Fatdiva14

Hi everyone, I am new to the post-op board. I spent a lot of time on the pre-op even after my surgery. I was sleeved Jan. 21st, and am excited that I am on my 3 month sleeve-versary! I am getting about 90-100 grams of Protein per day. A Protein shake in the morning sometimes with Peanut Butter, and Isopure protein Water (40grams) in the afternoon. I barely get food in, because I'm focused on my protein, I might have a small salad, or 1/4 of a half of sandwich at lunch time, but by 3:30pm I start sipping on the Isopure and it normally takes me until about 8:00pm or 9:00pm to get it all day. I have yet mastered the art of sipping slowly because I'm always thirsty, but I take large sips...not gulps. And chewing...am I the only one that hasn't mastered the art of chewing slow and taking 45 minutes to eat? Am I the only one that doesn't take 30-45 minutes eating? I often have nightmares that my stomach is stretching. I am steadily loosing, and have lost about 32lbs since surgery. I've been told by post op patients, and others that your stomach will stretch eventually, but my fear is will is stretch this soon. Does anyone else have the same concern? How would you know if it is stretching? Would it stretch this soon? Would I feel it? These are the questions that haunt me!

@@Babbs Thank you for the video. This was helpful.

@@bellabill The 80-100 grams of protein won't last forever. My doctor said eventually he would decrease the grams. I'm going for my 12 week appointment this week so maybe that will decrease very soon!

Thank you everyone for your comments. I do value everyone's opinions.

@@kathy0529 How are you doing? Yes we are both three months out. It went so fast and I can't believe the progress I've made. I do get my liquids in, and I barely get in a lot of anything else because I focus so much on Protein drinks. I've never heard of protein Cereal. I may have to check that out. When I do eat cereal I put a little milk on my cereal because of the gurgling that takes place from the solids and liquid combination. I hope all else is going well.

@@Alex Brecher Thanks so much for your response. I am taking it day to day and the fact that I am loosing weight helps me get over the fear. I think overall I just don't want to fail!

Thank you everyone for your responses. I really feel better now and will put my mind at ease. I think the fear of failing is the root of the nightmare of a stretched sleeve. I am happy that I am not alone in this...especially when reading about the feeding days vs non feeding days. I am starting to think that I feel the urge to feed a little more during my cycle...but again it is barely a cup of vegetables, or chicken, or salad. The Protein keeps me full throughout the morning and the protein Water keeps me full through the evening. I am also happy that I am not alone with not drinking very slow or chewing too slow. I realize perfection is a desire that we all strive for, so as long as I pay attention to when I'm full I will take your advice and relax. Thanks so much. I feel much better!

I have. I think they are pretty good, as long as you drink them cold. I drink one per day, mostly in the evening, and have a regular protein shake in the morning. So far I have tried the grape, coconut, and mango.

I am once again excited as I was yesterday when I received the approval. The Insurance coordinator called me this afternoon and gave me the date of January 21st. All of a sudden, I am so nervous. Any other January 21st sleeves? I would love to support each other during this process!

@@Jewelgirl04 I am having issues with my Calcium citrate Vitamins. They are so chalky, and even though they are supposed to dissolve in your mouth, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'm supposed to take 2 twice a day and can barely get through the first round.

@@kathy0529 I am so over the Protein shakes. I feel sick to my stomach when I think about them. I have two more days before I can move onto the puréed stage. As far as my side hurting, I haven't experienced any pain except when I lay a certain way. As far as the shower, I have been stepping into the shower backwards to take of the pressure on my stomach. Try that, and I hope you feel better!

@@kathy0529 I was on 60-80 grams until I went to my appointment last week. I get about 80 grams right now. How are you able to drink a lot of liquids? Are you taking large sips? I try to sip slowly and my stomach makes noises and sometimes I burp in between. I'm trying to figure out if my stomach is trying to tell me to stop, or slow down. I fear I'm stretching my stomach...and that wouldn't be good. I guess before the surgery I never realized how many food commercials existed, and now I just think it's quite excessive!

