mbrinmn

Wow, it sounds like you did have a rough start. But if they got it all under control, you'll start feeling good soon. You're only about a week and a half out from major surgery that came with what sounds like some major complications. It happens. Now you have to concentrate on healing. What is it that you are eating when you say 4 or 5 spoon fulls of food? I hope you mean puree? If not, I'm surprised your doctor let you have solid foods so soon, and because you had surgery complications. Believe me, you will feel it when you have had just one spoon too much. You should be walking slowly, but the first 2 weeks is for rest. Your body needs that to heal. Walking just helps to get your balance back and build up your breathing. You shouldn't be "exercising" for a few weeks yet. Just last week (week 7 for me), I was given the go ahead to do fast and more strenuous walks, but I was told not to do aerobics or a weight lifting gym regimen for a while yet. Maybe out to 4 months. All people are different in how they lose weight. I lost 5 pounds my first week...but then really slowed down for weeks two and three. Then it picked up again. It seemed to help once I was on solid foods...or at least mashed up real meals rather than just baby food and Jello. If you feel you've made a mistake, there just nothing you can do about now but figure out how to use your new tool to your advantage. It's not going to do any good to second guess yourself now. 3/4 of your stomach is already in some biohazard dump. I'm sure you've had pain, set backs, and disappointments before in life. You got over those and that's what will happen this time too. It is just too soon to doubt that your life is about to take a turn for the better and the healthier. You can get through this just like anything else. Here's a tip regarding getting enough Fluid. Leave Water bottles or big drinking glasses with covers all over your house and at work. Every time you pass a bottle, take 3 sips. I have them in the bathroom, every bedroom, kitchen, living room, and porch. I put one on the edge of the steps to the second level because I walk by that when I enter or exit the house every day. I keep two in the car. I even left one in the basement for when I venture down to that dungeon to look for something packed away. If you don't drain the bottles within 2-3 days or so, pour out the old water and fill with fresh. Good luck.

It really does get better. I know quite a few people have mentioned more extreme nausea and an extra night in the hospital. From what I can remember, 3 sips of G2, chicken broth, and Jello seems like a huge meal to me. For the first week, I had to drink broth throughout the day because I could only manage to get about 3 or 4 sips down at once, but by week two, I was doing fine and switched to purees (mostly pre packaged organic baby food). That went well and I upgraded to mashed regular foods...black bean burger with cheese, cheese omelet, I even had Perkins southern chicken and biscuits platter (without the biscuits) with scrambled eggs. That lasted me 5 meals. Bought a little hand operated blender and took it everywhere with me for 2 or 3 weeks. Now I'm eight weeks out as of today and feeling great. Can eat anything I want, but don't. I don't crave anything either, which is really nice. You're only on day 2.5 after MAJOR surgery. You just had a portion of a vital organ removed. Everyone handles surgery and the sleeve differently. Just stick to what your doctor prescribes as your food protocol and you'll be amazed at how fast you feel like you never even had surgery. Good luck!

For all of you who don't like, or cannot eat, Protein shakes, try GENEPRO. I bought it on amazon.com. One little scoop (about a rounded tablespoon) is all you need to get 30 g of protein. It is Water soluble, just like Benefiber or Miralax. You can put it in just about everything and not taste it...your morning yogurt, cottage cheese, mash it in with enough hamburger for one patty and grill it, put it on your salad, etc. The possibilities are endless. It does add a slight flavor to water, which isn't a bad taste, it just a funny taste. Now I mix it in with my daily Sobe Lifewater or Fuze Slenderize water. I really feel less tied to protein shakes (powdered or canned) since I have found this great product.

Therapy can be helpful, but it sounds like adding that too your life right now would just add more stress. Since you work at home, stock up on healthy Snacks if you're eating more out of emotional distress than hunger. When you find yourself stressed and wanting to eat, do 50 sit ups and 50 push ups...or what you can handle. While you're doing that, remind yourself of why you got the sleeve in the first place; as a tool to help you change your lifestyle. It sounds like you had a good grip on that until all this stuff got in the way. Maybe put yourself back in time to when you got your sleeve, and for a while, eat like a newly sleeved person would. Keep reminding yourself how small your stomach really is and that you need to fill it with all the good stuff first...then if there's room, maybe just a tiny taste of the bad stuff. Protein shakes, broth, pureed foods; go back to the beginning and eat just in the amounts that you remember you could only eat just after surgery. Give yourself a little reboot. Don't let this upslide scare you. You've done it, gotten it out of your system, and now your ready to go back down to your goal weight again. You did it once! Good luck and have faith in yourself.

