lighteningbug

Does anyone have any thoughts or information on drinking Kombucha tea. I'm 10 months down, feel great, lost all my weight, just looking for a healthy immune system booster. I have a friend who hooked me on The Wild Root (root beer flavor) Kombucha tea yesterday. It is essentially an all natural fermented probiotics. I loved it and felt great after having one. It has a similar apple cider vinegar carbonation though. It has a carbonated taste I think bc of the fermentation process. It bubbbles a little and foams at the top when opened. Is that the same as regular carbonation issues. I experienced no pain but also haven't had any carbonation. Thoughts? THX!

No, do NOT eat broccoli in the soft food stage! I was cruising along after my surgery, up and walking a couple miles a day by day 4 when I was home-so easy, no complications, no pain at all. I think I really took for granted how easy it was turning out to be-then I ate a piece of cooked soft broccoli around 8 or 9 weeks(can't remember-will have to go back and look at my posts). After the broccoli, nothing stayed down, threw up, gagged, foamed, couldn't even keep water down. Went to doctor who was really not pleased that I had eaten a piece of broccoli in the soft food stage. Everything resolved itself on its own, but when he ordered a barium swallow test to check for rough edges of broccoli that may be stuck, it really woke me back up to the reality that I had really just had major surgery and needed to treat it that way, not eating cruciferous type foods early on;-) Maybe it was just me and broccoli but my vote is no!

I had a similar problem and it turned out just fine! I had a very easy surgery and recovery and then at around 10 weeks out I just started foaming and couldn't even keep water down. I had eaten a small piece of broccoli that I thought I had chewed well the night before. Doc thought stricture or gall bladder. Had swallow test, things were moving ...but slowly. Had gall bladder checked and I did have stones. Doctor suspected I had stones prior to surgery and opted not to remove my gallbladder and just wait it out another day or two to see if I had just irritated my sleeve with the broccoli. He was right, just inflamed probably bc of the broccoli and all symptoms completely went away overnight two days after. He did double my PPI for a week. I hope you have a similar non issue!

I am day 3 post op and doing great at home, off all pain meds and getting in all my protein and walking-totally excited! I am new to this group and when I got home from the hospital I really felt compelled to share my patient /doctor story in case there was anyone who was still undecided or still looking for the right doctor. I am a Christian. My faith was not anything that came up or was discussed in my two pre op appointments between me and the doctor. I was excited but admittedly, also a little nervous the morning of my surgery. The power had gone out and my surgery was being delayed until the hospital could figure out why the city of Dallas was in blackout in that area. I almost changed my mind right then and there and can definitely say I had more than a few nerves as I had 2 additional hours waiting in the lobby in the dark until my turn. Too much time to sit and think about it on an empty stomach and kind of a restless night! Anyway, long story getting shorter , lights came on and they whisked me away to weigh me and put me in my pre op gown. Less than 5 minutes before procedure was supposed to start, Doctor Davidson walked in, sat down beside my bed and asked if it would be alright for us to pray together before the surgery. I said I would love to. He took my hand in both of his and thanked God for so many blessings we see in our daily lives and most importantly for sacrificing Himself on the cross to save us. He asked God for His guidance as he performed the procedure and we prayed for comfort and peace for my husband and children awaiting with hope of a speedy recovery. I was for the very first time at complete peace with my decision to have this surgery. Just knowing that my doctor had such a genuine and real relationship with the Lord and somehow knew what a big decision this is for each of us. Anesthesia came back right after and not a jitter in sight. One of the anesthesiologists commented that Dr. Davidson patients are always so relaxed and always have a smile even before "we get here" because he is the only doctor that prays with his patients before every procedure. If you are looking for a good Christian doc, he is the one for you! His front office girl had also asked me the week prior when my surgery date was on my way out of my pre op visit. She said "I just jotted you down in my prayer book and will wake up early to pray again that morning for you." I thanked her for her support and then she asked if I would also pray for her when her surgery date came up the following month. I love this doctor and his strong conviction in the power of prayer. It just seems as if he has surrounded himself with so many believers and does not hesitate to share his personal faith-I LOVE this doctor! I can truly say I have never felt such comfort swell over me at one time! He also explains how the human body works in the pre op classes as "how God made us in His infinite knowledge" etc. If you are seeking comfort in any way and just need the reassurance, this guy (and his office staff) is awesome! He is head of Bariatrics at Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, the Bariatric Surgery Center with long time excellence rating and tons of vsg experience.

