1 week out

Technically one week and one day, but since yesterday was Christmas I had other priorities.

After one week I am most definitely happy I have done this. While the first few days were pretty miserable, I feel much better at this point, and know I'll keep feeling better. It's much less of a struggle to get my fluids in on a daily basis, and now that I can progress to a full liquid diet I don't anticipate any trouble meeting the protein goals either. I still have a lot of gas from the surgery in my belly, but that's working its way out. I also have a lot of gas in my digestive tract, which I think will improve a great deal with a few more days of Protonix (not sure why they stopped it while I was in the hospital, but I've been back on it since being home.)

I'm sleeping in my bed again, comfortably on my side. Food is still an amazing attraction, but the feeling of fullness I have helps a lot...yesterday I watched my family eat Christmas luncheon, and all I really wanted was a taste of the chocolate cream pie. I had my husband just stick my fork into his slice so I could get the tiniest taste, and I'd be lying if I said I was satisfied, but it was enough. I'm confident that eventually I'll be eating "regular" food, although in healthier portion sizes and preparations, and the benefits in the meantime are well worth it.

Here's looking forward to next Christmas slimmer, healthier, and happier.

Merry Christmas, surgery buddies!

Your a week out already? Man time flies. Doesn't seem that long ago I was giving you good luck. I had gas as well for the first week. As I got and walked around it slowly went away. Isnt that a NSV when you can resume sleeping on your side? I kept trying every night until I could. I am actually a stomach sleeper. Sometimes I can and sometimes I cant it depends on my sleeve attitude that night. I agree we can eat regular food but in healthier portions. I bought a plate and bowl that are bariatric size. They really help me with portions. I also have a baby spoon that I use. No more huge tablespoon for me. Im glad to hear you are doing great. Have you lost anything yet?

Shannon

Yes, I consider that an NSV as well! I also had another NSV yesterday: previously, I could only walk for five to six minutes at a time because of pain in my right hip. After six minutes on the treadmill yesterday, I realized that I didn't feel any pain! So I thought I'd just keep going and see how far I could go. Seventeen minutes! NSV number 2!

As far as weight goes, by my scale I've lost a bit since the beginning of the month. I started at 334, and this morning I'm at 318. I get the official weight from my doctor this afternoon when I go in for my one week check.

I like the idea of the smaller plate and bowl! I do have a question, I'm finding that it's hard to keep my food warm. Because of the small portions and the slower speed we have to eat at, yesterday I had to reheat my tomato soup twice before I was done. How do you keep your food warmer longer?

I bought an electric candle warmer plate. I can put my coffee mug full of soup on it. I also can put my little plates on it. 17 minutes is awesome. Keep it up. Did you ever think you would go that long? I love the NSV's because weight loss is a given, but its great to hear the NSV that we all achieve.

Shannon

I'm so glad you are feeling better! 

Thank you! I hope you're feeling great as well!

Yeah, I'm feeling good.  Been up and around a lot this last week.  Christmas wasn't bad because I wasn't involved in a big family dinner or a lot of other festivities.  My mom had come into town to help with my recovery so it was just she and I,  No pie :). She left today so I am now bored and I'm starting to want to fill the boredom with food.  It's not an overwhelming compulsion that I feel, just unexpected thoughts. Nevertheless, I can see that I am going to have to find alternative activities to keep me busy. I'm sure it will help when I return to work to.  All in all, I am doing better than I could have expected and am very happy.

Dont give in to head hunger or boredom. You have come too far to give in now. Exercise is the best for boredom. When your able go for a walk. If its too cold were you live then walk in place during a tv show. Rest during the commercials. Clean closets or rooms that you have not gotten around to. If you keep busy the desire will go away.

Shannon