Coleslaw

It took a while for my husband to get used to the new, smaller Girls, but he still loves them! The absolute best part of it for me is being able to wear bras that don't have an underwire. Didn't realize how miserable the wire was until I got rid of it. Whew!

Good luck!

Yes, a very small portion post-surgery makes me feel the same as if I'd eaten a large meal pre-surgery. I feel completely satisfied with my meals, and make them as tasty as possible. If I eat junk, I feel it the same way as if I'd eaten junk prior, which is kinda crappy. Luckily I haven't had any negative physical side effects related to food, and no mental ones either. Again, the first year is strange because you're adjusting to a new normal. After that, it's just that -- normal. I used to look at my small plate and think it was so tiny, now I look at other people's typical sized plates and think it is an obscene amount of food. it's all about perspective.

I was 47 with a 35 BMI, the minimum my insurance would cover. Looking back, I would have had the surgery at a lower BMI to avoid the negative feelings I had about myself as my weight continued to grow and dieting continued to fail me. After a certain age, which is different for all of us, our metabolism slows making weight loss much more difficult. This surgery is the absolute BEST thing I've ever done for myself physically. Prior to the surgery, I shared many of the concerns others share on this site. While I never suffered from eating disorders or food obsessions, I certainly loved to eat and eat well. I cooked frequently for myself and large groups of friends, and my lifestyle is social -- most of my social activities revolve around eating and drinking. So what has changed? Nothing, and everything. I still love to eat, and I still love what I eat. Other than pre-surgery and the first 2 months or so after, I haven't counted calories, haven't tracked macros, etc. The pre-surgery diet, although it felt brutal at the time, was extremely beneficial in getting my mind used to smaller portions. Knowing that I could do it, even with my whole stomach intact, was empowering. The post-surgery diet, which included counting calories for ~2 months, and more importantly accurately portioning my food (½ cup, ¾ cup, etc.), allowed me to gauge what a "sleeve" meal should consist of and look like. My social gatherings still revolve around food and drinks. I still cook for large groups. I still eat whatever I want. Pizza, pasta, French fries, etc. In that respect nothing has changed. I didn't drink alcohol for almost a year, but now I have a glass or two of wine almost every day, plus the occasional vodka (Deep Eddy Ruby Red vodka with water -- in Austin, TX they call it "pink crack). What has changed is that I mostly only WANT to eat things that are high in protein and otherwise healthy. Rather than wake up and drink 2-3 Diet Cokes, I drink water all day, every day. And not only do I not miss the soda, I crave the water. I carry it with me everywhere. If I've portioned correctly, I stop eating when my plate is empty. If I happen to add more to my plate than the recommended amount, my stomach tells me I've eaten enough before my plate is empty. I have more energy, I feel stronger physically, and I don't hate the mirror or the camera. FOOD: I eat every 3-4 hours. Breakfast is typically either: 2 eggs + 2 strips bacon, or a bowl of Kashi Go Lean high protein cereal with Fairlife (higher in protein) milk. Sometimes I go wild and use Fairlife chocolate milk on the cereal - LOL! Lunch: if not leftovers of last night's dinner, usually it's 6 Triscuits with lunchmeat and cheese, or 6 saltines with chicken or tuna salad. Not sure why, but 6 seems to be my magic number when it comes to crackers. If I want a sandwich, I eat a sandwich, but I buy those little party rye loaves with the tiny pieces of bread and I always toast them -- like a grilled cheese sandwich, but with meat and cheese. I will add horseradish to roast beef, or chipotle mayo, spinach leaves, tomato slices, or whatever. You'd be surprised how flavorful and satisfying you can make a tiny little sandwich. And I savor every bite. Dinner: Salmon, chicken, steak, shrimp, fish -- I have at least one of those every night for dinner, broiled, grilled, sautéed, stir-fry, or occasionally fried in coconut oil. Sides include a green veggie and a starch -- rice, pasta, potato. Those are mostly for my husband. I eat the protein, plus a very small portion of the sides. The fourth meal, either between lunch and dinner, or after dinner depending on what time we eat, is the same as what I described for lunch. I don't prioritize fruits or veggies, but I eat them when I want or when my body tells me it needs them. I get random cravings for oranges or salad, which I think is my body's way of telling me I need them. Also, I eat every meal now on a salad plate rather than a dinner plate. It's a small thing, but helps with portion control and to combat the visual impact of a nearly empty plate. THE DOWN SIDE: For me, months 3-9 were the most challenging, and mostly with social environments. I'm one of the people who didn't share my journey with my friends. After the third month, the weight loss was drastic. Month after month I dropped size after size. A good thing, right? Of course. But trying to maintain the secret, sit at a dinner table filled with food and friends, and eat at most a cup of food with no wine or cocktail? Sheesh, that was hard. The worst part was having overweight acquaintances ask me about the secret to my success. I wanted to share this amazing gift with everyone, but I chose not to trade the privacy of my personal health journey to become an ambassador for bariatric surgery. Now the questions have died down and I'm just normal me. I weigh myself 4-5 days a week. I hit goal about 8 months after surgery, and since then (21 months) I've gone +/- 3 pounds. If I eat pizza or fries, it's a small portion and not on a regular basis. Same with dessert. I'm actually satisfied with one Hershey kiss. Bizarre. It's like everything our doctors told us -- eat less, move more, eat healthier, use moderation. What seemed impossible to accomplish on a regular-sized stomach became simple with a tiny one. Sorry for this long post. I read everything I could find on this site pre-surgery and it really helped to have so many different perspectives from so many people. Our journeys are all different, and what works for some may not work for others. It's normal to feel nervous. But if you were to tally the regrets on this site, they would mostly be that we didn't take this step sooner.

