A little bit about Me/ 6 Days Post OP

[Owllover09]

[CENTER][/CENTER

So a little about me: My name is Ashlee and I am from Spring, Texas. I have been battling my weight problems since I was 9 years old. There was a point when I had dropped about 50lbs right before starting high school. I was always involved in extracurricular activities throughout high school. I was on the neighborhood swim team, the high school drill team, community softball team, etc. But the weight would soon start to show itself again.

I started gaining some weight during the end of my senior year. I was in a carefree, living every moment kinda mood. My social gatherings started to become more focused around food and I didn't complain. Well in college, that carefree mood went into a mind of its own. I ate and drank anything I wanted. It was in college that I became the biggest I had ever been (293lbs). I was in a rut and knew that something needed to be done if I wanted to have a full life.

So that's when I decided to visit Dr. Terry Scarborough with Texas Laparoscopic Consultants. He assured me that this was a great decision to ensure a healthier me. So we set a plan and the surgery date of Nov. 26, 2014. Of course I had to met all the insurance prerequisite and ended up losing 25lbs before surgery (with the help of Herbalife).


So today is the 6th day of my recovery currently 255lbs. Still feeling sore, but not nearly as bad as the first couple of days. I am in the "full liquid diet" stage and have been for 4 days. But I had a little bit of a meltdown today with not being able to chew anything. My post op instructions have me going on full liquids for another week. I'm sure I'll be fine, but as far as liquids go, do you think adding noodles to the soups is a bad idea? I've read where there were concerns about eating too soon and the strength of the staple line and the adhesions that seal the staple line breaking. What are my fellow Sleevers opinions on this?

[llburbach]

Hang in there!! You are in the hardest phase of this journey. Once I hit week 4 or 5 post op it started to get much easier. I tried to follow all the eating rules with my new stomach. You can do it too!!

Hugs,
Laura

[amycontest]

Welcome and congrats on your pre-surgery weight loss! I haven't been sleeved yet so I have no advice, just wanted to say hi and to encourage you!

[Ann2]

Just follow your program. This is a temporary situation you're in now. Soon you'll be chewing.

You can do this.

[Sarasjourney]

Well welcome and congrats on your surgery. As for food, if you miss chewing that much, do what a lot of us do: the chew and spit. Sounds disgusting but it scratches that itch, you taste a little bit of food, then it's gone. I've done it a few times, the most involved one was during my pre-op diet when I "ate" a whole satsuma. Chewed the juice out, spat out the pulp and everything else.

Like Ann said this is temporary. It may seem hair-pullingly aggravating right now but soon it'll be over. Just hang in there.

[BillyJ]

I know you miss the chewing but hold off and follow the instructions of your surgeon. Remember you have shocked your body. It needs time to heal. You don't need anything to get stuck. This will all be a memory soon and you will love your new look. Welcome to the sleeved side and remember to walk walk walk and sip sip sip. Blessings to you.

[idigfrstbase]

I would not eat anything solid until you are advised by your doc. Your stomach has had trauma and is swollen, needing to recover and settle from the surgery. Find something to distract you, read, puzzles, anything you enjoy doing even going out for a walk. Surgery is a tool, and you have to always be conscious about your decisions. I know lots of people say they did this so they never have to diet again, but I hope in my heart they do not end up gaining the weight back in 4-5 years because of this decision. Now please know I do eat what I want, after i eat the protein I need, then I can munch. It would be ridiculous to think we will never have "fun" eating again. The old adage "you are what you eat" has been around for years and it is true. I did not take away the majority of a vital organ to be thin for 4 years. I don't mean to sound harsh or negative but this is such a wonderful surgery and is saving so many lives! Be very careful and treat your stomach like a baby for a few more weeks or until the doc says. I hope the best for you and congratulations on such a great start!!!

[WeightMatters]

I am 8 days post op and also on the full liquid diet. I don't think its a good idea to add anything to your soup. Heed the advice of your surgeon as he knows best. I'm sure the phase we are in is the hardest but hang in there. Another week and we get to add some additional food items. Think of the weight loss progress so far and you definitely don't wanna end up back in the hospital because something has become lodged. Best of luck!

[Denise Foremam]

I'm also 6 days post op, I have been on clear liquids and will be until next Thursday, I havn't felt the need to chew, I don't think it is a good idea, I am sticking to exactly what the Doc said, be careful getting a leak is very dangerous.

[Owllover09]

Thank you to all the posts. Yall are all very positive people and I am so glad I joined this site. The past two days have been easy going. The full liquids doesn't bother me that much any more. I mean I decided to do this surgery for a reason. To have a healthier life and get my confidence back...I know it will take some time, but I can feel the new me coming!

[jessiejess]

Welcome to the sleeved side!! I actually consulted with Dr. Scarborough. He came very highly recommended. He also works with my surgeon directly.

As for chewing, I had a few of these meltdowns. I did what sarasjourney wrote. I did the chew and spit. Yes, sounds gross, but it kept me sane. I did it when my kids had pizza for dinner one night. I just HAD to have a taste!! I tried for HOURS to ignore that pizza. I couldn't. So, I took a tiny bite and you know the rest. It was so hard not to swallow, but I didn't. And I felt so much better. It was a feeling of relief. The meltdown and feelings of anxiety over chewing subsided until I got to purees. I may have done it more than once, but that first time is the one I can remember because it was SOOOO good!!!! Liquids can drive one nuts.

[natex14]

Don't cheat, it's just not worth it.

Get a Popsicle, that will be liquid and allow you to chew a bit.

You can do this.

[CherokeeGirl]

Stay tough....not too far to go..and WELCOME!!!!! It gets better every day