Lessons Learned - 38 days Post-Op

[tracey111]

Hi all, I haven't posted in awhile but have tried keeping up with the new posts and what's happening in the forum. It's been 38 days since I had my surgery and I am feeling great. I am starting to introduce some foods that I previously ate (more the healthy ones) and getting used to eating a 1/4 to a 1/2 cup of food at each meal. I have lost 38 lbs. (1 for every day post-op) thus far and that seems to be slowing down a bit so I am starting to introduce my exercising into my routine.

Here are some lessons I have learned thus far:

- I cannot drink alcohol yet. I have tried my 'go to' which is a normally a delicious high end glass of cabernet sauvignon and I got really bad heartburn. I tried to plow through it but I couldn't even finish 1/2 glass. I also tried having a Michelob Ultra but took 2 sips and threw it out. It actually hurt from the carbonation.

- It's still difficult to go out to eat because the portions are so large. I found myself just ordering side or add-on items instead of a full meal. Often too, if you don't finish it and are traveling and can't take it, wait staff are always concerned that you didn't like something and make you feel bad.

- People are starting to notice the weight loss so it's been difficult to maneuver through. I have told my close friends and family but I don't want everyone in my company and acquaintances knowing about my surgery but I don't want to lie either.

- I still am struggling with eating some of my faves - sushi and oysters. I am still wanting to take those tiny bites and cannot swallow bigger bites at this time.

If anyone has any thoughts or feedback on the above items, I would love to hear it. I am still very happy with my choice and where I am heading from a weight-loss perspective. I told my husband that I never realized how much of our lives were based upon food and alcohol until now.

[Ann2]

Congratulations! You sound like you're doing just fine. It also sounds familiar.

The foods that go down easy early on will vary a bit person to person. A lot of people do find that early on salmon works well. All the foods you pureed will probably do better in solid form. Beef, not so much. Cruciferous veggies and salads not so much.

You've got a lifetime to reintroduce the foods you used to love -- in moderation, of course. If something doesn't work now, chances are it'll work later.

Again, I think you're doing great. Keep it up. And don't feel compelled to tell anyone at all about your surgery if you don't want to. Hell ... lie if you want. You aren't obligated to tell the truth to anyone if it makes you feel uncomfortable. Unless they're an FBI agent, of course.

[RehabNurse]

Foods that bother you in the early post-op days can usually be re-introduced at a later date. I'm 2.5 years out and nothing irritates my sleeve anymore, which is a blessing and a curse at the same time.

It's a blessing because I can eat anything in public without worries of reflux, cramping or diarrhea. It's a curse because I must employ vigilance to moderate my intake of nutritionally bereft (junk) foods.

You are doing well with your weight loss, although it slows down for virtually everyone. Good luck to you.

[Luv49ers19]

Glad you are doing so well. My only concern is the alcohol. I was told not to even try it until no earlier than 6 months out. Your poor tummy is still healing. Just be careful.
Oh I get the eating out!!!! My husband and I don't do it at all any more because the place we love to go to is a buffet. When we do go out I also just get a side order or the like. My hubby usually finishes that too.
You hit the nail right on the head about how much we focus on food and drink. It is a difficult mindset to adjust.
You are doing so well. Keep up the good work!!

[belindagale]

i am 26 days out. I have found softer fish is helping . tuna salad has been fine. I order my first meal with tilapia (gave me a lot) and I switch all my sides to mashed potoatos ( they gave me 4 tubs) ate on all week. We planning a out of town trip to our fav german rest. I use to get their buffet but this round just going to order some soup . I can just taste test the other dishes that will be at table and be full (well I am getting a cream puff to go) just this time , lol. I still don't plan on drinking yet I can do without that for awhile longer. Its hard how much I lived for dining and now probably just hang out in the kids menus.

[Christie13]

Yeah. Early on you can't eat much. It did not stop me from going out with my family. My husband would usually order a bigger dinner and then we would order a side. I would ask for an extra plate. It always worked out. You will eventually be able to drink alcohol. Just give your sleeve time. Do not rush things.

[Jeanious]

Great advice from you all, thanks. I'm taking all the pros and cons in, so that when I'm at that stage I'll have an idea what's going on.
Good work on all your losses, I'm impressed by you all. ��