GreenEyedMamma

It hurt for me to sip the first few days because my throat hurt from the breathing tube. I sucked down what I could though and eventually I was able to drink more each day. I felt horrible until after my JP drain was removed. It didn't get removed until 1 week after surgery. After that I felt 200x better and now (only 9 days out) unless I look in the mirror, I don't physically feel like I had surgery. I did get up and move around quite a bit once I got home and like everyone above has said, it works. If your pain is from the actual liquid going into your stomach, you should see your doctor to make sure you don't have a leak. Hang in there!

Every doctor has a different requirement. I was just sleeved last Thursday. My doc kept me on clear/very thin liquids for one week. This included Protein drinks, broth, Jell-O, crystal light, etc. I progressed to mushy foods Thursday evening and had mashed sweet potatoes (about 1/2 a cup and it took me 45 minutes to eat). I ate a scrambled egg with a very little amount of mozzarella cheese yesterday for Breakfast and again, it took me about 45 minutes to eat. I am able to eat about 1/2 cup of pretty much anything mushy and be fine including cottage cheese, fat-free greek yogurt, oatmeal, etc. I will stay on mushy foods until next Friday and will be able to progress to canned tuna, shredded chicken, etc. at that time IF my stomach can handle it. I haven't had any problem with nausea and foods yet but I do get "bubbly" if I eat to fast. I haven't had a problem with hunger pangs but I do get head hunger if I am watching cooking shows or my husband brings home fast food for himself. My doc doesn't recommend any carbonated beverages ever because the carbonated gas can expand the stomach. I have found that if I am not thinking about food, I just don't get the urge to eat. I have to remind myself to eat something every couple of hours. I am only able to get in around 650 calories a day but I do make sure I get in at least 90 grams of protein per day and try to keep the carbs below 40. Like I said, every doctor will have a different requirement. Your body will also tell you when it is ready to advance. Best of luck to you and I hope your surgery goes well. Dawn

I am a self-pay and I had my surgery at 3pm last Thursday and was released at 10:30pm the next night. I could have been released in the afternoon had I been able to pee on my own by then. So, it was one night but 1.5 days if that makes sense.

Oh for sure. My parents work in a hospital and they hear it all the time "hospitals are the worst for recovering and rest". HA! I just thought it was funny that they called me rather than just come see me. I didn't have a very nice night nurse. My day nurse was awesome.