Hi Twin Cities gang. I have been joining and following other group conversation and the one thing that bothers me most is people who talk about when or if they can go back to eating some of the stuff they used to: pizza, burritos, cheese burgers, cake, etc. Nobody has done it on this board, but here's an answer I just gave to this woman who isn't even two weeks out from her surgery and already wondering when she can eat that kind of stuff and how it might affect her tummy. There was another person in the conversation, so that's who GummyTummy is that I am agreeing with. To harsh?? HERE'S WHERE MY COMMENT STARTS: I agree with GummyTummy. It's all about how you see food from now on. You're whole outlook has to change. You'll be able to eat anything, really. I'm 8 weeks out and have been eating almost anything I want for the past 4-5 weeks. But I don't crave anything I used to. I've had pizza, but could only eat less than a whole slice. It tasted great. I've had less than a third of a burrito from Chipotle and that was heavenly. No issues whatsoever. Only 3 times have I eaten just a little too much that it caused me to vomit, but luckily I was home for two of those instances and the other was in my car...but thank goodness I always keep plastic grocery bags under my seat to use for trash. It's all about making the right food choices and how you look at what you're eating. You need to get the proteins down first, then you can do the good carbs (good veggies), then with what room you have left, use that for the starchy carbs (rice, potatoes, pasta, breads, etc.). One or two bites of a tortilla shell isn't going to ruin everything, but remember what you got the sleeve for in the first place...as a tool to change to a healthy lifestyle. A tortilla shell offers no real nutritional value and that's what you have to be thinking about when you eat. It's not about being boring or bland. It's about being smart about foods and nutrition. Otherwise, you just went through a heck of a big surgery to worry about eating the foods that made you overweight in the first place. GummyTummy says it all...MODERATION But I can tell you that I have honestly not craved anything and don't miss any of my "go to" foods like Oreos with double stuff, Chipotle burritos, Fritos Corn Chips, fresh baked pumpernickel bread, cake with lots of frosting, etc. The less you think about "losing what you used to have or about denying yourself" the more it won't even bother you. Good luck. ************************************************************************* Okay comment or not? Any feedback from my peeps here in the cities?

I agree with GummyTummy. It's all about how you see food from now on. You're whole outlook has to change. You'll be able to eat anything, really. I'm 8 weeks out and have been eating almost anything I want for the past 4-5 weeks. But I don't crave anything I used to. I've had pizza, but could only eat less than a whole slice. It tasted great. I've had less than a third of a burrito from Chipotle and that was heavenly. No issues whatsoever. Only 3 times have I eaten just a little too much that it caused me to vomit, but luckily I was home for two of those instances and the other was in my car...but thank goodness I always keep plastic grocery bags under my seat to use for trash. It's all about making the right food choices and how you look at what you're eating. You need to get the Proteins down first, then you can do the good carbs (good veggies), then with what room you have left, use that for the starchy carbs (rice, potatoes, Pasta, breads, etc.). One or two bites of a tortilla shell isn't going to ruin everything, but remember what you got the sleeve for in the first place...as a tool to change to a healthy lifestyle. A tortilla shell offers no real nutritional value and that's what you have to be thinking about when you eat. It's not about being boring or bland. It's about being smart about foods and nutrition. Otherwise, you just went through a heck of a big surgery to worry about eating the foods that made you overweight in the first place. GummyTummy says it all...MODERATION But I can tell you that I have honestly not craved anything and don't miss any of my "go to" foods like Oreos with double stuff, Chipotle burritos, Fritos Corn chips, fresh baked pumpernickel bread, cake with lots of frosting, etc. The less you think about "losing what you used to have or about denying yourself" the more it won't even bother you. Good luck.

I didn't have the same date, but I did have some of those same symptoms. But it shouldn't last much longer. I had surgery August 27. I was told the shoulder pain was gas and I guess a lot of others have this type of shoulder pain right after surgery. A heating pad really helped me. I slept 12-14+ hours a day for the first week and a half. That's just your body telling you it needs that sleep to heal. I lost more than half of the 35 pounds I'm now down in those first two weeks just because I was too tired to think about anything but sleep. You're only less than 3 days out from surgery. You'll be amazed at how fast you feel almost back to normal. I was on full puree by the second week and mashed "real" foods by the third week. I'm how 8 weeks out and can eat just about anything I used to, just much, much smaller amounts. Good luck with everything.

or maybe "Darling Husband"?????

