All the Alberta girls

[BarnGirlWK 98]

Hi everyone

I'm in Calgary. I am pre-op. I'm going through A Lighter Me for Gastric Sleeve surgery on August 24, 2014 in Tijuana.

Those of you who have already had the surgery, any pointers for us Albertans?

Thanks

[BarnGirlWK 98]

@@PrincessSparkle and @@shar1972, can you share with us your Mexican experience? How are you since you've been back? How is the weight loss going?

Looking forward to hearing. Thank you.

[Shastasmom 24]

Final paperwork has been sent, certified cheque is done, pre p starts on Thursday, yikes , 16 days and counting!

[shar1972 1]

@@BarnGirlWK , Here is my experience so far.

On Friday I will be 6 weeks post-op, I feel pretty good, but still am really tired. I'm on full foods now so hopefully that will help get rid of the tiredness. I was have a problem with telling when I am full, it usually didn't happen till I had that one more bite and I'd feel awful but I've been working on it. I take a multi Vitamin, Vitamin B12, Omega, Biotin and Q10.

My meal sizes are about 4 oz (1/2 cup) right now. That is the amount that I've been sticking to so as not to overeat. I don't feel hungry at all but still sometimes have to fight the "head hunger" game. Still working on getting all the Water I need during the day. Have found that caffeine free herbal teas have helped with that though. Find if I keep busy that helps the most. Have been doing a lot of walking with my dogs, started the walking the 2nd week after surgery. And last week I started back at my hot yoga classes.

I had no problems during my surgery or during the 2 day hospital stay. The Dr and nurses were all fantastic. The only thing I found was the night nurses didn't speak any English so it was hard to relay how I was feeling the one night but overall I am very happy with the choice I made. The one thing I would do different though would have been to stay one more day before the flight back. I was released on July 13 and we flew home on the 14th. Our flight was delayed out of San Antonio which made us late for our connecting flight out of Dallas so we had to rush through the airport, was a bit tough so would definitely have stayed the extra day if I had to do it again.

As of my Aug 16 (5 week) weigh in/measure day I've lost 20 lbs and a total of 17.8" from all over. I'm happy with that

My advice to you would be to try and get up and walking as soon as you can after the surgery, nap when you can, sip your Water and follow the diet that your Dr gives you. I am very thankful that I had a friend you had the surgery 16 months ago and whenever I was unsure or had a question I'd ask her. She was the one who referred me to the Dr I saw. Also my Dr's office was fantastic with answering any questions I had before and after surgery, and they still check up on me.

If you have any questions please let me know. The first 1 - 2 weeks are tough but it does get better each week. I wish you the best of luck!!! You won't regret it.

[BarnGirlWK 98]

Thanks for the info! Sorry you're feeling tired. And, yes, having real food may help with that. I will be in the hospital for 2 days and then move to a hotel for 2 days before heading back to San Diego, where I am actually staying one more day! So, maybe that will work fine.

1/4 cup of food in a meal? Wow! I find that hard to imagine! Physiological changes upcoming! And also the visual cues. Half a cup sounds like a ration in an orphanage or something!

[onthefencejenny 204]

Hey ladies

I'm from outside edmonton and was sleeved on July 25 in Mexico! So far things are going okay! I'm working on upping my Protein and Water every day! Right now I'm struggling to eat more than 500-600calories, which is why I think I'm at a stall! But I'm trying to not get too concerned! So far I'm down 34lbs since starting my preop diet! It's definately an adjustment after surgery! I feel like I think about food more now, but in a different way.. Now it's making sure that I eat every couple of hours and make sure to drink in between and then Time it so I don't drink for half an hour! I don't know if I really feel hungry but I definately feel empty! Anyone else feel this way? Anyone have any advice for getting over the stalls?

[onthefencejenny 204]

Thanks for the info! Sorry you're feeling tired. And, yes, having real food may help with that. I will be in the hospital for 2 days and then move to a hotel for 2 days before heading back to San Diego, where I am actually staying one more day! So, maybe that will work fine. 1/4 cup of food in a meal? Wow! I find that hard to imagine! Physiological changes upcoming! And also the visual cues. Half a cup sounds like a ration in an orphanage or something!

.

And yes 1/4- 1/2 cup is food is all I can do too! I made some meatballs that are about an inch around and I can eat 2.5 of them and I'm done! It's definately a mindset change, but I don't feel like I want to eat more than that! Softer foods like cottage cheese I can have 1/2 cup, and eggs well I can just about eat a whole one! Ha ha. Good luck on your journey!

[BarnGirlWK 98]

I leave for Mexico tomorrow morning! Only Clear liquids today on the menu.

[Shastasmom 24]

I leave for Mexico tomorrow morning! Only Clear Liquids today on the menu.

How have you been feeling on the liquid? I'm into day 2 pre op. Nervous for the weekend! Really going to miss my red wine!

[BarnGirlWK 98]

Hi, well, I have to say I like the 'empty' feeling. Makes me visualize myself flatter in my fluffy places. It hasn't actually been that bad. Two mugs of chicken broth so far, I'm on my second sugar free Jello. I had tea and Water. It is temporary. Just like giving up your red wine - temporary - IF you choose to add it back in afterwards. They say 6 weeks, though, without alcohol.

I can do it, though I have a wedding in that time frame, too. I may pour a glass of wine and nurse it all night.

Edited August 22, 2014 by BarnGirlWK

[ljbobcat 7]

Hi. I'm Joan and I am slotted for surgery Oct. 6th in Tiquana. Would love to be part of an Alberta support group.

Maybe we can meet up in Red Deer before the snow flies.!!!

[bubblebubbies 2]

I have the same problem Kim.....meat is hard for me to eat. I was a vegetarian pre-op, so this is a huge overhaul for me lol. I can do chicken and turkey so far. I eat a lot (a lottttttt) of cottage cheese, its a good option once you are able to eat it (I am not sure what your surgeons eating plan is) Drinking Protein is a good way to get it in as well...I still drink a shake now and again.

Welcome to the loser's bench

[gaudjosl 22]

Hi everyone. I was sleeved October 16th in calgary. I'm already adding chicken and mashed up rutabaga and potatoes. Cottage cheese and oatmeal are great and I can do 3/4 cup to a cup of Soup per meal. pudding and Popsicles for Snacks. I will try an egg this weekend and moist fish. Some things like yogurt or Tomato Soup run thru me. I'm adding BenePROTEIN to everything to get my Protein and boost has fruit juices with protein that I sip on. I do have headaches so something is off but I'll figure it out. I'm 10 pounds down since surgery. 40 pounds since prep op start 1 month ago. Loving this new stomach!

[bubblebubbies 2]

Gaudjosl, that's amazing...I couldnt eat anything but broth and Protein Shakes for the longest time post op. Go you!!

[gaudjosl 22]

I still just can't seem to drink Protein Shakes. I can make a shake and drink some but pre made is gross. I'm 19 days now and I can eat canned chicken breast 1/4 cup with fat free mayo. I'm make beef and veggies Soup right now. I add BenePROTEIN to everything. Jello. Soup. Mashed potatoes. I love cottage cheese!