Does life return to normal?

[jjinWA 511]

OK, so I spent 6 months jumping hoops for insurance and then focused on preop dieting, then finally had my surgery. I recently completed by 1st week liquid diet, and trying to process myself through the puréed stage. I eat 2oz and I am miserable from being too full! I struggle getting in my required Water and Protein numbers. I am managing about half of what is should be getting in daily. So here is my question? Will life go back to normal where what I eat and drink is NOT the focus of my every minute? I signed on for the new lifestyle, and eating healthy is truly my goal. But I want to just go on living too. Will I get there?

[Kitt3000 757]

Just a new normal. It takes time for your mind to catch up with the scale going down.

Best wishes!

[Who Dat 70461 331]

I was sleeved May 8, 2013 and my wife July 8, 2013. While my surgery and recovery were textbook, hers was a bit more challenging. She had two hernias repaired and it took about 3-4 weeks for her to quit complaining...uh-hm, I mean start to feel better!

Now, that period of time is a distant memory! I am down 119 lbs. and hit my original goal around 5 months ago.

My wife is down 80 lbs. and hit her goal about 3 months ago (She looks fantastic, but she's on a mission to lose more...I told her not to get carried away, I don't want to feel like I'm hugging a sack of hammer handles!).

It is perfectly normal to question whether or not this was a good decision, especially during the first few months. Don't worry, give your new tummy time to adjust...it will get better.

You're in for one heck of a journey...hang in there, it is definitely an incredible ride!

[sophie'sChoice 269]

Hang in there! I was sleeved on March 10th and it took me a few weeks before I could get all my Protein and all my Fluid each day. After a lifetime of dieting I find my new normal very freeing. I make sure I get my protein and don't dehydrate and that's all I have to worry about! Good luck to you!

[becogolfer 68]

^{I couldn't agree more with WhoDat. You are in the very early stages. It might not feel like that but with time you'll gain more perspective. What you're experiencing now is not normal for 1, 2 years post op but it's normal for that early stage. I too questioned the wisdom of my surgery for about 2 months but then that faded. I can eat anything I want but have learned that since I can't eat much at one time I eat something good, both nutritionally and taste wise. I had eggs for Breakfast, 1/2 of a roast beef sandwich for lunch, sushi and a salad for dinner. I tell you this so you'll know, it's going to get better, lots better just keep doing what you're medical team tells you to and you'll be thin and happy in no time.}

[mi75 1,235]

i wonder too. i am only 6 days out but all i'm focused on is Protein, fluids. repeat. i know once my diet is advanced i'll feel a bit more human because i'll be up to things like eggs, refried Beans, etc. and more of a schedule too. right now i'm told to eat or drink practically every hour i'm awake.

thank goodness i took 4 wks off work, this is a job in itself! i believe it WILL get better, and it will all be worth it. hang in there!

[joatsaint 2,814]

Hang in there, it does get easier. Remember, you're learning a whole new way of eating and living, so it's not going to be automatic and there is going to be a period of trial and error. As you learn what works for you, it will become a habit. It took me a few months, but I didn't need to track my food intake to know when I had eaten too many calories for the day or if I had had enough to drink. I do weigh every day, morning and evening, and that habit is direct feed back on my caloric intake.

My 1st few months, I never worried about getting enough calories. I focused on getting enough Water and I ate what I could, followed my dietary guidelines and everything worked out well for me. Too soon, you'll start noticing that you're new tummy will hold just a little more than it could the day before. These 1st 6 months post-op are critical for getting into the right eating habits.

[Hidden from view 159]

Just a new normal. It takes time for your mind to catch up with the scale going down

Yes, that's it exactly! A new (happy) normal. And also as was said above, what you are going through is normal for now. I remember wishing I was 6 months in the future, with all of that worry and discomfort behind me. Well, now I am in the future, and it IS all behind me. Yes, it was much tougher than I imagined, but REALLY worth it! Now, it's a breeze. You'll get there! :-)

[jjinWA 511]

Encouraging words for sure! Thanks for taking time to respond. I will just keep on doing what I am supposed to do and progress as time warrants. It is nice to know that normal will come. May be a new normal, that is I am ok with. I just want to feel like I can enjoy my day with others and not have such a focus on my digestive track. ha. Right now when my family sit at the table to eat, I go outside. When they go to a restaurant, I stay home. Once I get on solid foods, I expect that will get better.

[livvsmum 2,369]

I agree with what everyone has said. Those first few weeks are really difficult both physically and emotionally. It is overwhelming to consider you will be like that the rest of your life. I can assure you (now 9 months post-op) that sooner than you realize you will be able to eat pretty much whatever you want. Just because you CAN go back to normal for most part with eating, doesn't mean you SHOULD. I was actually surprised with the types of things I can eat and not have them bother me. It's so, so important to never go back to "normal" in the sense of poor eating decisions. But yes, you will absolutely become more comfortable with your sleeve and have a new normal. :-)

[blondebomb 580]

I was sleeved May 8, 2013 and my wife July 8, 2013. While my surgery and recovery were textbook, hers was a bit more challenging. She had two hernias repaired and it took about 3-4 weeks for her to quit complaining...uh-hm, I mean start to feel better!

Now, that period of time is a distant memory! I am down 119 lbs. and hit my original goal around 5 months ago.

My wife is down 80 lbs. and hit her goal about 3 months ago (She looks fantastic, but she's on a mission to lose more...I told her not to get carried away, I don't want to feel like I'm hugging a sack of hammer handles!).

It is perfectly normal to question whether or not this was a good decision, especially during the first few months. Don't worry, give your new tummy time to adjust...it will get better.

You're in for one heck of a journey...hang in there, it is definitely an incredible ride!

Thank you for your experience. I have mine Tuesday an my hubs is my hugest fan..I'm expecting the worse just in case but I have thought on this for 15 yrs I want my life back an off meds! Feelings are all over the place...it's count down...CONGRATS on your success! !

[Kindle 8,667]

Life became BETTER than normal for me after about 3 months. By then my tummy was healed and my brain had accepted my new portions. Eating healthy is second nature and I am living and lovin my new normal.