jen120

1: How many times a week or month did you have to see your doctor or dietitian during the counseling period? My insurance required that I was on a Dr. supervised diet for 6 months prior to being able to submit for insurance approval. I was able to see my own primary physician once a month to document this. With regard to the surgeon, I saw him once for the initial consult then again pre-op. The bariatric program I was part of required me seeing a psychiatrist, nutritionist and go to 2 support groups. Then once I was approved for surgery I had to go to a behavior modification class and a 3 hour pre-op class. 2: In general, sans complications, what is the recovery period....how long before I could go back to work at a desk job? I was lucky, I had no post surgical complications. My doctor wanted me off for 2 weeks. I could have gone back to work about a week after surgery but I would have been every tired and I was still sore. I had a lot of vacation and sick time built up so I took the full 2 weeks. I'm glad I did. I am almost completely healed! 3: How often will I have to see my dr in the period immediately after the surgery? I had to see my surgeon 7-10 days after surgery. Now again in 4-6 weeks and then 3 and 6 months. Then every 6 months after that unless I need a fill.

I have the drive...just need to find a partner!

Uh...acetaminophen (tylenol) does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Instead, it relieves pain by working centrally (in the brain) to switch off the perception of pain. Look it up. Secondly, while hydrocodone may be effective for some, not all people respond the same way to every drug. Hydrocodone has no effect on me at all. I've been prescribed vicodin several times during my life with no relief of pain. I dont even bother filling the prescription because it is just a waste of money. The main point I was making is that if you are still in pain despite what you have been prescribed, then you need to fight a little harder for some relief.

If you've lost 30 pounds since surgery, then that is amazing! Remember....your body cannot physically lose 10 pounds a week for very long. With such a big loss, your body is going to react and it will fight to keep every pound. Most people will have a bit of a slow down once they start eating real food and even working out. You definitely need to see the nutritionist to find out how many calories you should be eating and to figure out how much protein, carbs and fat you need. Eating too little will also hamper weight loss. Keep on what you are doing, write everything down that you eat, drink your fluids and follow-up with your appts. YOU ARE DOING GREAT!

It seems like every doctor has a different plan with regard to easing people back into food. This is the plan from my nutritionist... 2 weeks post op...Protein shakes only 3 weeks post op Phase 1 Eating...soft Protein such as cottage cheese, yogurt, Beans, lunch meats, regular cheese, tuna, eggs 4 weeks post op Phase 2 Eating...adding in fruits and veggies 6 weeks post op Phase 3 Eating...adding in harder Proteins such as chicken breast, steaks, etc 8 weeks post op Phase 4 Eating...adding in carbs such as bread, starchy veggies etc

Greek Yogurt has a lot more protein than regular yogurts. I think dannon light and fit only has 5 or 6 grams of protein for 6oz, where greek has something like 12 grams of protein. I dont care for it at all...to me it has a very sour smell that makes me sick to my stomach. I hear that dannon and yoplait now make greek yogurt and my nutritionist recommended that I try it since she said those are not as "sour". They are also kind of pricey in my opinion. You should definitely try it...good luck!

I know exactly what you mean. I had a really hard time "sipping". I think about a week after surgery I started drinking normally and now (3 weeks post op) I sometimes find myself "chugging" water if I am really thirsty. I have no issues or discomfort. I do try to stop myself from chugging and just try to drink normally.

I know how you feel...3 weeks post op and I dont feel any real restriction. I am doing my best to follow the nutritionists guidelines getting in my Protein daily and trying to stay under 1000 calories. My stomach growls all the time, especially at night and in the morning. I am tracking everything I eat and plan to start exercising next week. Hang in there...

If you are still in a lot of pain, you need to be more aggressive with your doctor about pain medication. Tylenol does nothing for me. It never has. Even vicodin which is just tylenol with something to make you feel tired or drugged doesnt even make me drowsy. Doctors these days are so afraid to prescribe pain meds, but you shouldn't have to suffer. I'm sorry you are having pain and wish you a speedy recovery.

