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I ended up sleeping on my side while I was in the hospital, holding a pillow against my stomach. My first night at home, I was back on my stomach, and I've been that way since. For me, once I got into position I was perfectly fine---so it hurt for a second while I got adjusted, and then it was okay. If you flip in your sleep, you may not even really notice it!

My first attempt at an upload, so let's see what happens. First set was in October, before pre-op diet and at around 229 lbs. Surgery was April 2. Second set was just now at around 169 lbs. I'm 5'2". I still have at least 40 lbs left to lose, but it is nice to see the progress. Also nice to see my neck and collarbones again.

Hi all, I listed a big lot of clothes that no longer fit me on eBay: http://m.ebay.com/itm/231591722978?nav=SEARCH And will be posting a number of additional lots in the coming days. The above listing is mostly business casual stuff. I'll also have a smaller lot of casual clothes (skirts, dresses, etc), a small lot of more professional pieces (suits) and a few listings for individual pieces. Feel free to get in touch if you're interested or have any questions! Normally I would donate this stuff or offer it up for free, but I just left my job earlier this month and will take whatever I can scrounge up to help afford some replacement pieces.

You look amazing!! I'm also 5'2" and also weighed in at 196 on surgery day--this is so inspiring!! Any tips?

Wow. I'm sorry you're going through this. I don't really have any suggestions, other than to say that you don't deserve to be treated that way. Your husband sounds like an asshole. Based on your description, you're not financially dependent on the guy and don't have kids of your own with him. You should treat yourself to a nice, relaxing vacation with the time off you have left. Maybe spending time alone will make him realize that you're not his mother/housekeeper and he doesn't get to act like a jerk because he's miserable. Sorry if I'm being overly harsh. As a woman who is the primary earner in my household, with a fantastic and incredibly supportive husband, I just have no patience for man children who take their insecurities out on the women who love them. In any case, I wish you the best.

Sleeved 4/2 and returned to work yesterday. I'm having a terrible time planning for meals and getting my water in. I've basically reverted back to full liquids. Really hoping I hit my stride and get this figured out. Physically, though, I feel pretty good! A tiny bit of soreness in my midsection and nausea if I take my meds with the wrong foods, but I think I'm getting the hang of that part.

I am fortunate to have a job with a generous short term disability plan. I am at the end of week 2, and have 1 more week off before I go back. Like others, I physically could have gone back after 1 week. But I'm using the extra time to really rest up, adjust to the new eating/vitamin regiments, and walk ad much as possible. I am simultaneously dreading and looking forward to going back to real life on the 27th.

I second most of what Jamie listed. I was given the same choice and my doctor said the same thing, he'd recommend me for either. At my age (29), he said I should do fine with either one. I went with the sleeve because it seems slightly less extreme as a first step, and the sleeve can be revised into a bypass down the line if necessary. I'm 2 weeks post op today and feeling pretty great. Good luck to you either way!

I really relate to this. It's also why I am 100% clueless in setting a goal weight. The smallest I have ever been as an adult was during a bout with Atkins when I was in college--and even then, I was still 45+ lbs over a healthy BMI. I'm only 5'2", but I don't know what 150 lbs looks like, or 140, 130, 120, 110... I have no idea what I'm shooting for... I just hope I know it when I see it. Best of luck to you.

I bought a bunch of $4 off premier protein coupons online for a couple dollars and have been buying stores' whole stocks when they are also on sale. Gets them down to well under a dollar per shake, sometimes less. I'm not a big couponer (no patience), bit this was super easy and it took the stress out of trying to switch to a cheaper protein.

I was sleeved 4/2 and am on clears until my followup with the surgeon on Friday. I've had no trouble with getting 50+ oz of fluids in since I came home, which I attribute 90% to dumb luck and 10% to mixing it up throughout the day. I can't do plain Water early in the day, so I do diluted apple juice or crystal light. I've been having a small cup of tea in the afternoons, and some broth in the evening. Keep at it. I'm sure you'll get there! Also, I'm currently jealous of your Protein shakes... Who would have thought?

I had my surgery last Thursday and I was completely over packed. But it made me feel better to know that I had everything, even if I didn't use it. The only things I used were my own pillow, my stuffed animal (helped when I needed to cough), and my Burt's bees lip balm. The hospital provided all kinds of toiletries (which I was mostly too drugged up to care about). The only thing I could have possibly needed was a longer charger cord for my phone--but I ended up having an outlet right by my head which was perfect.

Take a deep breath. Warm broth/tea is your friend. Drink about 3x as much Water as you feel like you need. You can do this!! Tomorrow will be easier, and the next day easier than that. Trust me. Signed, Day 13/14 on liquids, and was totally there 10 days ago.

I'm on day 13 of 14 of liquids (surgery Thursday) and as of this morning I'm down 8.5 lbs. I'm a relative lightweight, though... I've seen some people say they've lost 15+ on the 2 week liquid diet. Good luck!

I'm on day 9 of 15 for my liquid diet, and I had a few real meals when I was visiting family that I planned on and discussed with my nutritionist beforehand. I ate high protein, low carb and lost a few pounds while I was back home, which never happens. Other than those planned divergences, I'd say I'm following my plan about 85-90%. Maybe I'm just justifying my behavior, but I think in terms of "cheating" I haven't been that bad. For example: My plan allows for sugar free, fat free yogurt. I found said the artificial sweeteners really made me feel more hungry, so instead I have been having regular Greek yogurt. The difference of ~40 calories a day is worth it to me. I've also been getting chicken soup broth from delis instead of having the plain canned broth, which tastes bad to me. I have been finding an occasional piece of chicken or small vegetables in the broth, and I've been eating them. I don't eat any stray noodles. I gave up soda during my 3 month supervised diet, but I've been drinking some diet, caffeine free soda the past few days. It makes me feel full and the carbonation helps keep my stomach from growling at night. Finally, my plan calls for 3-4 shakes per day. Once or twice I've only had 2. Once I hit my post-op protein goal of 75 grams, I don't stress the third shake too much. So there you have it. My pre-op liquid diet confessional. Now that I'm just a week away from surgery (eeeeeee!) I'll run a tighter ship, but I'm (obviously) not beating myself up about the cheats.