Surgeon gave me the "all clear" to eat regular food but I'm afraid to...

[Sleevie WonderLand 41]

I was having a hard time when I was first sleeved because I really wanted to eat some real food in the beginning and was throwing a major tantrum. Here I am, going into my fourth week...got an excellent progress report from my surgeon today at my follow up visit; he actually wants me to go on regular food now especially since I'm refusing to drink Protein Shakes (they still make me gag) but I dont want to. I'm AFRAID that I will eff it all up by eating regular food and stretching my pouch and not lose anymore weight.

Logically, I know that no matter what I will lose some weight because I cant take much food in. But the coo-coo crazy part of my brain is telling me that like all the other weight loss attempts Ive made, I will sabotage and inevitably screw up my weight loss.

Since my pre-op diet on October 4th to now, I've lost 29 pounds. I started at 252 and now weigh 223 pounds. I've never lost so much weight at one time in my life. It feels freaking awesome.

I promised my surgeon that I would start on flaky fish and seafood (which I'm ok with), but I think it'll be a long while before I eat any chicken or other dense food. Is there anyone else out there who went through this? Am I crazy?

enlighten me.

[Lissa 2,631]

You're not crazy, just scared. Start with whatever food you think you can handle and concentrate on Protein. It will get easier as you try softer foods.. Your appetite may not be huge right now, but work on trying something new each day or every other day. Your mind will catch up to what your body can handle quickly.

I had the issue with the Protein shakes as well, so I completely sympathize with that. Just work on doing what your doc says and you'll be up to speed in no time!

Good luck on your journey!!

[Shae 44]

Wow! I went to my post-op followup yesterday and my doctor gave me the all clear too. You said everthing that is going through my head. Uncanny! I decided after talking with my husband that I will try one "new" food every three days or so to make sure I tolerate it and stay on the loosers bench. Now the question is what do I want to try first?

Thank you for posting this.

Shae

[feedyoureye 3,087]

This is normal. The good news is eating regular food works fine to lose weight with the sleeve! In fact, the sleeve and restriction work BETTER when you eat the real dense Protein that comes with real food. Just take it slow, and you will see the Water is fine! chew well, don't drink with or after your meal and journal to keep track of protein, carbs and calories. At over 9 months out, I can eat quite a bit of food (but next to everyone else... not so much) and am still losing slowly in the home stretch. I have never been able to lose this much on any diet I have gone on in the past 45 years. Enjoy eating REAL food!

[NikiS 31]

I am only 7 weeks out and it seems like I've been eating regular food for quite some time. Me and the mushy phase didn't work - mind tricks - LOL. Shrimp and fish are wonderful starter foods. And believe it or not, chicken goes down pretty well. It's very filling and a great source of Protein. Because it is a dense food, like me, you'll probably stay full for a long time. I'm sure whatever you decide to venture and try will be fine. Remember to take your time. Sometimes I find that I still eat way too fast and that can be unpleasant.

All the best and let us know what you decide to do.

Enjoy!

Niki

[Sleevie WonderLand 41]

I slept on it and realized that again, my mind is playing tricks on me. I made some chicken Soup last night with spinach and okra and ate everything except the small piece of chicken that I put in the bowl. I just couldn't eat it!

I've decided that I'm going to make a little seafood stew tonight with some shrimp and fish and start from there. I just have to take my time and all should be well. Thank you ladies...I don't know what i'd do without my VST family!

[Hawaii50 4]

I stayed on mushies for a week longer than my doc originally suggested. I was more concerned with how I felt since so many things I had tried up to that point made me sick. I took it very slow and have had great results! Just do what is right for you, rest assured you WILL lose weight on solid foods.

[PdxMan 4,292]

BTW, don't worry about stretching your sleeve. I asked my Dr this question and he said, "You can't stretch your sleeve. It is too small and not as elastic as a normal stomach". I looked at him funny and he said, "Sure, you can stretch it a little, maybe 10 percent or so, but 10 percent of 6 to 8 oz doesn't really count as stretching."

It may seem like it is stretching as time goes by, but that is just the swelling going down and your body adapting to your new stomach. I, too, had a fear of eating solids, but that was because it hurt. I could only get one or maybe two bites down and then I was beyond full. I'm 4 months out and I am still cautious and eat really slow and chew, chew, chew. I can eat anything, but it is still a ridiculous small amount. Went to costco the other day and was full after 3 samples. Now that is a cheap date!

You will lose weight. Just think about it. Your stomach is soooo small now. My advice would be: Go ahead. Try and stretch your stomach. Betcha you can't. :biggrinjester:

[GetInMyBelly 80]

That's interesting. My surgeon told me this wk the stomach will stretch eventually no matter what. And at two weeks out even too much Water can make it stretch.

[Shae 44]

I have read some websites where the information says you can stretch it and others where it says that you cannot stretch it very much at all. I think the biggest factor for what your doctor tells you is his/her method of dealing with people. For instance, I was seeing a primary doctor who said that my BP was elevated and that I would have to go on a strict salt free diet unless I wanted to have a stroke. She was not willing to prescribe any meds. I switched doctors (for this reason and because all she saw was my obesity) and was told that I should cut down on salt as much as possible and have my BP rechecked. After a few checks, she put me on a med.

I believe that we should take a middle of the road view. We are capble of stretching the sleeve but not very much. Listen to your body, stop when you feel full, and don't beat yourself up or freak out if you think you may have had too much.

She