Orchids&Dragons

Did your doctor's office not have nutritional class requirements? I realize that they're add different, but it sounds like you got cheated on the preparation side. I agree with Purple Girl, even if your doctor's group doesn't have a bariatric support group, check with local hospitals. I know that the group at my hospital is open to everyone. It doesn't matter where you had your surgery.

Drinking while you were eating is the reason you were able to eat so much, especially if the foods you were eating were sliders. The liquids washed all the food through your pouch allowing you to refill it over and over. Not eating during meals is a really big deal! And not for 30 minutes afterward, as well. That will give your stomach time to assess and signal satiety.

The number of incisions depends on the surgeon.

Your doc will go over all this with you. Depending on the type of pill, whether it's extended release, etc. If the doc forgets, ask!

Sending prayers your way. Don't be too mad at yourself. You stopped regain in the early stages and are working to lose again!

Great advice from a successful veteran!

I had surgery 2/26/18 and also had complications. Most of mine were caused by peculiarities of my own anatomy. I would do the surgery again, regardless. It has already made a huge difference in my life. The complication rate is very low, but you don't tend to hear about all the surgeries that went off without a hitch. You hear about the ones that had issues. Good luck whatever you decide.

Honestly, if I were in your shoes, I think I'd consider a balloon. I think they stay in for about 6 months and in that time, I think you could lose all your weight. Good luck with whatever you choose.

Sorry you're struggling with adjusting to your sleeve. You won't have ruined your sleeve in such a short time period, but you are exceedingly fortunate that you didn't end up back in the hospital from tearing the suture line. I'm amazed you weren't throwing up all the time. Some people have hardier stomachs than others. I'm glad you've come to your senses. Your sleeve will still work. Go back to the plan your doctor gave you and stick with it. The liquid phase is not a punishment. It's time for your sutures to heal. The slow progressing through the foods is training you and again, gently getting the stomach back in the game. Focus on fluids and protein. Don't put more than 2-4 oz. in your stomach at a time. You won't necessarily feel "full", but that's all the pouch can hold. The process isn't easy but you can do it. You don't want to waste this opportunity. Good luck.

The protein waters are easier to get down, imho. They're still quite sweet, so I water them down or add ice. But both the waters and the shakes counts toward both your fluid and your protein requirements.

Wow, you've been through the wringer! So sorry for all your troubles. I had trouble with food sticking in my esophagus. Turns out, the muscles in it don't work correctly. My doctor saw it when I had an upper GI for reflux. Yours could maybe be something similar? Also, since you've had all the antibiotics, have they had you taking probiotics to reestablish healthy bacteria in your intestines? If not, that could help with the colon problems. Hope you feel better soon.

Glad I could help. I'm curious to see what the other flavors taste like. I bought the variety pack.

Wow, that's the first time I've heard of that. When I bought them, I thought that even if I didn't like the flavor, they'd be small enough to take like medicine, just to get the protein. It was a happy surprise that I liked them!

I love Gretchen Rubin! I am totally an abstainer and an obliger.

Yes, liquids slide right through. You will start to feel restriction when you get to soft foods. No worries. And congrats on your surgery and smooth recovery! Don't wait until you feel hungry. Ever! You may be one of the lucky ones who doesn't experience much hunger post-op. Plan out your protein, divide it into 5-6 servings throughout the day and drink up!

Right up there with "when can I eat pizza and ice cream again?"

My mom said I was a HORRIBLE baby for just that reason. Guess I'm lucky she didn't leave me on a doorstep somewhere. That, and my habit of waking up at 4 am, which didn't stop until college partying kicked in. She used to leave my bottles on the bottom shelf of the fridge so that I could get them myself (by around 18 months).

I started with applesauce.

You look so joyful! Glad you had fun!

Good luck on losing without surgery. I hope you succeed. Good luck!

Well, for those of us genetically incapable of burping, maybe it could be FATAL! However, I'll risk it. I love my straws!

You're braver than me! I couldn't think about cleaning out clothes until after the surgery was done. And even at that, I still haven't cleared out any winter clothes, although since I had my surgery in Feb, I knew they wouldn't fit next winter.

That's a big one! Mean's your "mind set" has changed. Yeah, you!

Don't feel guilty. When it happens, take a long walk for penance and move on. Some days you just need more food for whatever reason. Just add some exercise to balance it out. No, I'm not saying we exercise enough to work off a banana split, but you're only trying to walk off an "excess" of healthy foods. (I use the term "excess" loosely!)

Lookin' good! Keep up the good work!