Getting Cold Feet?

[NancyandZach 1]

Hi, I think I am having a case of cold feet. So, I am starting to get worried. My surgery is Monday and I am on day 13 of my pre-op fast. It isn’t the surgery that worries me or the immediate recovery. I expect that to be hard – at least the first two or three months. It is long term that is scaring me. I want to know how much I will be able to eat six months to a year from now. I am scared that I won’t be able to get my calories in and eat normally – not too much – but normal portions. Once I lose the weight will I be able to just eat again – not as much – but not worry constantly about whether or not I am getting enough food! How much are you able to eat now? How long did it take you to get there? THANKS!!! Really nervous.

[reelreilly 21]

My surgery was Tuesday. I have to admit the recovery has been quite pleasant. The first day was a little rough. More from the anesthesia though. 4th day post op. At my godson's 1st bday party. I wasn't sure I'd be able to come. Here, surrounded by food. No temptations. Have my Protein Drink & broth.< /p>

You'll do fine. Stay positive!

Best of luck!

[blacktee92675 120]

Go for it! It's healthy to be nervous. This is a major surgery after all! I was nervous all the way up until the anesthetics kicked in. I kept saying to myself that this is my choice and I can back out with a simple "no" at any time. Then I would think of all the failed weight loss attempts - losing 130 lbs just to gain it back again, etc. Then I focussed on all the benefits of success and how much the sleeve will help me. There are so many long term benefits, and the risks of doing nothing significantly outweighs the small risks of surgery.

The first two days of recovery were tough, but now I'm on day 12 and I feel great! I exercise daily and my energy level increases every day. It will be hard, but most things worthwhile are...

[Zane's Mom 184]

I can only answer for my situation. I'm at 9 months post op and I'm at goal.

However here is my reality every single day.

I have a Protein drink every single morning. My tastes have totally changed and the things I enjoyed before I don't necessarily now.

I think about my food selections every single day all day due to what I think I might want throughout the day. I still do not tolerate all foods so some days are good and some are bad. One extra bite can leave me miserable for hours.

I can only eat four or five bites of anything or less. So I never finish a meal. EVER. It's been a real adjustment.

You need to be prepared for this. I will never again be able to go to a restaurant and have a salad, entree and dessert no matter how small.

I also do get dehydrated all the time. I can tell and I keep a Water bottle on me at all times and the sensation is unsettling. I thought it would subside the father out I went but I still need the Water !!!!

I guess I also thought that I would just be able to eat what I wanted but just less and this is so much more. It's work 24 / 7 getting your sleeve to cooperate and agree with your days plans.

Lately I have kind of had the blues. Because even though I am at goal I sure would just love to enjoy a cup of coffee. But my sleeve doesn't.

I'd sure would like certain things ... But my sleeve doesn't. Recently it has rejected the water enhancers and I had to switch to tea. That's fine but it's not me it's the sleeve. Ugh.

I don't get to eat with my family most of the time because by the time it is done I have taste tested 2 or 3 bites and I eat another 3 or 4 bites and I'm done. I eat at the island by the stove and watch them. I don't sit at the table any longer.

But all of this does not compare to the rituals I carried on year after year and pound after pound with the weight. It's just that the food tasted great haha.

I wouldn't back out but I would really think about the fact that it is the end of and old you and the beginning of a new and healthy you.

[Wannabeskinnie 59]

You sound like me 9 days ago...I was nervous, anxious, second guessing my decision, wondering how bad I was going yo miss good, etc

Let me just say it's been alotveasier than I anticipated...I don't really have any pain..only used pain relievers for 3-4 days...I am getting more and more Water and Protein in each day ( was a little tough first couple of days) was walking my dogs the day after I got home.

I am soooo ready to eat some real food though..but my drs plan is not for 3 weeks. I am planning different things I'll try...Eggs or refried Beans..lol

But I think I over did it today...I shoveled..yes I am from northeast like you, did laundry, went shopping, walked dogs, baked brownies for my teen son and his track friends...now my left side hurts...I guess it's a sign to do a ewe bit less.

But I have already lost about 11-12#s and I am thrilled..my bmi was 34.5 when I went to surgery so didn't expect it to drop that fast the first week...makes this worth it!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I'm 6 mths in. I eat pretty much everything I ate before surgery, but I eat in smaller portions. That is my new normal and I am totally okay with it. The place that food has in your life will change post-op. That is a good thing.

However, I go out to restaurants, diners, eat at friends house, go to parties and the like. I just eat in much smaller portions. A family celebration I may have a bite of cake and pass on the rest, but I am completely okay with that. Because my relationship with food has changed both physically and mentally, I don't feel deprived in the least. I make sure I get my Protein and veggies in so I have no nutritional deficits. Just had my bloodwork checked Friday so I'll get results next week, but my last set of bloodwork was completely normal.

[NancyandZach 1]

It really does sound like everyone is different. I am really hoping for the easy recovery and then be able to have small portions of what I want. My first hope is to not get dehydrated. This is probably the scariest thing that I have ever done in my life...

[Ms.L. 7]

I am 3 months out and I eat much less, but totally normal. I have never gotten sick from something I've eaten. While still on the liquid diet and mushy diet there were many times when I felt hungry and was worried that the surgery didn't work. Right from the beginning I did not have trouble eating. Once I was on full solids, I know I fill up fast, but eating has never been a problem. A typical dinner for me is 2-3 oz of chicken, some cooked veggies and if I am very hungry that day maybe 1/2 of a very small baked potato. I know people say avoid other things beside Protein and veggies, but a 2-3 times a week with dinner I enjoy some potato just for variety. Drinking has also never been a problem for me after about day 3. I know there are people who do have problems, but there are also many, many people who can eat and drink comfortably right from the start ~ just in much smaller portions!

[pinkbunies 359]

Recovery for me was only hard the first two days. In fact, the day I had the surgery, I was on my laptop typing on this very forum. I went home a day early and returned to work that Monday.

I am six months post op now and I can only eat half of a McDonalds cheese burger.

Sweets are my down fall, especially frozen reese cups...the little small ones... I have to work hard to stay away from the candy aisle at wally world.

I encourage you to suck it up and move forward with the surgery. I have no regrets at all and I wish I would have done is 10 years ago. It is an amazing feeling to be healthy and be able to wear things I never imagined I'd be able to fit into my life time.