A thank-you, and some thoughts, early post-sleeve

Hello All - 

I want to say thanks to this group, it's been a big comfort to come here in the two weeks I've been post-op for my gastric sleeve.  My emotions, physical changes, appetite, in fact EVERYTHING, have all been in a bit of chaos, but it's a happy kind of chaos because in that process, I'm lighter, moving more quickly, feeling healthier, and feeling resolve that I made such a good decision.

As I move into my stage 4 diet, trying my hand at actual chewing again, I see the adventure never ends!  Chewing my protein is a bigger adjustment than I expected and I think I've been a bit too much of a maverick.  I made some lean turkey chili and was really enjoying it until I got some pretty tight pressure in my esophagus when I tried to swallow too much too quickly.  It's as if my mouth was still eating with my old body's stomach. This is a tough thing for me to re-learn.  So, I got out the tiny, tiny spoon and that seemed to go better.

The theme that emerges in this process over and over again is that this whole process is like hitting a 'reset' button.  You're not in a new body, and you don't have a new brain, you're just putting yourself back to the factory settings.  So, it's all about readjustment, or remembering a way of doing things that you used to do a LONG time ago. I'm slowly getting the hang of it :-)

"Factory settings," LOL. Excellent.

It's a big learning curve for sure. I had my sleeve on the 10th and am on liquids till Friday then mushies for another week. Glad to hear you liked your chili. I'm afraid I'll never like food again. And afraid that I will!

 

It sounds like you're learning well at least :D  

You know it would be great if they could flip a switch in the brain while they are in there making changes to the stomach, but I guess we can't have everything all at once. This is for sure a learning experience. I am 2 1/2 years out and I have to continue to remind myself more is not an option when it comes to eating; one bite too much and I am regretting it for awhile after. I'm one of those slow learners, so all I can say is CHEW, CHEW, CHEW when eating. Good luck in your journey and keep us all posted on your progress. I think we all like to read others experiences.

I'm 9 mos out from my RNY and I finally feel like I'm getting the hang of chewing enough and not eating too fast!  Pre-surgery I was a food inhaler and I'll still do it if I let myself get too hungry. I've learned to listen to my  body's signals and push the plate away when I feel like I'm approaching my fulness point and chilling for a few minutes to see if I'm truly full. Usually the answer is yes. 

It sounds like you're getting the hang of your new reality. Good for you!

Jen

Best of luck JB you got this ...just go slow...  I totally love the the "factory settings" how true us that.. perfect analogy! !! :-)

♡ Kelly

Great post, and excellent insight.  The Reset Button - great positive mental picture!

I'm pretty much where you are, and I love the idea of a Reset button. Factory Settings, too! Great post!