Post-Op Day Five My surgery was on Thursday, February 24. I arrived at the hospital at 2pm for prep, was in surgery at 3pm, in recovery at 5pm, was in my room by 6:30pm, and the nurses had me up and walking by 10pm. I was on a morphine pump so the pain was tolerable. I tried to sleep after my walk down the hall but it is darn near impossible to actually get sleep while in the hospital. Nurses are in your room every hour taking vitals or giving you medication. One of the sensors I had taped to me kept coming unplugged and one time the nurses thought I had flat-lined but instead of rushing into my room, they actually called me to see if I was OK. Another hard part about my hospital stay was the poor 93 year old woman across the hall from me. She suffers from Dementia and had no idea where she was and didn't know she had surgery. All night long I kept hearing her yell "Hello! I need help". Although annoying, I felt really bad for her. It was so sad. Between the nurses and my neighbor, I slept in 10 minute increments that night and gave up trying to sleep around 7am. I couldn't have anything to drink until after I had a "leak check" to make sure my remaining stomach didn't have a leak anywhere and after not having anything to drink since 7am the previous day my mouth (and throat) was extremely dry. They took me downstairs around 10:30am for the barium swallow. Now...a barium swallow after this type of surgery is TOTALLY different than one you have while doing a normal Upper GI (which is typically chalky tasting). This toxic tasting crap made me think I was drinking a mixture of the world's worst cough syrup, really bad vodka, and a hint of flat Sprite and it was blue. Praise Jesus I only had to take two swallows. I passed the leak test and was finally able to drink some Water. lunch time came and after I had four spoonfuls of the mystery flavored broth, one tiny spoonful of what I assumed was Jell-O, and a sip of juice I was full. I thought for sure it was because I was tired and still thinking about that barium beverage I had earlier but when dinner came it was the same thing. I couldn't get released until I passed the "pee" test (meaning to pee on my own). I found that really hard to do because my bladder was numb. I had to have a straight cath (just to drain the urine and then removed) twice. It took every bit of my being to go myself and I was finally released at 10:30pm and was home by 11pm. The Hubs got me settled in at home with my 17 year old son "supervising" me while he went to go pick up my pain medication from the 24-hour pharmacy halfway across town. I tried to lie in our bed but I ended up on the L-shaped couch because it was easier to sleep against. The next three days were spent relaxing, walking around the house, and just trying to get my head back on right after being under anesthesia. Today is the first day my head feels totally clear and I didn't need a nap. I am thankful to have had this surgery and can't wait to get on with the recovery. I have broken down the negatives and positives of the past five days below. The Negatives After having four previous abdominal surgeries, I had mentally prepared myself for the healing process of this surgery. What I didn't (and really couldn't) prepare for was the JP drain I would go home with. I hadn't had one in the past, so I wasn't prepared to deal with this new "appendage". If you do not know what a JP drain is, it is a surgical drainage device used to pull excess blood and Fluid from the body by constant suction. Using a JP drain after surgery may help you heal faster and decrease your risk of getting an infection, so I am not completely against having it. It just limits a few things I want to do...like go back to work when I wanted or sleep on my stomach (which is comforting for me after abdominal surgery). I am also having an allergic reaction to one of the medications I was given in the hospital (not sure which one since they gave me multiple at the same time) as well as the paper tape used to keep my bandages in place, both causing an itchy rash. Doesn't make relaxing or sleeping any easier when you feel itchy. One side affect to having any type of abdominal surgery is it slows down your digestive system as well as your "plumbing". I won't go into the painful details of this but I will say that after four days of struggling, things are finally movin' and groovin' again. The last negative I have really isn't mine. It's the Hubs. With all this time I have on my hands right now and since I am stuck at home, I have been watching a lot of QVC and HSN. Hey, I only ordered one thing today... The Positives One of the benefits of having the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is you have a large portion (about 85%) of your stomach physically removed from your body, unlike Gastric Bypass or the LapBand where the stomach stays in your body. With having this portion removed, the hormone Ghrelin is removed as well. Ghrelin is the hunger stimulating hormone that tells your body you are hungry. This is a positive thing because of the obvious reason BUT you have to tell yourself to eat and drink so you don't get dehydrated and sick. You also want to make sure you get your Protein in first before anything (which in the liquid stage means you drink a lot of protein shakes). I have lost eight pounds since Saturday (four of which were gained during my hospital stay from the IV fluids pumped into me). I received three beautiful flower arrangements from well wishers. One from my parents, one from my office, and one from a group of my really close co-workers spread across the company (Edmonton, Ottawa, Seattle, Tampa, and Hawaii). The Hubs and my son have been doing their best to take care of me. I am not one to sit around and let people wait on me but they are quick to respond if I do ask for something. They each cooked dinner for eachother and last night I ordered them pizza. Now, even though my body doesn't think it is hungry, my nose still works and last night it told my brain that it wanted that pizza really bad. My brain suggested it to my stomach but the thought was rejected. Not only because I can't eat solid food right now but because my stomach said "ummm, you aren't hungry". This will be interesting once I graduate to real food. I will have to re-train myself how to eat and to make sure I eat the proper nutrients in the right order (protein, veggies, then carbs). As soon as I get this darn drain out, I'll be able to get movin' and groovin' on the Wii and with Spring on its way in I'll be peddlin' away on my pink beach cruiser as well. The last positive I have right now is...with all this time I have on my hands, I can watch as much QVC and HSN as I want and the new craft item I ordered today will be delivered next week...

Yes, the leg massagers drove me nuts too. They were cool at first (before I had surgery) but became quite annoying after. I hit my pain button quite often and it made me sleepy but I just couldn't stay asleep. I think the longest I slept my entire time there was 1 hour. Last night was the BEST night I slept since I have been home but that is largely due to my drain being removed yesterday. That was SUCH a huge relief. Now, I just got to get rid of this rash...

@swizzly - It is funny how people can have very different experiences. I didn't experience vomiting but I did feel sick to my stomach twice but that was after I got up quickly and both episodes were within the first 24 hours after surgery. Once I got home I didn't feel it any more. I haven't felt true hunger yet. I did order pizza for my husband and son one night and the smell was driving me crazy with head hunger. Once I was able to progress my diet to mushy foods I haven't experienced the desire for the foods I can't have. I had a scrambled egg today and it was the best egg I think I ever had. It took me about 45 minutes to eat it and when I was done, I was done. I didn't feel like I needed anything further. Maybe when you progress to more solid foods you'll get a more full feeling quicker. I would suggest that even though your new tummy is allowing you to eat at a normal pace, you should still eat slowly. Take at least 20 minutes to eat a meal. It gives your tummy time to communicate to your brain that you have eaten and are full. Best of luck on your journey and continued weight loss. Dawn

My tube came out of my stomach. Pretty much right in the middle. I had to go home with it. I went to the doc yesterday because I had developed a very large rash from something. The doc thinks it is from the prep antiseptic but could also be from the adhesive. I was also having a massive pain on my right side. I thought it was my appendix but it turned out to be deferred pain from the drain (which I found odd because the drain was wrapped to the left and sitting behind my spleen). The Fluid in my drain was pretty much clear so they went ahead and removed it yesterday. It hurt a little. Felt like they were taking a snake out of my belly and even thought the drain was threaded to the left I felt all the pain on the right. After it came out that massive pain I felt on the right was gone. It was the strangest feeling. Last night was the first night I got to sleep on my stomach and I feel great. I think if I didn't have the drain, or the rash, I would have felt great a few days ago. Let me know if you have more questions. I am happy to answer them for you. Dawn

Congrats! That is AWESOME. I am only five days out but have lost 8 pounds so far. I am hoping to be just as successful as you have been. Keep up the good work.

