HuneComz

My favorites on the pureed phase: One scrambled egg and one turkey sausage link put in the food processor with a splash of Fairlife, though I could never finish it all. Ricotta bake (I made them in muffin tins) - I could eat 1/2 of a ricotta bake muffin at a time. Refried Beans, low-fat shredded cheese and a small tsp of plain Greek yogurt I pureed tuna salad and the consistency wasn't too different from regular tuna salad in my opinion.

Curious if your medications are liquid or if you are crushing them? At 6 weeks, I have just been cleared to begin taking pills again. I can't imagine trying to swallow a pill immediately post-op - everything is still too swollen. Hoping you are feeling well soon.

I was sleeved 11/29 and I hit my first stall two weeks ago at two weeks post-op. I know it's normal. I know my body is fighting what is happening. I know it is medically impossible for me not to lose more... But this stall is driving me mad. I think the fact that it is around the holidays that I began my journey and I am still struggling a little mentally definitely contributes to my current 'mad' state. I have a follow up today so I am hoping for some amazing words of wisdom!

@@kaypitre5 My surgeon's office notified me at the first appointment 3 months but it typically takes 4 from start to finish. Then at the last appointment it goes to insurance for approval which can take up to two weeks and then you get scheduled for surgery, which was about two weeks out. Again - this is all specific to my insurance and surgeon's office, but it is a general idea for you. As others have stated, once you start the process with your surgeon, they should be able to get your more specific info. Good luck.

Every surgeon and every insurance will have different requirements. I was also required by my insurance to do a 90 day physician supervised diet. My process began in June with my consultation with the surgeon I chose. After that I came to the office every 30 days and met with an internist who ordered my blood work, sleep apnea test, did my EKG, etc. At every appointment I met with the nutritionist to discuss my current and future eating habits. I undertook a psychological examination (test) and met with the psychologist twice. I ELECTED to attend some pre-op educational classes that they offered monthly. I just had my surgery a few weeks ago and I needed every minute of the education I received.

My first surgery was a few years ago to have my gall bladder removed and my fears were identical. I cried sitting in my bed in pre-op and the nurse and staff were all very kind in comforting me. I was clear I had never been put to sleep so I had those natural fears and even worried if I would be allergic to anesthesia. I was reassured they are prepared for all things possible, including that. I came out of anesthesia with both my gall bladder and sleeve surgery like a champ. I have faith you will be fine!

I am 3 weeks post-op and my energy level and sleep patterns have been a roller coaster. I only napped the day of surgery, went shopping several times during my recovery so I returned to work after two weeks. Now that I have been back at work, I do get very sleep and drained about halfway through my day. I think it's all normal. Your body is adjusting. The first few days I slept really well, for close to 2 weeks I had trouble sleeping, now when I go to bed I sleep through to my alarm every morning! I haven't done THAT in years. Just remember if you are laying down for naps (or just lying down) - you should still get up and walk 5 minutes out of every hour.

@@cantstop87 You would feel pain if a stitch busted open. But please be aware that is a very real possibility and it is exactly why we have a diet progression to stick to. liquids...then pureed...then soft foods for WEEKS. I am sure you were given a plan. Please read it and stick to it. 99% of the success of this surgery is your mental fortitude. If you can't do it on your own, then you need to contact someone with your team ASAP. I would contact them anyway and let them know how far off plan you have strayed as they will likely want to check you out ASAP.

@@cantstop87 Please...please...please stop eating. You can kill yourself, quite literally. Imagine you cut your arm open from wrist to elbow and went to the hospital and had it all stitched up. Now imagine someone squeezing and pulling that incision back and forth tearing at the stitches. It will hurt, it will bleed, it could become infected. Anytime we eat, our stomach compresses multiple times to digest. Each time it compresses, it is pulling at the staple line that is currently holding it together. Except this is INSIDE OF YOU so if those stitches break, whatever is in your stomach will leak into your abdomen, you will go septic and you could die. So please stop eating. This is temporary. You will be able to eat again. If you are drinking fluids like you are supposed to and working on your Protein, you shouldn't feel hungry at all. I think your "hunger" is head hunger, which we all experience.

@@hayleyf3706 The Atkins Lift kind of reminds me of Vitamin Water. I don't particularly care for that taste, but I can drink it ice cold.

I have been getting Protein from various sources. Premier (which I agree is sickening-sweet) packs a punch of protein so I have been trying to have one every other day. I have seen Walgreens carries flavor enhancers for Protein shakes but I haven't bought any. I prefer Fairlife milk as my #1 choice for Liquid Protein - it's 13 grams of protein per one serving (8 oz) and if you like milk - it's delicious. I mix 3/4 cup skim to 1/4 cup chocolate. It is also lactose free. I also found Atkins Lift bottled 'water' at Big Lots (not sure this store exists everywhere) for $2 for a 4-pack - one bottle is 20 grams of protein. I don't love these, but it's something different from the milks and shakes.

Congrats! I anticipated 2-3 weeks off and I returned to work after 2 weeks. I have a desk job. Physically I felt ready to return to work and financially I preferred to. I have been slightly tired since returning, which is ironic when I didn't nap at all during my recovery and seemed to have plenty of energy.

You can find nectar on Amazon. And keep in mind, you can add Mio/Crystal Light drops to these to alter the flavors. We added Tropical Coconut drops to the Fuzzy Navel Nectar and it was yummy.

