Did you ask your surgeon if it's possible that you have developed a stricture? It's a narrowing of the opening of your stomach do to scar tissue. I was unable to eat anything for a while and my surgeon decided that it might be a stricture. He did an endoscopy and a dilitation (stretching) at the same time because I had, in fact, developed a stricture. Since then everything seems to go down much better. It's worth asking your surgeon. I know that I was getting weaker and weaker the longer I couldn't eat. I felt so much better by the next day and wondered to myself why I didn't call my doctor sooner. Good luck and keep us informed. Hugs, Lisa

Hi All, pre-op 305 last week 267 this week 263 As far as the holidays go, being Canadian I have already made it through Thanksgiving (ours is early Oct.). It was pretty easy to get through as I was only a month post op and di9d not have an appetite yet. Christmas is going to be hard. I love Christmas and many of our tradition revolve around food. For example Christmas eve we have appetizers, I figure I will try to take only high protein foods and chew slowly and stay away from the sweets! I found a way to get down my protein. I bought the SF syrup from starbucks and it improved the taste tremendously! Back to work for me Monday. It will be nice to get back into a routine. My doctor spoiled me letting me taking 8 weeks off. Shelley

I was told not to use a straw because you can take in to much liquied at a time however I ahve used a straw when I have had juice boxes I am just very careful on how much I drink and as far as the soda thing goes I was told not to have anything carbinaied until at least four months. I have been haveing the same isuess with not being able to get my fluids in its hard so i know where you arecoming form my nurse tells me that he does not want me drining juice because of all the sugar in it but he rather me drink the juice then nothing becuae I am no wear near get 48oz in and I would say if you can drink the milk go for it that is going to help with your proten in I can't even do that much right know one day milk is ok and then the next day or even a sip or two later my poch wants nothing to do with it just hang in there and maybe talk to your nurse or rd Nicki

So here's my weight. pre-op 230 last week 199.1 this week 193.9 Holiday meals are going to be a bit different this year. I have found some great sugar free pie recipies to use instead of the apple, cherry and pumpkin pre-made pies. We will do fresh greeen beans instead of a heavy casserole and will modify the other sides to include splenda, brummel and brown and low fat, low sugar substitutions. have a great weekend! Holly

My surgeon has told me that I am not to drink soda at all I terribly miss my diet cokes, but it's a sacrifice I've had to make to feel this good. Have you tried juice with water? I drink a lot of Fruit 2 O's, Gatoraide Propel fitness water, and I like diet green tea. When I drink, I take 3 small sips, wait about 3-5 mins and take another drink. My doctor told me that I'll be constantly drinking. Decaf teas and coffee's can count as a fluid intake also. I'm not sure about the straw question. I imagine my Dr will say no, because you can take in too much liquid too soon. Hope that was helpful!