Katie713

Thanks for sharing your story. You and your family sound amazing, and very resiliant. I hope you continue to do well with your new sleeve!!

Walk, Walk, Walk. That's the only thing that helps distribute the gas trapped in the body, eventually it will find it's way OUT. Oh, if you have pain meds, that can help you get through the worst of it. They gave me a small prescription for pain after surgery just in case. I did use it to get rest, I was so uncomfortable at first I had to sleep sitting up.

mini.me.....eat as little fat as possible. Bile is stored in the gallbladder to assist with digestion of fats. If you can go non-fat until surgery all the better. Spicy foods also make your gallbladder want to send in the digestive juices. I waited six months for my gallbladder surgery after my first episode. I learned how to avoid them for the most part and lost a lot of weight waiting for surgery that they said was non-emergent because I did not have signs of an infection....just tons of PAIN!! I finally had my gallbladder removed in 1990...it was so wonderful to not have to deal with that horrible pain!!!

Don't let anybody drive you out of Dodge Dee Dee. We all have our struggles and no one is perfect. When we screw up, we know it. Admit it, deal with it, then try to keep those screw ups to a minimum. I am in a better place these days, but veered off for awhile. I am now being super strict with myself so that I can get to goal. Hope you stick around.

Before surgery I was always a volume eater, it took a lot to fill me up. Pre-op I did WW and used their philosophy of filling with veggies before my main meal, I made my own version of their veggie soup or had a salad before my entree or eat an hour after. Frequent meals but low in calories. This might be a good strategy for you.

You have every right to be PROUD! Congrats! Bravo!!

I used Uriflow for kidney stones and had good results and I've heard Renavive is also effective. The remedy gave me incredible relief at a time my doctor was deciding what to do, mine were stealthy, hard to see, but I had every symptom and debris in my urine and sometimes blood. I was in agony at times, taking vicoden and morphine when in the ER (which was frequent). I never had to have surgery, my stones dissolved. Everyone is different though, I am not a doctor, and you have to take the advice of your specialists. I never regretted having my gallbladder out, that was the worst pain of my life...my kids were young and seeing me suffer, the day after removal, what a RELIEF. Never missed it, no side effects, just discomfort from the surgery, but recovered nicely.

I can understand your sadness and confusion. I went through this surgery nearly a year ago, and if I was in your shoes, I would probably feel the same way. To satisfy your curiousity, have you ever thought of having a barium swallow done to see what things look like on the inside? Another poster had a similar story and I'm sorry to say she was barraged with people doubting that she was even given the sleeve gastrectomy, that in fact she might have been duped by the surgeon because nothing made sense. Can you describe whether you have any change in your ability to take in food & liquids. How did you feel in the beginning soon after surgery, and did you follow a tiered program of Clear Liquids, full liquids, pureed, soft and then solids? What does it feel like when you eat? At this point a year out, I can tolerate more food and now I understand this is a "tool"....I have to be ever so diligent with my diet and exercise. I still have a ways to go and am at somewhat of a standstill but I plan to kick it up to restart my weight loss so I can get to goal. I am sure you will get a myriad of replies, but we may need more information to help you figure this out, even if it is just for support.

Just keep up the good work and you will lose, with or without the surgery. I did fantastic on Weight Watchers pre-op as my health insurance required 10% weight loss before approval. I was so committed, and did great. I was 56 when I had surgery last year, so no Spring chicken either...best thing I ever did. If you are self pay the low BMI shouldn't be a problem, but if using insurance, check the guidelines and maintain the BMI you need if you intend to ultimately have the surgery. Good Luck!

Sannah....I've had kidney stones and gallstones, I know how painful they can be! When do they intend to remove your gallbladder? I hope your pain remains under control with the meds. Have a good weekend with your little one!

Do it when the time is right for you. I could have had surgery in early Feb last year but postponed to April because I had to move March 1st and had a prepaid conference the first week of April. When I had surgery all that was behind me and I was able to move forward without any other commitments.

Me too Sannah...here in Los Angeles sending you my good thoughts and prayers.

Sannah...a lot to take in just when we thought you had the green light to get on with recovery!! I am also glad it is not another leak, and hopefully you'll have an easy cholestectomy (removal of gallbladder). I had mine out and it wasn't too bad, but I do know the kidney stones take more work because they remain as functioning organs, whereas the gallbladder isn't critical to our regular functions, it is basically a holding tank for bile and the digestion of fats. In some ways I wonder if it might be better for them to remove the stones surgically while you are under anesthesia...or do the percussion therapy to break those stones down so they pass, sometimes they even install a stent (I know you hate that word) from the bladder to the urethra to allow them to pass easily. Gosh darn it!! Our thoughts will be with you darlin!!!!

Ladyvm...sorry to hear this. Will your lung heal and will you still have your sleeve surgery or do you have to avoid further surgery due to your anatomy and adhesions? Hopefully you heal quickly.

Yes Becky, are you doing better these days? Its been awhile since we've heard from you.

Gosh Sannah, I know you just want to be well, and this is hard on you and your family. Don't give up, I'm sure many of us are praying for you, I know I am. You'll get through this one step at a time. Take care.

I know....in the old days I couldn't stop myself with GS cookies. I don't even eat sweets that much, but for some reason I just can't resist them. Better for me to keep them out of the house completely!! I keep all sorts of things in my house for my kids/grandkids and most of it doesn't bother me too much, but crackers and cookies have to be kept to a minimum, I don't want to start playing games with myself, like "I'll only have two"....I've played those games in the past and done with that. Now, back to my olives and string cheese!!

Why not go to urgent care and see if you can get an antibiotic since you are running a fever. This way it has time to work before next week. it's worth a try.

Darn it, I couldn't find them at my Walmart...I have been wanting to give them a try. I do like the Lean Cuisine beef tenderloins with broccoli, the one meal they have without noodles, rice or potatoes! How do the Atkins meals taste??

Laura...I see your are my sister mermaid. How was the thin mint? Please tell me in detail. It's like food porn you know.

The worst thing ever. Girl Scout cookies for sale outside my local market! I had to use the other entrance, or there could have been major trouble. Thin Mints. Need I say more. I avoided the enemy. :ph34r:

Laura...Cheese its are like LAYS you can't eat just one. I can't keep them around, they call me from the cupboard!!

Sannah...I agree remove your phone number and private message it to oregondaisy. Just use the edit function. Hope you're having a good day!!