My guess is "Dear Husband"

I was advised of the hernia repair costs up front. I also got 3 nights hotel at the beautiful Tijuana Marriott. And my company - Specialized Bariatrics - even helped me get a special rate at the Sheraton in San Diego so I could stay two extra days in the area.

I'm five weeks out and just regaining my energy. Definitely sleep when you are tired...that lets the body heal itself. But keep up with the Protein shakes and your Vitamins. And make sure you start eating solid foods on the timeframe your doctor set. Solid foods with protein and some carbs in the form or vegetables are really helping the energy factor for me. I just started eating solids this past Sunday. Remember, your body thinks you are trying to starve it, so it will go into defense/survivor mode. Kind of left over from our caveman ancestors who might have to go long periods before getting their next meal. The body knows it uses less energy when sleeping, so fatigue is part of the process. And the 3-week stall is a real thing for most sleeved patients...another way our bodies take over. It knows fat is needed to keep us warm and it's easy to store for future use. Once you're past the liquids and purees...the "starving" phase...your body will balance out and know you're not starving it. Then it will go back to burning fat for energy. Get lots of sleep this week before you go back to work and just keep up with your Protein drinks. This too shall pass.

My nutritionist told me to make bigger shakes in my Blender Bottle, just mix in a little extra...but instead I use a scoop of unflavored. She also told me to add a scoop of Benefiber. Then I should not drink it all at once, but in four "portions" during the day. This staves off hunger for me. Just thought I'd mention it to you. Good luck!

I'm 50 and noticing what you are...face and neck are definitely slimmer and other people are noticing that too. And, as AngelaAM says, bras are definitely more comfortable, but I haven't gone in a notch yet. I much be losing in my back, shoulders and upper torso area because I went from a 3X to a 2X (and in some cases a 1X) in tops, but still a 2X in pants, although they are feeling much looser and non binding.

Way to go Adam. You're well on your way. And Bariatric Pal is such a great source for information and support! Congratulations. I had my surgery August 27. Things are going good and I feel great. Just started eating solid foods with no problems. Have no cravings for things I totally thought I couldn't give up...bread, donuts, cake, potato chips, fried chicken...all my pre-op favorites. I don't even miss my daily doses of Diet Coke. It will just get easier and easier for you. Good luck and welcome to the journey!

I was going to say "stick with Protein shakes" too. Mix one big bottle, maybe in a 28 oz. Blender Bottle, then take almost all day to sip at it. That is what my Nut said would help curb hunger...protein and Fiber.

Blender Bottles are nice...did anyone mention that yet? I didn't read all the answers. Also, unflavored GENEPRO has 30 grams of Protein, is about a tablespoon per dose, and is totally Water soluble, kind of like Benefiber, only it's all protein.

Just curious... What type of portion do you have to pay. Do you have an 80/20 type plan? I looked into costs around here in the Minneapolis area and I was told it would be between 20K-27K. But the problem is that my insurance would not cover anything because didn't have a single co-morbidity. So I went to Mexico and had it done. I'm so amazed at what the U.S. charges for medical products and services!!!! It makes me very disappointed with the U.S. that I could go to Mexico, get top notch, exceptional, way-beyond-any-expectation medical care, plus all my meds, two nights hospital, and three nights hotel, and transportation to and from airport with absolutely no waiting at the border (because of the medical lane)...all for $4300. Oh, they threw in a nice little driving/shopping tour of Tijuana too. Not as bad as everyone says. Although I'd never vacation there. And I went to a couple Mexican pharmacies where you can get almost anything over the counter from U.S. and International manufacturers like Pfizer, Roche, Novartis, Bayer, GlaxoKlineSmith, BristolMyersSquibb, etc. I got 20 tubes of retinol cream for $4 each. I gave them out as souvenirs to my friends...since most are over 50 and some into their 60s. $80 is what my sister pays for it with a prescription from her dermatologist. Okay...sorry, didn't mean to hi-jack your post. I'll get off my soap box now. Congrats, you're doing really well in your first week. 16 pounds is awesome!!

