sfugate89

Hi December buddies! I had my surgery on 12/14/23 and I’m down 53lbs so far. It takes courage to post a body pic but I’m excited that I’ve made such strides. This is me just finishing a 2 mile run! (Never ran before, in fact I hated running! Haha) I’m far from my goal but I’m so proud of how far I’ve come and how strong I’ve gotten! Praying you all are experiencing self love in every chapter of this journey and that we continue to grow in strength AND confidence! ❤️ p.s. please ignore my stupid faces lol. I’m new to selfies and I don’t know how to act haha!

You are all awesome! Thank you! I bought the protein powder a while back and forgot all about it. I added it to my breakfast today (2 eggs) and only finished half and feel full. I will also add it in with my water. I’m sure I can’t mix it all up completely but at least a little will help. Thanks for your comments and support! We will get through this together!

Hi friends! I have a question for y’all! I am about 3 1/2 weeks post VSG and my hunger has returned with a vengeance. I’m not sure why. I’m trying to remind myself of everything I’ve learned and remind myself of things I am permitted to have. But I’ve been sampling small bites of various things to see what my tummy likes and what it doesn’t like anymore. I don’t want to fall back into old patterns and eat just because I like the taste or because I CAN tolerate it, you know?Has anyone experienced their hunger returning? Still struggling to get enough water intake so maybe that has something to do with it? I’m averaging 32oz water a day. I wish I could drink normally because I used to easily get 64 Oz/day, but sipping has shown to be a challenge for me lol. Thanks ahead of time friends!

Hi friends! I’m now 9 days post op. I’m in the puréed food stage and although my diet plan had this amazing sounding broccoli and cheese soup (puréed) recipe, it did not set well on my tummy. I ended up experiencing my first “dumping syndrome” last night as a result of about 3 teaspoons of that soup. I’ll say it has been a challenge to learn what my body will and will not tolerate. Just because it’s in a recipe book doesn’t always mean YOUR body can handle it. The experience I’ve had so far was that when I take a bite of something I’ll sit and let it digest a little to see how my belly feels about it. Most of the time it responds with gassy feelings, but the times where it feels PAINFUL, usually means it’s a no for me, at least for this stage. But last night the soup gave me no indication that it was going to end badly, so I had three teaspoons-to my delight as my family was eating it too-so I didn’t feel so “odd-man out” for this meal. But regardless, I’m feeling that cheeses, even smooth cheeses, for me may not be an option right now. If you’ve experienced the “dump”, what are some of the indicators you’ve had to tell you BEWARE? Also, did you feel absolutely depleted afterward? I felt like I just ran a marathon and all I wanted was rest. It was awful!

Yes, same here! Today is day #7 for me so HELLO PURÉED FOODS!! I woke up in such a great mood! These hormones really are all over the place! Lol. I put on some makeup for the first time in a LONG time and got dressed in normal people clothes. I made myself a protein shake with sugar free peanut butter powder and it was so yummy! I’m attempting my first trip out today with my mama to the grocery store. I’m in much better spirits and hoping this is day 1 of happier spirits to come!

That’s a good idea! I was told that we could only do clear liquids for this first week post-op, but if I can do smoothies that would be so much better! It would be much easier to add the protein powder to a smoothie or protein shake.

That makes sense! I meant to bring some of those cups home but I forgot. My lip was busted after surgery as well. It seems to have gone down now, so that’s good! Hopefully yours will go down soon too. Where do you put your protein powder? In your water? I’ve been struggling to get the protein and water. I’m counting down the days till I can eat puréed foods and eventually solid foods again! Coming up on the holidays, this is going to be challenging. I just try to remind myself why of why I chose this path in the first place and knowing it will get better with time. Are any of you struggling with constipation? I’ve not had a bowel movement since before the surgery (12/14) but I’m wondering if that’s normal because I really don’t have anything solid in my tummy? Should I add Miralax to my water? What are some of the liquids that you’ve found you like the most right now?

