MINI-Me

Sorry I missed this. When is your pre-op appointment? I had my sleeve with him last Wednesday and I was totally impressed. He took time to listen to my questions and give me clear answers. He didn't downplay the risks and gave it to me straight. But, he was confident in his abilities and his past experience. My mother-in-law is an OR Nurse and went with me to Vegas. She totally interviewed and questioned him. I told her that if she didn't like what she heard, we would leave. Well, she liked him and I had my surgery on the 27th. No one can tell you the right surgeon for you. But, I would urge you to go to the appointment and see for yourself. Let us know what you decide.

I must admit, I wasn't prepared for the pain and "icky" feelings after surgery. I should have been, but I wasn't. I read so much about how it wasn't bad and it went great, that I lost sight of the fact that this was major surgery. (That being said, I don't think people were lying to me - everyone is different and pain levels are different.) So, why am I writing? I think people need to know that it might be hard ... I was scared when I woke up. I wasn't planning on that much pain. The pain on my lower right side (largest incision) was UNBELIEVABLE!!!!! The nurses did what they could to aleve the pain, but it didn't do much good. I was still in pain when I got to my hotel. The liquid medicine helped, but only about 2 to 3 hours and I couldn't take more until after 4 hours. The first night, I would literally scream every time I had to get out of the bed - the pain was that intense. I was thinking - "What have I done?" I had to prop pillows around me on bed and slightly lean to my left side to get any relief. By midnight, the bruising was scary. :ohmy: By morning, all my bruises started to mesh together to make a massive bruise. I was so pretty - NOT! But, I was able to get out of bed with only medium pain. This was good. But, I was nauseous and still felt "icky" - I know that doesn't say much, but it's the best description I can come up with for the overall feeling. Pretty much walked, sipped, and laid in bed that day. Didn't want to watch TV, phone e-mail was a pain (my eyes didn't want to focus), so I talked a little and slept a little when I was in bed. Did I mention I kept an eye on the clock so I could time every four hours? Day 2 post-op was better. Thinking I could drink like I had on Thursday, I took in 4 ounces of Protein shake in 30 minutes. Whoa Nellie! Not good - felt like a huge gas bubble in my chest and I was really woozy. Had an appointment with my surgeon for 9:30 so got up to get dressed. At my appointment, my heart rate was up, but temperature was fine. Once I got calmed down a bit, my heart rate went back done. No leak - YEAH! Surgeon encouraged more Water - need to stay hydrated!!!! That evening felt well - pushed pain meds to every 5 hours. Making progress. Day 3 post-op - Travel Day. How was I ever going to sit up for the flight? How could I even travel from the car to the airport? But, I did it. We decided I should take Reglan 1 hour pre-flight since I was having nausea issues with movement. Got to the ticket counter and almost passed out standing that long. Maybe the Reglan wasn't such a good idea??? Got on the plane - no pillows. Borrowed a jacket and stuffed it around me so I could sit comfortably. Yeah. I might just make it. And, I DID!!!! Got home that evening and saw my husband and my kids. Great medicine. Unfortunately, we didn't explain things well to my 8-year old. He thought I was coming home skinny so I think I disappointed him a bit! :biggrin2: Day 4 Post Op - What's this? I sorta feel like me again. Terrible pain in my shoulder (tight muscle due to the way I am sleeping???), but decide to go with Liquid Tylenol all day. I feel good. Am I back? Got in a whole Protein Shake - took 2 hours, but I did it. Friends came over with homemade chicken Soup. They had "de-ingrediented" for me so I had rich broth to drink for a week. Today is Day 5 Post Op - I'm getting a bit bored. I think I'm back. Just have soreness in abdomen and that pain in my shoulder (feeling better, my husband has been rubbing it for me and I am using a heating pad). So, yes, recovery sucks, but thankfully, it's quick. :cool0:

Congratulations! I was exactly where you are a week ago. The emotional roller coaster was up and down. Strangely, I was very calm the morning of surgery. I got up, took my shower, got dressed (quickly since no makeup, etc), and headed to the surgery center. It just felt right. Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

Thanks, I am doing MUCH better. Even went to a movie last night with my husband and friends. (Extraordinary Measures - VERY GOOD) Today I am feeling a little weak and shaky. Not sure why. Felt great yesterday, but maybe I overdid it. Taking it slow and easy today.

