greenreader

Hi there. I had my surgery at the end of 2017, and have lost a total of about 75 lbs. I feel like I did well until early October, and have been at a standstill, with lots of bad habits from my earlier life coming back in to play. I definitely am a stress eater, and have changed jobs, I am dealing with some difficult issues with my kids, and my parents are having lots of health issues, so the stress has piled up. A lot of this was out of my control, but making big changes as a new surgery patient was too much for me, but here I am, and I have to deal with it. I started seeing a therapist, and have anti depression/anxiety meds which have finally seemed to level things out a bit. I think I am at the point where I am looking around and feeling like I have been through a big storm, but I want to get back on track. I have about 65 lbs. to go to be at goal, and I know I can do it. I just need to forgive myself, and find some inspiration. Any advice or tips? Thanks in advance!

In the past two months I have been able to wear my wedding ring again, I can play more comfortably with my kids on the floor, get much less winded while walking on hills where we live in SF, and have been finding clothes in my closet that haven't fit in a long time! Hooray for NSVs! This is a great thread.

So glad to read these posts and see everyone's progress. I haven't been on the board in a long time, and I am realizing how much I need to talk to and hear from others who are going through this to keep myself in check and be realistic. HW (4/2017) 341 Day of surgery (12/26/17) 319 Today 276

Hi everyone. This past week I have really been struggling with dizziness and my energy level. I am falling asleep by 8:30 each night. I am keeping up with fluids, vitamins and protein requirements, so when I talked to my nurse practitioner, we both thought it might be an issue with iron. I am going in for lab tests later today to check it out. Has anyone else had this happen about a month out from surgery? My multivitamin has an iron supplement, so I am hoping to figure this out without another pill. I will also try to get in more iron rich foods that aren't meat based, since meat is still hard for me to digest.

I hear you. It's hard to take it slow, but it's the best thing for healing. My doctor just cleared me this week for purees and soft foods (stage 3), and I somehow managed to get a stomach flu. Just starting to feel interested in trying foods again today. It's all a process with ups and downs, but the results are worth it. 😊

Welcome. I hope everything is going okay for you so far. How are you feeling? There are lots of posts here filled with tips I have found really helpful. I'm glad this forum is here, too!

I know lots of people have seen this blog, but this particular page has some great suggestions for meals at this stage, just in case someone needs it. I think the key is being creative with spices and flavoring, and mixing it up so you aren't too bored. Great ideas! http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2007/08/pureed-foods.html?m=1

Tonight I steamed some baby bok choy and carrots and puréed them in the Magic Bullet. I also added a little seasoned salt for flavoring, and it was so good! I have never missed veggies so much in my life. I also had a half a cup of pureed pinto beans with some shredded string cheese stirred in. The consistency was a little weird, but it tasted good.

I had my follow up appointment with my surgeon today, and thought I might be reacting to some foods, since I have had issues with my stomach for the past few days. He told me that the kinds of symptoms I was having aren't typically related to the surgery (tight cramping and needing to run to the restroom a lot), and that I need to let it run it's course. He said to be extra careful about dehydration, though and really work on the fluids. I thought I would mention it here since it is flu season, and we need to be extra vigilant after going through the surgery. This sucks. Other than finding that out (and realizing how bizarre it was to not even know I had a stomach bug), the appointment went well, and he was happy with my healing and progress so far. I was 15 lbs. down as of the surgery. Hoping that number is real, and not an effect of the virus [emoji53].

I'm so sorry that happened. It is just the worst timing. I was up a lot last night, and still feel pretty bad today. I hope you are on the mend.

Hi there. I was wondering what people have experienced in their monthly cycle since having surgery. I tend to be fairly regular with timing each month, and how long it lasts, but I know a big reduction in caloric intake will definitely affect everything. Did you even get your period during the first month? Just curious about what to expect...thanks!

I had my surgery on 12/26, and I'm down 12 lbs. since then. My stomach has been bothering me more the last two days, but I am still trying to get in a walk a day to keep active.

A drink mixing glass that shows ounces on the side (like a bar mixing glass) is helpful. I also have glass baby food storage containers that I bought on Amazon that have been helpful. Chicken bone broth has lots of protein, and is really soothing after surgery. Someone mentioned it already, but my immersion blender has been awesome, too.

I have been feeling the same way. My surgery was 12/26, and I feel I like I can drink a lot of fluid, and it doesn't bother me (except for some burping). It makes sense that the denser food will sit completely differently, but I had the same concerns, wondering if I have been doing something wrong. Looking forward to seeing what the next phase is like...I see my doctor 1/11, and will move to soft foods (stage 3) then, if everything is okay. Good luck on this wild ride--I am right there with you!

Welcome! I am new to all this, too. I had my sleeve surgery on 12/26, am feeling pretty good so far, and have lost 12 lbs. You will do great, and as far as the anesthesia goes, I found that my anesthesiologist was really approachable and answered as many questions as I needed to ask. In fact, I think they even checked in a week beforehand, too. It is a big lifestyle change, but luckily the doctors (or at least mine) have everything divided in to phases, so you progress through your recovery at a manageable pace with the food. One tip I would give is to start sampling some protein drinks ahead of time, so you can buy / order some to have at home before your surgery. Much of the protein the first few weeks comes from those sources, so it needs to be something you like! [emoji4] A few that I have used are Premier protein shakes, Orgain shakes and BiPro protein water, but there are many other kinds, of course! Best of luck to you...it's a pretty amazing journey!

It feels good to be through the first week after surgery, and I feel like I am starting to get some energy again. It is hard doing this with young kids, mine are two and six, and since the surgery happened over break, everyone was home the whole time. Luckily my husband was home to help, too. I am grateful that I have 1 1/2 weeks before I go back to work. That will be an adjustment for sure. I have also been able to get out and take a walk each afternoon to stave off boredom, and keep my back from cramping up. My only two issues have been waking up every couple of hours at night (but I can take a short nap during the day). I also am thirsty all the time. So grateful for ice chips! I am so glad that this forum exists so we can share stories and ask questions, too.

This is such a great post. As a newbie, these suggestions are so helpful. Thank you!

Congratulations! Great job!

Congratulations! Great job!

I have been looking around at different resources for less expensive clothes for while my sizes are transitioning. Has anyone used Thred Up before? I downloaded their app, and it looks like it might be a good option. Any other ideas? Target and Old Navy are "go tos" for our family, but curious about other options...

I haven't, but I made some sweet potatoes with chicken bone broth, and blended them with spices, and it was like thicker baby food consistency. It was delicious! The sweet potatoes have lots of good vitamins and bone both has 9 grams of protein per cup, so it worked well. I'm hoping to experiment with some other things like that this week. I steamed some butternut squash that I haven't used yet [emoji4].

Good luck. You can do this! I have had a good experience so far--mine was on 12/26.

In total, I will have three weeks off. I am a teacher, and my surgery coincided with Winter Break, so I only needed to request one week with sub coverage and leave time.

Me, too. I burp pretty much with any drink I have.

Thank you! I figured that might be it 😊.