SouthJerseySleever

I returned to cross fit at 2 weeks, 4 days post-op. I started slow (low weights, no ab work). I'm taking a break for a while and started running on my own while the weather on the east coast is nice. I'll go back to my box in November or so. I had no problem doing the workouts right after surgery, but I did have to up my protein, carb, and calorie intake, to compensate for the extra calories burned. I had no problem staying hydrated. I'm 16 weeks post op now and I can gulp water with no problem. I've been doing crossfit for over 2 years and started out around 260. I never lost any significant weight from crossfit, but I'm returning to it with the hope of toning -- I'll lose weight thanks to my sleeve now For the record, none of my wods ever included running while holding a 50 lb plate over my head. Pick a box based on recommendations from people you know. You'll want to go somewhere that has a program for beginners so you start off on the right foot. My favorite part of crossfit is the group aspect. Everyone wants you to do your best. I have enjoyed running but I miss my "friends" from the box.

I told my boss I was having my gallbladder removed. I used my accumulated sick leave and did not have to "prove" anything with Dr's notes. I still haven't told anyone at my office about it. They all think the weightloss is from my lifestyle change I made just before my "gallbladder removal." I took off 9 working days. My surgery was on a Wednesday, I took off the remainder of that week, the whole next week, and the following Monday was a federal holiday so I already had that day off. I could have easily returned to work 1 week after surgery because I was feeling good, but I'm glad I took the extra time at home to adjust to the diet stages.

With my Dr's blessing I went back to Crossfit at 2w5d after my surgery. I'm almost 8 weeks post now and I'm still not lifting heavy (nothing over 100 lbs), but I'm getting in a good workout anyway.

If you are still drinking a protein shake do you count that as a "meal" or as a drink? I'm having trouble getting my protein in and I think it's because I'm keeping to a fairly strict eating schedule of every 3 hours and I'm counting my morning shake as breakfast. Then I'm eating at 9a, 12, 3p, and 6p. I'm thinking I can get an extra meal in if I consider my shake just a drink (meaning I drink it 30 mins before breakfast, not 3 hours before). I'm still losing weight consistently, and I don't feel like I'm starving myself, but I want to get my protein #'s as high as possible because I am doing Crossfit 3 x's a week and I feel very sluggish on the days I work out.

Everyday I have an oikos triple zero yogurt, a premier protein shake, cheese sticks for snack, and lately I've been loving chicken sausage from aldi. 1 link is 15g protein & the flavor is really good, my current fav is tomato basil. I also eat Starkist Tuna Creations pretty regularly. I try to get the most bang for my buck when it comes to protein. I also keep a bag of lightly salted edemamae in my purse.

Try YouTube. There are lots of veg/vegan sleevers there. I follow MadeUpMama (not b/c I'm vegan but b/c I think she's awesome).

I was supposed to go to Disney next month (we go a few times a year) and cancelled just before surgery because I didn't think I'd enjoy it. I wish I didn't do that, but we have trips planned in Sep, Oct & Nov. My main concern is food. I know the rides will be fine (I love coasters, too!) but for me Disney was almost just as much about food as it was rides and fun. I'm going to miss our trips to Ohana and my fav Disney snack of all time, the strawberry waffle from Sleepy Hollow in Magic Kingdom. There's no way I can take in that much sugar now without getting sick. I know Disney has really stepped up their game with "healthy" snacks, so I'll find stuff to eat, but I'll miss my old favorites for sure.

I'm jumping in late, but I was May 17th, too! Happy 5 weeks to us! I weighed in today and I'm down 20 lbs on the nose from surgery day (39 from pre-surgery diet). I was hoping to get into the 2-teens by today, but I'll take 221 I'm eating everything except raw veggies and steak, though Martha Sugalski I really only eat the same few things (protein shake every morning, greek yogurt, tuna creations or chicken for lunch, cheese sticks for snacks and some kid of meat or fish for dinner. I'm still not enjoying food like I used to, eating seems more like a chore these days -- which is fine, it could be worse, right??? Hope you ladies are doing well!

So Monday was day 19 post op and (with my surgeons blessing) I went back to Crossfit. I used to work out 5 days a week, but I wanted to ease back in and told myself I would only go Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. Well, after Monday & Wednesday I was so sore that I skipped Friday. Instead I walked briskly around a track with a friend (who is getting sleeved next month!) for 1.5 hours. After doing yard work today I had the urge to get my sweat on, so our family (me, H, & 3 daughters) went on a 1.5 hr walk/hike at a local wildlife reserve that has lots of hills. I was exhausted after but glad I got in 4 days of exercise this week. My alarm is already set for 4:30 am so I can go back to Crossfit tomorrow morning I'm officially in the 3 week stall, btw. The scale hasn't moved since Wednesday. I'm doing great with my protein & fluids. I'm keeping my sugar & carbs down (between 20 & 30) and tracking EVERYTHING in my app, so I'm just gonna have to wait this out. Also had my 1st NSV today - I wore shorts! I had these shorts for 4+ years but always had such a muffin top that I wouldn't wear them. On a whim I tried them today & they are huge on me. I had to constantly pull them up

I showered the morning after in the hospital. I was told before surgery to bring my own shower supplies because they expect you to shower the next morning. I had no cath or anything. I did have my husband help me. It reminded me of my first post-baby birthing shower. I was super sore, couldn't move freely, but I was able to get everything cleaned and dressed in my going home clothes.

Trader Joes Traditional Marinara only has 2g sugar per 1/2 cup serving. I use it in my baked Ricotta recipe.

Mine was 3 months and it was submitted for approval the day I had my last appointment with the nutritionist. It took a full week to come back with a yes. I called every day after 3 business days. My surgeon's office never called to say it was approved, they said if it was denied I would hear from them.

Congrats! I have BCBS FEP, too, and my approval came in a week, I was so relieved!

I went to my first cross fit class since surgery this morning (I did not miss getting up at 4:30a to exercise!). I did almost all of the workout. I had to skip sit-ups and jump rope, my incisions were aching, but I did the weight lifting and running. My only concern is my limited water intake. I can't gulp water like I used to, and I worry about dehydration. I tried to sip as much as possible during class, had a protein shake after, and I'm still sipping on water at work 3 hours later. I'll know later tonight/tomorrow morning if I did any damage I guess. While I used to go to class 5 days a week I'm going to ease back in and start off with 3 days a week for the first few weeks. I'm also starting the Couch to 5 K program this week, I'll do the runs on my "off" days.

I doubt your surgeon would be ok with those shakes, they have way too many carbs/sugars. The shakes have just as many carbs as protein, and the protein isn't very high considering what other shakes offer for much less carbs and sugar.