4 weeks post-op today!

Hi Everyone, Just wanted to check in. It's been 4 weeks since my surgery, and this is the first week I really feel good. The recovery was not as bad as I thought, and not as painful. I have mostly just been tired. The weekend was great and I feel great today. I am trying to get in all my protein. I am eating an ounce-2 ozs of cottage cheese for breakfast, with a couple spoonfuls of non-fat yogurt. Then water all morning, about 12 ounces. For lunch I am eating 1 oz of either 98% fat free chicken or turkey or ham salad pureed with light mayo, and about an ounce of refried beans. And a sliver of mozzarella cheese. The afternoon I have my protein shake, and then dinner is the same as lunch. I have to wait another week and a half to start eggs. The diet is very restrictive, but I'm only on pureed for 4 weeks. I can do anything for 4 weeks. I am happy I can eat, instead of drinking everything. It is really hard to get 56 ounces of liquid in a day, but I am working on it. I have only been able to do it once. My snack at night, if I have one is a fat-free fudgsicle, mmmm. I am down 30 pounds. I just started exercising, walking on my treadmill for half a mile, and doing some weights for my arms and legs. I am afraid to start sit-ups, although my surgeon said it was ok, I am really afraid, so I think I will wait another week or two for that. I am building up slowly on the speed and length of time on the treadmill, but I feel really motivated. This is my last chance to do this right!! I am so happy I had this surgery. It is so worth anything I have gone through or will go through. Just wanted to share with you all. Thanks everyone for being there for me! Love Anne

Anne, Congratulations! I am so proud of you!! Sounds like you are doing an amazing job of eating, exercising and your attitude is great. Thanks for sharing your story and keep up the good work. NA

Hey Anne! Sounds like you're doing great! We're both 4 weeks AND I'm down 31 lbs. It's cool, we're at the same rate! Isn't it nice to be doing something other than liquids? I've been eating mostly cottage cheese, cheese sticks, refried beans and tuna these days. I'm surprised that I'm doing so well with the water too! I never drank this much before surgery.. now I'm hardly w/o a water bottle. I don't blame you about the situps either. I wouldn't feel comfy doing them right now either. Keep up the good work with the exercise!! It's great that you have a positive attitude about everything!! Anyhow.. just wanted to say HI and fantastic job!!

Wow Anne, I can't believe it's been four weeks already. Sounds like you're doing great. Congratulations on the 30 pounds. That's great. Maggie

Hi Anne, I'm giving you an A+ on your first report cards!!! Congratulations sounds like you are a great student and you're learning well. Keep up the good work Best wishes, Mary Lou

Hi Anne, Good for you!! You must feel great about yourself! Keep it going...I'll be joining you soon! JA

Way to go Anne . You are doing great!! I am glad you are feeling good and things are moving along. You will find it a different journey all the time as your body adjusts. New foods will be introduced and you will test for yourself what you do and do not tolerate. Just remember that for some people (not me) those sugar free treats can cause diahrea (sp?). Enjoy your success and keep following those rules!! I wouldn't worry about the situps just yet. There are plenty of other exercises you can do. . Take care....... Linda

Hi Anne, That is great you lost some weight!!! Just keeping walking longer and do sit up later.. I do understand you feel little tired which I heard that is common for us feeling so tired after surgery. Kathy K

Congratulations!! It sounds like you're doing fantastic! I wasn't able to walk more than 100 yards at 4 weeks out (but I was complicatin girl). I think getting to the exercise as quickly as possible is the best way to kickstart weight loss. I say wait until you feel a little more comfortable with the ab work, but definitely work your way into it, because those muscles need to be strengthened -- believe me!! Keep doing what you're doing, and you'll keep having the success you're having. XO Kathy F.