TakingABreak

Congrats!

I think the logic make sense. There are a lot of great success stories with sleeve, just as many as bypass. Just make sure everything else fits well for the sleeve. Do you have bad GERD? Because it can get worse with sleeve? Are you a diabetic? There is a lot of considerations when picking the right surgery. Medication can always be finagled.

Its great that your hunger has subsided. Enjoy that for as long as it lasts! I like to call what you describe as "head hunger", but hopefully its easily fightable. I actually missed the act of chewing. I bought a bag of Sonic ice and chewed on that for comfort.

I've also used EMDR for PTSD, same circumstances.... it helped wonders. highly recommended.

It does seem like that at first, but you will feel normal again. You will eat fairly normal again. In fact, I wish I had some of my sensitivities back, it would keep me from being tempted to eat bad things. The pre op diet and food progression stages after surgery are the hardest parts. I felt so much better when I got to soft foods.

These funks are completely normal and part of the process. Lean on us! We will be there for you and we understand. I promise, it does get better.

Welcome!

This is what I take, its one pill per day. You do have to take your calcium separately due to the multivitamin containing iron. So I take my calcium citrate/vitamin d tab in the mornings and 1 multivitamin at night. Once you can swallow pills, these are a great option. $45.99 for a 90 day supply.

Don't take your calcium and iron at the same time. They should be no closer than 2 hours a part.

thank you so much!

I didn't experience any constipation until full liquids. its very common to have diarrhea with clear liquids. I think things will start to firm up once you transition. On a side note, poor you... 2 weeks of clear liquids is rough!

My sister's twins were 15.3lbs total. She went full term too. I admire any woman who carries two babies like that. She was miserable at the end.

I slept in a recliner for a couple weeks too. It helped a lot.

Yeah I would cut the sweets and we if it helps, you should know fairly quickly.

165lb loss is such a terrific accomplishment! Congrats, you look fantastic!

and my doctor said 3 months... big difference eh? The point is that everyone's program is different. The only consistent thing is eventually they do allow alcohol again.

They told me to withhold vitamins because some can be blood thinners. I would def call your surgeons office before you show up for surgery and get turned away.

1. So yes, we all get the point of the surgery is to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle BUT that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves sometimes. My favorite food chain is in LA, In-N-Out Burger. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? (Again, I get the point is to NOT eat these types of food but sometimes you have urges especially on vacations). Maybe I over read what surgery you are having, but its a little different for a sleever or someone who's had RNY. I cannot eat regular ice cream. It has way too much sugar and I would dump. Occasionally I will eat sugar free ice cream from the grocery store. But you are hard pressed to find sugar free options at restaurants. Also, I would NEVER be able to eat a burger (never with a bun), fries, and a milk shake. I wouldn't have enough room. Let me give you an example, I was at Chili's this past weekend and I ordered shrimp tacos and fries as my side. I had 3-4 fries and one single taco (I was stuffed!). I did partake in a couple chips with salsa prior to the meal, and I can do that as long as its long enough before our meal comes out. Eating out is not fun for me anymore, and its almost frustrating because I waste so much food. By the time I start to enjoy something, I'm already full. Don't get me started on the cost factor. 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling Water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? I drink carbonated beverages on occasion. This is not against my program. However, this is a mixed review in the WLS community. I would consult your surgeon to see if they allow carbonation after surgery. I also weighted until 3 months post op to make sure my staple line was completely healed. The important part is that you are drinking CALORIE FREE liquids. 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). I have drank hard alchohol on two occasions since surgery and I did just fine. I did half of a shot of vodka to one small can of sugar free Red Bull. I was cleared for alcohol 3 mons post op. 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? I don't eat baked goods at all. There is too much added sugar, and white processed flour. The only thing I indulge in is the SF ice cream on special occasions or really hot days. I stay away from most processed foods and things with added sugar. There are plenty of recipes you can make on your own at home that can satisfy your sweet tooth. This one below is for a protein brownie. But you will be hard pressed to find things at the store (already made) that are bariatric friendly. The common trend is make it yourself. Cooking, meal prepping, healthy shopping...ect. https://www.bariatriccookery.com/simply-gorgeous-protein-brownies 7. This is hopefully not going to be a struggle but when I eat I like to sip on water or unsweetened iced tea, coffee, etc. I know in the beginning you're supposed to drink like 30 minutes BEFORE consuming food. How soon after can you drink something? Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquids and solids at the same time? The answer is you will forever have to withhold from drinking for the 30 mins before/after rule. The only time this does not apply is when you are in liquid stages of post op. This important for 2 reasons. The first being is that liquids will allow food to pass through your pouch quicker, making you able to eat more. The second, is it could cause your pouch to stretch. My program specifies the 30 minute after rule, but not before. Check with your surgeon to see what your program suggests. So I gave you very honest answers to most of your questions.... but let me say this, it doesn't sound like you are in the right mind frame to have this surgery. These are questions I wouldn't be concerned with if I was ready to change my life. There is a difference between concerned about post op recovery, types of vitamins, or protein sources. You are concerned about not having to change your lifestyle. These questions don't sound like they are from someone who has hit their rock bottom and wants to have life changing surgery to lose weight. Just saying.... Remember this, this surgery is 80% mind, and 20% body. You will have to overcome the mental aspects. Are you ready? Can you do it?

I've stalled for 3.5 weeks... And will lose for a week and stall for a couple more days. Mine is very slow at this point. Maybe its time for another check in with your NUT? Have a session with a personal trainer for new work out ideas? Join a new fitness class? I also eat higher carbs and calories than most, but the first thing I do is cut my fruit intake if I stall more than a week. It seems to help most of the time.

just be sure to use the "dip" mix, I can't vouch for the salad dressing seasoning.

its hard to tell. The hidden valley brand is really strong, and it may mask that taste. it could also be the yogurt, because I bought a generic from Aldi one time, and I didn't care for the aftertaste.

Also, are you using the "dip" mix from hidden valley? make sure you only use 16 oz of yogurt per packet.

I do, I only use the plain Chobani... I don't know if that will make a difference. Also, I have to leave it to "absorb" the seasoning overnight, otherwise it does taste sour.

Thank you! Sounds like a heck of a life... thank you for your service!

I hope that you do find people. All of my family knows, because they have big mouths....not intentional. But I don't allow them to inject negative feelings or opinions. I'm kind of a blunt person and I don't really put up with it. I took the people close to me to different events regarding the process. I had the initial info meeting, which my sister and best friend tagged along, then the consultation, my husband went with. My aunt went with me for pre op testing. My best friend went with me to the Nutritionist and Bariatric class. My sister went with me to the Pulmonologist appointment. All my appointments were 3+ hours away, so it helped to have a buddy for driving purposes. My husband obviously has been there for all my follow ups and surgery. Honestly, they each got a deep understanding of the process and knew the dedication hands on after each appointment. I feel they really get it now, and I don't have to constantly explain why I can't eat something or what exactly the surgery entailed. Some people, no matter how much you explain, can't wrap their brains on this being a permanent life change. But mostly, I just tell people I'm eating healthier and working out. This year for my birthday at work... my card was even fitness/health related. A lot of co workers put comments about my dedication to health and fitness. So things change and people start to think of you differently. I think its better that people don't have the chance to "label" you or the likely stigma that comes with closed minded people and WLS.