EagerPenguin

I was told that for the first week, everything has to be less than 6mm in every direction (that's just according to my program). I'm on quite a few pills and haven't had trouble getting them in. I just broke up the ones I could split and opened up the others to get to the powder. I still break one particularly long one in pieces. Of course, you can't do that with extended release formula or gel caps. Some meds you can change the formula briefly, like instead of a gelcap do a liquid for awhile if the gelcap is huge. I would suggest meeting with a pharmacist. I was able to do that through my program and it was quite helpful.

I would just be honest. Tell them, if they even ask, that you're on a special diet right now, which is the truth. I have Christmas dinner with my sister next week. I'm not planning on telling her, though everyone else at the table will know (And who knows? Maybe my mother told her already.) If she asks, I'll tell her special diet.

I was told to take stool softeners to avoid constipation once I started the full liquid stage (soups and such). Apparently that can become a chronic issue in sleevers because of all the protein.

I'm a little afraid that once I'm a few months post op and able to eat more regular food this may start to happen with my boyfriend, too.

So far, my boyfriend has lost a few pounds. It's actually noticeable. He's eating differently (replacing meals with protein shakes, for example) and in smaller portions in part because of my way of eating. My surgery has really brought an awareness to both of our eating habits. I'm excited to see the change in both of us.

I'm so sorry about your hair. Hopefully you'll be the only one to notice. And if anyone else does notice, screw 'me, it's not their concern. My nutritionist told me to stay up with the protein to help prevent hair loss. I'm taking biotin too, though, and I've been using good shampoo and conditioner (I prefer Aveda) to help keep what hair I do have in good shape. Oh, and I'm crossing my fingers. That might help most of all.

Your list looks amazing! Here's a few off mine: Able to fit in the sits at sporting events and concerts Go kayaking and hiking with my friends Be closer in size to my friend group Easier to be intimate with my boyfriend Not have to worry so much about developing chronic conditions or having a heart attack or stroke Getting off my CPAP

I have a physically demanding job, and I'm going back after two weeks. I'd take six if I could though, so more power to you! I think the additional time will definitely help you get used to life with the sleeve. I'd caution against complacency though; I've been off work for long stretches and it was so hard going back. Best wishes for your recovery!

Are you feeling any better? The dizziness is cause for concern, I'd call your surgeon's office.

I'm sorry you're getting lost in all this! I haven't been outside of this board (the Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums) for the most part, personally. Once you're on here for a little while you start to recognize people. Are there any support groups you can attend through your surgeons office?

Good luck! This will be hard but it will be worth it.

I brought a 6 foot extension cord to reach from the wall to my bedside table to plug in my phone charger because I figured it wouldn't reach. It was pretty handy. Bring your own toiletries if you're picky (I am). Good hand lotion because it's dry in the hospital. Either chapstick or Vaseline/petroleum jelly because again, its dry. Earplugs, face mask in case of roommate or other distractions. Soft shell bra to sleep in and walk around in (though I wore my underwire home). Pants with a soft waistband, not too tight; I wore my leggings and was fine. Slippers/slip on shoes to walk around in; I brought my crocs. I brought a fuzzy blanket for extra warmth and comfort; the hospital has blankets but they're typically scratchy and thin. Hand sanitizer. Firm pillow (like an accent pillow from a couch) to splint your belly on the ride home (maybe just leave it in the car).

I'm about two weeks post op, total weight lost so far about 35 pounds (28 lost pre surgery). I can fit in the chairs in the waiting room at my doc's office a little better. I fit in the seats of my car better. I'm wearing clothing I haven't worn in years (yes, it was still in my closet). Parts of my body are getting a little squishier, not so painfully tight with fat. My face looks thinner.

I notice it more with certain things. Liquids don't do it to me anymore, but when I eat yogurt, there goes my stomach!

I think you'll get mixed answers to this one. Some will say it stretches out the sleeve, some say it won't. I personally quit all carbonation last summer because I was sick of buying cans and bottles of the stuff and hauling it home. My acid reflux improved after I quit, too. I think it's probably just something you either tolerate or you don't.

It's post op day 14 for me; I had a lap sleeve. Down about 8 pounds, on full liquids. In one week I get to go to purée! I did cheat today though and had some low fat vanilla Greek yogurt. It was delicious and I found out my sleeve holds about half a cup of yogurt before I feel full. It was great to get in some protein from a source besides shakes. Congrats on your weight loss! And I'm glad you enjoyed the cream soup! I have a whole new appreciation for food after the pre op diet and now post op.

No recliner, but as long as the dogs don't pull or aren't too big I'd say you could probably walk them after a few days. I was up and doing light housework (laundry, dishes, sweeping, etc.) on post op day two and cooking for my family (that was hard mentally!) on post op day three. My surgeon gave me a 20lb weight limit for lifting. Today, I'm pretty much back to normal; I was sleeved on 12/7. I tried really hard not to sleep too much. I didn't take any of my pain meds at home, except Tylenol, so there wasn't anything putting me to sleep. The more time you spend sleeping the less time you have for sipping liquids, which I had a hard time getting in anyway due to nausea.

I'm post op day 12, and I'm still having nausea. I was severely nauseous coming out of surgery, and it's been hanging around. It's getting better for sure, but I still get mild waves here and there throughout the day, especially when sipping (I'm on full liquids still). I'm on meds and my surgery team is aware. I'm just wondering what everyone else's experience has been. Does this last?

Hi! I was sleeved on Dec 7 too. I was barely making it to 20 ounces per day for the first week. I got so dehydrated I needed IV fluids. Still not getting enough, but closer to the 55-60 range. I have no idea how I'm going to get that much when I start eating. My surgeon has me on full liquids until 12/28, then I can start purée and soft foods. Good luck starting to eat! A scrambled egg sounds amazing!

I did get fluids again after leaving the hospital, but I feel like the weight should be coming off faster. I suppose it depends on the metabolism rate. It's just frustrating that we're not losing faster! I want to be lighter weight NOW lol

Me too! I keep watching for the scale to change and it's just not going as quick as I'd hoped. I was sleeved on Dec 7 and I've only lost 6 pounds. Ugh. What am I doing wrong?!

I take topamax every day to control my migraines. I used to get them more frequently but I haven't had one in close to a year since I've been on topamax. If I get a headache these days, post sleeve, I take liquid Tylenol; it works faster than pills. I also have a prescription for imitrex. As far as NSAIDs...I have chronic back pain. If I have to take Aleve, then I have to take Aleve. I'll only be taking it when I'm desperate though.

I had a really hard time getting fluids in the first week, too. I was so nauseous, and the meds I was given weren't working as long as I needed them to until I could take the next dose. I believe I drank an average of 20 oz per day and didn't tolerate any protein. So, I became dehydrated. Luckily my vital signs and labwork didn't take a hit, so I was able to get fluids as an outpatient instead of an inpatient. Being dehydrated felt awful. I felt so much better after my IV fluids; my nausea even got better. Since then I've been able to get at least 64 oz of fluids including about 30g of protein per day. If you even think you might be dehydrated, contact your doctor. S/he might set you up with IV fluids which may make you feel better and make it easier to drink.

I can get a lot down too. I hope it doesn't mean something's wrong! I haven't actually measured how much I can drink before feeling full, but I know I can take bigger sips than I've been told to take without discomfort.

I go to purée at 3 weeks. I'll have been on clear liquids for one week, then full liquids for two weeks. I honestly can't wait for purée. I get to introduce regular food at 5 weeks out. What's your program like?