I was sleeved March 28th(7-8 weeks out) and I had two small pieces of broccoli for dinner last night, no stems and cooked medium but I chewed them well I think. I haven't been able to hold anything down since I ate that last night including Water. I had lots of foamies today everytime I try anything from Protein shakes to water and (sorry for the grossness) but I'm puking mucous stuff and feeling like I need to spit constantly. Since it's now been 24 hours I'm starting to feel really thirsty. Been outside, by the pool and at baseball games and birthday parties, all with my emergency puke cup. I'm afraid to eat or drink anything so I really haven't tried but a few things today like water and capri sun and a Protein shake. I don't feel like I have a stomach bug and I don't even feel worn down yet from not holding food or water down. I always get my 60-80g of protein and minimum 64 oz. water, never had this before but I've never had broccoli since the sleeve either. I had foamies once when I ate too fast and I've never really done it again but this seems different. It didn't even occur to me but now I'm wondering if I blocked something up and it's stuck and that is why food won't go down. It seems like I would be in pain though if something like that happened. No pain, just feel very full and can't keep anything down. When will I be dehydrated and should I call my doc yet? I don't know if this makes a difference either but I started losing weight all of a sudden at an incredibly fast rate 3 days ago. I was pretty steady for about 8-9 days and then started dropping between 1.5 pounds per day, eating aand drinking the same things as usual. I've lost about 6 pounds in 3 days and I'm a pound lighter than I was this morning since I have no Fluid or food in me at all right now. Any advice, is this normal and is it possible that the broccoli can even get stuck? I'm cleared for all foods I thought except celery and red meat. I'm kind of afraid to call it a night without any fluids in me. Thanks everyone

FYI- update on broccoli drama , but I think it's important information just to get out there. I went to the doc today, they heard the "saga" and symptoms and sent me down for gallbladder check. I had gallstones. Since i haven't had any pain, doc wanted to rule out broccoli being stuck before scheduling me for a gallbladder removal surgery so I got to drink the barium liquid again for an upper GI. It went down very slow and went up and down in my esophogus but finally passed through a very narrow esophogus. I'm back on liquids for a week and he thinks the cause of not tolerating solids suddenly was most defintely the broccoli and not the gallstones. He thinks it passed through(he didn't see it in my esophogus or stomach) but says it could have scraped it's way down and scar tissue developed narrowing my already narrowed esophogus or it could just be irritated and inflamed from the broccoli being so harsh going down. Don't eat broccoli at 7 weeks! He didn't rule out a stricture yet but he really thinks it's just irritated.

Thanks everyone for your quick advice to nudge me in the right direction. I did call the nutritionist on her cell-was definitely broccoli fiber irritating stomach. Finally keeping water down and back on liquids for a day pr two until irritation goes away. Looking back, broccoli was not a smart thing to eat but it wasn't on my no fly list......which just proves what a valuable lesson I learned taking for granted how totally smooth this whole process has been and that I still have to be actively involved in deciding what goes in my mouth to nourish my body. Take away-go slow even when feeling good! Thank you friends for all the good advice!

