lsereno

You are doing great! Sounds like you are well on your way to a healthy, quick recovery. I think you will find a little more energy every day. Thanks for sharing your progress with us. I'm sending healing thoughts your way! Lynda

When I realized that I would be overweight for the rest of my (shortened) life if I didn't do something else. I tried hypnosis, Weight Watchers, and hiring a personal trainer. I learned lots of good, healthy, eating habits, but I could not achieve meaningful and permanent weight loss. I wanted to live into my 70s. Look around: there's not too many morbidly obese 70+ year olds. Lynda

Walking outdoors. The combination of sunshine, fresh air, and exercise helps me every time. Even if it's just around the block. I like the idea of dividing the work up so you have a chunk each day. Use a timer: Set times for time-outs for yourself, time to work on papers, time for kids, etc. (Thanks to Flylady, http://www.flylady.com for that one!) Download a short relaxation meditation and listen to it at least once a day. Kaiser has them for free online at: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/ Keep your eye on the goal: You will enjoy the new job/make more money, you and the hubby will enjoy life more when you are both healthier in a few months. Buy yourself a non-food reward. Instead of a few dollars on fast food or Snacks, buy a new lipstick, lotion, hair clip, or pretty knick-knack. Enjoy it! Best wishes to you and your family during this busy, eventful time! Lynda

I'm with Kaiser NorCal and went through Fremont kaiser for my VSG. At Kaiser Fremont, we follow a balanced diet of 1200 calories a day from Orientation till the day before surgery. We also start taking a Vitamin regimen, give up caffeinated drinks and sodas, and begin an exercise program. I cheated on my diet about once a week. For example, one week I had homemade popcorn and two shots of tequila. I lost steadily because I exercise 5 days a week (that wasn't new for me, that was left over from my previous weight loss attempts-one habit that stuck). I think it's very helpful to have this restricted, healthful diet because: You get used to eating less before you are REALLY eating less. You give up caffeine before you are forced to. I have to admit I was several weeks into the program before I gave up my coffee, but I'm so glad I did because right after surgery it is hard enough to get the basic items down so you won't have coffee and it would totally suck to have caffeine withdrawals at the same time that everything else is hitting you. You can test out Protein drinks, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and other healthy foods, looking for brands/flavors you like better. Your body has more than a couple of weeks to build up a good nutritional base and shrink your liver. I just had my sleeve on the 17th and I'm feeling good. Today is my first day spending all day in stretchy pants and without any pain medication. I enjoyed 1/2 c. greek yogurt for Breakfast, a choco-Protein shake with lactaid milk mid-morning, and 1/2 cup cottage cheese for lunch. Best wishes on your journey! Keep us posted -- we are all rooting for you! Lynda

Congrats! I'm one day behind you. I'm glad you are feeling better. Onward to our two week surgiversary!

Hi all, I have posted the last couple of days because I have begun feeling better and I've been running around doing stuff! For those who missed my earlier messages, I was sleeved Tuesday, May 17. Came home on Wednesday and got diarrhea on Thursday. On Friday, I called the Dr. just to check about the diarrhea and the nurse cut back my food to Water and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein. Other than the diarrhea, I've done very well. No nausea and I've gotten the required fluids and protein each day. Yesterday (Monday) I checked back with the Dr's and the nurse advanced me to full fluids and recommended adding one new food at a time. Yahoo! She explained that the first thing they try is cutting back to just one Fluid and one protein because they have found that helps some people. The Dr. called yesterday afternoon and told me not to worry. He said about 1 in 20 get diarrhea after the operation, and they are not sure why, but that it normally clears up in a week or two. He said in some cases it is a bad bacteria, but that if it were, the diarrhea would get progressively worse, cause a lot of cramps, and smell. I'm not having those issues thank goodness! So, after that call yesterday I had greek yogurt at Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Today, I had greek yogurt for breakfast and cottage cheese for lunch. I can eat 1/2 cup. It takes about 20 minutes. I feel so much better! Today, I have only taken 1/2 dose pain medicine late this a.m. I did some volunteer work from home, went to the Walmart, and then went to a committee meeting. I haven't had a nap all day and I feel great!!! I've lost almost all the water weight I gained from the IV in the hospital. I've got about 4 more lbs. to go to weigh what I weighed the morning of surgery. My stomach now has an embarrassingly loud rumble, but I hope that does away in a few weeks. Onward and upward into week 2!

