kranky813

Yes, it gets better and you get used to it I was nervous too about remembering everything and I made note cards but I rarely use them. My diet stages go 2 weeks at a time so it's easy to get used to those. My supplements are easy too. My Lexapro, Prevacid and Multivitamin. In one week I will add my B Complex and Calcium. That's it. You will get used to it. The most important thing is to drink, drink, drink.

I am a month out and can drink fairly normally as long as I don't have food in my tummy. I can't gulp that puts some pressure in my tummy but I can take 3 fairly large mouthfulls right after one another. Everyone is different, just depends on you. Try different temps of Water. I can drink ice cold water easier than warm or room temperature. Good Luck!

I have 5 weeks off total. I am so glad I have the time! I have a desk job so no heavy lifting but lots of talking and lots of stress. I am 4 weeks out and took a 3.5 hour nap today because I felt like I was going to fall asleep standing up. Everyone is different, don't try to compare yourself to others.

I normally have anxiety and have a prescription for Xanax as needed. Honestly I haven't had to take it once since surgery and I am a month out. I do take lexapro for depression and that has an anxiety component to it as well. Make sure you talk to your doctor if you are having difficulties. Maybe if you identify what is causing the anxiety that would help? Is it due to surgery? Is it due to work? Try to identify the problem and solve it.

I hated all protein powders and pre-mixes and I had tried everything! I finally found one called Bariatric Fusion. You can buy it through NashuaNutrition.com The great part is that you can order samples to see which ones you like before ordering the big jug. Also, If you are like me you just order samples all the time so you get a combination of flavors and they are in little pouches that you can easily carry with you. 27g of Protein per serving, 150 calories and less than 1g of sugar. My favorites so far are Cappuccino, French Vanilla and Mint Cholocate Chip Ice Cream. YUM!!

I had some sever back pain last night and I have a prescription of Norco for it. I wasn't sure if I could take that size of pill 4 weeks out so I took some of my liquid pain meds from after surgery. I haven't taken them since the first time I got home from surgery and the pain that followed was horrific. It started as a small burning which I figured was normal. Then it kept getting worse and worse. It got to the point where it felt like a burning rusty knife was slicing my tummy apart. I drank Water and milk with no relief. I finally took a few tums and it helped. Has anyone else ever experienced this? I left a message for my doc's office.

This is completely normal. Your body is just taking time to catch up. Everyone goes through stalls. I have said this before but read the posts from people who are 1 year or more out you will not find one person who says, "I'm 1 year out and only lost 20 pounds" It will continue to happen. Just be patient and give it time.

I am having a very difficult time with Protein shakes. I have tried Premier Protein, muscle milk, slimfast protein, etc... I feel like I have tried everything under the sun and it just doesn't sit well. I did however come across Bariatric fusion and LOVE it! You can order it on Naushanutrition.com they even offer samples so you can try several kinds before ordering a big jug of it. It has 27g of protein per scoop and you mix it with 6oz of milk or Water. I use milk and add some ice to it. YUM! Also, I don't order the big jug, I just keep ordering the samples so I don't get tired of one flavor.

No, but that's not normal. I would call your surgeon and talk to them about it.

I know it sucks at first. Your tummy is still very swollen my recommendation would be to keep sipping and keep walking. Have you tried the gas ex strips or a gas reliever? That may really help. This will pass and you will be able to drink more pain free. Just keep with it.

I am 3.5 weeks post op and feel like I want to be a runner (one of my goals is to run a half marathon) How did you who are runners get started? I see so many of you that have completed 5k, 10k and up. I just want to make sure I am doing it the right way and not getting started too early.

I initially told everyone that I was taking a 2 week "staycation" at home. Honestly I felt really bad about lying to my team. The only person at the office who knew the truth was my boss. I ended up telling everyone before I went out which was a good thing because I needed some extra time off. I figured that these are the people that I work with every day and they have always been supportive in the past. Besides they are going to notice that I am not eating anymore and dropping weight like crazy. Honestly, everyone was AWESOME about it. They have been texting me and emailing and sending good wishes/thoughts the entire time I have been out. I also agree that it's 100% your decision and you are the one to make that call. It's no one else's business besides yours. I haen't

I'm nervous too! I has surgery on Aug 20th and Thanksgiving will be 3 months out and Christmas will be 4 months out. First of all, I am worried that I will not be able to eat at all. I know people say by 3 months you are able to eat almost anything as long as you chew it up really well. I am find making healthy choices but what if I still can eat... UGH! Also, I haven't told my family about surgery so will they judge or will they "know" by how much food I put on my plate. This makes me really nervous as well. I have been telling people that I am on a new high Protein, low carb diet and that is why I am losing weight but I am terrified that my family will be angry that I didn't tell them if they find out. (only my hubby and a few friends know about the surgery) On the bright side I have always been the "fat girl" in our family so I am SUPER PUMPED to see their faces when they see me now!

