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!