3 Weeks Post-op

So here I am at about 3 and a half weeks post-op, and I figured it was time to check in with everybody again. I've been doing well with just about everything, especially since coming off of my stall. The main issue I've been dealing with this week is headaches. I have been having major nagging headaches everyday for the past 3 or 4 days and they seem to get worse after I eat. I know its not a migraine (I have gotten those for years, and they are MUCH worse) and I know it's not from caffeine or sugar withdrawl because I went through those pre-surgery. Any ideas about what it could be? I'll probably call the doc tomorrow to see what he says because the liquid tylenol just isn't helping at all. It just makes me sleepy. The good news is that I have officially lost 10% of my body weight so far. The "hormone havoc" is starting to ease up quite a bit. I haven't had the crying and depression and emotional drama as much. Thank goodness, because that was driving me nuts! So how about the rest of you? From reading some of the other posts, it seems like issues that have come up for others are: 1. A hard time getting in all the fluids 2. Boredom with food 3. Stalls 4. "Buyer's Remorse" 5. Finding good tasting protein (All of which are completely normal) Have you had any other issues come up? Do you have any new suggestions for those struggling with the issues mentioned above? Are you noticing any changes yet? Even though I've lost 30 pounds, I still don't see the physical changes, but hubby says he does. Do you feel like you are getting the support you need from those around you? Well, I guess that's enough for now....I'll try to check in with everybody like this about once a week or so. It helps to know that we're not alone in this.

WoW! I read the posts all over this site and hear such positive things, but then there's me: I am not doing anything at all right! I am not getting in my fluids, protein, exercise, ect....I have tried every variation of those protein shakes I can think of, but I just can't finish them. I can't even give you an explanation as to why I am not getting in my liquids. I really thought I was ready for this but I guess I am not! I am not really bored with the foods, but that's probably b/c I am eating things I shld not. My foods choices have included such things as spinach dip, Wendys chili (pureed), collard greens, O'Charleys shrimp dip, tuna and crackers, scrambled eggs and grits, processed cheese spread and crackers, fried fish, KFC mashed potatoes and gravy...ect I only eat a small portion at a time, but I think/know my choices are keeping me from losing weight. Emotionally, well 2008 has started with a bang! I have had more downs than ups these past 10 days. My emotions are all over the place! Crying daily, completely distancing myself from the few associates I sometimes wld socialize with. Nothing is going right. I think I may have lost 10 pounds since surgery. Not even sure abt that, I'm down to 318...started the journey at 347...but lost atleast 20 pounds during liquid diet pre-op. Buyers Remorse: I am like 50/50 on that. I want to lose weight, I hope I am able to use my tool...I've always wondered what wld my life be like if I wasn't so big. Wld I gain more self confidence? I haven't been in a relationship in over 3 years (by choice). I had male friends, but I didnt/dont like myself so how cld I expect someone else to? So I cut myself off from them too, mainly it was me, but I realized that I wld cater to my male companions....and wasnt really receiving it in return, probably b/c I didnt feel I deserved it..... I guess I can end with one positive remark: Yesterday I put on my size 32 jeans (which pre surgery fit tightly half way up my stomach) and they actually were kinda lose and I was comfortably able to get them over my entire stomach... Sorry so long, but this sista has major issues. I thought it was going to be smooth sailing after surgery, but I am experiencing a real "reality check." Renee'

I know you say that you're not doing anything right, but from my perspective you are doing some things right, and the rest just needs to be fine tuned. So first of all, take a deep breath and try to relax. As far as not getting in all of your water or protein, just remember that it takes time. Try scheduling your water as part of your daily routine. I make sure that I have at least 8 oz in the morning with my vitamins, another 8 (sometimes 16 oz) after morning exercise, a 16 oz bottle (usually with crystal light or some other flavoring) during the day, and I make sure to be finished with it by mid-day, another 16 oz bottle during the afternoon/evening, and I drink about 16 oz of herbal tea at night while I spend time with my hubby. How much of the protein shakes are you required to do? This early out, probably 4-8 ounces at a time twice a day between meals, right? Just aim for the minimum of 4 ounces each and you should be fine. For the first 4-6 weeks we are supposed to concentrate more on getting in all of our fluids, than we are anything else. So just try to take a couple of steps back and start concentrating on liquids only. Once you are getting most of those in (at least 40 ounces) every day, then you can start dealing with the food. I'm not sure about your specific plan, but some of the foods you mentioned are fine according to my plan. The spinach dip, chili, tuna, crackers, eggs, grits and mashed potatoes (minus the gravy...since it's loaded with fat) are all okay at this stage. The greens and fried fish are definitely a no-no this early post-op, and processed cheese spreads are rarely a good choice. I'm not sure about the shrimp dip, because i'm not familiar with it, but it might be okay too. So, all in all, I don't think your choices are all that bad, but it just depends on what you've been cleared for. Most importantly, keep measuring your food no matter what! The emotional side of this is very difficult, but that's what we're here for.....lean on us whenever you need to. If the jeans are getting loose, then you're doing something right Try not to beat yourself up. Just remember that we didn't get to this stage of obesity overnight, and we can't expect that all of our habits will change or problems will go away overnight either. Re-commit to yourself your tool and your journey. Doing so will allow you to stay the courses and take it day by day, pound by pound, and inch by inch. Best of Luck & Keep us posted!