Oh, and don't beat yourself up. We all have slips. I had a pure sugar and flour delight (pumpkin muffin from Perkins) about two weeks ago when I was just getting into the purees. Thought is was nice and soft and practically pureed. OUCH!! Had to pull my car over on the highway and throw up. Luckily I carry lots of used plastic shopping bags in my car...thank goodness. Maybe start your own support group in your own town. We have a really good one here in the Minneapolis area. We try to meet once a month, we're getting to know each other well, and we support each other. It's just a Bariatric Pal Chapter, but instead of just keeping it online, we like to do face to face get togethers. Make one or two good Bariatric Pals through your chapter that you can call to help you get through the cravings.

What you did to yourself was teach yourself a good lesson. NO solid foods yet. I would suggest that you find a good therapy group that deals with WLS and food addiction. That can really help. Your gastric sleeve is a tool, not a cure all, so we all still have to deal with the temptations, the hunger, and the cravings. Think of your 4 oz. stomach as a little coin purse. You can fill it with pennies. OR you can fill it with quarters. Which is going to be the most beneficial? Pennies are fats, fried foods, and other goodies that we may have to leave behind. Quarters are the new us! Quarters are the foods that will taste great and satisfy, but will keep us on a healthy track to weight loss and life long good eating habits. In the long run, quarters will give you a better profit...health profit.

Happy Birthday! And hopefully you'll get in with your doctor right away.

I'm almost into week 6 and my nutritionist reminded me that, generally, our bodies think we are all starving, so they slow down on any weight loss and hang onto some fat...one of those body mechanisms left over from our caveman days when man might have to go a while before his/her next meal. One our bodies figure out that we're not starving, it will stop storing fat and start burning fat and turning into energy. So don't get discouraged, stick to your good, healthy eating plan with lots of Proteins, and you'll get over the hump soon. Everyone's body is different. My slump started just after week 2 and it still going on, but I have faith!

Count me in!! Already have it on my calendar!

I also chose by pricing first, then reviews and credential. I chose Dr. Jacqueline Osuna through Specialized Bariatrics. She and her husband, alejandro lopez do only gastric surgeries. here is the web site: http://specializedbariatrics.com/ I had an exceptional experience with Dr. Osuna and staff at the Tijuana Hospital MI Doctor.

Congrats Sharie24, I'm just a little bummed. I will be 5 weeks out tomorrow and have only lost 20 post op. I shouldn't say "only", because I know 25 pounds in just 5 weeks is amazing...and I'm certainly glad I didn't gain 25 pounds. It just seems like every time I read a message on almost every topic area on this site, people are losing 30-35-40 in just 4 to 5 weeks. I did go to a nutritionist yesterday, because I did the self-pay route in Mexico to be able to afford. The care was exceptional, but the one piece that they were pretty thin on was nutrition and diet. The nutritionist told me the reason most people complain of the "3-week stall" is that your body thinks you are trying to starve it. Once it gets balanced...and gets balanced nutrition...is starts shedding the fat rather that clinging on to it or dear life. What are some of the things you are doing to have lost such a significant amount of weight. Any tips to share? What was your pre-op weight? Did you get weighed the day after surgery? What was that weight? I certainly understand if you'd rather keep that information private. I was just hoping to get an idea as to why you are having such great success and maybe incorporate some of your feedback into my own routine. Thanks, Marybeth As of today I am 3 weeks out of surgery an 47lb down since my post-op appt. I am starting to realize that I am not loosing weight like I was is that normal?

Had an awesome meeting with a wonderful dietitian today...3.5 hours. She showed me where I was doing things incorrectly and did cut back a little on my protein to around 70 grams, but that includes food protein not just shaKes and powders. She also explained the whole fat to sugar cycle once the body figures out you're not actually starving it. That's one of the main reasons for the 3-4 week stall. Got probably the kind of good info you all got during the 4-6 month process that is involved here in the U.S. I'd recommend the Mexico route to anyone just for the level of care and of course for the price, but I had always planned to see a nutritionist after I got back. Got so much great info on vitamins, minerals, and the food and bottled sources for each. Guess vitamin D and K are getting much better attention by the Medical community, so she upped my dosage of that. Also upped my calcium intake a bit more. Plus now I have a vitamin schedule that has me getting better absorption of each. Very, very educational!