It has been almost 2 years since my surgery and I am still cold quite often, but I've gotten used to it. In the summer, I'm the one wearing a light jacket or long sleeves at night (outside) while my friends are in tanks. Over time, I've found it's mostly my hands that stay cold -- and living in an old, 1800s-era house doesn't help. This winter, I bought arthritis gloves to wear while I'm working from home. They are nice fitting with the fingers cut out so that I can type and do most activities. They have really helped, and my husband says I look like a badass wearing them. I'll take it!

First, a rave. I'm about two months post-op and down almost 40 pounds. I started weight training at a new subscription gym called The Exercise Coach and love it. My weight loss is quite noticeable and I get plenty of compliments. I'm down two sizes. I like looking in the mirror again. I am being patient; I know this is a journey. While the stalls are annoying, I know that it's part of the process. I don't freak out if I go up a few pounds; I know that my body is fickle and still adjusting. I haven't vomited or gotten the "foamies." I had no complications from surgery. I poop regularly. I haven't had any hair loss. Overall, I feel like everything is going exactly as it should. Now, the rant. I really, really miss eating a full meal. The kind where you have a variety of foods on your plate. By the time I get all of my protein in my new tiny tummy is too full for anything else. Sometimes I supplement with a protein drink or shake just so I can skip (or limit) the protein at my dinnertime meal and add a small amount of salad or veggies. I always thought I loved to cook, but now I realize that what I really loved was EATING what I cooked. I still cook for my husband, but it's become a chore instead of a joy. He will have a steak, potato and salad while I eat from a small plate containing only tuna, or salmon, or turkey, etc. He is a simple eater -- easy to please -- so I no longer get creative with meals because I don't get to enjoy the finished product. I used to plan meals in advance, shop for fresh ingredients, prepare them with precision, and present them beautifully. I also really miss restaurants. My husband asked me what I wanted for my birthday this week, and all I really want is to go to a nice restaurant and order some fresh seafood and a glass of good wine. But I didn't propose this because I don't want to order a fabulous meal and only eat ⅛ of it, and not drink. I don't really miss drinking alcohol, but I do miss having a good glass of wine occasionally. Thanks for listening. I feel like I can't share these feelings with my husband because this was my choice -- and this is my journey. I don't want him to think I have any regrets, because truly I don't.

