emily_0192010

I am also amazed at the difference in eating time-lines. My surgeon has me on liquids, which he said was anything through a straw but he wants them to be "thin" liquids or protein shakes only. Then after two weeks I can his version of "mushy" foods, which is anything that is pureed or does not need to be chewed. Then I am on that for two weeks until I see him again, at that point he said I'll start transitioning to normal food, because at that point I should be nice and healed up. I see people who are on mushies from day one and I just don't get. But in the end we have to remember that overall this is still relatively new. The medical community is learning and adapting just as we are. Maybe one day there will be a "standard" but for now we just need to listen to our surgeon and our bodies and do the best we can.

Awesome! Congratulations Keep up the hard work I'm sure you'll hit your new goal soon!

I only had the shoulder pain while I was in the hospital (in for two nights) but for the gas pain I found that a hot shower really helped (but be careful you don't get dizzy). Also I used a rice sock (like a heat pad, i just threw it in the micro) and that helped a lot. Keep your chin up, it will get better! I was sleeved a week before you on the 19th and I swear everyday gets easier and easier!

I've looked up some of the biggest loser stats, and the majority of the people gain it all back when they get home. Some keep it off, but as soon as something "real life" hits them, like pregnancy, they gain it all back. The sleeve is a life-long tool. It is NOT meant to make us lose weight super quickly. In fact, it really isn't healthy to lose super fast. I am really sorry that your mom said something like that. My grandmother is just like her. She is queen of the backhanded compliment/critique. You know where they say something nice but then throw in words like "you will be" or "i always thought you would be fat" type of comments. It hurts even though you know they are wrong. I would have a conversation with her and tell her that you either need her to back off completely or to start being a support system. You are doing amazing! Don't let her bring you down okay

I can still drink it, but I noticed that it tastes sweet to me, which is very odd. I wish I could do G2 or the other zero calories drinks, but they all have carbs in them so I can't. I've been drinking regular water and propel zero. Powerade zero made my stomach really upset, but I am going to try again because it is my preferred sport drink.

I attended a seminar. It was hosted at the hospital in a small room. There were only about 20 people there, but they have them multiple times a week. I would definitely say that it is worth because you get a good overview of all of the procedures as well as getting a feel for the surgeon.

Caladryl? I've never heard of that. A couple of mine started blistering this morning (and I had already taken the tape off, so it shouldn't have gotten worse!) so I went ahead and called the office, they are talking to the doctor and then are going to call me back. I thought for sure it was the tape, but I realized this morning that I had been using the paper tape, which isn't supposed to irritate the skin. I'm glad that I'm not the only one though! Most of the surgical tape came off yesterday but there is still one there. The corners have come up and I can see that the rash is underneath it as well.... right where the incision is. I'm just hoping it won't get worse and cause an infection.

I'm wondering if that is it. Especially since the areas that have not had contact with anything for almost 12 hours now are still there, and not really getting better. I did use some benadryl cream on the one area (away from the incisions) and it didn't seem to have much of an effect. How did you learn about the allergy?

Keeping it open to the air is what I'd like to do, however the one incision by my belly button still has to be covered. I am using the smallest piece of tape ever to keep it on, but now I am wondering if the gauze pad is also contributing to the problem. Hopefully the areas where there are no bandages start to get better soon. I knew that I have sensitive skin, and the few times I've had bloodwork the tape has left some red marks, but they've always disappeared really fast so I didn't even consider that possibility. Thanks for the input!

Oh I can't wait to try this!!!!! Thanks for sharing

I agree that the PPI is really important! My surgeon automatically prescribes this for everyone of his patients, and he said that some people are on it indefinitely. I'm surprised that some surgeon's don't even mention it.

Wow you look amazing!! Congrats on staying on track and standing head to head with the bypass patients! You look so happy

I am so sorry you are going through this! I would call and ask your surgeon because something isn't normal. You shouldn't be throwing up that much at any stage. Please call?

I would say that if you feel full to stop drinking! It might not be hunger pains, you may be overdoing it a little bit especially if you feel like you are going to be sick. I am a week and half out now and I gurgled a ton the first few days. For me it did go down. Typically I only get any uncomfortable feelings when I have drank a bit too much. Try taking it easy, it will get better!

When I started my PSWL I was told I had to go low-carb (under 30 g per day). When I went to the store I realized that all of the "light" or "free" type of products had MORE carbs in them then the regular. So I go with the regular products. As for artificial sweeteners, I never really used regular sugar either, but when I do need to add sugar to something I always go for the regular sugar and just take the carb hit. Pretty much the only time this is the case is when I have coffee, which isn't often. I can definitely taste the difference and I just don't like the artificial stuff.

Good luck and congrats on making it through all of the insurance red-tape. Once you get your approval the real fun starts

Well, I wasn't officially on clear liquids but it ended up being that way because I couldn't (and still have difficulty) getting my Protein down. It really is fine. I felt a bit foggy headed and if I pushed myself too far i'd get a headache. I drank mostly Water but I also did some broth/bouillon. You said it was 4-5 days after surgery? Does that include the day's you'll be in the hospital? Because if it does than it will only be 2-3 days at home and really you'll be so focused on just trying to get the liquids in you may even be glad you don't have to worry so much about the protein. Good luck

So glad to hear! Welcome to the loser's bench

September Spitfires? That is awesome!

You are going to do great!!!!!! ((hugs)) Good luck!

Awesome Get some new pants lady! Thanks for sharing

You can find the whole episode, in 5 parts, on his website. It is titled "dying to be the fattest woman" but I am pretty sure it is the same lady. http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dying-be-fattest-woman-pt-1

Doctors can be bummers My PCP was really unsupportive as well. I would just "smile and nod" and then roll my eyes behind their backs. Get your inspiration from the amazing people on this board who have made their goals and are on their way to meeting them! Prove them wrong! My STAT's aren't far off from yours, I am 5'2" and I was 222 on surgery day. There is no WAY i'm stopping at 190!! Chin up lady, you rock!