3 weeks since conversion surgery: band to sleeve (repost)

[genepha 47]

Hi all!

Monday marked 3 weeks since my band removal and conversion from banded plication to sleeve. I am still working on getting all of my Protein in. Luckily, I purchased a lot of sample packs of Protein drinks before surgery so I haven't gotten bored with any particular brand or flavor. I also bought several different brands so that's helped me too. Since this is my 3rd WLS, I felt I was prepared for what life would be like immediately post-op and it was pretty much what I expected.

I'm still sore from where the band and stomach were removed. I also had a large hernia repair in the same area, so my left side is still tender. My incisions look great and I'm almost completely healed externally. I try to not lift heavy items but still tote groceries and laundry baskets full of clothes around! I'm off from work for another 6 weeks due to summer break (I'm a teacher) so hopefully, I'll have my eating and drinking patterns established by then.

What I've learned so far to help me:

1. Drink 4-8 ounces of Water upon waking (I learned this from VSGTanya on Youtube)

2. Drink a Protein shake soon after waking (Right now I'm only drinking about 4-5 ounces)

3. Eat protein every 2-3 hours

4. Try to get some form of exercise or activity everyday (I use exercise t.v. and videos at night)

I also look for opportunities to exercise. For example, I took my kiddos to the park and I walked around the playground while they played.

5. Use MFP or another food tracking method for accountability

6. Go to therapy (This has been helpful to me and it's something I never did while banded)

7. If you can, find a support group that you like and go!

8. Enlist help from family and friends (Only my DH and 1 good friend know I had the sleeve. A few friends know I had my band removed. This has been a bit difficult for me but I feel that's the best decision for me, right now)

9. Measure food, especially in the beginning. I don't have a food scale yet but I put everything in cups or dishes that have measurements on them.

10. So far, I seem to lose better with a bit higher calories (around 500-600), a bit higher carbs (around 40-50) and more exercise. When I was "eating" lower calories (around 300-400) I would plateau, even if I exercised. This, so far, seems to be what my body likes - that may change later.

11. Recovery was easier than I thought but the mental part is WAY more difficult!!

12. Enjoy the journey.

This is my journey and while I think it's important to learn from others and listen to my doctors, I don't intend to follow someone else's idea of what my journey should be. This is probably the first time in my life that I've felt like that!!

Although I've only been sleeved for 3 weeks, I've had WLS for 12 years so hopefully, some of those years weren't all wasted and I learned from them! Thanks for reading. Sorry for rambling!