I told everyone I knew and still do if it comes up in conversation. I initially decided to tell for support bc my husband travels a lot and I just wasn't sure how it would go or if I'd need my friends to help at times with kids or anything during recovery period(none of that happened and I was walking a couple miles a day the first week;-) Now I still tell everyone but have realized it is for a different reason... the friend who casually and openly told me about her surgery 3 years ago literally changed my life. Had she not been so open and positive and telling me how easy it was and what a good decision it had been for her, I might have missed the boat! I still thank her for her honesty and openess while sitting outside at the picnic table with the whole group of kindergarden class Moms around regarding her surgery, She didn't have to blurt out to me that she had her stomach cut out three years ago( i thought she was one of the one with naturally great genetics!) She is adorable and cute and was 80 pounds heavier 3 years ago. So glad she was open about it! Even if a skinny friend tells an overweight cousin, friend, coworker whatever about the procedure-it's definitely a topic of conversation! it;s kind of like the whole group is on the journey now with me, really lifting me up with losses and encouraging me with those long weekly plateaus! It worked for me but each situation is different!

Do it! You will be soooo glad you did! I only had 50- 60 pounds to lose total going into this surgery but was tired of fighting the fight that goes along with the everyday struggle with weight loss so many of us are familiar with. Mine was a complete personal choice(which of course it has to be). My husband thought I had truly flipped my top when I said WLS and I have three young kids(6,7,10) who really need a Mom still! I struggled with the "selfishness" of it. the "what if" something went wrong for a week before the surgery. I realized after doing it that the risks are so very minimal and the personal growth and but how it changes our minds and habits to that of a healthy person is so totally rewarding. I now watch people mindlessly eat and shovel food into their mouth, not in a critical or judgemental way, but silently in a "that used to be me and thank goodness it's not me anymore way" I told everybody I knew and still tell everybody I know if asked or it comes up bc I feel like if it changes one other person's life for the better like it did mine, we are helping somehow That being said, I still think you should do it without hesitation! The only thing I will say is be absolutely sure you are doing it for you and only you since it is truly a mental game sometimes and will eventually cause you to dig deep and ultimately realize how "addicted" you were to food after all the "you look great" comments begin to subside. I never thought I was a food addict, but I certainly was! Best decision I've ever made in 41 years of life.....no regrets at all!

Sounds like me! I was sleeved on March 28th and I noticed that once I started eating real solid foods and NOT drinking with my meals, I finally stayed full for several hours. I still gravitate towards softer foods just because I like them...protein shakes, beans, yogurts, puddings, etc. All of the foods you listed were soft and liquid like protein shakes and soups. Try a crabcake or a piece of chicken-you will feel like you just finished a huge mexican food bufffet!

I'm 5'0", started at 171 and lost 6 preop and 15 post op in 21 days. So easy so far and feel great! BTW - There is a shortie forum on this website for those of us 5'2" and under! C U over there!

You will do great!

I'm 12 days post op and on full liquid requirement of 60g protein and 64 oz. of fluid. Doctor's staff told me all fluid counted toward's 64 oz. I started buying the ready to drink protein shakes that have 52g of protein for 1 shake. It takes me almost all day to drink it, but I get my protein in and they taste pretty good. Also, in the blender, I put a Jay Robb protein shake packet(25g), No sugar added carnation instant breakfast packet and a few ounces of rice milk and ice cubes. Tastes good and you get around 35g protein. A 20oz. bottle of Isopure has 40g. of whey protein isolate so those work really well for me too. You can find all of the above at The Vitamin Shoppe.

I stalled right out the gate too..... My surgery was March 28th so I'm 12 days post op too! I'm down 10 pounds but have been sitting here within a pound since the first week. From what I've read, we are right on track and I just keep reminding myself how happy I am that I will never be this weight again because it's not coming back this time like it did before! Woohoo! Also, the slower we lose, the better in so many ways bc of loose skin and gallstone issues. The weight will come off because we just aren't consuming that many calories and everything we do eat is healthy now!

my doc said you really can't have too many gas x strips! I'm sure there is a recommendation on the box but my doctor's office made it sound like you could just keep going until the pain stopped.....

