ShrinkingPeach

The pre-op diet isn't that bad. You can make it through as many before you have. It is almost a rite of passage for us all. you focus on what it is doing for you and getting to the surgery itself you will make it. Post-op you won't be hungry so initially you will be challenged to get enough food in. The loose skin is also just part of having been so overweight. It is fixable via plastic surgery if you wish. The hair loss is mostly just hair thinning and the more you meet your Protein requirements the less it is. It is normal to be nervous, do your research and know what to expect and it is not so bad. Good luck!

Even while you are stalled you may notice inches going. Keep to the plan and it will work.

Wow amazing success!! You are a success story for sure!

Agreed with the 3 week stall...found out about that here and yes everyone has it to some extent. The one thing I missed somehow was that in my paperwork the NUT said she wanted us getting 48 ounces of Fluid in the first week after surgery. My panic moment came when I couldn't even get 8 ounces the first day. I really thought something was wrong. Then she said work your way UP TO 48 ounces. I had researched like crazy also but forgot about the temperature of what you drink. I couldn't drink cold for the first week then it was fine. OMG yeah your underwear is so quick to sag. Your clothes will follow. Goodwill, Old Navy and Walmart will be your best friend until you get to goal weight. Reward yourself with things NOT food for hitting benchmarks. Take your weight loss in bite size pieces and Celebrate not just when you get to goal. Absolutely follow your plan, it works. It keeps you on the straight and narrow. It helps you keep yourself accountable and keeps you from sliding back into old habits. Good luck!!!

My pre-op diet wasn't liquid, but you can google some from other bariatric centers.

So sorry to hear that...sounds like once he has your money he is through with you. I attend a support group in person once a month at the hospital where I had my surgery. Check out your local hospitals and see if they have a support group...mine that I go to is free and there is everyone from those waiting for approval to those 6 years out. I get good info every month I go. He really sounds like an a**...sorry he isn't more helpful!

While you are asking for suggestions on things you can eat, consult your pre-op plan. Stick to your instructions, they are for a reason. Good luck!

@@Miss Mac is spot on. I had an open partial hysterectomy in 2009 and it took me 4 weeks to be able to get up without pain. With my sleeve, I was off pain meds after day 3 and driving to the store on day 5. I did my pain meds and took them as prescribed but started to stretch out the time because it really wasn't bad at all. You will do fine.

Maybe it is just me but I know I am working very hard at following my plan to the letter. I have been overweight my whole life and this is my final attempt to become healthy. Skinny would be nice but healthy is my ultimate goal. I love this forum as most people are very nice. They share their struggles and successes and it gives me hope. I see that I am going through things that those before me have. I see that if I do what I am supposed to do I will be successful. It totally chaps me when I see the following: "I am so hungry that I decided to eat what I want instead of staying on my Protein shakes because I just can't do it one more day" "I need to lose weight to qualify for surgery but I can only seem to lose a pound, I swear I am eating 600 calories and walking miles a day" Some one asks what to do and someone else says "Sure go ahead and eat that or do that" knowing its complete sabotage. Someone is here trying to justify eating burgers and cakes and ice cream IDK why it bothers me so but it really does. I have to walk away some times and not look at it. I want to scream lol Does anyone else feel this way?

5 weeks out here...what led to you gaining it back?

No drain here but I was an outpatient. Didn't need one. I never had any issues at all. Never have had any issues with food either so far. Knock on something wood quick! Def ask your surgeon, if he says yes then they are important to his protocol and you will be fine. Sending tons of virtual hugzzzzz!!!

Nausea CAN be normal, I never had any once. I would suggest contacting your nutritionist first. Do you get nauseous after ingesting each of the things you listed? Are you taking any antacids or have they been recommended by your surgeon? Plain Water can be very hard on your sleeve for some, try the G2 gatorade (lower in sugar), maybe add some MIo drops to your water to change the chemical makeup. It could even be that you are eating too fast. Good luck and let us know what you find out.

I had a BMI of over 50 and I was told 60-80 g of Protein. My husband asked about maintenance weight and we were told 100g. That being said all NUT's are different and as long as you are doing protein first then veggies and then and only then starches, you should be okay with 100. Empty calorie foods can be a slippery slope. It's perfectly fine to split a cupcake as long as it doesn't lead to you craving more sugar as is often the case. The pretzels can cause the same thing. The main point being that if you REALLY want something and it is going to really bother you to not have it, then have a few bites and move on. Just don't make them a habit so you don't sabotage yourself. I don't think anyone means to be judgemental but you asked why you weren't losing and the things you mentioned jump out as red flags. We all want you to succeed. Look online to bariatric surgeon groups and study what you should be eating since your surgeon was no help. You can also consult a nutritionist on your own for guidance. Good luck!

Agree with @@Babbs and disagree with @@A. Stoot. 1200 is overdoing at this point. I am 5 weeks out and am barely hitting 600 calories. You should definitely not be doing cupcakes and pretzels. Those are simple carbs and not doing you any favors. When I get to 6 weeks out I can start to re-introduce more foods but still will be focusing on Protein and veggies. Always protein first. No empty calories. At that point I am told I should eat up to 3/4 cup of food as a meal and two small Snacks. Snack doesn't mean junk food. Get back to basics or you will stretch your sleeve out! Good luck!!

Questions about the procedure, I was done as an outpatient and did great! Questions about expected outcome and goals. Questions about post-op appointments, how many and when.

Congrats on your date!! Will be here before you know it. Get things ready so you can rest after and heal. Good luck!!

Every nutritionist is different but they all have success it seems. I was on a full liquid 14 day pre-op diet. The pre-op diet varies also because it depends on what needs to happen to your liver prior to surgery. The purpose of the diet is to shrink it making surgery as safe as possible. Some folks need to shrink more than others.

Good luck!!

Try different things to mix in...PB2 or sf Torani syrups...they really help...I do vanilla protein with unsweetened almond milk and a few drops of Folgers iced coffee drops...blend with ice and I have a frappuccino like I used to get from starbucks!

Not from there but my hubby is and we are there every other weekend?

Be patient, you are still healing...I am almost 5 weeks out and It isn't painful to eat. Sometimes it will also depend on what you are putting in there. Denser foods are harder than less complex ones. It will come!! Good luck!

Make yourself a treat and have Protein at the same time. I make my favorite frappuchino a la Starbucks. One of those venti Starbucks is about 450 calories and not good for me. I make a healthy one like this...8 ounces unsweetened almond milk, one scoop vanilla protein, one tbsp sf caramel syrup and ice...add a squirt of Folgers drops (like Mio but coffee) and blend. 150 calories and 30 g protein!! If you wish to find more recipes look at The world according to eggface page, she has tons!

@@Babbs said it perfectly. It is your health and you should just speak your heart. Have your info ready and let your doctor know what you expect from it. Good luck!!

In order for your surgery to be covered at any rate your date of surgery has to be while you are covered. If you start the process now, the sooner the better, maybe you can get it all in before a lay-off can happen. If not then your husband can elect to have COBRA until you get the surgery done. That is the ONLY way it will be covered, notes won't help you. Get the process rolling and good luck!!