Gourt

Hi Taylokat, the surgeon didn't know there was a hernia until she saw it on the camera during the sleeve surgery. I had no pain with the hernia, in fact I had no idea I had one (it was plugged with fat). The surgeon had to wait for insurance authorization, thus a second surgery.

thanks for the well wishes! Leaking this late in the game definitely stumped my health care team, and I think if we'd waited another month for the hernia repair I might have had a different outcome. But that's all in hindsight! For the record, this is only the second leak my surgeon has ever had!

So - here's my story...got my sleeve on 12/17/12. Not a single problem or complication, nothing, nada. My surgeon tells me during a post-op visit that she noticed a hernia and would like to repair it within 90 days. So I get my hernia surgery on 3/25/13. All is going well, I head back to work a week later. Except that I start feeling like I'm getting the flu. Low grade fever, chills, head spinning, needing to lie down often. And then my left shoulder starts to hurt and I get an ache in my left abdomen. I happened to have a follow-up appointment at the surgeon's office with one of her colleagues. He says I have low blood pressure and that could be causing the flu-like symptoms. I'm probably dehyrated and need more fluids. I focus on fluids the rest of the week, but my symptoms don't let up. Now I'm having trouble eating solid foods - it just hurts. On Tuesday night, my fever spikes up to 101.5. I call the doctor's office and speak with her PA. The symptoms seem like a leak, except my abdominal pain is not that intense. The PA calls me back and said the surgeon has ordered a CT scan for the following day. I get the CT scan and the radiologist advises me to go home and wait for the results. I have just arrived home when my phone rings - It's the PA telling me that I have a leak and need to be admitted immediately. I have just spent the past 3 days in the hospital. Turns out the leak created an abscess, which showed up on the CT scan. However, further tests didn't show any more leaks. The surgeon and the gastroenterologist decide I need stents anyway as a precaution. On Thursday they inserted 2 stents - 22 cm total - in my sleeve and did a scope. They found no leaks but did find inflammation and an "area of weakness." The surgeon is going on the theory that the hernia operation, using the laproscopic method, put too much pressure on the sleeve and created just a small enough hole for gastric acid to come out. Like a pin prick size. So the stents are there - the good news is I only need them for 2 to 3 weeks since there is no real hole to heal, they just want to give my sleeve a chance to rest and heal. Meanwhile, stents hurt and the heartburn is awful!

rubyann - I believe Whole Foods is the only store in my area that carries it. If you go to their website you can do a locator to see where it might be sold in your town. I am heading to WF today to find it.

Alabamasleever - the good thing about Costco is they'll refund your money if you don't like the shakes. They were sampling the Premier ones last week, and I found the vanilla to be sweeter than the chocolate.

I've heard about this and wanted to try it - thanks for the recommendation! Will stop by Whole Paycheck and pick some up. THANKS!

Alabamasleever - my favorite protein drinks come from my surgeon's office. They are 100 calories and 15g protein. Not sure the name of them, I'll check when I'm home and can examine the box. Sometimes I add some PB2 peanut butter powder to the vanilla flavor to boost the flavor and protein. I also like the Premier Protein pre made shakes at Costco, although they sometimes can taste too sweet. Muscle Milk Light are OK and I have those in the fridge when I'm in a pinch. I don't care for the "juice" type drinks like Nectar, those are too thin for me. I also didn't like Jay Robb, About Time, or a couple of others that some sleevers have recommended. To each his/her own! I am relying on protein shakes right now to get enough protein!!

Well, happy one month anniversary to all of us 12/17 sleevers! I also had a food problem yesterday. I went home from work and started prepping for dinner. I was completely on auto pilot and fixed myself a snack - one that is allowed on my plan (square of graham cracker with a spoon of peanut butter). I ate it the way I used to - OMG, why????? I ate it too fast and spent the next hour wishing I hadn't. Lesson learned - do not eat snacks while doing other things. I think the only time I can do that is when swigging a protein drink.

I picked up a Magic Bullet at Costco yesterday - they are $10 off right now - $34.99 total.

Hi all - also late to the party. I was sleeved on 12/17 also, and so far so good. Lost 15 pounds since surgery date. I am a slow loser, so I'm happy with that. CAN'T WAIT TO MOVE ON TO REAL food TOMORROW!!! I am getting so tired of the liquid diet. Last week was worse for me with the head hunger. Had a day when I was so grumpy and frustrated with wanting to eat and watching my family eat. I upped my Water (actually put in some crystal light to get it down easier) and that really helped. I turned a corner and the next day I was in a better frame of mind. This has been really hard. Like the hardest thing I have ever done to lose weight. But no regrets from me!! Glad to hear everyone is doing well.

Woo hoo! You did it!!!!! Get some rest and be well.

I think you're on to something...removed my patch last night and woke up to normal vision again!

Thanks everyone - yes, going to wait before getting a new prescription. Wouldn't be up to going out to the doctors office anyway I've had general anesthesia before, and these pain meds, but never this outcome. Really weird!

I too was sleeved on Monday. This afternoon I really started to feel better - could tolerate water and able to eat yogurt for lunch. Things must be looking up! I think being at home helps a lot, too.

I was sleeved on Monday and woke up from surgery to realize that my eyeglass prescription was too strong. I have been nearsighted with the same prescription for years. I thought by now my vision would go back to where it was but nope! Guess I will need a new prescription. Weird, huh?