That great! Thanks for sharing!

I was banded on Monday 5-23 and I am having major issues with the Protein shakes. I struggled to choke them down before surgery and now just the smell, taste and texture start me dry heaving. I am tired and weak and hungry. I've been ok with Jello and broth but its not enough. I had some scrambled eggs this morning that I chewed really well. No stomach issues. I had a tablespoon of Peanut Butter, no issues and a few noodles from chicken Soup (with broth). Now I think I've screwed everything up. Will I be ok? I tried another shake tonight and again almost threw up. Could not even swallow one mouthful. My nutritionist says only shakes, jello, broth and popsicles until June 8th. There is no way I can wait that long. If I eat mushy food like cottage cheese, yogurt and smooth soup will I be ok? I dont want to screw things up and I want to heal, but I'm feeling horrible. Any advice is appreciated.

Hi Heather, I started my pre-surgery liquid diet at 415 so I totally know how you feel. Today I am 392. Dont worry, we can do this. I was just banded on 5-23-2011. Good luck!

I agree, if something makes you sick, dry heave or throw up, its not as simple as just putting up with it. I'm not looking for comfort food or something that is delicious so I dont feel deprived. I just want to get the protein I need so that I heal and keep it down without feeling sick.

I know how you feel...when you are hungry, tired, feeling weak and miserable you are ready to throw in the towel. I was there last night and this morning. I cried for a half hour straight. I feel so alone and was so mad at myself. I am doing my best to get through this following instructions, but I've moved on to soup to help me through this phase. I am getting some of the recommended protein drinks tomorrow to try so I hope they will work. Hang in there and know that we are all in the same boat together.

Chuck...I feel your pain. Day 6 post op and miserable. The shakes started making me gag and dry heave so I had to stop. I have had some soup (andersons split pea in a can which is already blended) and a bit of peanut butter. Tomorrow I am getting some other "clear" none shake protein drinks to try. I'll let you know how they taste. I also did get some yogurt and cottage cheese which I have not had yet. I am really trying to follow my nutritionists directions, but not getting any protein isnt going to help me either. I wish you much luck!

Hi, I live in S. California. My surgery was Monday 5/23 at 10:00 I was home by 5pm that night. The pain was a lot better than I thought it would be. I am having significant issues with the protein shakes. I'm gonna try some new protein drinks today, hopefully they will go down well. I am very excited by this opportunity. I just need to get past the next week and a half. I wish you all so much success.

Thanks so much for these responses. I will definitely try the products suggested and call my nutritionist first thing on Tuesday. I was feeling so down last night and feel much better today. Thanks again! I know this is a process and I just have to hang in there. Thanks!

I feel your pain. Day 3 or 4 is the worst. Your body is withdrawing from the carbs. I know for me I had headaches, and a lot of trouble concentrating on stuff. I would love a bar or some Soup. I am only on shakes, Day 8 out of 14. Just focus on the fact that your liver needs to shrink. You only have a 3 days left and you can do it! Funny thing, I am totally craving salad.

At least you get to have 1 small meal...I am on 4 protein shakes a day and that is it. Day 6 and I'm really bumming. I would just love to have some steamed broccoli or even a small salad. I dont really care for sweets that much so drinking 4 sweet things a day is really not enjoyable. I'm having some chicken broth...it helps a bit. I can at least pretend its chicken soup!

2 weeks before surgery I have had to be on a liquid Protein shake only diet. It's day 6 for me. I must say, it is much harder psychologically than I thought it would be. The nutritionist said I could have some chicken broth or sugar free Jello. The chicken broth helps a bit. I can at least pretend its chicken Soup. Need to go out and buy some jello. Good Luck with Surgery!

My surgery is on Monday, May 23. I am very excited, but this 2 week liquid only diet is kicking my butt. I wish everyone a lot of success.