I am 3 weeks post op and I also notice all the food commercials, the food in television shows and movies, all over my FB feed, etc much more now. However, I didn't feel any actual HUNGER until probably 12 days post-op. I can almost guarantee you what you are feeling is head-hunger. I just told my husband last night that 99% of the recovery from this surgery is mental and I have been feeling "hangry" the last several days. And I use that loosely, because it's not really hunger, it's just missing food...and it's the reason I had this surgery and need to stick to the program or it will all be for nothing. I am sure you didn't REALLY think this was a "quick fix?!" You made a choice to change your anatomy and you were given a tool to help you for the rest of your life. Now is the time to train yourself to embrace this tool. Just remember - you can NOT give into any temptation. We are given explicit instructions and diet progressions for a reason...not following them could literally result in death so please do what I do and remind yourself that the coming weeks are temporary and it WILL get better. On the 4th or 5th day post-op is when I started seeing my weight drop - we all gain weight in the hospital. And by two weeks post-op I was down 20#. It will get better...I promise. But be ready for it to be more challenging first.

Amazing! Congrats! What an inspiration!

If you are on Pinterest, there are lots of great boards and info for Bariatric diets and Protein rich foods. I have saved a lot for future. Right now, I am only a few weeks post op and in my pureed phase but my favorite so far is mini Ricotta bakes. I mix lowfat ricotta, egg, shredded parmesan and Italian seasoning, spoon into muffin pan. Cover with marinara and top with lowfat shredded mozzarella and bake at 425 for 20. I can only eat 1/2 of one "muffin" but it is delicious and the Ricotta is a good source of protein.

I only lost 7# during the 3-4 month pre-op diet, but I was cautious as I couldn't lose too much or my BMI went below what my insurance required for surgery.

For 3-4 months prior to surgery I began some of the practices I knew I would have to stick to post-op. I tried to ensure every meal contained at least 20 grams of Protein. I walked 5 days a week. I stuck to 3 meals a day. Pre-op I put myself on a 1300 calorie/day diet. Most days I stayed within the range, some days I did not. I am just a few weeks post op, but I also take the Flinstones chewable multi-Vitamin beginning the day I went home. I am taking omeprazole that I have to open and swallow the beads as I can't swallow a pill yet. I had to give myself a shot of lovenox daily for two weeks to help avoid blood clots. Once I am cleared to swallow pills again I will return to taking a daily B12 pill as my initial blood work showed I was low and I will likely choose to take Bioten for hair/skin/nails.

Exactly what the others said - you should have already been given a diet plan and if not, get one ASAP. My progression is almost identical to @suzzzzz. The first week or so was an absolute job to take sips every 5 minutes to ensure my Fluid intake. I stopped taking the liquid pain meds the day after I came home from the hospital. I was never nauseated. I was just tired the day of surgery, restless the day after and doing great by the day of discharge (two days post op). I have felt very little pain or discomfort - my gall bladder surgery was more of a recovery. This early on - you won't need to worry about a food scale and should be able to control the size of your bites once you advance to pureed to not need a baby spoon. I am only 3 weeks post-op. I have already hit my first stall. I have rarely felt any actual hunger but I miss food. However, I miss being healthy more and realize these coming weeks of transition are temporary. Good luck and listen to your team and follow their plan!

It's normal to be nervous and question what you are doing - I almost passed out the morning of surgery as I was showering I was so nervous! Good luck - you will do amazing!

Good question for your surgeon's office or nutritionist. I was sleeved 11/29 and just advanced to semi-liquid at 15 days out which includes yogurt, cream of wheat and pureed soup. As we all have seen - every surgeon's progression plan is different, but I don't even average 500 calories daily. You will not fail if you are doing what you are supposed to - sometimes it just takes longer for your body to adjust to the new plan!

@@Jazzzyjay We have a store called Big Lots here in NE Ohio and I found these there for $2.00 for the 4-pack!

I was told I can walk right away, but no exercise or working out until 6 weeks post-op.

I am just over two weeks post-op and I am doing fantastic! I was sleeved 11/29 and the recovery has been amazing. I was in more pain after my gall bladder surgery. My surgeon keeps patients in the hospital two nights; I was released late Thursday afternoon, 12/1. I stopped taking pain medication on 12/2, and even then, I didn't feel a need for it, I was just nervous I would feel something if I didn't take it! By 12/3 I was out grocery shopping with my husband! During my recovery, I went out Christmas shopping 3x, baked all my Christmas Cookies and caught up on some TV shows I had wanted to watch. At my follow up this week, I asked for a release to return to work and I started back yesterday. The first few days it was a real job to ensure I was getting my fluids in and I think I have finally figured out the right combination to ensure my Protein intake. I just advanced to semi-liquid yesterday and I get to advance to pureed on Saturday (I can't wait!). I lost 20 pounds in two weeks.

First, let me say that I know my health and happiness come before any financial burdens I may face as a result of WLS. With that being said, the more I think about it, the costs keep adding up. My surgery will cost me approximately $2300 with my insurance. I am fine with that and the hospital takes payments. I will have enough time off of work saved by the time I have the surgery to have 3 weeks of paid time off. I should be okay there. However, I am starting to think of the costs of the Protein shakes, broths, sizing down in clothing for a year or two, etc and worry if financials became an unexpected concern for anyone post-WLS? I know my surgeon's office provides a clothing exchange and I already plan on spending a lot of time thrift-shopping for probably the first year. But is there any advice any of you can give?