101driver

OK - you guy totally crack me up!!! I'm constantly amazed at how similar my experiences are (down to the tiniest detail!) to others on this board. You are technically strangers, but you feel like comrades! Been there, felt that way, done that... thanks for the morning laugh everyone! PS - I've been in the to barf or not to barf about three times (I'm 6 weeks out). Have to say, I barfed and, though traumatizing, I felt so much better. My big thing is NEED TO SLOW DOWN when I eat.

I'm having skin issues, too -- I'm REALLY itchy!! I thought it was the laundry soap bothering me (but same soap I've always used), but now reading this, I'm wondering if it's water related. I'm just shy of 6 weeks out. Anyone have the itchies happen to them?

Biggie - O was sleeved two days after you. I went through a week or so when I thought I was getting hungry all of a sudden (it was upsetting to me). I took the advice many have given on this board and started Prevacid. Boy did it work! I guess it was acid, even though I wasn't having any issues with reflux. Good luck to you.

I stalled with my first period, too... : ( Hope it isn't a regular monthly event. The period is bad enough, but the stall hits emotionally.

God bless you and keep you. You are making a life affirming decision and changing yourself for the better! Congratulations and best wishes!

Hi everyone - I remember in my pre-op research that ibuprophen was a strict no-no with Gastric Bypass. However, I don't remember what the rules are for us sleeved folks. I know that I had to be off it for 10 days prior to surgery, but now that I'm 2 weeks post-op, can I take it? Thanks for any thoughts.

Yes! I really had incision pain - the main incision that took the brunt of the work (according to my surgeon). I'm soooo happy to report that a few days ago (I'm four weeks out) I literally felt completely fine upon waking on a morning after a night of burning, localized pain. My doc says that final stitch finally let go. Ahhhhhh... Pain free now and loving life. My doc says it really takes about 4 weeks for that deep, incision pain to subside. Good luck to you.

I'm exactly four weeks out today and I've hit my first goal - the first 50 pounds are gone! 31 of those were prior to surgery and 19 since. Feeling good!!

Thank you so much, everyone!!! I feel so supported by all my sleeve buddies. The even-better-news is that I couldn't resist and jumped on the scale after a wonderfully intense water aerobics class this morning and I must have sweat a lot because I'm down another 1.5 pounds since this morning's official weekly weigh in!

You look BEAUTIFUL! What a difference. Congrats!

I had a spinach craving, too. Must need the iron. I cooked a bag of baby spinach (reduced down to about one cup) and LOVED it. No problem digesting whatsoever. Good luck!

I think I could have won an eating contest, I used to be able to pack so much in. Literally, enough for my entire family of four. It shocking to me that now (3 weeks post op), I struggle to eat 1/2 cup of mushies or 1 cup of cream soup. And it's more than "full" feeling - it's like "there is not even a smidge left! Don't eat another bite!" feeling. I hope it lasts for the rest of my life.

My tummy loved it, acid and all. I got the Tropicana 50 - it's lower sugar and "lighter" tasting. Maybe if you just dilute regular OJ it would be good? I know...I crave it sometimes. Maybe it's the vitamin C we're wanting?

Great!

I iike "plumbing issues" LOL!! I just said "abdominal surgery" that I needed to have done. I think people figured it out though, because my husband (who works at the same school) has had some people come up to him and discuss how great it is I'm getting weight loss surgery...??? Pretty bold, I think. He didn't know how to respond, poor guy!

Great report! congrats on making it through so well.

I'm 3 weeks post op today and just this weekend I (gently) rolled on my sides to sleep. AAAAHHHH! My back has been cramping up so badly from sleeping exclusively on it. I have a pillow on each side of me. When I roll on my side, I shove a pillow under my belly for support, and also under my bum/hip on the other side so I don't feel like I'm going to roll back (or straining to stay on my side). My big belly was hurting and feeling like its weight was pulling on my internal stitches, so the pillow really helps. But I can say that, at 3 weeks out, I feel like I can roll around better and finally get comfortable. Hang in there! You're still healing.

Yup - I have (had) it. It's getting so much better. But if I overdo it I know it because that's the center of any pain I feel. Doc says four weeks seems to be the magic number for this pain going away. Feel better!

I'm a 1/30 sleever, too - so almost 3 weeks out. I'm by no means experienced, but I TOTALLY understand what you're going through. I have to say that I almost feel back to normal. It's hard to believe because that first week was pretty rough. Remember that every day is a new day and you're getting better and better. Be patient and have faith in your decision to do this. I suspect you'll be looking back in a few weeks the way I am now and thinking "wow - that was hard, but I'm on the road to recovery now!" You're only a few days out, so it's very normal and understandable that you feel the way you do. Go easy and slow; stick to liquids; rest and baby yourself as you're healing; don't push it.

How in the heck are you swimming so much??!! How long does it take you to do a mile? I am attempting to get back in the pool on Monday (I'll be exactly 3 weeks post op), but I'm afraid I'm going to wimp out after not very many minutes because I feel so out of shape. Also, I'm still sore so I don't know about moving so much (either in water aerobics class or swimming laps). You must be made of steel! Hang in there - the pounds will come off soon enough.

aaawwww! Love our dogs!! Do you let him on the couch by you? Maybe some quiet cuddle time next to you. My mini daschund wants on my lap so bad. But he's content if I let him on my legs (not my tummy) if I talk sweet to him and give him lots of pets.

I had a 2 week check with my doc yesterday (I'm 1/30-just a day ahead of you) and told him I thought the adrenaline/excitement had worn off and I was working in "real time" now. He encouraged me to get all my protein in to combat the sluggishness (I'm having a hard time with protein). My abdomen is really sore - mostly centralized around the incision where the old tummy came out. Doc says all is very normal and look for that sore spot to feel better after about 4 weeks. I guess that place got two really thick, heavy duty internal stitches and every time I move, I feel internal tugging and soreness. So, you're not alone, I'm right there with you.

Hi Dooter! Congrats. I'm a little bit ahead of you and I can say, 2.5 weeks post-op, that life gets better soon. I had the gripping/wave stomach pain thing, too. It went away in the first week. It's all a bit of a blur now. On about day 5 I was able to take regular drinks (not sips) and felt hydrated and better. I continue to get stronger, more alert, and feel better and better each day. Hang in there! Yeah for all of us!!!!!!!

I'm having pain still (2 weeks post-op) and I wanted to see if this is relatively common with other folks. The pain has mostly centralized to the area of the biggest incision that got the most tugging (stomach removal, etc.). But it seems that there is pain radiating around to the right of that - around my side a little and towards my back. Could I have pulled a muscle there getting in and out of bed (always a little difficult)? I'm still getting used to all these new sensations and I can't tell if this is all internal or muscular...

Bobbi Lou - ha ha I just posted a new topic about pain and then found your question. I feel better, too, knowing I'm not alone. Hope you feel better soon!