DuranFan1969

Hope it isn't too long - I look like I'm trying to conceal a small watermelon.

Make sure you are consuming something every 2 hours. My doctor had me on 2 shakes/day (lunch and dinner) and from the point of breakfast until bed I was having a snack every 2 hours (light yogurt, SF jello, SF pudding, SF popsicle/creamsicle, SF applesauce, Gatorade). I really didn't struggle too much as long as I stayed to the 2 hour windows.

I took several things to the hospital, but I only ended up using my phone, phone charger, my kindle and lip balm - I slept most of the time when I wasn't up walking, so didn't have time or energy to do much else.

My doctor has me on 98% fat free cream soups as long as I strain them. I'm on them for the first week after surgery - have to make them with water though, not milk.

Congrats, glad to have you back! I was sleeved on the 13th too and it was pretty easy, given the circumstances and when I say it was easy, I chalk a lot of that up to everything I learned on these forums - I was very well educated on what to expect. My hardest struggle so far is remembering to take it easy and not over do it.

My NUT and doctor told me to take them the day after I came home from the hospital.

Congrats and welcome to the losers bench!

I had minimal pain from the point I got out of surgery until now (2 days post op). It's going to be important to ask for your pain meds every 4 hours - don't let yourself get into pain, try to stay ahead of it. The best I can describe the pain is around where my new gogo gadget tummy is - it feels like a cramp/stitch in my side more than anything. I'm sure that pain levels vary based upon the patient, how well you follow the meal plan up to surgery, and the skill of the surgeon.

The last time I took my Lisinopril and HCTZ was Tuesday (the day prior to surgery). Post-op in the hospital every time they took my blood pressure, it was respectable and very close to normal. I had asked if they were giving me my blood pressure meds and they said no - they hadn't given me anything because my vitals were strong. Say what??! So, being a bit overly cautious with my new gogo gadget toy tummy, I talked to my general MD today who asked me to come in ... and ... *drum roll!!* she took me completely off all my blood pressure meds!! Here I am 2 days post-op and already kicking meds !!! The only requirement she gave me was to check my BP a couple times a day and if it goes up then to only take 1/2 tablet. I'm so excited to see that happen so quickly!!

Thanks! I was pretty happy and surprised too - totally digging it!

What really helped me was to plan out my meals a day in advance so I knew what I was having every 2 hours.

Dr. Christopher Hart in Johns Creek, GA - he's out of Atlanta Bariatric and is absolutely phenomenal. Their program is very comprehensive and I was blessed to have very little pain or nausea after the surgery. In addition, the bariatric wing at Emory Hospital is wonderful - they even have a bed in there for someone to spend the night with you. The nursing staff was top notch - no complaints at all and would highly recommend Dr. Hart.

It's going to be a loooooooooooooooooong time before I go to a theater - just the smell of popcorn will be way too much!

My goal was 2400 which can be a bit tough - I don't make it on most of them, but I get close.

Actually you can dump with the sleeve, but it's not as common with the RY. I was told that if you have concentrated fat or concentrated sugar, you can bet you'll be revisiting that meal again. I do like with the sleeve that eventually you can have a bite or 2 of your favorite foods and from what I've heard from many people, is that will fill you up and keep you satisfied -- provided your tastes don't actually change. I've heard as we get into this journey, your taste for different foods may change.

Try some frozen green beans with a touch of sea salt - that helped me when I was in liquid phase to have a cup of beans, especially since I was in need of anything with a salt taste. Be careful not to over do it though on the salt!

Wow, my NUT told us no raw fruits or veggies, especially anything stringy (like celery or asparagus). It's funny how NUTs can differ.

Definitely use the gadget they give you as the ladies said. I have been using mine faithfully and get a little bit of pain when I get to the top of the breathing gadget (right around where my new stomach is), so I just put my hand on my side and it helps while working it.

Thinking of and praying for great surgery experiences for all our June 15th sleevers!

I'm in the same boat, I can't change my surgery profile - just comes up as a blank page.

Lissa summed it up perfectly I think. I think God is looking out for you and putting roadblocks up on the places He doesn't feel are right for you. He will guide you where you need to be and it will be perfect. I also see you are in Florida, not sure how far you are from Atlanta but my surgeon here was amazing. I am 3 days post op now and the experience through him, his staff and the hospital was absolutely top notch.

Plenty of good luck wishes coming your way TLC!

You look gorgeous - so happy for you!! Your smile is infectious!

Glad to know something isn't wrong with me then! I may have to consider going to my doctor earlier than I anticipated for the blood pressure meds I'm on - I wouldn't want it to get too low, especially if the numbers are close to what they should be now.

The only advice I would give is try to be patient and not give up. It can be quite the process and waiting game to get the approval, then the hoops you have jump through pre-op (i.e. liquid diet), but it's certainly worth it. The waiting will likely frustrate you - don't talk yourself out of it