As a woman who HATES to shop for the obvious reasons (nothing fits, crying in the fitting room, trying to find tops that I think hide my fat belly but in reality do not, etc.), in my four weeks post surgery I find myself longing to shop. I regularly go onto the websites of stores in my local mall to look at all of the cute things I know I will be buying and wearing soon. I picture the day I can walk through the mall, see something cute in the window or on the rack, try it on and IT FITS!!! I'm not there yet physically, but mentally I am ready to be a shopoholic. I haven't been fat my whole life, or even for a whole decade. Before the surgery, I went through my closet and got rid of all of my current-size clothes that were out of season, and held onto a few in-season things to get me through these first few months of summer. The rest of my closet is filled with all of my "skinny" clothes that I haven't been able to wear for 5-7 years. I have a nice progression of sizes that will last through the summer. By fall I will plan to start buying consignment shop clothes to get me through until I hit goal. Then, look out mall... here I come...!

The same thing happened to me. I went in for my EGD about a month before the surgery and the anesthesiologist came in, introduced herself, looked at my chart and said, "You're too skinny for this surgery!" I was a 36 BMI with one co-morbidity. I was already super stressed out about the EGD (but not the surgery itself). A childhood friend of mine had an EGD prior to WLS three years ago, something went horribly wrong and she lost oxygen for 6+ minutes. She is now in a persistent vegetative state. I told my surgeon and the nurses about stress as a result of this story, and they were very comforting and supportive. Then in walks the anesthesiologist...! I was pissed, but didn't feel like I was in a position to complain at that moment, since the procedure was starting in 5 mins. But after the fact, I told my surgeon about it. He was truly shocked and apologetic, and promised to say something to her directly. I did not follow up with him, but now I plan to when I see him for my 6-week post-op visit.

At 22 pounds, a lot of people started asking me if I had gotten my hair cut. ***I HAD NOT!*** LOL. They notice something different but haven't figured out it's my weight. Still wearing the same clothes. I could probably go down a size but my incisions are still healing and I prefer a loose fit for now. I'm still only 3 weeks post-op. HW: 192; SW: 180; CW: 167.

I have a Saatva bed with adjustable base. It was a game changer after surgery, and still very nice to have. I went from bed to recliner to bed. Lying flat wasn't fun, comfortable or easy.

My doctor recommended walking 10 mins of every hour for the first 6 weeks. He will not clear me for exercise until my 6-week appointment.

