jordantaylor

Cracking up!!

Hi! Your pains sound like what I had, but you can always call your surgeon if you're unsure, don't hesitate. (I called mine 2 days post op because - get this one - I was anxious because I was constipated) I'm 1 week and 1 day out and the gas pain is done. Hang in there, it gets so much better. And way to go on the BP!

@@Sara51692 thank you so much! Also, it's kinda cool to know someone else who started around the same weight. I see lots of people who started in, say, the 250's...and I'm totally baffled at what that's like, lol. No judgement though! I've also been in therapy for a while. It's what finally led me to this decision. My therapist was the first person who had the courage to tell me I looked as awful as I felt! It sounds like you're doing great! PM me anytime if you need a buddy!

Hey all, I was sleeved on May 26 and I am down a total of 19 lbs from highest of 312. I had a very difficult time losing weight on pre-op diet. I had such a hard time losing, period! My metabolism was so effed up from yoyo dieting, and meds I was on. Good to hear from everyone.

Refried Beans are GREAT during this phase. I melt a tiny bit of fat free cheese on top and add a tiny dollop of fat free sour cream. Bam, you've just eaten taco bell! (lol) Also, my surgeon's office said that a meatball with a little sauce and ricotta is good. Tuna, yogurt, cottage cheese, soft fish are all great choices. My fiance actually made me puree'd butternut squash with some seasoning, and it was great! Get creative, or you'll get crazy!! Good luck

Congrats on those 2 HUGE accomplishments!!

Hi All, My surgery is the 26th and I'm fighting a lot of anger, mostly that I have to give up a crutch that has served me during hard times but has no place in my life anymore. I'm also sad because I feel like I've failed in some way-after all, WLS is a "last resort"-I feel a bit backed into a corner. I am HATING a the liquid diet. I already switched Protein powders because my stomach is so sensitive, but sometimes I just feel like I can't tolerate any more protein so I'll eat a little something like veggies or salad. I think it's better this way than to make myself feel totally awful then end up binging. So, sorry for the pessimism. While all of the above is true for me, its also true that I feel optimistic for the first time in a while and I feel like I've started to come alive again, even if a lot of the emotions are painful and/or negative. I hope this makes sense. I think it's really easy sometimes to get wrapped up in success stories and before and after pictures and look at it all through the happy lense in your mind, only to realize the really difficult parts and hard work that's coming up and get grumpy about it all again! I am someone who has struggled with emotion regulation and anxiety, and I'm proud to say at this point I'm skilled enough at keeping my moods at bay (through very helpful treatment with a doc and a therapist) that I feel grounded enough to take this on. I know I'm going to get through it fine, but sometimes it sucks. Right now I'm really learning how to find peace inside instead of through food, cigarettes, or other addictions. So, just needed to vent, thanks for listening. Any pearls of wisdom or support are greatly appreciated! Good luck to everyone else whose surgeries are coming up!

May 26th here too!! Started liquid diet today. One day at a time!

Hey may sleevers! I'm scheduled fo May 26th. Emotional Rollercoaster is finally starting to slow down as I begin preparing for the actual event. I have started the liquid diet ahead of time, doing 2 replacements a day and food for the 3rd meal. I don't have to start the liquid diet until the 12th (per surgeon) but I needed to mentally prepare myself-it would've been too big of a shock to the system just going cold turkey. How is everyone else doing knowing surgery is so close?

Yup, count me in on that one! It's taken me a few weeks, but I have started to come to terms with what the future holds and I'm ready to get started with eating healthily even if the liquid diet is still a few weeks away. I think I needed to say goodbye.

I am totally going through this right now! I feel like I'm mourning the loss of a coping mechanism that got me through a lot of really hard times. Because in reality, it did-but it also caused a lot of health problems and doesn't fit in with the happier, healthier life I live now. Making the decision to choose new coping strategies is one of the scariest decisions I've ever had to make, but I also have to remember that I'm in a better place in my life now than I was when food was the only way I knew how to get through tough times. On top of this, I quit smoking a few weeks ago, so needless to say I'm spending lots of time and energy "mourning" right now. There are nights where I literally sit on the couch for 20 minutes at a time just making myself ride the waves of emotions that are coming up for me pre-surgery. Thankfully, I'm able to do this without making it worse by binge eating! @@JamieLogical, you make an awesome point about re-wiring your brain to reach for different strategies of coping. We are all capable of this re-wiring with some hard work and determination. Hang in there, @Jadama22. I'm right there with you, and it will all be ok! Keep up the good work.

So I'm currently working on the 7 medical clearances I need to get approved before surgery. It's been a lot of shuffling back and forth to doctor's offices, telling every doc why I'm there, and facing the scary numbers (blood sugar, pulse, weight/bmi, etc) over and over. I really do have a tendency to beat myself up, because I'm thinking right now, "all the other WLS surgery pts are handling this just fine, what's wrong with me?" The truth is, I've been feeling down since my initial consult. My surgeon (gently) completely took away all of the denial about my 300 lb body. The hardest part might be not having anyone to talk to who's been through this, but I did read in a book about WLS that forums can be a big help, so here I am confiding in you all! Well, I guess I just needed to get that off my chest. Would love to know if anyone has had a similar experience.

To everyone who is going through the depression right now... So am I! Yes, it's partially this long, awful winter- I think I will literally jump for joy when the temp goes above 40. But also, think about all the feelings that come along with this process. I just started a post on here about going through an emotional rollercoaster, and I haven't had the surgery yet! This is all a lot of very hard work. If you are feeling depressed and you've never seen a therapist before, I would highly recommend it. And if that person doesn't help, find someone who does! I'm a veteran of therapy and I've suffered with anxiety and depression for a long time, but now I can proudly say I have the coping skills to feel like crap some days and still get up in the morning and live my life! It always passes, and things always get better. Cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy (google them!) are extremely effective tools. Everyone keep your chins up! Remember: "this too shall pass," and "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself".

Thank you! Knowing I'm not the only one makes all the difference

Hi Everyone, I am new here, I just had a consult 2 weeks ago but I don't have a date yet because of smoking. I've been using an electronic cigarette for a week, and with a little luck and lots of hard work I plan on being able to wean myself off of nicotine altogether in a few more weeks. Anyway, I was wondering if there are any other habits that I should work on changing while I'm waiting to get my date. I definitely don't want pre-surgical life to be a huge shock to the system, so I want to start now. I was thinking probably cutting out soda/carbonated beverages altogether, eating smaller portions, and 30 min of exercise a day are good ways to start. And yes, I know, one thing at a time I'd love to hear all of your ideas and advice. Thanks!

Chunkylover53, if you don't mind me asking for my own curiosity- and this is NOT me being rude - what made you decide to start vaping since you weren't a smoker beforehand? I appreciate the advice. It has been very hard not to smoke and I've had slips, but it also hasn't been as painful as I imagined either. Elode- That sounds challenging! Good to know, I will get on it! Thanks