Any New Zealand sleevers out there?

[living.my.life]

Hi. I'm booked in to have my surgery on the 6th of March 2014 So many emotions running through my head! If there are any kiwis out there please message me. There aren't any support groups in my area so need all the support and advice I can get.

[Leanng]

Well I've been to New Zealand and I've been sleeved and hopefully I can answer some of your questions. I know darn well that I can offer you support.

I know that I spent my pre-surgery time practicing eating how I would have to eat after my sleeve and also buying and evaluating food for the six weeks after my surgery. Like I told someone on here this morning, I thought that I would be able to just drink Protein Shakes for the 2 weeks of liquid after surgery. On the 3 day I didn't want to see another shake. I had to find some savory items to offset the sweet. My advise, check out all the high protein items that you can find. See if you like them and get stocked up (or at least know where you are going to get them).

Let me know if you have any questions or anything I can help you with.

Where are you from in New Zealand? Loved your country, except during the last Americas Cup races last August.

[Tatiana]

Kia ora. Welcome to the forum. I am in Christchurch NZ. Feel free to message me

[pattersonviv]

Hi There, I'm from Christchurch. Currently saving for surgery no have been quiet on the posting front. Interested in any NZ experiences you guys are having. Have you joined the Aussie, NZ group?

[jillyjake]

Hi There - I'm in Napier and was sleeved 17.12.13 in Hastings. Happy to answer any questions you have.

[living.my.life]

Hi Tatiana. Glad to see you have a surgery date of the 21st of march I am booked for the 5th of march and have started my pre op diet using optifast and veges. I went and saw the dietitian today and she went through the post op diet.....I left feeling more nervous because it all became a bit more real. Natural to be anxious but just want the next 2 weeks to fly by! How are you feeling? Not long to go now...

[denakayhall0218]

You will do well on this, don't worry.

You will not regret it.

This will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself.

Denakay

[Skibabe]

Hey, how did it go? Sorry, I meant to get you a good luck message before your surgery but the kids have been sick and I've been organising my eldest's birthday. Hope you're ok. Looks like my surgery will be in the school holidays (my husband is a teacher and it'll be a lot easier with the kids, having him at home!). Hang in there!

[Skibabe]

Hey Jillyjake, how have you found it? How did you find it chewing everything multiple times and eating slowly? Did you also feel denied or restricted at all? I'm looking to have surgery in a few weeks (tbc), and I'm a bit nervous as it's a drastic step. Any advice/shared experience is very welcome! Cheers, su

[Skibabe]

Hey Viv, I'm in Hamilton. Thinking of having surgery next month. It's a big step, eh?! How are you feeling? Su

[jillyjake]

Hey Su. I am just over 11 weeks post surgery and feel great. The first 6-7 weeks are pretty horrible, learning to eat again can be a real mission and very frustrating. It's head trip and a half but once you can tolerate real food and the mind adjusts it all falls into place. You really must follow the programme and the dieticians advice. Chewing is not much of a problem, you just have to in order for the food to go down comfortably. They say chew 22 then swallow. Yes I still do feel denied and restricted - I would dearly love to sit down to a decent sized meal but bottom line, I can't. It gets easier as time goes on and as I am not hungry I really don't focus much on food except to make sure I am getting enough protein and fluid in in. I would do it again in a heartbeat, I'm 23.7kgs down and almost halfway to my goal weight. It is so nice to not be obsessed with food. I can now focus on other things. Keep in touch and good luck with the surgery

[living.my.life]

Hi. I haven't had surgery yet. Date was changed to 12th March so, I'm almost there. On pre op diet at the mo. Thanks for the message. I'll keep you posted. ��