MrsGamgee

I've been fortunate enough to have mostly supportive people in my life. I've been very honest about my journey toward surgery, and now life after. A few have voiced concerns, mostly about the idea of surgery in general, but when I explain my motivation they have mostly turned into supporters. There's really only one who's still not pleased that I've had the surgery, but I think it's mostly out of jealousy/insecurity on her part, and I've come to terms with the fact that I won't convince her of anything, so why bother waste my energy worrying about her opinion. I say, give them the info you think they can handle. Remind them that it's your body, your choice. And then accept that not everyone is going to be on board with your choice. That's on them, not you.

I'm sorry you're struggling, and that your surgeon's team didn't prepare you better for what to expect post op. I respectfully suggest that you find yourself a therapist with experience in dealing with bariatric patients and/or eating disorders. Your surgeon's office should be able to make some recommendations. I'm assuming that you're in your first couple of months post op, when things are toughest. This is a season of your life, and I strongly urge you to find the emotional tools to help you. As has been mentioned above, you need to find ways to be social that don't involve food. It is a great lesson for your kids to learn too, to set them up with a healthy relationship with food for down the road. I wish you good luck and hope you find a way through the next few months.

Day 26 - Gratitude log. Not really my style, but I am thankful for so much in my life. For eHarmony, where I was matched with my hubs 13+ years ago, our two sweet wee-lings (who came after two hard losses), our home as small as it is, my husband's job, and so many other things. Day 27 - What I love about myself. This is a hard question for me, as my self confidence has taken a big hit in the last few years. I guess I would say my creativity is my favourite part of myself. I'm a writer and a good cook, and I get immense joy from both.

Well done you! Welcome to the loser's bench! Rest, listen to your medical team, and be patient with yourself.

For a number of years I dealt with infertility and was active in several online support communities, and I can affirm this whole-heartedly. The competitive nature of similar medically-focussed online communities can lead to the 'pain Olympics' (you couldn't possibly have it as bad as me). It's human nature. Not saying that it's as common here, but we do tend to hear more on these boards about the negative and not as much about the positive. Everyone's experience is just that, their own. My tolerance for pain may not be the same as someone else's, and their food aversions may be far less than those of someone else. Everyone's experience on this journey is valid and everyone needs support at some level or another from folks who understand.

Stuff that I took that I needed: phone charger, chapstick, slippers, toothbrush & toothpaste, book to read, all my RXs (at the hospital's direction), extra socks, hair brush Stuff that I took that I didn't need: pjs, face scrub & lotion (was too bagged to worry about it), shampoo/conditioner/body wash What I wish I had: a cardigan

I use the Jameison prenatal chewables with iron.

Here's today's NSV... I have had clothes in sizes 16 - 24 in my closet for years and years. Today I was sick of having to dig through hanger after hanger to find something that fits. This is mostly pants, skirts, and jeans. I pulled anything that was bigger than a size 18. My closet is much emptier now and I'm thrilled! Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm curious... did you all discover these changes gradually? I haven't noticed any real changes yet, but then I'm still on full fluids and have only tried a few things (oatmeal, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, refried beans, pudding, and soup). Meat and raw cabbage (where did that come from??) are the only things I'm craving. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Welcome SuzM! Good for you for making the leap of faith. This community is a great source of info and support. I'm a mom of 2 as well (8 & 7yo), and they are my number one reason for going on this journey. I want to be around and healthy for when they graduate and go to college, and my type 2 diabetes was making that look more and more unlikely. I walked out of hospital not needing my diabetes meds any longer. That alone has made this all worth it, and all the other good stuff is just getting rolling for me. Best of luck to you! Ask lots of questions, read all the stories... [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

First off, yay you! You're on the loser's bench now! The pain is real, especially the gas pain. A realization that I came to a couple of days after surgery was that I had to relax my body, sort of giving my body permission or reminding it to pass the gas. And as everyone says, sip sip sip and walk walk walk. This too shall pass! Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Just my two cents on a couple of your questions... Condiments like steak sauce or ketchup can be loaded with sugar, so be careful. I would suggest maybe trying mustard instead? Pasta alternatives... my go to is zucchini noodles. Love love love them. Good in hot and cold recipes. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

My surgery was 10 days ago, and honestly I'm feeling pretty good. I'm getting my fluids in, and now that I picked up some unflavored protein powder, I'm getting closer to my protein target. The thing I became aware of today is that I have been slouching a lot. I need to work on sitting/standing properly, even though my abs burn when I do. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

For me, when I was 8 days out it was suddenly much easier to get my water in. I can't explain it, except that it felt like there was more room for water. I can do more than sip now, although I do get a little discomfort behind my sternum if I try to drink too much at one time. Hang in there! Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm a worrier too. I worried right up to the morning of surgery that something would happen to make my surgeon cancel my surgery. Even had nightmares about it. BUT all went smoothly and here I am on the other side of it all. Try to stay positive and don't let the worries get you down. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm on full fluids right now, and let me tell you making dinner for my family tonight was tough. I'm not hungry, really, but the head hunger is real. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Honestly, if left to my own devices I can avoid all the foods I'm not supposed to eat. The last 3+ weeks have been challenging though... with cooking for my family (mostly healthy meals) during my pre-op diet was rough, and even though I prepped a number of meals for them for my first couple of weeks post op, it's hard watching them eat while I'm getting by on mush. It will get better, I know. My hubs has benefited from my healthier meal options, to the point that he was frustrating one of my goals. I wanted to weigh less than him (never did, ever), but he kept losing. Only now, after surgery, I weigh less than him. [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I am too. Frustrating. This app needs some upgrades, but today's a bit of a mess. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Day 25 - Grooming. Just my usual basics today. I have noticed that I've been losing a bit of hair this past week, but I'm trying not to get too freaked out by it. I know that in the past when I've had big medical procedures done I've had a bit of hair loss immediately after, and I know it's too soon for it to be malabsorption related. Still, it is a bit jarring. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Honestly, I slept on my stomach about 4 days post op. It wasn't perfect but it was more comfortable than on my right side, and I'm not able to sleep all night on my back. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Overnight refrigerator oats are a favorite of mine. You can change them up so much. My favourite is to add a bit of cocoa powder, some chia seeds, and raspberries. Looking forward to when I can have them again. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I take the extras (b1, d3, b12, cal citrate) over and above my multi at the direction of my RD. One note about biotin... make sure your team knows that you're taking it. There is evidence that it can mess with blood test results, so you may need to stop taking it for a period of time before having bloodwork done. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

I think I turned a bit of a corner today. All of a sudden I can drink more water. I was getting close to my water target before, but it was work. Today it's going down easily. I had a large drop in weight initially, but the rest of the past week it's been just sort of trickling away. Down 10lbs from the morning of surgery, 8 days ago. Only concern is I think that my remaining blood pressure med might be too strong. I'm dealing with a bit of dizziness and a headache. My blood sugars are fine so... I see my regular doc next week, so I'm hoping it will be adjusted. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Day 24 - treat yourself Not sure how I can treat myself today, as treats up to now have largely been comprised of food and that pattern must and is changing. Perhaps I'll do a bit of a mini spa day... face mask, shaving my legs, etc. B-side: not sure honestly. I haven't tried Halo top yet, and I'm not really wanting regular ice cream either. Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app

Bravo!! Sent from my SM-G960W using BariatricPal mobile app