blinger12

I am at the end of my 4th week and the weight loss has slowed WAY down (almost stopped). Has this been anyone else's experience?

Those nay-saying idiots really get my Irish up. This is YOUR journey and no one has any right to say anything destructive. It's tough enough to make the decision to change your life in such a positive way. First, you don't owe anyone at work an explanation. I told everyone because I was happy about getting the chance to do it (and I'm an open book most of the time anyway). So much of life is about personal boundaries. When someone starts giving their negative opinion about the choices YOU are making about YOUR life, just politely but firmly tell them you are looking forward to the surgery and change the subject. Even idiots get the point.

Welcome and congratulations for starting your journey. I am 9 days post-op and, bearing in mind that each person's response is somewhat different, we all share commonalities. To address your concerns one at a time: 1. Pain was not a problem for me. I was in the hospital overnight and had a PCA pump (patient controlled analgesia (morphine), as well as a "Q ball" with a tube going into the biggest incision, bathing the wound in local anesthetic 24/7. They took it out when I left the hospital. You will be sent home with liquid pain relief (usually some form of hydrocodone). The pain is mostly soreness. 2. I was careful in choosing my surgeon. I found one that has done this over 2,000 times with never a leak. Percentages of post-op leaks are very low and are usually due to the patient's noncompliance with the regimen (eats solid food too soon). 3. As far as not being able to adapt to the new lifestyle, (1) make sure this is what you want to do, and (2) you will be so amazed at how YOU WILL NOT BE HUNGRY that you will be able to stay on the regimen the first 6 weeks before you can pretty much eat what you want to eat, only in small quantities. 4. Not losing enough weight - again, if you stay true to your goals, you will lose the weight. You will have plateaus when you body will be adjusting, but be patient and keep one foot in front of the other. 5. Yes, all the loose skin will probably require a tummy tuck. NOW, AS THEY SAY IN TEXAS - GIT HER DONE! Good luck, my friend.

I am one week post-op and no significant problems. I have been using Syntrax protein powders (Fuzzy Naval, Chocolate Truffle, Vanilla, and Chicken Broth) mixed with a high protein milk as my protein source. Except for the chicken soup, all the protein powders are sweet. I am looking for suggestions for protein sources that are not sweet. I still have a week left of liquids only. Suggestions?

First off, a couple of questions - How long have you been contemplating having the surgery? What is the cost of having the surgery in Mexico? (just my curiosity) Secondly, let me say you are very wise to keep your plans on the down-low at work. Co-workers can be so mean-spirited and competitive. As far as what to tell your employer regarding the time off, tell him/her you have a family issue that demands your attention. Regarding the speculation that "what if?" you have physical issues after the surgery - don't go there. Think positive. As with any other challenge in life, you will handle it if and when it occurs. You are not talking yourself out of it - you are being practical. All the things you talk about in your post are valid; just be careful not to borrow trouble. Have you and your husband talked seriously and at length about having this surgery? Is he supportive of it? And lastly, go ahead and have an occasional pity party, but don't stay too long at the ball, Cinderella. I'll leave you with one of my favorite cliches - "Worry is a fast getaway on a wooden horse."

I tried some strained cream of mushroom soup yesterday and it was soooo good. The pureed bean soup sounds like something I'd like. Thanks!

You know, so much depends on your physical condition pre-surgery, how well you adjust to a new regimen, your age, any other physical demands/problems, stressors, etc. My experience was very positive (I'm 1 week post-op) (64 years old). Pain was negligible, first day home a couple episodes of nausea and vomiting, controlled with anti-nausea medication, felt better each new day, fatigue at first, but got stronger. Taking the on-line courses should be very manageable, depending on your support system, whether you have children at home, etc. Good luck!

Thanks - I may try the yogurt. I'm probably just being impatient.

First, let me say congrats for making the decision to take charge of your future. I want to encourage you to "keep your eye on the prize" and focus on the positive things you will be (you should pardon the expression) gaining when your journey takes you to the goal of being healthier. I am a 64-year-old retired nurse and I am one week post-op. I had a brief period of anxiety about a week before the surgery, but I worked it out with myself mentally and moved on. I assume you have done your research regarding the statistics on this surgery and are assured your surgeon's reputation is an excellent one. I have not had significant pain (had a PCA pump in the hospital and hydrocodone liquid prescription for home). I only used the hydrocodone for the first 24 hours. I had a couple of nausea and vomiting episodes the first day home, but if you use the anti-nausea med they send home with you, you will do fine. Leaks at the suture line are very rare; it's all about doing what you are supposed to do. Anything new to your lifestyle takes repetition to be accepted by your brain. Remember - your glass is half FULL, not half empty (just sip it slowly after surgery) (hee hee hee). I wish you good luck. YOU ARE IN CHARGE!

As a retired nurse, I have to ask - have you asked your doctor about this? You shouldn't have any urinary tract problems post-surgery.

I am 5 days post-op and a little envious that you can have pudding the first week. Enjoy! All I'm allowed the first 2 weeks is clear liquids.

I had my surgery 4 days ago and am having a real problem keeping liquids down. So far I have not been able to get more than 20 grams of protein in an about the same amount of liquids. Nausea is my ever-present companion. I'd like to hear if this had been the rule with other women. I'm 64 and live in the Dallas area.

Thanks, Gracemarie, for your reply. I'm just trying to be a good little rule follower. I know that dehydration is a big worry after surgery, so I'll concentrate more on pushing fluid that the protein. Did you find a protein powder that you could tolerate better than another?