How I Survived the 1st Week

Get Up: Though it will be uncomfortable at first, move as much as you can. Do slow, mini laps around your coffee table; do yoga on the couch; or just get up and stretch. You know what they say, “a body at rest tends to stay at rest, while a body in motion tends to stay in motion.” I also found that a bit of walking helped with the gas bubbles. J

Mood Swings: Prepare yourself and the family. No, there really isn’t a reason why you’re crying, does there need to be? You’ve just gone through a major, life altering surgery. It’s understandable that your hormones might be a little out of whack.  Don’t worry, this too shall pass. You’ll be your normal, happy self again shortly.

Small Sips: It became immediately evident that the smaller sips I took, the easier it was to get my fluids.

Burps Are Our Friends: With such a tiny pouch and the constant need to force liquids, there will be air swallowed. Air is agony. No matter how lady-like you want to be or how well-mannered you were raised, embrace the burp.

This Was Not A Mistake: This decision was made, for valid reasons, while you were in your right mind. This has been a long process and coming to this decision did not happen on a whim. Even if you temporarily wonder if you made a huge mistake, just hang in there. You’ll remember why you chose this path and things will get better. I promise.

Head Hunger: It sucks, but it’s still there. You’re starving! You want cookies, candy, chips, pizza, you name it! But as soon as you sip some protein, you’re stuffed and you know you can’t have any of that stuff anyway. You’re not going crazy; it’s all a part of your big divorce with food. This love-hate relationship is why you’re here. Go ahead and mourn it. Just remind yourself that there’s a reason you did this.

In another week or so, you’ll be feeling much better. Weight will start falling off, even if it feels like it’s moving at a snail’s pace, when you add it up you’ll be surprised. And after years of NOT seeing any results, despite your best weight loss efforts, when you start seeing progress; it’s a beautiful thing.