Prior to my surgery, I had to attend one general informational session, one support group, one psychological assessment, got clearances from a heart doctor, a pulmonologist, and my PCP, and attended a 3-hour seminar on what to eat during each phase of the process. I started my pre-op diet on May 15, and follow the diet to a "T" -- twelve days of the following (no more, no less): 1 cup low-fat soup (cream or tomato) 1 cup veggies (carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, or iceberg lettuce), with optional 1-2 tbsp fat-free dressing ½ cup of each of the following: sugar-free pudding, sugar-free applesauce, fat-free yogurt, and oatmeal. 3 protein shakes 48-64 oz. water The doctor said the pre-op diet was to reduce the fat around my liver, but it had some great psychological benefits as well. I savored every bite I took, took my time to eat and enjoy it, used smaller utensils and plates. Surprisingly this filled me up, thanks to the protein shakes and yogurt. I went to a restaurant with family and ordered only water, I brought my own meals to barbecues with friends and did not cheat once. It felt very empowering! Also a bit frustrating as my friends tried to push their food on me -- "Are you sure you don't want to try this? It's really good. One bite won't mess up your diet." I sat there very happy with my soup and salad, and finally shut them up by asking if they wanted to try my delicious iceberg lettuce and cream of tomato soup. The final day of pre-op (the day before surgery) was clear liquids only. I drank a gallon+ of water, and ate about 4 sugar-free jello cups. I did go to bed hungry that night but happy to do so because I knew what was coming next. My husband and I are avid boaters with lots of friends in the boating community who we spend most evenings and weekends with. Two days before my surgery, we had 7 of my girlfriends on our boat and one of them took a group photo. There they all were looking cute in their bikinis, and there I was looking fat and frumpy in my t-shirt and jean shorts. Any nerves or qualms I felt about the surgery were instantly gone when I saw the photo. I was ready! The surgery itself on May 28 went well. It took about 2 hours, and my surgeon also repaired a hiatal hernia. I did have one problem in the recovery room. Apparently my body can't handle opioids very well, and every time I pushed the pump for more pain medicine I would fall asleep and then quit breathing. I had a dedicated nurse who was closely monitoring this. She quickly contacted my surgeon who recommended a dose of Narcan to reverse the effects of the opioids, and then ordered only manual doses of pain meds. If it weren't for the constant care of the recovery nurse, it could have been a bad situation. I spent one night in the hospital, where they encouraged me to walk the halls, and even refused to discharge me until I did so. I took and passed a second leak test the 2nd day. They sent me home with an abdominal binder (#gamechanger), a pill crusher, and prescriptions for pain, nausea, cramps, and reflux. I have 6 purple incisions on my belly -- they aren't bruised, the glue they used is purple. It feels like a scab, and will fall off on their own in 1-2 weeks. I am up and walking around, even up and down stairs, although more than about 8 minutes at a time is exhausting and painful. But each time gets easier. Tomorrow I start the puree phase of my post-op diet. Protein shakes, applesauce, pudding, cream of wheat, yogurt. Nothing with anything but a smooth consistency, so I can puree canned fruits & veggies, fish, etc. Twenty days of that, then on to soft foods. At 6 weeks I will no longer have restrictions but plan to eat most of the same (eggs, fish, lean chicken, veggies, etc.). Thanks to everyone here who have shared their stories, challenges and victories. It really has been helpful for me, and I'm sure many others.

Now for the physical part... I have six incisions -- five on my belly (sleeve) and one just below my left breast (hiatal hernia repair). All were closed using surgical glue. It's a purple glue, so it looks like I'm completely bruised up in those areas but I'm not. Five of the six are fine, no pain, no itching. One of them, and I presume it was the one where most of the surgical activity took place, is sore as hell. Burns, stings, very uncomfortable. There are no signs of infection, and when I called the doctor he said it was just the nerve endings expressing their discomfort at being severed. I am using lidocaine patches (Icy Hot) around the incision but not on the incision itself. It helps some. I also wear an abdominal binder. It keeps anything from rubbing the sites, but it starts to annoy the skin after a while so I am taking it off every few hours and letting my belly hang out to breathe. I can walk easily with no assistance, and getting in and out of chairs, bed, is easier each day. I have to remember to use my legs and elbows for leverage. Stairs are not a problem. But the more I walk, the more that one incision bothers me and I must lie down without moving for 10-15 mins before it goes away. Other than that, I feel pretty good. No vomiting or dumping. I had my first BM this morning with no issues. A little gas here and there, but not as much as I had expected. I'm not getting enough sleep. I stopped the prescription pain meds and just use liquid Tylenol (PM at bedtime) and the anti-cramping pills. When it wears off, I wake up. I usually fall asleep on my back, then shift to a side or stomach position. I can't do that now, so I stay awake and try to nap during the day to make up sleep.

One thing I like about Unjury protein is that they have a chicken broth flavor. I'm not big on sweets, and this is my favorite drink of the day. It feels like I am having a real meal. I got my first supply at my doctor's office, and will be reordering online at https://www.unjury.com.

