DelongH

Stay off the scale for a few days. I can fully relate to the pain issue. I am 4 weeks out and for the first time I have no more pain from incisions. What I have now is the stalling. I am going to take measurements and go from there. I know clothes are changing sizes and I can see the difference and feel it. One day at a time. Another issue that I am having is that I have no energy. Trying to make sure that I get the right amount of protein in but it's hard. I guess I am ready to feel "normal" again. Keep a positive outlook. One day at a time..

So here is a quick retell of where I am today. Was sleeved on July 11. Was in the hospital for 2 days due to pain from gas. Came home on a Friday evening. Felt pretty crappy the first week. Pretty much had water, broth and jello. Moved to full liquids one week and one day post op. Now onto creamy soup, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, protein shakes. Still am feeling weak. No real energy and my larger incision is so painful. (Have yet to go to the bathroom up until this point.) Then finally went and of course it's liquid. Okay since that seems to be all I am "eating"... Make a drive from PA to KY. I was a passenger in the car so it wasn't too bad and I could sleep. Rested while I was there for a week. Finishing week 2 post op, I am still exhausted. Realizing i am not getting nearly enough protein. I am drinking my water but not eating enough. Pain in my incision finally is much better! 16 days post surgery I have to make the drive back home, alone. 9 hours. Get home and HUGE set back. Exhausted still and now pain is back in my incision sites. They have all healed beautiful on the outside. So now I am going into week 3. Adding more and making sure I am eating every couple hours. I have gone from 4 oz to 7 oz of shake, 1/2 of a container to full container of greek yogurt. So I am thinking more energy, right? NOPE... Start to drink ISOPURE. Liquid protein. I am hoping this helps. Instead of just sipping on water I sip on that. I have no idea how people have gone back to work after 2 weeks. I am not sure I could make it a whole day. I am a teacher so I am blessed with having another few weeks before school starts. So why the blog?? Here are my questions. I want to make sure I am doing things right. And if what I am feeling is "normal". I know everyone is different but... 1) When I am lucky to be able to go to the bathroom, it is always liquid. (Sorry don't mean to talk about bowels but this has me so nervous.) I have not had a solid bowel movement since July 9th. 2) How many g of protein are people averaging during week 4? I am trying to push 50 - 60. Anything I put into my mouth I make sure has protein. I don't want to waste the small amount I can eat on something that won't help me. 3) I started making changes prior to my surgery and dropped almost 30 lbs before July 11. Since surgery I have dropped another 22 lbs. My heaviest was 256. I am at 204. Is the 22 lbs good for 3 weeks? I don't want to not eat to lose weight, just wasn't sure how it works. I am 5'8" and I don't know really what number I want to get down to. I would be thrilled to be around a size 10. 4) Anyone still feel scared about their decision almost 4 weeks out? I don't want to do anything wrong, don't want to hurt myself. I just need to know I am doing things okay. Sorry I have rattled on but I am kinda scared with all this...

I had a one week post op visit and I don't go back until the end of August. That is what the office requires. I could make an apt. to find out if I am "okay" instead of waiting three more weeks. Thanks for your response...

I am glad I found this post! I have been eating greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tried crab cake and did good with it. Tried egg salad today and didn't got too well. Creamy soups (Broccoli, cheddar/chicken) Both pureed very well. Found ISOPURE at GNC. Liquid protein drink, 40 g protein, no sugar, no aspartame. Grape is good and fruit punch too. I am going to try refried beans. Scrambled eggs yes. I have found that I am lactose intolerant. :-( Keep me posted if there is anything else. Oh and the protein shakes I mix with water. Chocolate and I have been close for 2 weeks now, lol. I have gone from 4 oz to 7 oz I can drink... Yeah me

I am just shy of 3 weeks out. First week I wondered what the heck I did. Then the next week I still questioned myself. But it is so true that everyday gets better. One week ago I still couldn't drive because of the discomfort and today I just drove 9 hours home from visiting my parents. Just remember to take one day at a time. We have all done the right thing for our lives. We are becoming healthier and making smarter decisions with food. Remember, One day at a time.

I was sleeved on Wednesday too. Home Friday afternoon. I think I cried for all of the hospital stay. I am not sure what I expected but the amount of pain and discomfort wasn't it. The doctor also had to repair a hyena hernia. I have the 4 small incisions and then a larger one. Now that I am home I feel like I am getting better. It's very frustrating. I am able to take my small sips. Had 1/4 c of jello today. I know I still have gas built up in my body. I need to start walking more. In the hospital I was able to get up and walk a couple laps around the floor. Those first couple days I was wondering what the heck was I thinking!! Still feel bloated. I guess that will come with time. I hate feeling helpless at times.

Well I hoped to be having surgery in June but looks like July 11th is my day! By the time I get all the approvals from all the different sources, I was told that takes weeks. But I will be patient and count down the days until July 11th...

Going today for my Cardiac approval. I seem to have all these apts. Makes it more real. In one week I start my 2 week pre-op diet. My surgeon has me doing the Atkins diet not a liquid. I think I pretty much do that anyone. I am so ready!!

Whatever your decision is you need to be 100% comfortable with. Yes there have been many obstacles but remember things happen for a reason. We may not know it the time but I believe thea man upstairs knows what he's doing. Whatever your decision is you have a support system right here. Hugs and prayers coming your way.

July 11th here. School is out and I'm counting down the days!!

One day at a time. I'm trying to stay off the scale and watch how my clothes fit. Scale stresses me out sometimes. Plus I have this boot on my ankle which weighs about 5 pounds.

July 11th here for my surgery. I'm getting excited by the minute. I am so thankful to have found other July people as well. Ive had a little set back physically. I tore the ligaments in my ankle. So I m not able to exercise right now. I actually will find out this morning if I need surgery. My positive side says nope, no time. :-) I've scheduled my pre-op testing and need to start the Atkins diet two weeks prior to surgery date. I feel blessed to have supportive people in my corner. Thinking of you all.

So happy for those with surgeries coming up or just happened. I'm waiting for my July 11th date. Can not come soon enough. Thinking of you all

I am so glad to hear others have their dates. I am waiting for the approval from the insurance company now. I haven't started to feel nervous yet. Probably because of all the other events happening in my life right now. Moving into a new house this upcoming weekend. The school year is ending and I have TONS of paperwork to get done by this Wednesday. Then next week I can breathe a little better.