I'm going on Day 5 post op, have had no problems at all and felt great. I was off pain meds and I walked a mile today, but I decided to take a full dose of my liquid hydrocodone tonight at 8:30 after I put my kids to bed. I am still on clear liquids. I am starting to feel a little shaky, a little faint(the feeling I used to get occasionally when I would accidently forget to eat) and cured if I had a glucose tab or a quick sugar fix to counteract the low blood sugar. I've never been diagnosed with hypoglycemia but it has happened a handful of times in the past. My question is.... if this feeling continues to get worse and I feel like my blood sugar is dropping, can I take a glucose tab or an ounce of apple juice with sugar to bring my blood sugar back up? I'm starting to freak out a little bc my kids are all here asleep. If I knew I could have regular apple juice that would set my mind at ease but I know Im not supposed to have sugar??? Will it cause me to have a leak or is it only for losing weight reason. What will happen if I need to dissolve a glucose tab to prevent passing out? Like I said, I have been feeling 100% great, getting pleanty of proteins and liquids in. I'm afraid maybe walking in excess, taking care of kids while my husband traveled today and having a full dose of hydrocodone was a bad combo for me. Any advice please??? Thank you, any help appreciated.

I think they said I could when they gave me my discharge papers but really not totally sure. They crossed through my anti-inflammatory medication and told me not to take that but didn't say anything about my Lunesta. Need a good night's sleep but not sure if it will affect me different on my new stomach??? :wub: Thank you!!!

I am off pain meds and just called discharge nurse who confirmed I could! I think I'll just try half...

Thank you for your quick reply! I called the nurse who discharged me on Friday night because she was so sweet and she just gave me the same answer you did! She told me to dilute some apple juice if I felt I needed to. Thank you....I'm going to my doctor tomorrow to figure this out and buying a blood glucose monitor because I think I'm just stressing myself out now

I'm 5ft. 0" tall and my starting weight was 165. My BMI was 32.8. I had no comorbidities at all, I was just overweight and could not get it off and keep it off myself bc I had messed up my metabolism so bad after years of dieting!. My doctor is head of Bariatrics at Presbyterian hospital in Dallas. He has done lots of procedures with people with my BMI which made me feel very comfortable! I'm 3 days post op and feel great! Walked two miles this morning-human body is truly amazing!

I'm back home! Day 3 post op and I just walked two miles around the block and I'm off pain meds. Go March!

Definitely recommend Dr. James Davidson in Dallas now that I'm post op with no complications! I was referred to him by 2 other friends here in Dallas who used him 3 years ago. One of my friends' dad is a top plastic surgeon in Dallas and this is who he referred his daughter to use when she decided on the surgery. I'm not sure if you are part of the christian sleever group, but I have never felt more at peace with my decision that right Before the surgery when Dr. Davidson came in and asked if we could pray together before anesthesia arrived. He took my hand and thanked God for so many things, then asked God for guidance and a quick recovery for myself and my family. I could not have been any more calm and relaxed knowing this surgeon has a personal relationship with the Lord and understands what a big decision this is for people like us. Smooth as could be, anesthesia came in and they started 5 minutes later! Arrived home yesterday, walked two miles today and I am completely off pain meds already 3 days post op! I couldn't be happier!

I am 3 days post op and I am supposed to be on clear liquid diet for days 1-7. My doctors instructions are that I need to drink 48oz. of fluid and 40g of protein. It also states I am to use 1-2 approved protein supplements. Just trying to figure out if I should make a Jay Robb Whey protein shake and does it qualify as a clear liquid? It also says I can have skim milk or soy milk. I just don't think of those items as "clear" liquids. Any help appreciated !

Does most everyone have to do this just like the 2 week preop diet? Any ideas on what to drink it with or just drink it plain? Sip it or slam it? I'm going to be so ready to be knocked out for an hour Wednesday morning;-)

I pray you have a speedy recovery and I agree...let's get this thing done! I asked them if they would please just take me in this morning when I was having my preop bloodwork done! See you on the sleeved side! I'm a day behind you;-)