternoon. My thing with some of the Protein Shakes out there, and even mine, they take up a lot of calories.

I was told they are most concerned about my Protein during this 4 - 6 weeks healing stage. Very concerned. My PA told me that while it continues to be important, they do not shove protein down my face like they do now.

I'm limited to walking and I'm getting bored with it. My doctor does not clear more until about 4 - 6 weeks post. I will see him 5 weeks post and hope to be cleared then. I have a mini elliptical at home and to be honest, I've very slowly used it, but that was a decision I made for myself. I advise listening to your doc.

Let us know how this goes and best wishes!!!

Oh, I don't know how private you are about this, but I did have a friend pick me up from the hospital (it was required); I took public transportation there. I told him I was having minor surgery and would need a ride. He had enough tact not to ask me any questions beyond that. He probably assumed it was "woman problems."! Haha!

I had no help. My family isn't here and I didn't tell friends. I started feeling like I really could have used their help that 3rd and 4th day. I think I still had the morphine in my system that second day. It wasn't great, but you get through it; there's no other choice! And frankly, you can do what you need to do without assistance. By the 7th day, I felt so much better.

I had the same concern! At my first post op I asked if he took out enough b/c I felt nothing. He said when you're allowed to eat regular food, you'll know. I already know something's different by my reaction some mushies/soft foods. You are not alone with that fear - I nearly freaked myself out that I had done all of this only to have the same stomach.

broth definitely helps and as someone mentioned, wrapping it in foil. If on the stove, I cook it very low with a lot of broth. Mind you, I'm not where you are with meats, but I've always had an aversion to dry meat.

Definitely have felt twinges of that. All of a sudden it seems like every commercial involves my favorite food! But it passes and I think when my stomach can handle more improvisation (right now, it's very picky and boring), I'll enjoy what I can within my allowances. Now it's just so boring.

I was sleeved on May 19. I oddly was not weighed the day of surgery so I don't know how much was lost during that phase. I'd say I started at 220, lost about 10 - 15 the first week, and about 7 this second week. I let them weigh me the week after surgery and then I waited a week to weigh myself. I know I am under 200 but that's about as specific as I know. This is a strange and scary phase for me b/c I worry about going back up when I'm this close to under. I only weigh myself once a week for sanity purposes. Protein is also an issue for me b/c although I'm on mushy/soft foods, my stomach wasn't having it. I know some hate this stuff but Isopure drinks with the Water consistency is the only thing that works for me (grape frost). I could not handle the Protein shakes I had bought in preparation. Lesson learned, money wasted. I tried a bunch after that, spent a bunch and at least I know with the isopure I am getting about 45 to 50 grams in now, with 40 grams from that drink alone.

I went back on Day 4, worked from home, then I was off until Day 8. I returned to the office on Day 8 without any trouble (desk job). Day 4 was a little off (I didn't allow myself to take pain meds since I was working), but I'm glad I got control of things. If I wasn't feeling right, I would have called off in a second. I knew I was mentally ready.

I did wonder that b/c I doubt these surgeons are out to split our sleeves. I should also mention that what others consider soft foods are on my puree list, which is why I say I went from the hospital to soft foods (like white fish, ground turkey). It's permitted if one can handle is and really grounds the turkey. They have us on this for 4 - 6 weeks, depending on when you get back to the surgeon. The fact is regardless of my surgeon's and nut's list, my stomach can only handle things like hummus (small amount), weight watchers cheese spread (a little) and puddings. The other stuff is just too uncomfortable. But I kept in touch with a few who sleeved on my day and they are getting way more down and frankly, losing more weight than me (I think a lot of that has to do w/ the fact that they have about 150 to 200 more pounds to lose than me, but still). So I don't know what these surgeons are up to. I'm very happy with my weight loss. I do look forward to the day when eating refried Beans, eggs, etc. isn't uncomfortable. That's why I really needed a Protein Drink I could handle. I wasn't getting any in until Isopure.

When I mentioned Isopure I probably should have added that I too only care for the Grape Frost. I'm sure it's not everyone's cup of tea but I'm just grateful b/c I was doing so bad w/ Protein and hope it helps others. I found out about it through the boards.

I like to hear that it may not happen to everyone, but my best preparation is to mentally prepare for the fact that it will happen to me. And that's not easy, but it seems to be a reality. It will be a pleasant surprise if I don't lose any and that will be nice! But at least I won't go in complete shock should it happen.

Isopure drinks, which has the consistency of Water. I found the best prices on Vitamin Shoppe. It was the only way for me (and not 70 mg, my doc doesn't require that much). I could not do the thickness or sweetness of shakes or other Fruit Drinks. It is 20 ounces and has 40 mg of whey Protein (160 calories). For me, it is simply fantastic because I just cannot do shakes or juices that are super sweet. I can have white fish but my stomach cannot yet, each time I've tried, well let's say I'm not getting any protein.

I was told to shower only until my one month visit. They told me to have the Water face my back. That was hard at first b/c initially when my stomach still hurt, the water felt good.

I was hungry about 6 - 7 days post op and I felt guilty b/c all I read is about hunger disappearing. I got over that nonsense. We are all different. I was allowed soft foods/puree pretty early and that helped. It was interesting. I only get hungry at work. I think that was my snacking zone. So I plan my lunches very well b/c there's nothing I can do about the hunger if I don't have my foods. My stomach isn't having that regular stuff!

My stomach was definitely extended post-op. I could tell by my shirts. However, it did not last 7 weeks. it lasted about 7 days or so. Did you try anything new to your diet that may have contributed?

Dr. Shawn Garber - NYBariatric, he's been on quite a few shows and articles (I researched the heck out of him), and I guess he just has his way that works. Someone recommended Isopure Fruit drinks to me (the consistency is like Water - that is what I needed!). I am in such a better place with protein due to this drink. I looked on various sites and I the cheapest I saw it was on Vitamin Shoppe, by about $20 -$25 for a pack of 12. It is 20 ounces and contains 40 grams of protein. Before, I could not get those Protein shakes down for the life of me and I knew I needed something else. Very grateful for these boards!

So ur doctor had u on a 1-2 day liquid diet then went straight to soft foods? My dr had my first 2 days a clear liquid diet an then days 3-14 a full liquid diet. Then puréed for 2 weeks then soft foods. Yup! We couldn't leave the hospital until we ate a few bites of pureed tuna or cream of chicken Soup. I wanted to go home, and I'll admit it was hard to get that down, but there was no specific amount required - just enough for the nurse to document that a few bites were taken. Mind you, we do the stomach test the morning after surgery. Then we have to get a few sips of liquid. Then we go to puree/soft foods. Then we go home! He said there's no proven reason to stay on liquids and kind of chuckles about it.

My doc doesn't prohibit it at all. They just think it doesn't help with dehydration and encourage a strict following of the required liquids, especially for coffee drinkers. Maybe have a chat with them.....

I hear ya! My doc actually has more of a soft foods phase more than puree right after the 1 - 2 days liquid phase. I'm losing a lot of weight so I'm good with my doc's advice. I knew eating puree would be very hard for me. I'm a texture gal.