I am finding that I am a slow loser too. I was on one stall for 6 days and have been on another stall for a few days. I do find that if I increase my Protein or Water that helps nudge the scale a little. Also are you exercising? That can do one of 2 things. It can either push the numbers on the scale down or it can keep you the same depending on the exercise you are doing. Muscle weighs more than fat so remember that too. Also, for those 6 days I was at a weight stall I noticed that the inches were coming off even though the scale wasn't budging. Try measuring yourself and only doing that and/or weighing yourself EVERY OTHER week. I know it's hard, the scale is there and you want to step on it daily but if is making you feel bad you should hold off. As long as you are following the plan set forth by your surgeon the weight will come off. You haven't seen anyone on here that says, "I'm 1 year out and only lost 20lbs".

I start mine on Friday but here are some suggestions that were given to me: Refried Beans - add some taco sauce and cheese to spice it up Ricotta Cheese - add some marinara or pesto sauce Cottage cheese plain or add some seasoning - I like to add the dry ranch mix to it Moist chicken (I bought some in a can) - puree it to applesauce and add your own flavorings (buffalo sauce, BBQ, etc...) Tuna pureed eggs with mayo and mustard Chili - pureed. I made a big batch a few weeks ago and froze small portions Any pureed Soups - cheesy broccoli, chicken noodle, beef barley, etc... Pureed Roast beef Hope those help. Otherwise google Eggface she has an amazing website with lots of recipes.

Thank you everyone! This is all some really good advice! I cannot wait to get started, I guess that means that I have to get up and start walking more I have never in my life thought of myself as a runner. I have always been the overweight kid/woman and honestly that thought of running intimidates me a little bit. Everyone's words have been so encouraging and I am going to get started ASAP! I'm 4 weeks out tomorrow and I think as a present to myself I am going to buy some really good running shoes.

Weird question I know but I am curious to see if anyone is willing to share after pictures without having plastics? I know everyone is different but I am curious to see what the body will look like after I lose the weight. My Hubby and I paid out of pocket for surgery (17k) and I don't think it will be in the budget for plastics. My biggest problem areas are going to be my tummy, arms, butt and thighs. I will get some before pics of me to add so I can say I am sharing too. Thanks!

Originally I was set to have 2 weeks off. After being readmitted to the hospital for 3 days due to dehydration in the beginning I decided to take another week off. I went back to work today and couldn't make it a whole day. I now have 2 more weeks off. So 5 weeks total. If you have the time use it. It's a complete lifestyle change and takes time to adjust.

I had a lot of the same fears. Being the bread winner at home really struck a cord with me. I honestly couldn't go on the way I was anymore. I felt horrible, had not self esteem and the path I was on was going to kill me the way it was. The risks of surgery are actually less than having your gall bladder out.

I can and do chew gum. My doc said if I swallow it that it can cause big problems so I just don't swallow it, lol. It helps me with the horrible breath.

Ohh sounds good, I honestly didn't think about that.

If the pain continues I would call your surgeon or go into the ER. It shouldn't be that bad. I will say that for me drinking the first few days was awful due to the swelling and spasms. I was re-admitted to the hospital for 3 days due to the fact that I was so dehydrated and it hurt so bad to drink. I didn't have a hernia so that could be adding to the discomfort. I will tell you that it does get better. Once the swelling goes down and the spasms stop. If you are experiencing spasms have the doc give you some Levsin to help. It dissolves in your mouth so you don't have to swallow it. Also try using Ice on your tummy/chest to help reduce some of the swelling. It will get better. You just have to suffer though it and be patient. I know that's not what you want to hear because it's not a quick fix, but it does get better. Also - sip, sip, sip. Sip though the pain. It sucks but it sucks even more to get dehydrated.

Walk, Walk, Walk. Trust me it's easier said than done. It's hard to do anything when you feel this miserable. I had a really rough 8 days. I cried all the time, regretted my decision and thought I was losing my mind because I was in so much misery. IT WILL GET BETTER!!! I promise!!! Drinking gets so much easier. If you can't handle the Protein drinks Mixed or not I found the best way for me to get the protein in was to take the Isopure Zero Carb pre-mixed clears (they can be expensive) I mixed 8oz of that with 8oz of Powerade Zero and 8oz of Water (ice if you can handle the cold). That got me in my liquids and some protein and I started to feel better the next day. The misery will subside and you will feel great, just keep walking and drinking.

Clears for 2 weeks, Full Liquid for 2 weeks, pureed for 2 weeks, Soft for 2 weeks then add in solids very slowly after that to see how it is tolerated. My surgeon and others are very conservative. My surgeon wouldn't touch me unless I agreed to follow his guidelines. He states that he is very protective of the sleeve. Once you get a leak it's very difficult to treat and can lead to months of nothing to eat or drink except a tube down your nose so I take his guidance very seriously. I DO NOT want to get a leak. Everyone heals at different rates and that is why some take such a conservative approach. Follow your doctors orders. I know it sucks as I am still on full liquids right now but after you get through the phases you won't even remember how sucky it really was. Right now your job is to protect the sleeve and still get in the nutrition that you need.