GivingItMyAll

Two weeks. I was told to keep the pressure off my belly and had no problems. Sent from my iPad using VST

Work it gurl! Sent from my iPad using VST

As someone who had the surgery at the same hospital as you, let me tell you, you will be in excellent hands. My pain was not bad at all. I did get nauseous and was given something everytime I asked. When I realized it was the pain meds making me nauseous, I refused them, and haven't been in pain since (that was day 1). I also had the hernia repair. No problems with that either. The nurses at Abington are AWESOME. My cycle started the morning of my surgery. Pre-surgery they gave me the mesh panties with the 6 inch thick pad. When I woke up I had a catheter, and no pad. All I could think was that I was laying in that mess and I was so uncomfortable. The nurse came in with more lovely mesh panties and helped into them with the pad. She didn't have to do that, but she wanted to make sure I was comfortable. And the CA who came to check my vitals every hour was sweet as pie. Yes, she woke me up every hour on the hour, but she tried to disturb me as least as possible. She worked a double my first day/night there, went home in the morning and was back on afternoon shift, just as cheerful as she could be. The broth they give you smells like death warmed over so I stayed far away from that. Lol but I did drink the fruit2O, Water, and ate a bit of the Jello. They will also give you lemon swabs for your dry mouth until you can drink. The nurses walked with me when I needed them to. They always checked on me. And there was someone at the desk that monitored my pulse/ox machine and came in whenever it was off/low. Turns out mine was defective and kept giving false readings, but I felt better knowing that she was monitoring me. Once they replaced my machine she still came by every so often to say hi. The staff cheered me on during my hall walks. Very supportive. Be sure to take your cell phone. You can use it and they charge you $10/day to use their phone. I was worried about my family and the nurse even let me use her cell phone until I got mine. They also charge $10/day for the tv. I didn't use that because when I wasn't sleeping or walking, I was on my iPad. Free Internet access. Please ask me any questions I didn't answer. I'll be cheering you on... Sent from my iPad using VST

One more day left. You got this. I'll be cheering for you all the way. Can't wait to hear that you made it through successfully. Sent from my iPad using VST

My original plan was to keep it in the family. Then one day I shared with a coworker. It just came out in conversation. I felt like I needed to tell my principal since I was taking time off from work and didn't want her to think I was a goof off. I then felt compelled to tell my grade partners and another teacher friend whom I've known for years. Now I tell people as it comes up. I don't necessarily advertise it, but I don't hide it either. I also told the moms group that I am a part of. These ladies are so super supportive and I knew I'd need all praying hands on deck for a successful surgery. It's such a personal decision. Someone I know shared her lapband experience with me and it got the idea ticking in my mind until I was ready to take my own steps into WLS. Since sharing my journey, one of the members of my moms group has asked me for more information as she contemplates a WLS journey of her own. Sent from my iPad using VST

Now scary. So glad that you are okay. I wouldn't have known what he meant either. Sent from my iPad using VST

Yes, I'll be there! Sent from my iPad using VST

July 17th

No, no drain here. Sent from my iPad using VST

I got really nervous the moment I got the call that I was approved. That made it real for me, all the hoops I jumped through were like I was just going through the motions. After the approval I had many sleepless nights and crazy dreams. It's totally normal. I am now 2 1/2 weeks out without a moment of regret. The post op liquid phase is boring, but very manageable. I'm now on purées and feel like so many new foods are open to me. Sent from my iPad using VST

My five year old does notice what I eat and don't eat. After all,we've shared many many meals together. Especially during the liquid phase, I still had to make food for her while I drank my meals. I told her that I was having surgery to help me get healthier. And she is my biggest cheerleader. We don't talk about my weight per se, but she does make sure I've taken my walks for the day and I'm eating what the doctor said is okay for me to eat. Everyone is different and you have to do what's best for you and your family. Best of luck to everyone along this journey. Sent from my iPad using VST

I second this, practice before hand. While your on liquids it won't really matter, since everything will be liquids. Once you start purées, it's best to follow the no drinking 15 minutes before/1hour after rule. I didn't practice before hand and while it's been an adjustment, it's not been impossible to follow. Just make sure to stay pretty hydrated during your drinking times. Sent from my iPad using VST

Wow! 100 lbs in 5 months! That's AMAZING! Sent from my iPad using VST

That is AWESOME! Congrats and keep up the good work. Sent from my iPad using VST

Your body is detoxing. Nothing to do (tha I know of) but go through the process. Hang in there, it will get better. I took lots of naps, and time away from people, while detoxing carbs, caffeine, and everything else my body was coming off. Sent from my iPad using VST

I had a leep study, as a requirement for surgery. The tech told me (unofficially) the next morning that I did not have sleep apnea. Doc confirmed it at the follow-up appt. No machine or mask here. Sent from my iPad using VST

I admire the way you think through your actions and what's best for you. I have every confidence that you will continue to be successful because you are so reflective. Cut yourself a break and give yourself the positive thoughts you would give to others. Sent from my iPad using VST

Kindergarten teacher in Philly. I told my principal, teacher leader, and partner teachers Sent from my iPad using VST

I'm on purées, so I puréed egg salad and out guacamole in it. It was pretty tasty, but a little heavy on my sleeve. May have to wait until I'm a little further out to combine guacamole and eggs again. Sent from my iPad using VST

I agree with MorganK. I planned my surgery for the summer to have the entire summer to recuperate (I'm a teacher). Turns out I could've gone back in a couple of days if I needed to. Sent from my iPad using VST

Awesome! Keep up the good work! Sent from my iPad using VST

I have one and love it. So happy to hear about their customer service. Sent from my iPad using VST

Awesome! Keep upk the good work! Sent from my iPad using VST

If I felt tightness in my chest, I got up and walked and that helped, a lot. I was passing gas the same day. The passing gas lasted about a week. And I refused to hold it in. If I was around someone (and it was all family) I told them they had to excuse me, but no way was I ending up back in the hospital for holding in gas. Sent from my iPad using VST