Hi Michelle, My sleeve was also done on 12/14. I have abdominal tenderness still as well and still dealing with gas pains. You’re not alone! I’m still struggling to get in the vitamins and to keep up with the water intake. Small sips they say, but small sips don’t equal a lot of intake, at least for me. We can chat on the side if you’d like to keep in touch! Savanna

Hello friends! I just had my GS surgery on 12/14 after waiting in the hospital 2 days to get my acidosis back on track. The rumors about the gas is no joke. It’s not easy to force yourself to get up and walk not to eat or drink when you feel so weak, but I encourage you-do it anyway. The sips of broth that I had today gave me enough energy to walk around. Walking around helped some of the air to be released, which of course made me feel better. I have over 10lbs worth of gas in me according to the scale going into the surgery vs coming out. That’s a lot! Are there any medications that you guys have used to assist with the gas pains? My surgeon prescribed me something for the cramps, and nausea and just general pain, but nothing specifically for gas. Even my incisions don’t hurt as bad as this has! Shew!

I would LOVE some recipes please!!

Hi friends! My surgery was supposed to be today but when they ran labs my co2 came back abnormal. They ran it once more and the same thing. So they did it in an artery and it turns out I’m in acidosis. Needless to say, the surgery has been canceled for today and they’re keeping me to give me medication and attempt to find the source. I’m so upset. I feel so overwhelmed and discouraged. I would never want surgery if my body is telling me something is wrong, so I’m glad that my surgeon is in tune with that, but I was mentally and physically prepared for this. I have been counting down the days! Please help encourage me friends. I don’t want all I’ve done so far to be for nothing!

You totally got this!! It’s mind over matter. Once you get into that preop phase, it all changes. You have to be willing to choose NEW you over OLD you. The more you say no to the things that tempt you so much, the easier it becomes. The people we love are not likely to stop eating the things that we love just because WE do. I began to say no when I realized that it was derailing my progress. My surgery is in 3 days and I am down 32 lbs already just being more strict. I wanted to have my MIND ready for what is to come so I’ve been doing this for about 3 months now and it’s done so good. Once you begin to see your progress on the scale and when people say “you look slimmer” it becomes easier and easier to say no, even though you want to say yes. Trust me, I am no stranger to temptation! I wanted to say yes so many times this past week alone, but I refuse to be a slave to the food that held me captive and stole my confidence. Once I’m able to eat again, I will slowly implement the foods I loved, but differently. Starch-free and low cab/sugar/fat everything. At this point I’d kill just to chew solid food of ANY kind! Haha. It’s not an easy road, but neither is the commitment that you’re maki by by taking this step! Train your brain to avoid those temptations as much as you can and know YOU. GOT. THIS.. and you’re worth it! wishing you love and success! Savanna

Hmm. I’ve been on the same protein shake since I started it all but maybe since that’s the ONLY thing I’m drinking aside from water, it’s impacting me more than normal. I’m not on any meds (thankfully) and the more I think about it the more I think my increase in water is probably more so the cause of my influx in “going”. I am using premier for my protein shakes but I think I’m maxing at 300 calories a day and it doesn’t leave me feeling good. I’m grateful I’m learning WILLPOWER though! Everyone had pizza today and I drank my protein shake. It’s a hard one to learn to smell and see foods that we would have previously chowed down on and now to walk away. But in the end, it will all be worth it! Here’s to willpower and health! ❤️

December 12th here! Hi surgery buddies!!! Is anyone on the preop diet having trouble with bowels or dizziness? I feel like it is due to the extremely limited calorie intake right now but I was just curious. I know it’s TMI sorry, but I went from constipated to… well… the opposite. I’m thinking it may be because of nerves as well. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this? Thanks, Savanna

Hi friends! I just joined here and I am nervous and excited! My December date is 12/12!! Eek!!! I’m excited to take this leap and I’ve already implemented many of the lifestyle changes so I’m READY! Praying each of you have a successful surgery and that the road to recovery is filled with peace and a long pause to relax! I know Christmas is coming up and while there may be temptations, remind yourselves that this is the biggest Christmas blessing you could have received! A longer healthier, happier, life!! (Aside from Jesus, of course!) Take care, Savanna