Well, I am just wrapping up week 2 of post-op and I have had a bout of frustration due to the fact I have stalled this week. I lost 10lbs the first week, then boom nothing. I found Myoplex Lite in the chocolate flavor is pretty good. I am ready to get out of the pureed stage and move on to soft foods, but I have another week of blending. Oh, and Unjury Unflavored powder, I use 1-2 teaspoons in my cream of wheat, applesauce, and any other food I can add it to.

I hit a stall during week 2 as well, and it SUCKED, but the good news is I made it through mine, and you'll make it through yours too! Your week of blending will be over before you know it....but all I can say for now is chicken salad...yummmm! I loved it during the blend blend blend stage! Thanx for the info on the Myoplex Lite, I might have to give it a try!

I'm 2 weeks today, and on my trip. I'm doing well, but I get tired by then end of the day. I did find out that I dump. Mashed potatoes are on my list, and I bought some instant. I made just a tiny bit, ate it, and about 30 minutes later, I was felt like I was going to die. I'm going to weigh on Saturday when I get to visit my sister, since I don't have a scale. I can't really tell if I've lost. My pants are a bit bigger, but I don't know. I'm scared, because what if I don't lose anything... I don't really have any emotional stuff doing on yet, and I haven't had my period since October. Weird...I think I may be getting a yeast infection, though, so I got some medicing (I know, TMI!!) Everyone on the trip is being so good to me. It's a small group, and I wouldn't normally be telling strangers, but I wanted to let people know why I am eating the way I am. I;m the youngest in the group, and the older girls are always asking if I'm ok, and the only man int he group carries my training materials from the hotel across to the training site every morning and back at night...I think that's hilarious, but they are really nice I can't wait to get home. Maybe my husband will see something I don't since we'll be apart for 2 weeks. I also have a follow-up on the 21st when I get home...hang in there everyone

If the pants are bigger, then you've lost! If not pounds, in inches! Sorry to hear about the potatoes, but glad to hear that you trip is going well! It's nice to know that there are still true gentleman out there. I'm glad they're keeping tabs on you to make sure your doing well, its always nice when people show genuine concern. Enjoy the rest of your trip, and tell your sis I said hi (her response: "Who? What kind of crazy people are you talking to online?"...LOL)

I am just over 3 weeks - holy crap it's been a long 3 weeks! I am not great - but a bit better today. To be truthful I have pushed my limits with food - According to my doctor I should just be starting to eat puree's now, but I have been eating them with mixed success for over 10 days. I have been throwing up a lot and that has been because of a mixture of my character defects. I have pushed it instead of listening to the doctor. I eat too fast and I eat too much. Wrapping my head around the changes I need to make is what is soooooo difficult. I know that this will only be successful if I make changes in my day to day life, however I came back from my surgery and have tried to keep things as they always have been. I realize that my habit of eating at my desk or while I am rushing around is just ridiculous - but it is what I am used to. It is a huge learning curve for me.... making sure I take time to care for myself is proving to be against my nature. I realize I have some real issues of self worth and putting my health and self first. I have been thinking lots about how I can change my mindset to work with my new stomach. It is sure nice to be able to talk to you all.....I look forward to coming here to talk to people in the same boat. Jenni

Jenni, It sounds like you are very self-aware, you know what you've been doing is wrong, and you know that you need to make changes. If your surgery is going to work without major complications, you know that you must follow your doctors orders as to what you are allowed to eat. Go back to your food list, and stick to it, making sure that you measure everything! Since you are having a difficult time making changes, you need to implement your changes more gradually, but first and foremost you need to revamp your eating plan. Once you have that under control, then you can work on the other things like where and when you eat. Just remember that these cycles are hard to break because we didn't get here overnight. We have been doing these things to ourselves for years, so understandably we need time to adjust to a new lifestyle. But the most important thing is, we can and will do it!

I don't know if I would say I've been depressed ... or even emotional. I am TIRED of liquids. Flat out that is my problem. I can't start pureed until 1/17 and I don't know if I am going to make it to then honestly. I still can't get my water in ... I'm hitting at most 40ozs a day. I can't drink water in the morning because it makes me nausous. I have already hit my stall at 2 weeks. I lost 20 in the first 2 weeks and in the last 2 days ... nothing ... literally nothing (My scale measures to the .2lb). When I went for my 2 week checkup (12 days out) I was down 12% so I figured it was only a matter of time for the stall to hit. But I am okay with that honestly. I am more frustrated with the "full liquids". I so want to start with the puree's this weekend but I think my husband would kill me LOL