Congrats! How exciting. I am having my surgery this afternoon. God Bless your surgeons hand's and wishing you a speedy recovery.

Oh my goodness, these last 24 hours waiting for surgery are the worst. I think my insides are drowning with all this Water I have been drinking today. Am trying to clear off my desk at work today hoping no one will need me over the next week and a half. Got much to do at home tonight so hopefully the time will fly by. I know that I will not be able to sleep a wink. I think the hardest part will be getting through tomorrow morning since my surgery is the last one of the day (3pm). A little nervous but not scared. Only nervous about the anesthetic. I hate going "under". Well, actually, going under is the easy part. I hate coming out from it. I know all will be well though. I can't wait to start a new beginning. Just lots of random thoughts running through my head...along with the sound of the clock ticking down...tick....tock....tick....tock....

Good luck to you tomorrow!! Blessings coming your way.

I am 325 lbs and fly frequently on United and used to fly Alaska before I moved. I have never been asked to purchase a second ticket. My weight is pretty well distributed but I carry more in the hips, thighs, and rear end. I usually purchase a window seat so I can cram myself up against the window and I always apologize to the person sitting next to me. Usually they don't mind but occasionally I would get some jerk who would roll their eyes as soon as they saw who they were sitting next to and then run as soon they saw an open seat somewhere else after saying "it will give you more room". I actually "borrowed" an extender three years ago and never returned it. I use it all the time. I am having my surgery this afternoon and am hoping I won't need the extender by summer. Hope that helps.

Thank you everyone! Just a few more hours. Going to keep myself busy reading this forum until I have to leave. I will update on my status and recovery soon! God bless! D

I am on day 13 of my two week pre-op diet (which is a full liquid diet) and for me things started to settle down after day 4. I have surgery the day after tomorrow and since I have to do all clear liquid tomorrow I am thinking that will be the worst day of all. The worst time of the day for me is the late afternoon. I found that if I plan to "eat" something every two hours I can get through the day without too many issues. I have lost 12 pounds so far. My day pretty much goes like this: 7:30am - Protein shake 9:30am - sugar free Jello 11:30am - Protein Shake 2:30pm - Applesauce or a Sugar Free Jello 5:00pm - Protein Shake and a Sugar Free pudding 7:30pm - Sugar Free popsicle Drinking Crystal Light REALLY helps in the late afternoon too. Good luck to you. You can do it. I know it is hard but it does get easier. Dawn

I am on day 13 and I can tell you that after the 4th day things got better for me. I have my rough moments late in the afternoon but if I keep busy and drink a lot of Water or have a sugar free Jello and the cravings pass. I have surgery the day after tomorrow and I think tomorrow might be the worst day of all because everything has to be clear. Good luck. You can do it. It is hard but it is only for two weeks. Dawn (another Disney Mamma)

Congrats! I had the following pre-op tests: Echo, Chest X-Ray, Abdominal Ultrasound, Upper GI, Treadmill Stress Test, had to give a TON of blood, and an EKG. I didn't have to have a psych. evaluation. Dawn

I am a self-payer and I had to do everything except the psych. consult. The other pre-op stuff was just to make sure I was healthy enough for surgery and I ran those tests through my insurance as my primary doctor "ordered" them. I think it really depends on your surgeon.

Great pictures. That is so exciting. I am getting sleeved in five days and can hardly stand the wait. Dawn

I know how you feel. I am on day 7 of my liquid diet. My surgery is next Thursday. The first few days were the worst but as each day (well, more like each moment) passes, I know I am that much more closer to changing my life for good. I went through a few types of Protein drinks before I discovered a brand that didn't have a protein taste to them. I have been drinking Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey in Double Rich chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream, and strawberry banana. When mixed with 8oz. of fat free milk, the nutritional content is: 33g protein, 1g fat, 16g carbs (13 of those come from the milk), and 210 calories. If mixed with Water, the nutrition content is: 24g protein, 1g fat, 3g carbs, and 120 calories. I have one for breakfast at 7:30am, have a sugar-free Jello or a sugar-free applesauce at 9:30, have another flavor of Protein shake for lunch along with a cup of broth at 11:30, have a sugar-free jello or sugar-free applesauce again at 2:30 along with a V8 juice (which is NOT my favorite but need the veggies), at 5:30 I have my last shake and maybe a cup of broth, and around 7:30 or 8pm I have either a sugar-free popscicle or a sugar-free jello. I also TRY to drink 48-64oz. of water and/or water with crystal light during the day (some days I feel like my innards are floating). I have done this for a week and have lost 10 pounds since last Thursday. I have one more week to go and while it is REALLY hard because I have a family to cook for, I know these two weeks will seem like only moments in the grand scheme of things. Try the Optimum Nutrition flavors. I don't recommend buying them from the store because they are really expensive. You can find them MUCH cheaper on Amazon. They have like 18 different flavors. I purchased a 5lb. tub for $41. Good luck to you. Don't chicken out. You can do it.

