FindingMe75

I have a hematoma at the area of my largest incision (where the stomach was removed). Some blood still drains from the incision area, and my surgeon has told me that it should either drain out or reabsorb on its own. There are a couple times (I'm just over two weeks out from surgery) that it flattened out and I thought it was almost gone, but it seems like it refills and sticks around. It's a bit smaller than it was right after surgery, and discomfort is minor, so I'm not really worried, just mildly annoyed. I was just wondering if anyone else dealt with this, what their experience was and how long it took to resolve itself. Thanks!

I was sleeved on 4/26... Starting weight (surgery day): 295 Update (5/31, I weigh in weekly): 270 Lost 25 lb. since surgery

LOL I'm not that flexible...YET!

I'me onlee too weaks out form my surgeree butt eye havent notiseed anythink defferent yet! Homer Simpson's problem was that he had a crayon lodged up his nose from when he was a kid (I think it was magenta). We should all get x-rays and make sure the surgeons don't leave tools in or something that messes with our brains!

I wasn't sure if I should even comment on this since I'm a guy, but I tend to agree with those that are saying you're better off. This is a pretty major thing, and if he can't be supportive of something you need...well, you saw the other comments. Of course, that doesn't change the hurt that you're going through right now. Either way, just keep in mind that there are lots of people here supporting you along this path! Your screen name is Ready4aNewLife...maybe in more ways than you thought. I hope everything works out for you

Hang in there Stacy...my loss has slowed down too, and I'm sure your capacity will increase. I haven't really exercised yet, but I was shooting a basketball around in the driveway a little while ago...felt fine. I've also lifted or moved a couple of things, although I've been trying hard to obey dr's orders and keep it under 15 lbs.

NSV = Naked Sexy Vikings!!! )

It can be frustrating, but definitely could be due to swelling and other stuff after surgery. I had a really good first week and then slowed down the second week, so it hits everyone differently. Another good way to track your progress is with body measurements. I haven't really lost any pounds in the last week, but my waist is over an inch smaller, so I feel really good about that. The scale can be deceptive sometimes...hang in there! It WILL come off!

WOW...you look great!! I'm glad I held on to some old goal clothes - I can't wait to get there myself. You must feel amazing!

I know...I'm a front sleeper and I missed that too! There are times when I feel like nothing has changed, and then I get full after a couple oz. of mashed potatoes and I'm like "oh, yeah". But that's why I'm most excited about this - I know me and there are gonna be times in the future where I'll just wanna binge (which used to be my main diet killer). Limiting my capacity was the best solution I could think of for riding those waves and getting out on the other side with minimal damage.

Thank you for the info!!! The incision is closing nicely (no sign of infection), and I'm pleasantly surprised at how little the scarring is from all the laproscopic incisions...they shaved my belly, but once the hair grows back I don't think any of the scars will be very noticable. Now to find a yoga position to sleep in to keep my tummy up lol...

That is so cool! I'm an only child so I can only imagine the bond you have...it's great that you're sharing this experience! GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!!!!!!!

I kept a pretty tight "inner circle" prior to my surgery, partly because I was concerned about people's reactions and I was still struggling with the idea that I was resorting to this myself. I didn't want negative comments (even well-intentioned ones) to get into my head and cause doubts. It wasn't until after I spent some time studying (and navigating this forum) that I started to come around to the notion that doing this is NOT giving up...it takes a lot of courage to wake up and realize that you need this, and then follow through! I have a few friends and family members that have had WLS, and did so with a little more fanfare (facebook updates and such). I'm not much of a self-promoter, so I'm still quiet, but I don't hide the fact that I've had the surgery from anyone. I figure soon enough the word will spread or it'll become more obvious with my weight loss. Either way, it's a very personal choice and whatever you do will ultimately be right for you. I'm happy with the way I handled mine, and don't really think I'd do it any differently even if I got more confident in it at an earlier time. As long as you are doing it for yourself and have faith in you, the rest will take care of itself...

Hi! I know from previous diet attempts that I'm prone to getting obsessed with the scale, and then feeling let down when I don't lose as fast as I think I should, so I'm trying to just let things take their own course and see the weight come off however it goes...I think that mental shift might actually be more difficult for me than adjusting to all the physical changes after surgery! I didn't expect that I'd transition as well as I have and feel as normal this soon after surgery

That is AWESOME!!! Thanks for the inspiration!

I'll let you know next week...my doctor lets me progress to soft foods then and chicken salad is one of my favorites too! I've been looking forward to it, so my fingers are crossed...

I was sleeved two weeks ago yesterday. Honestly, I expected much worse and I've been pleasantly surprised by how well I've progressed both physically and with the adjustments to my eating. The drain was the biggest nuisance during the first week, and I have a small hematoma by the main incision, but nothing has limited my activity at all. I've worked my way through fluids to purees and soft foods, and in about a week I'll be lifted of any restrictions food- and activity-wise! I have not felt ANY hunger since the procedure (goodbye, ghrelin!)...I honestly think it's the best decision I've ever made. Congratulations on making the decision - it's hard to get there mentally, and my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Hope all goes well for you!

Good to know...thanks for the valuable info!!

I'm happy for two reasons: one, I've kept a promise to myself to stay off the scale for the last few days and try to get into the habit of weighing in weekly...figured the result would be more significant that way. Two - graduated to mashed potatoes and purees today!! Another week and I move on to 'soft' foods!

I had my surgery about a week and a half ago. I usually fall asleep on my right side and end up on my stomach, but I've been stuck on my back because of the soreness from the incisions. I've been walling myself in with pillows so I don't accidentally roll, but it's been better since I got my drain removed earlier this week. I don't know why, but putting a big comforter pillow underneath my knees actually made it more comfortable to sleep on my back for a while...

Don't worry...the pounds WILL come off!!! Just keep at it and stay positive - summer's only a little over a month away and I'm sure we'll all be proud of some good progress by then!

I was sleeved on April 26 in Hamilton, NJ. Went home the following afternoon. I was on clear fluids through Monday, and have progressed to full liquids now. I still have a little swelling from the incision where the stomach portion was removed, but I'm moving around really well and feeling great! For anyone who is struggling to get Protein in, see if you can find and try New whey. It's cheapest online, but it's sold at GNC and I think in some grocery stores. It's a liquid Protein that comes in fruit flavors - it's only 3.8 oz. and has 42 grams of protein! If the taste is too strong, you can cut it with Water. It makes it really easy to get your protein requirement, even in the first few days when you can barely handle an oz. at a time. I've been really enjoying graduating to the creamier Soups and getting back to Protein shakes this week. Next week...MASHED POTATOES!!!!! Huzzah!

I've been doing the same thing (weighing every day) since I started my liquid diet. I got so frustrated when it didn't go down AT ALL for about four days before my pre-op appointment, and then BANG - that morning it dropped about 4 pounds. I promised myself that I would lay off the scale for the first full week after surgery, figuring that the results wouldn't be too good with Fluid retention and bloating...I lasted about four days lol I think if you're in the right frame of mind about it and not obsessive, it's not a bad thing. I'd prefer to back it off to every few days or weekly, but right now it's still hard to resist because it's been so long since I actually cared about it, and the scale was moving in a good direction!