Hi two-week buddies... It's been a while since I've posted. I feel like I started this topic and then went ghost. So today is officially two weeks post-op. I am up and down emotionally because sometimes I just feel weak from not consuming enough. I think because I struggle with getting the Protein down, plus my Water, and to be perfectly honest, I am so tired of cream Soups. I really started to evaluate my addiction to food over the last few days because I feel so bothered that I can't eat what everyone else is eating. And what is with all the TV commercials? It's like every other commercial is food related. I don't eat beef or pork, but lately I've been dreaming about steak, and salads with steak, and the old restaurant Ponderosa! LOL! Does anyone else have trouble with drinking enough water, or Protein shakes? I am counting down the days until I can move onto the puréed stage. All I keep thinking about is mashed potatoes. The other frustrating thing is my scale isn't moving. Last week when I had my 1 week post-op appointment, I had only lost 5lbs since the surgery. Then I told my doctor I had been drinking Vitamin water and he pointed out that was hindering my progress because of the sugar it has. So now I've been drinking regular water but still no real movement, other than 2lbs on the scale. Feeling discouraged and emotional because I fear that my body is in survival mode because I can barely get the 80-100 grams of protein down. Anyway, I am looking forward to getting out of this liquid diet phase. Keep on striving everyone, and good luck!

@@kathy0529 My surgery went earlier than scheduled. Initially I was scheduled for 1pm, but the hospital called me at 8:45am and asked me to get there as soon as I could. My husband drove me there and we arrived about 9:30am. They immediately called me in the back and started my vitals, hooking me up to the IV and they rolled me to the OR around 11am. I woke up with a crazy feeling that the surgery didn't take place. For some reason I thought I would be in more pain, which keeps me thinking nothing happened! It went so fast. I still feel like I'm dreaming. But we are now officially on the losers bench!

@@time4change15 My surgery was great. I didn't have much pain. I was very nauseous and vomited in the recovery room, then after the leak test yesterday and once again in my room. I was finally given my liquid lunch at 12 noon yesterday and then I was discharged. So far so good. Other than the burning sensation from the gas, and nausea, I am doing fine. The Gas X strips are finally working the gas out of my system.

I'm sleeved. Still trying to digest it all, but all is good.

@@kathy0529 We are 2 days away! I have the same concerns. I started taking the Biotin supplements two weeks ago. I am praying there is no hair loss. My hair is so healthy now, I can't imagine loosing it. As far as everything else, I am just pacing my thoughts. Last Friday was my last day at work, and my leave starts tomorrow because I am having the IVC filter placed tomorrow morning. I will be taking the full 6 weeks my dr. recommends, and I'll see how it goes, whether I want to go back before March 9th. Our journey begins in 48 hrs. Woohoo!

OMG...to all of us scheduled for the 21st...we have exactly 2 more days. I am extra nervous now! I think I am going to pack my bag tonight. I've just been drinking my water and protein and trying not to think so much about it! We are almost there!

Does anyone have to get an IVC filter before surgery? I was told at my initial consult back in June that I would have to get a temporary retrievable filter, or the permanent one, to avoid blood clots traveling to my heart and lungs. The retrievable one could be removed after 6-7 months. I just left the doctor's office, and thought I was going to opt for the retrievable one, but since there is always a risk for blood clots to form after the surgery, I think I'm going to go with the permanent one.

@@Essence46 I just remembered you had your surgery at Providence Hospital. Who performed the IVC filter procedure? I am going to Dr. Nedd. He seems really nice and was very patient while answering all of my questions!

@@Essence46 After careful consideration while talking to the physician, and my family, and reading your post, I'm convinced the permanent one is the way to go. Thank you!

@@BLERDgirl I hear you. The thought of the potential risk really scares me. Not sure which route I should really take.

@@Essence46 What made you opt for the permanent one? I keep going back and forth, but I really don't want to chance it if there is a possibility. I never had a history of clots, but knowing there is room for the potential threat...I don't know.

@@kathy0529 Yeah, my arrival time is the same. I have to be there at 11:00am. They did say that my time could change, depending on if someone cancels, or if they don't show while I'm waiting. We'll see.