Your pre-op tests (nearly all of those you listed) should be done no earlier than 30 days of your surgery or you will have to do them all over again. It is best to wait until you see your surgeon and schedule your surgery so you don't have to repeat. I don't know who in their right mind would want to do an Upper GI more than once... LOL. Good luck with your process.

If any of you have a Sally Beauty Supply store in your area, pick up some liquid Neutral Protein Filler. It repairs damaged protein bonds in the hair. Hairdressers typically use this when coloring damaged hair to prevent breakage. I pay $6.50 for a 4-ounce bottle.

So, this is my story...I hope it doesn't bore you... I have battled weight my entire life, and when I say "entire life" I mean my ENTIRE life. I was always the biggest girl in class starting from 1st grade. I graduated high school weighing 200 pounds. Maintained that for a few years and gained nearly 80 pounds after the birth of my son. I went on Phen-Fen and lost 80 pounds in four months. Then the FDA yanked it off the shelves and over the course of six years, I gained it all back plus 50 more. I was diagnosed with a kidney disorder (IgA Nephropathy) and was hoping that after my doctor recommend I lose a substantial amount of weight to prolong the life of my kidney that my insurance would cover the surgery. Ummm...yeah...that didn't work in my favor. That was two years ago and I accepted the fact that would not be able to pay for it myself. I have grown more and more ashamed of my weight and two weeks ago I hit an all time low on the emotion scale after attending a sporting event and the public seating cut into my gynormous thighs and left a bruise on both sides. God must have been listening to my cry for help because just two days later I received a gift from one of his angels. Knowing that my insurance wouldn't cover the cost of the surgery, this angel offered to pay for it. [insert wheepy eyes and a sniff, sniff here]. That was on Friday, January 28 (just a 10 days ago). I immediately phoned the surgeons office and scheduled a consult. They got me in on the 4th (yes, just this past Friday) and I met with the surgeon. I originally wanted the Lap-Band but he recommended VSG. I hadn't ever heard of it before so he explained the process and told me to think about it. He gave me the number to his scheduler and said he would contact them as well. I phoned her from my car, while still in the parking lot of the surgeons office, and left her a message. Then I spent the latter part of my afternoon (at work) researching it and then continued my research at home (which is where I stumbled upon this site). After spending HOURS reading peoples stories, blogs, and watching videos on YouTube, I decided that I wanted the VSG. I spoke to the gal from the hospital this morning at 8:30am and was shocked to hear that my surgeon had already spoken to them about me and...[insert hyperspeed here]... She faxed my pre-op orders to me at work and I dropped them off at my doctors office a few hours later (figured why not have the insurance pay for some "routine" lab work and tests; I had my chest x-ray done while I was there also (the x-ray tech and I both had an extra 15 minutes so why not get it done with); I meet with the Bariatric department tomorrow at 11:30 to sign paperwork and have an abdominal ultrasound at 1pm; on Wednesday, I have blood work at 7:30am, Upper GI at 9am, Echo at 12:30, Treadmill Stress Test at 1pm, and meet with the dietition at 2:30; I meet with my primary doctor on the 16th for clearance and will have my EKG done at the same time; then I have surgery on the 22nd. Start to finish in three weeks. Is it me, or is that like crazy fast? After I got my surgery date this morning, I had to start preparing. I purchased my Protein powder (did a lot of research on this over the weekend and found one with 24G of protein, 1G sugar, and only 3G carbs); went to the store and stocked up on other supplies; and am going to continue preparing as much as I can. I have had several abdominal surgeries including a c-section, hysterectomy, and having my gallbladder removed so I feel prepared for the pain. The hysterectomy was probably the worst and I tolerated that very well so hopefully this one isn't as bad. Anyway - I just felt like sharing. I don't have a lot of people I can share with so I figured "what the heck, why not share with a bunch of strangers who just so happen to either be getting, or have already gotten, the same thing"? Thanks for listening! On with the countdown... God Bless Dawn

Self pay here is $14,250 and that includes everything.

Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement. I completed all of my pre-op tests yesterday with the exception of the final one that I do next week and I started my pre-op diet last night. The countdown continues...