I added up all of my calories in my pre-op diet, during which I used milk as a mixer for two of the three protein shakes, plus the pudding. It was 900 calories / day and 125 g. protein / day. I promise I was not hungry. I lost 9 pounds in 13 days (doctor expected a 7-lb. loss). I split it up like this: Wake-up time to 11:30-ish a.m. - one to two bottles of water (16-32 oz.) Noon-ish - ½ cup oatmeal, 1 protein shake with milk 12:30-3 p.m. - one to two bottles of water (16-32 oz.) 3 p.m. - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 protein shake with water 3-7 p.m. - two to three bottles of water (32-48 oz.) 7 p.m. - 1 cup soup, 1 cup veggies, 1 tbsp. fat-free dressing, ½ cup pudding 7-10 p.m. - two to three bottles of water (32-48 oz.) 10 p.m. - ½ cup yogurt, 1 protein shake with milk This worked great for me and my lifestyle. By spreading it out and drinking a gallon+ of water daily, I wasn't hungry or tempted to cheat. I tried to stop drinking water after 10 p.m. as there was a lot of getting up during the night to pee.

Pretty well. It stayed down, so that's good! I started with cream of wheat; it was OK. Then I tried a tuna pouch pureed with a bit of fat-free mayo and some pickle juice. It was yummy but I could only handle about ¾ of a tablespoon. Next up was fat-free, lactose-free yogurt (Siggi's brand); it was the easiest by far. I ate a whole tablespoon. All of the above made me feel full. I had to cut my protein shakes down to 4 oz. from 8 oz. I find that broth (fat-free, low sodium) gives me a fuller feeling than water and is easier for my stomach to handle than water (not sure why). I am struggling to get enough water/clear liquids in a day. My doc says 48-64 oz. but I've managed at best only 32 oz. in one day. Today (Day 4) is going a bit better so I'm hopeful I get in at least 48 oz.

I am also lactose intolerant. I am using Unjury protein powder, which is lactose free, along with fat-free, lactose free milk as a mixer. It is funny how doctors and dietitians can be so different in their opinions. My doctor strongly discouraged us from using Premier Protein, which was my go-to drink prior to this process. He recommends only using protein powders or shakes that list the first ingredient as "Whey Protein Isolate" or "Soy Protein Isolate." We were told to avoid at all times any protein that was a blend (even if isolate was in the blend), a protein matrix, whey protein concentrate (like Premier Protein), or milk protein isolate. A summary of the differences is at this link: https://www.gainful.com/blog/protein-powder/whey-protein-isolate-or-concentrate/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&gclid=Cj0KCQjwocPnBRDFARIsAJJcf95GNTrsZ4U5PomYTJlidflVb3sn2D16sB_T_7s4DCHuQcIsNuVYMKYaAhhpEALw_wcB

Thank you! I was lucky not to suffer from severe gas pains.

No, both the surgeon and the nurses just said to walk as much as you possibly can. I don't get too far at one time before the pain starts to kick in, so I try to do mini-walks throughout the day. According to my doctor, the "no bumps no lumps" stage is the pureed foods. For me that phase is Day 3 to 20 post-op. Today I plan to puree some tuna with fat-free mayo in my food processor. I am not allowed to have more than 2 oz. of food at one time. My recommended meal plan for the day is below. It's only my first day on the puree, so we will see how it goes. 4 tbsp. c. cream of wheat 10-12 oz. water 1 protein shake 10-12 oz. water 2 tbsp. pureed tuna with fat-free mayo 2 tbsp. unsweetened applesauce 10-12 oz. water 1 protein shake 10-12 oz. water 2 tbsp. pureed chicken 2 tbsp. pureed green beans 10-12 oz. water 2 tbsp. low-fat cottage cheese

I am scheduled May 29. One more appt with the surgeon, then a seminar on pre- and post-surgery diets. Had an EGD last week.