So much has changed in the last 3 weeks

First off, I wasn't a big poster before I went MIA, so I'm sure most of you won't remember me. I had my sleeve done on the 12-10-12. My starting weight (before pre-op liquids) was 238. As of today, I am 208.

I started realizing just how much I used food as a comfort. We went home for Christmas 9 days after my surgery. We stayed for 10 days. It was one of the hardest times I've had. Seeing all of the good holiday foods and only being able to smell it SUCKED! We also had my Autistic stepson down for a few days. I'm NOT used to handling a child with his needs, and depression set in. I wanted to just grab something and eat. Of course I didn't, but the want was there.

I've been having a hard time balancing protein and hydration. I've had so many protein shakes, powders, and everything in between to catch up, but I can't even stand to smell them anymore. Hydration is getting easier now that I'm home, I just REALLY need to work on my proteins. I am in the soft food phase now, but I'm considering going back a step just to work on getting to normal before moving on. I'm also still not used to the feeling my stomach gets when I do eat. I hope it either goes away, or I get used to it soon.

Anyways, I hope you all had great holidays, and everyone has a happy and safe new year!

My surgeon warned me that the first month was the toughest and he was right.  This is a major adjustment for us all.  I just sort of freaked out on how little I could eat when even drinking water was a challenge ... that tightness I would get would really trip me out.  You will get used to it and things will definitely feel better.  I am 16 months out and feel very normal with my eating.  Sometimes too normal.  Things will get better, I promise.  Just hang in there and stay on program.  If you are like me, you will see the weight come off at a decent rate & you will start to feel pretty darn good. 

Hope you have a happy & safe new year too. 

Sending hugs and support.  What you describe sounds STRESSFUL!!!  So glad you are home and now able to get into a good groove for yourself.  Sounds like you know where to focus--hydration and protein are the biggies.

At the beginning of our journeys, we have all the work without getting any of the benefit.  Your job is to follow the plan and wait.  After a few months, the benefits really start rolling in.  

Things I did to stay positive:

**Came to OH a LOT, and looked at every post with pics (particularly for yearly anniversaries!).  Pictured myself as an after.

**Went to Value Village and bought cute clothes to shrink into.  All the shopping, none of the dressing room!  Fun!  You just have to be prepared to have some of them be wrong even when they "fit".  

**Once cleared for exercise, I went for it religiously.  Strength training and cardio.  

I am at goal and most important to me, I feel strong and healthy.  ALL the benefit.  Doesn't feel like work at all.  Keep your eyes on the prize!  You can do this, and it is going to be amazing.

Best of luck!

Jenny

Thank you! It was stressful, but I made it through with 95% of my hair in tact, so I'm good there. lol Since DH is Army, it's pretty easy to get exercise in ANYWHERE we go. I just have to tough it out. I told myself that this is what I wanted and I was going to have to do some work. I still stay true to it. :)