Week 3 update... 51 lbs lost 24 days post-op

[Peachybroo]

Week 3-4 Update: Ok so I posted my weightloss just above and yes that is accurate...51 LBS!!! I was so excited when I saw that number for three reasons. First, because I hit the 50 lbs lost mark. Second, because that puts me approximately 1/5 of the way to my all time healthy self. And third, that also puts me within a pound or two of being in the 300s!!! I know, when I write those numbers I actually feel kind of embarrassed that I'm sharing all of this with you guys, but then I just throw those thoughts to the way side and keep my excitement in the moment. I haven't been in the 300s for probably 6-8 yrs. I will be SUPER STOKED when I hit the 200s simply because I haven't been in that area for almost 20 yrs. That's literally how long I've been carrying this extra burden in the form of weight on my body. I have to say that my body is grateful for the weight being shed. I feel really good for the most part. I haven't had any pain or issues of that sort. The only issues I am struggling with right now seem to plaque other sleevers at about this same time in their healing process. I am now (July 22nd) 4 weeks out and have started adding soft foods into my diet. I'm still getting in my fluids and protein shakes in between real food so that I make sure to still hit my protein and water levels. With adding those soft foods, my stomach is experiencing some "different" feelings. Example: When I eat/drink ANYTHING at all, I feel a little pressure when it first hits my stomach. It doesn't matter if it's a small drink or a small bite, liquid or soft solid. I don't know the actual medical reason for this change but I'm assuming it has something to do with adding the real food back into my diet. I'm assuming that maybe this food is helping to stretch the stomach lining a little when the food passes through and that because I've been on a liquid diet basically for almost 5 weeks, it's just now adjusting to the "stretching" it experiences with food. Not only that but I have to remember that before I was putting food down into a small sack that would just pile up. Now, EVERY SINGLE piece of food I put into my mouth "stretches" my stomach when it hits it. So that's my guess. I've read on the forum (Gastric Sleeve | All About the Gastric Sleeve Surgery) that this is normal during this phase and that everyone experiences these similar types of pressure/pain. So I'm not too worried about it and know that this too shall pass.

With that said here is a list of the drinks and foods that have been a part of my diet over this last week:

-protein shakes (2 - 8 oz cups per day usually)
-Gatorade/PowerAde Zero (make sure you are using the zero sugar forms of these sports drinks and I highly recommend that you stay away from the high fructose corn syrup if you use the reg versions)
-water (I'm trying to make at least 32-40 oz of my fluid intake be just water alone and am working to increase that each day/week as I increase the food intake)
-milk, lactaid, almond milk
-cottage cheese
-canned chicken
-cooked spinach
-cooked carrots
-cooked zucchini (this was steamed and it was SO good and went down without ANY issues...my belly was smiling )
-baby food rice cereal
-baby food squash, carrots and sweet potatoes
-applesauce
-grapes
-crockpot pulled pork (juicy, not dried out)
-popsicles (sugar free and/or low calorie)
-pudding (sugar free, homemade has been the best sweet treat at the end of the day when I'm tired of having popsicles. A serving will be like 2-4oz)

Now, keep in mind these items were eaten in the following approx. portion sizes:

-liquids approximately 6-8 oz at a time that takes every bit of 15-20 minutes to consume
-vegetables/fruit between 3-5 oz again taking about 15 minutes depending on the item
-cooked chicken and pork was literally broken up into little bitty pieces...like not much bigger than a pea and only about 2 oz at a time. This meat literally has to be tender and juicy...not dried out or you will be a very sad panda within about 2-3 bites.

At this point the only thing that I've tried a bite or two of that simply does not work is yogurt. I don't know if it's because its Greek yogurt and therefore thicker but I'll try to buy some Yoplait lite and see how that does this week.

As far as energy and all around health, I feel REALLY good. My incisions are healing great without any issues, my energy levels are great and getting better as I add real food back into my daily routine and I'm loving the feel of my ever changing body. I'm noticing changes in the strangest places like in my feet and legs, my fingers and elbows and my face. I also can feel it in areas like my stomach and hind end but it's harder to see a huge difference in those places just yet. My husband says he sees it though and my clothes are starting to fit differently. Seriously, this will sound crazy but one of the biggest things I love so far is literally being able to do little things...like touching my toes, being able to wash the bottoms of my feet really easily and put my own shoes on, or roll over in bed without a TON of effort. Ya, those little things are making me feel REALLY good about this process and the decision I've made. They make it all worth while.

I have a few lists of items I'd like to put together for anyone who is considering surgery down in Mexico that will be helpful when you are packing and planning your trip. I'll try to put that together through the week and get it up and on here as well.

Have a wonderful week and look for all my sleeve experiences on my personal blog listed below.


MommyCEOs

[Akgrl]

Would be interested in the packing list.... Gonna be my turn soon!!!! Happy you are doing good!

[Deejaycee76]

That's a s#*t load of weight! Killin it! Awesome keep it up!

[natalia17]

Very proud of you!

[kjsleeved]

51 pounds! Thats amazing! Thanks so much for sharing, I get super happy whenever I read about other people doing so great. I feel encouraged. Good luck on your journey hun.

[terrora]

I am so happy for you. Your life is going to be so much better!! Good for you. Send me a Private message as what to pack for Mexico.

[Peachybroo]

Thank you everyone for the support. I do want to add a small disclaimer for those reading these updates of mine. 51 lbs is absolutely phenomenal and I am way excited, but....not everyone will have those kinds of numbers coming out of surgery. Especially those who only have 50, 80, 100 lbs to lose. Please remember that Ive got OVER 250 lbs of excess weight on my body. It might be better to compare weight lost percentage vs just plain pounds. I just wanted to remind those of you that are just starting this process to celebrate your own personal victories and try not to compare yourself to others.

Good luck everyone! <3

[rzrgirl]

Thank you for sharing, I am having surgery in Mexico on Friday!

[Peachybroo]

Good luck!

[LivingTheSleevedLife]

Way to go Brook, that's awesome! I've just hit week 4 and feeling a little deflated with my weight loss, but hoping it will speed up soon!! You are inspiring me

[OneMoreLuckyGuy]

Amazing! I too am in the larger percentile of sleevers here at GastricSleeve.com and am hoping for 50lbs in the first 31 days after surgery. It nice to see that it's a possibility. I'm currently about 8 days out of surgery and so far things are looking good.

Thank you much for sharing your experiences as well as what has worked and has not worked for you.

I think I am drinking faster than most. I have found that I can't take big gulps non stop anymore (I used to be able to drain a 32 ounce water bottle in one long guzzle and LOVED doing it). I can still drink larger amounts of water and other clear liquids relatively quickly, but I still need to leave my stomach time to pass the liquid through. I seem to be taking about 10 minutes to drink about 12 ounces of liquids. Much faster than that and it can get uncomfortable, but not if I take 10 minutes or longer.