Hi Meggie, Congrats on the weight loss!! Glad you are doing well and your energy level is increasing. Your husband sounds like a real sweetie! Somehow I got my day count wrong. Today (Monday), it has been one week since I was sleeved last Tuesday. I'm looking forward to talking with the Dr. and getting advanced to something besides Water and unjury chicken Soup. I have spurts of energy and can walk a few blocks or do other activities. Yesterday, I dust mopped the floors and ran a swiffer duster over the furniture. It feels so good to be getting back to normal activities. My weight is still up from the IV push, but the numbers are starting to go back down. Yahoo! Lynda

Hi all, It's Day Six of me and the sleeve. Things are still "loose" even though I am drinking only Water and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein. The amazing thing is I feel pretty good except for the gas and diarrhea. Instead of liquid pain med, I took two tylenol today at 9 and I'm comfortable. A little tightness on my right side, but nothing I can't live with. Keep in mind though that it's just me and my husband, so I don't have to do a thing if I don't want to and I'm still wearing a gown because it's more comfy to not have even soft elastic around my middle. Lynda

Hi Melva, After I met all my insurance requirements (Kaiser) I had to wait about 3 /12 weeks to hear from them with a surgery date. It is SO HARD to wait. For me, I spent a little time almost every day doing something to get ready. I bought the food items I needed post-surgery that were non-perishable and rounded up kitchen stuff I had at home that I would need for food prep. I bought just a can or bottle or two of each thing in case I didn't like them after surgery. I also bought stuff for hospital/recovery and got my clothes/house ready. It kept me busy and I was glad to have stuff done when they finally did call. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for a quick call from them. In the meantime, here's my lists of stuff I bought or gathered: Food Prep: Bought: Small strainer for canned cream Soup Canned cream Soups sugar-free flavored drinks, such as Snapple Decaf tea (I like Sleepy Time - so soothing!) Protein powder Gathered: Serving tray to hold food prep items Food scale Measuring cup with pour spout Small bowls that hold about 1/4-1/2 cup Stick blender Blender Demitasse cup and saucer and spoon Shot glasses Timer Hospital/Recovery: Bought: Nightgown Slippers Travel size lotion Lip balm New books Gathered: Small travel bag and smaller toiletry bag Stretchy pants, comfy shoes and loose top for ride to hospital and home ( I wound up riding home in gown, robe, and slippers) Serving tray to hold items on bed for first couple of days. Kleenex Makeup remover face wipes (used these to clean face in hospital after surgery) Travel sized toothpaste Comb Robe Free Relaxing Surgery healing podcasts by Kaiser: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/ Updated Netflix movie queue and recorded movies on the DVR. Clothing/Home Prep: Bought: Stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and makeup Gathered: Moved stuff around that I might need but not be able to move or get to after surgery. For example, I moved my stretchy pants from the bottom drawer to a higher one in case i couldn't bend over for a few days. And I brought in my Easter party stuff early. Cleaned out seasonal clothes that will be too big when season returns. Washed and moved clothes that are "only a little too small" to a shopping bag and spare closet rack Washed blankets and throws and spring cleaned closets, bathroom, kitchen cupboards Paid bills as soon as they came in so bills were caught up and wouldn't be overdue if I got a quick surgery date when they called

Welcome to the Losers Bench! And I'm glad you are feeling well. I had surgery Tuesday and overall I feel good too. There are a lot of us this week. It will be fun to have so many of us who were sleeved at the same time. One tip: I used a timer to get my fluids in the first couple of days at home. One ounce every 15 minutes. The nutritionist sent me home with some one ounce cups, but in case you don't have those, 2/3 of a shot glass is one ounce. I poured 8 ounces in a liquid measuring cup with spout and then refilled my one-ounce cup. That way you can lay around a bit and still get your fluids. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Lynda

