Sleeve101

Will do @@Edavidson ! BTW - I'm so glad you posted this...I thought I was the only one struggling for nourishment! I tried a thin slice of mont/jack cheese (abt an ounce) and a few saltines last night....OMG...it was like a dream! I didn't feel any pain at all and I felt satisfied. But now what? Can't live on cheese n crackers either! You know, I feel so guilty eating what I can tolerate to survive instead of Protein protein protein. Do you ever feel that way?

Edavidson - Im having the same problem. I don't think I'm getting enough nutrition. I rely on shakes/smoothies, but I'm hungry soon after and I can't really eat anything. I'm scared of the discomfort that comes with eating so I just don't eat. Not good, I know. But what can we do? What can we eat? I'm out of ideas...

1. Most likely not. I'm 8 weeks post-op and I can't eat much. I hate the feeling. I fear food, but I want it so bad at the same time. I'm sick a lot and I'm following recommended eating. I just want to be normal again. 2. The pain and discomfort of trying to learn to eat and drink again. It's an awful feeling. The acid-reflux can also be painful - I'd never experienced it.

I had my surgery in Tijuana. The city is very safe and clean and tourist friendly. My dr. was ok, but just make sure you have it done at an actual hospital and not a clinic. I chose a clinic because it was cheaper and I did regret it.

I asked! And I asked about any complications and infection rates...

I meant plus travel cost...

I actually had a co-worker that weighed with leg weights under her pant legs, then took them off before the physical examination...it worked for her! Her insurance covered it! It crossed my mind too, but I think they determine how much anesthesia to give you based on weight? I'm probably so wrong on that, but I'd hate to take that chance and get more than I need and never wake up! Anyway, I decided to self-pay in Tijuana Mexico. The city is very beautiful, very safe, there were LOTS of Americans in my hotel doing the same thing - from all over the US....the only thing I'd change is that I would of had it done at a hospital vs the clinic I chose. I think my post op experience would have been very different. I paid $3750 for the surgery and airfare from Texas to San Diego. :-) ... Just a thought... :-)

Hahaha, funny LipstickLady! I'll remember that when I start feeling sad cuz I can't scarf down a cheeseburger n fries....SUCK IT CHEESEBURGER - DONT WANT OR NEED YOU!!!! Lol

Thank you! I'm doing a lot lot better than I was before. And I'm excited for summer for once in my life! This site and everyone here has been a blessing! It's helped me get through the hard part. And it sounds like you're doing all the right things! We are stronger than we think! You know I love watching the food Network, so seeing all the food and really just any food commercial on TV these days, makes me want food so bad and it makes me so sad to think that I can't have it, but the truth is - I can't have it RIGHT NOW, but eventually I will. And as far as not eating the large amounts - trust me, you will fear eating large amounts more than you will being deprived of it! It really is all in our heads. Our new stomachs CANT contain what our heads tell us we need. So we'll get it over the "feasting" mentality real quick! You'll be in Puke City if you try!!! I'm excited for you!!!! Good luck!!!

Oh and the first thing I'm buying this Spring - A PAIR OF WHITE JEANS!!!! :-D Finally I'll be able to wear white jeans!!!

I agree with everyone above! I'm 5'6" and weighed 220 when I got my sleeve on Nov 20th. My insurance wouldn't cover it for another year, so I went to Mexico and had it done. I'm now 185! It's amazing! Although I was barely above a BMI of 36, I was miserable and in really bad shape medically and physically. I decided I wanted it and no one was going to tell me different. To be honest, My post op surgery experience was not what I expected - it was pretty tough, but well worth it! I feel so much better physically - and just looking better has changed my whole perspective in life. I'm not going to sit at home and eat myself to death - I'm getting out and living it up!!! Everyday I feel better and better! Praise God!!! :-)

I'm 6 weeks post op and I wasn't prepared emotionally for giving up food. It's been a struggle, I was depressed for a while and still a little sad when I think about it a lot. I know food should be viewed as fuel - not fun - but I loved it so much! So....I'm actually living your fear now...some days are better than others....and it's getting better everyday.... But I'd definitely recommend you see a therapist first so you can be emotionally prepared....I wish I had....

Awww.....great to see you @BLERDgirl....you're beautiful! You don't look your age at all!!!! Gives me hope! I was worried about the same thing....????

That's great!!!! And thank you! I'm looking forward to being normal again...I've lost 33 pounds since Nov 20th....I'm looking much better and it helps put a smile on my face! :-D

@@HappygoSusan Thank you for sharing! I'm 6 weeks post op now and I think I'm doing better! :-) I'm glad to know that I'm not alone in how I feel. Knowing that others have been where I am and they got through it, gives me hope and encouragement! I'm happy to hear you are doing so well now. I think I'm on my way too. I'm going to see a therapist about my feelings/depression. I went to a nutritionist and got some advice. I'll be going to an endocrinologist next week too for a thorough check. I have hypothyroidism and anemia and other Vitamin difficiencies so I know that has a lot to do with my overall health right now. Everyday gets better and I'm starting to feel better. Your story really helps! Thank you for sharing! :-)

@BLERDgirl...I'm going for testing next week...I'm actually doing better now...YAY!! I did go to a nutritionist today and got some good advice. I'm going to try bariatric shakes and unflavored protein as well as chewable vitamins. I'm having trouble taking medications, so the chewable vitamins will be a huge help I'm sure! Thank you for asking!

I agree!!!! Thank you!!!

True!!! Lots and lots of yuck fluid that would otherwise stay in your body...it's better to have the drain...it comes out quick and pretty easy...

I had one and other than it being super gross, it doesn't hurt. When they pull it out, you just take deep breaths as they pull and it feels weird, but not painful.

Thank you BLERDgirl! Happy to hear you are doing so well....I'm encouraged by your story! :-)

Thank you VSGann2014! I appreciate your advice. I will do that, because I know I can't change what is done. I need to learn to live with the new lifestyle required. Thank you for your suggestions! I know it has to get better...I just need to get help.

Because I don't think I fully understood the consequences. I had a hard recovery and I can't get used to the pain that comes from just trying to eat anything other than shakes or liquids. I'm just afraid of living this way the rest of my life....I know it has to get better, but right now I just don't see the light. I am losing weight - I've lost 30 pounds since my surgery on Nov 20th, but I d take it back if I could. I think this has just gotten me really depressed, which is another thing I wasn't expecting. :-( I'll be going to a therapist next week, nutritionist and doctor follow ups as well. I just can't make myself be happy about this now. I have so much regret I cry a lot. Please pray for me, I'm really struggling emotionally ans physically. :-(

Good call to postpone. You need to be totally prepared. I wasn't and I do regret it. I would have never done it. Even with all the research in the world, you never know what it's going to be like for you...and for me it's been difficult. I'm 6 weeks post op and more depressed now, than I was about being fat. I wish I could have my pre-op life back. I made a huge mistake.

Great news!!!! Best wishes!

Awesome!!!! Prayers going her way!!