I had my sleeve the same day as you. I don't have pain on my liquids but I can feel it. I have to push myself to "eat" since I'm not hungry at all. My incision pains have turned to soreness instead of pain. If you are in pain, you should call your surgeon. Let us know how you are doing.

Congrats. Each day gets easier on the healing.

I had my surgery in Vegas. They were very attentive as well. I think it was just me - I don't do well with pain. And, my body wanted to let me know that I had done something MAJOR! :sad0:

That is great news!!!! As soon as you are feeling up to it, keep us posted on how you are feeling.

Sounds like we had "twin abdomens" but luckily I didn't have leakage or blood clotting. I showed my husband and he was like "Are you OK?" Once I said yes, he was like "Good, put that away!" :sad0: I'm not too worried. The incisions look good & since I never plan on wearing a bikini, I'm not worried. For now, a t-shirt covers it just fine.

Congratulations. It's nice being on the Loser's Bench, isn't it?

THANKS! I will look for them the next time I am at the store.

Absoutely awesome!!!!!

It was only my second on general anesthesia, but I've had others with "blocks" in a particular area. Maybe I'm just a weeny!?!?!? :confused1: :scared0: :cool:

LOL - ok, I will make the switch for the beverage toast!

I loved those samples ... unfortunately, they are out of my budget. :cool0:

Anyone have recommendations for calcium? I bought some chewables (NSI Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 & Magnesium -- 1000 mg - 120 Chewable Tablets), but they are NASTY!!!!!!!

Sorry to hear about the hallucinations. That must have been an experience. Hopefully it wasn't too bad. :cool0: I was told to expect some weakness about a week out as my body gets used to all the changes. Hopefully with continued Protein intake, that will resolve. I had surgery in Vegas. I had percucet (sp) in the hospital & something else in the IV (sorry, can't remember - I would have taken anything at that point) ... Once I got to the hotel, I took hydrocodone in liquid form. I'm now using liquid Tylenol at home. Don't feel too sorry for me. All in all, a few days of pain is worth a new (and extended) life. My main purpose in posting this is to let people know it could be a painful experience. I was totally unprepared after reading all the "good" experiences. Just know going in that you could have a few painful and nauseous days ... the worst that can happen is that you end up one of the lucky ones with little pain. :biggrin2:

I am not quite 1 week out, but I think it may be the carbs in the crackers. How many grams of protein are you getting in? Have you put this in a nutrition tracker to see the nutrition breakdown?

Thanks ... Here's a Protein shake toast to you!

I think I had my first bout of head hunger last night. I was sipping on homemade chicken broth (a friend made for me) while everyone else was munching on pizza. I have to admit, it smelled sooooo good. But, I tried to envision myself eating it and thought about all the pain and the desire left me. I sure hope I can keep using this "trick" during weightloss. I've been told that a peice on maintenace will be ok.

Things are going well. But I am wondering how long the blue dye remains in system? I am still urinating blue - I feel like a smurf! :thumbup1:

LOL ... I am at a pale green now. I guess it's true what I learned in first grade - yellow and blue make green. So, now instead of Smurfett, I am the Green Hornet. :thumbup:

Sorry to hear about your terrible travel day. I had 2.5 hour flight and thought it was bad. I can't imagine going through what you did. I bet you loved your own bed when you got back. Welcome to the Loser Side!

Yes, I love my crockpot. I use it 1-2 times each week. Saves so much time being a working mom/wife. I've never tried to freeze it, but I would think it would do just fine. If you try it, let us know what you think.

OK ... I don't think this is authentic Mexican, but my family sure loves it. I used it for Pre-Op and hope to eat it in a month or so. 4 lbs chicken breast or tenders 16 oz Pace Picante 2T Chili powder 1T Chicken Boulion 2t Garlic Powder Put chicken in crockpot. Mix remaining increadients and and pour over chicken. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Shred chicken and return to crockpot on warm. I scoop mine into a bowl and add a dollap of sour cream and and 2% cheddar cheese. My family either puts in tortillas or scoops up with tortilla chips. (And, yes, they add more sour cream and cheese than me! :frown1:) Hope you enjoy.