Hi all, Yes, Meggie's right: the Dr. put me back on clears (only plain Water and the unjury chicken Protein powder) about 72 hours after surgery because I got diarrhea about 48 hours after surgery. Returning to clears has not improved the issue so far. I made it through 6 hours with only Tylenol, but returned to the liquid pain med at the next dose. The Tylenol seemed to work at first, but as the six hours wore on, I had a noticeable ache and burn in my tummy. I had hoped to be able to go to Tylenol in case the medicine is causing the issue. In my heart, I think my tummy is just adjusting to the new us and the diarrhea will disappear in a few days no matter what I do. But I am going to follow Dr's orders for this weekend and see what he has to say on Monday. Lynda

Hi all, It's day 4 of me and the sleeve. Overall I feel pretty good. I'm getting my liquids in ( I keep a log on my kitchen counter to track them) Te pain medication is working well and I have brief periods of energy where I feel pretty darn perky. I'm walking around slowly but well and I can even pick stuff up off the floor. I have a set back with loose stools and gas though. It started yesterday afternoon, about 3 hours after my first Protein drink, which I mixed with 4 oz. of fat free milk. It was my first "movement' since surgery, so I wasn't surprised it was runny. However, I went a couple more times last night. So this morning, I tried 1/4 c. fat-free greek yogurt for Breakfast and made my mid-morning Protein shake with lactaid milk. But I still hit the bathroom a few times. So I called the bariatric nurse this afternoon. She asked what I was eating and said I should stick to one kind of Protein Drink (so far I've had Isopure carb free, gold standard whey, and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken) and back off all dairy. So starting this afternoon, it's Water and unjury chicken for a couple of days. I'm not sure what caused the loose stools. I really kinda expected the nurse to say that was normal because I've seen several other people on the list with the same issue. But the nurse didn't think it was normal. In addition to the dairy, I suspect the artificial sweetener. I have always used it without a problem, but between the sugar free drinks, protein, and Jello, I've had a lot more of it than usual in the last few days. I really thought if it was lactose-intolerance I could still do greek yogurt, but who knows? Fortunately, I'm still full of fluids from surgery and I can drink at least a cup of water an hour, so probably no worries about becoming dehydrated. If I don't get the issue under control this weekend, I have to call back on Monday. She said the Dr. may want a stool sample. Yuck!!!!!!!

Suzette, Congrats on your healthier, happier life! I'm so glad you can keep up with your little boy and that you now have a much better chance to see him grow up and settle down. And a wedding on top of that good fortune! My advice for 21 lbs in 11 days is journal, journal, journal and work out 30-45 minutes every day. You can do it! Lynda

Thanks Meggie! I know what you mean about only 1 kind. I have purposefully stocked up on a wide variety of foods on my dietary list because I don't like to eat the same thing over and over. But I can deal for a day or two. I really hope it resolves itself and I can get back to mixing it up with abandon. It's so frustrating that each doctor's pre and post-op directions vary by such wide margins. But I'm just gonna focus on the good parts of this journey: I am getting Water down no problem and no nausea. Onward to Day Five!! Lynda

