Lannie

At about 3 weeks, I could take normal size drinks. Right now i can drink about 4oz at a time...then in about 5 minutes I can drink more. Really I don't notice any difference from how I drink now from how I was pre-op. My surgeon also says no drinking 30 minutes before & after eating. The ideas is the liquid makes the food in your stomach into "slush" and will move through your system faster. Now, I've had a few sips while eating if something was spicy or dry - I'm just mindful of how much liquid I consume at that time.

I do triathlons...many people on my team use liquid based nutrition (scratch, uncann, infinity) on their longer distances. They say it is easier on their stomach. Note these are non-Bariatric patients. That may be an option. Once I start rebuilding my distance, it will be a lot a trial and error to see what my new stomach can handle.

If your doctor OK'd spinach you could have a little. I'd focus on getting your protein...so go heavy on the salad toppings and only a few leaves. Right now I can only eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup...to me it isn't worth using the limited space on salads. If that is something you are craving, you can find a way to make it work.

Each surgeon has a different food plan. I was on liquid for week 1, puréed for 2 weeks then soft foods at the start of week 4. On the puréed stage, I ate lots of eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese. Hummus was a good option. For me, softfood meant if I could cut it with a fork (no knife) it is allowed. I'm eating tuna, cheese sticks, lunch meat. Ground beef for tacos (no shell), pulled pork. You'll find you have lots of options. For salad, eat the toppings (meat cheese, some veggies) skip th lettuce. Greens are just filled. Same with sandwiches....skip the bread...it's just filler. With th smaller stomach, we don't need filler.

I tried it once pre-op, but it didn't help me lose anything. You won't need it post-op. Your hunger is significantly reduced after the sleeve.

I went back to work after 10 days. The first week back I had to leave early a few days to take a nap. Once I got to week 3 and could eat more my energy has been better. I'm working 40+ hours, not my pre-op 60+. I could work more but I'm making a conscious decision to take better care of myself.

Holy cow! 40 to 60 pounds in 2 months is amazing!

Fathead is a good recipe - nice flavor and good substitute for regular crust. Made it several times pre-op. Haven't tried it post-op. It can be dense...

Each surgeon requires something different, so it is hard to predict which test. It will depend on your other health issues as well as you doctors preference. All of it is to ensure safety during the procedure. Sorry I don't have any better advice. Good luck.

I had researched WLS for 9 months before I told my husband. We've been together long enough that he has put up with all of my various failed attempted. He was always supportive....however I was scared to tell him I was considering surgery. Ultimately, I think I was scared to admit out loud to someone else that I needed it. It was such a relief to actually bring someone else into the process with me. Find a time when you can sit down and have a real conversation - maybe Friday on the patio. Don't hit him with it when your both rushing to other activities. Sit down and explain that you have initiated the process to have WLS, share the research and information you have gathered, offered to have him meet with your medical team. If he loves you he will respect your medical decision...it won't matter that he is skinny and doesn't understand the "fate brain".

Generally if WLS is specifically excluded from the plan coverage, an appeal will not change that. The insurance has a strong position...WLS is expressly excluded and you bought the policy knowing it was excluded. Usually, you would need to change insurance plans or consider self pay.

Congrats. You'll be surprised at how quickly you bounce bacK. the difference from day 1 to day 3 is remarkable. It gets better each day.

I had my 3 week post-op appointment today. My doctor cleared me for swimming. Since I do open water swim instead of pool, he just said to be careful and monitor my energy level. You should be fine.

I wonder if you are not eating enough. My doctor recommends 5-6 meals a day. If you have a few more calories you should have more energy to exercise. Have you consulted with your NUT?

I have BCBS of Illinois. I was approved for the sleeve and one overnight. That is all my doctor required. Additional nights would only be if there were complications. Would your doctor be OK with a 1 night stay... maybe the insurance would approve that. Good luck.

It would be possible. Chances are your energy will be very low....I found that I slept most of that day. Would you be able to take a nap in the car between sessions? Just build in some options for yourself.

I'm weeks post-op. I can now take normal sized drinks...normally 3 -4 oz at a time. Then I have to wait a few minutes (>10) and can drink again.

My docctor says no caffeine until 6 weeks post-op. The rationale is that caffeine is a diuretic and they don't want anything that would lead to dehydration. Not a coffee drinker - usually got my caffeine from diet soda. In addition to the no caffeine rule - i also have been instructed no carbonation. Glad I weaned my soft off the soda pre-op.

It was not clear from your post if you are actively using or just afraid of returning to old behaviors. Substance use disorders are a treatable disease. You have made a major step in identifying the issue and asking for assistance. A public message board may not be the best option for you to find the most effective treatment and support. Call you primary care doc and ask for a referral. Does your employer offer an EAP - it is a free confidential resource that can provide services. Sunshinegall is absolutely correct about the risks of continuing to use. There are resources - please reach out to someone locally.

I just google to find recipes. Here are some of the sites I like. http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/ https://www.ruled.me/keto-recipes/ https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes/best-keto-recipes I also found that many of my normal recipes worked with minor substitutions. e.g Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta, choose higher fat beef, add cheese / butter.

I took it 5 days post-op. Developed due to the antibiotics given during surgery. My doctor didn't bat an eye. At this point, you are a little short of 2 weeks out....I would think it would be OK.

The Keto Diet is also know as Low Carb High Fat (LCHF). It calls for high fat, moderate protein and low carb. Google will give you lots of information. Just like any diet it has its promoters and opponents. We follow LCHF in our house b/c my husband does triathlons and he finds that way of eating benefits his athletic performance. Pre-op, I felt better on it because i wasn't eating as much processed crap - kept by carbs under 60 grams. Many on Keto recommend keeping your carbs at 30 - 50 grams. I found that very difficult to maintain. I personally did not see much weigh loss, despite feeling better. Now that I am post -op, I will resume when this type of plan when I am cleared for solids. While my husband does high fat, moderate protein and low carb, I will do high protein, moderate fat. This will allow us to cook one meal - he can add the extra fat to his serving. The plan is consistent with my NUT recommendations.

Do you have a surgery date or are you still in the pre-approval process? If you want to experiment to find protein shakes that you tolerate well that would make sense. Beyond that, I'm not sure that you gain anything by starting a liquid diet early (unless the Dr orders it). During the pre-approval process focus on eating healthy balanced meals. Work with the nutritionist to met recommend calorie goals. This is a time to focus on modifying habits like reducing snacking, eliminating junk, etc.

I took 2 weeks off. My doctor required a minimum of 1 week. I was sleeved 6/13 and will return to work on Monday. I feel good and really could have returned to work mid-week. Allow yourself a minimum of a full week...5 days would have been too soon, but at 7 days, I had significantly more energy.

Find a protein shake you like. The protein will help hold off hunger and make pre-op a little easier. Good luck