Hi all, I started Full liquids today. I was cleared for them yesterday evening, but I didn't feel like having them. Today I had 1/2 cup fat free milk with 1/2 scoop French vanilla Gold Standard whey Protein. About 3 hours later, I got really crampy then had a really runny pooh. I'm not sure if it was the milk, all the liquids with no solids, or just my bowels waking up post-surgery. I am going to try milk again tomorrow and see how I do. I have some Lactaid milk already purchased, but I hope that's not the issue because the Lactaid milk tastes too sweet to me. I also plan to try some thinned greek yogurt tomorrow. I've set the timer and watched the clock all day and have done a good job getting my protein and fluids in. So far, I've downed 6 cups of Fluid and 47 grams of protein (1 bottle Mango Zero-Carb Isopure, whey shake, and 1/2 cup unjury chicken). I also walked a couple of blocks in the neighborhood. Felt so good to get some sun and hear the birds singing and the leaves rustling. I had a moment of nausea this afternoon but it passed quickly thank goodness! My voice is about gone. I think that's from the tube during the operation, but I'm not sure. It was a little affected after the surgery, but has got worse yesterday and today. Of course, I've been talking to my husband and mom a lot so I think part of it is that I haven't given it a chance to rest. So I'm not talking for the rest of today. I hope that fixes it! The incisions look good. They are a bit puffy, but I guess that is to be expected. I had the nurse check them out before I left the hospital and she said they looked good. I think they are a bit longer than I expected, but I can't tell for sure because they are covered with steri-strips. I weighed myself this morning and I'm still retaining a lot of fluid from the IV. I was 216 the morning of surgery and I'm 230 today. I do feel better today and I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow! I'm going to take a shower tonight. Woohoo!!! Not sure I can shave my legs all the way down yet, but I'm gonna try!

No way are you being a baby! Every day makes a big difference. You will probably see others posting soon who have had their surgery the same day as you. I'm just one day ahead of you. There are two or three other members who had surgery the same day as me, but I think I was the first to send a message post-op. One thing about pain: it's better to stay ahead of the curve. If you let it get bad before taking the meds it is harder to get under control. From what I can tell, most people only need the pain meds the first few days. I took a full dose this morning (3:30 a.m.), but plan to try a 1/2 dose this morning or afternoon and see how it gos. Congrats on a successful surgery and welcome to the losers bench! Lynda

I'm so sorry she is suffering! It sounds like the Dr's have a handle on things and that her leak and pain will soon be in the past and she will be on her way to a healthy life. And it's so sweet of you to post for her and share/gather information. Best wishes to both of you for a speedy resolution to her recovery issues. I am sending healing and calming thoughts to her. Lynda

New tops and jeans Sheath dresses Matching bras and panties High heels Cute flats without enough support for a 200+ person New glasses for my skinnier face New swimsuit and coverup I'm gonna wait for one year after my weight stabilizes to decide what to do about wrinkles, flab, and sag.

Wow Meggie, Congrats on the 25 lbs!! I am so glad you are doing better. I know you really struggled at the beginning. You should have heard me in the hospital after hearing about you and heparin: Heaprin, it that heparin? I don't want a big giant bruise!! Can I get it in my arm? By the way, one tip the nurse told me is not to rub the spot where you got the shot. It makes the bruising worse. Lynda

Hi all, I started Clear liquids at 11 today. 1 oz every 15 minutes. I have bit felt sick and I have enjoyed most "sips". I'm on my way home from the hospital now. Looking forward to my bed, TV, and a Popsicle!!

I'm home from my may 17 surgery. So far so good! I've posted a couple of topics about my recovery in the "Tell Your Story" section. Healing thoughts to fellow May sleevers who are already on the losers bench and best wishes for speedy recoveries to those who have not yet had their surgeries!!

Hi all! I'm on the losers bench!!! Surgery went great and post op pain is well controlled I feel a little sick to my tummy but I am hoping the two nausea Meds they gave me work soon. Went to OR at 11am and woke up in the recovery around 2. Went for a walk at 8pm and got my first burp right after. They found a hernia and repaired it. Dr Hahn got a couple of pics inside my tummy too. Can't wait to leave the 200s behind forever!! Expect a clear liquid report tomorrow!!!

Thanks to all for the kind thoughts!! I'm home now and enjoying clear liquids at the rate of 1oz every 15 minutes.

Hi Jenn, Consider your spot saved!! I sound happy because I am!! Lynda

Meggie, a get together for recent Bay Area. sleevers sounds dun. Thanks for the good thoughts and your progress reports. Because of you, I was not surprised to get the heparin shots. Lynda