Gourt

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!

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!

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?

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.

Whew! Got thru the operation fine but have miserable time with Water. Even tiny sips or wetting my mouth. It's like thunder own under - my sleeve cramps and hurts. Tried milk and yogurt t hospital and threw those up. Only thing that doesn't bother sleeve are Protein drinks. Anyone else experience intolerance to water? When does it go away? Would kill for a tall glass of water right now!

Thanks for the help everyone. I am sipping peppermint tea right now nd my sleeve seems to like it. I will wait a few more days and try water again.

Hey everyone, just had to share! After my 6 months of check ins for insurance, I was approved! My surgery date is Monday, 12/17!! It's been nearly a year since I first went to my primary care physician to talk about weight loss surgery. I can't believe it's really happening. WOW!

Hi Oregon folks - just found out that my surgery has been approved! I'm scheduled for 12/17. I can't believe it!!

Brat - I just PM'ed you with my cell phone number to meet up on Sunday. Would love if anyone's in the area and can join us. Goofycathy - I used to live in GP. We head down to Southern Oregon usually once a year to hang out on the Rogue and see some plays in Ashland. We will be down there this year during 4th of July week to see a whole slew of shows at OSF. Can't wait!

Nice to hear a couple of you are in my neck of the woods (Beaverton/Hillsboro). I am also in Lincoln City for memorial day weekend. Wouldn't mind connecting if you meet up!

Thanks! Flying home tonight and opted to buy a second seat because the flight was full. It is the first time I have done this and it wasn't easy. The Delta team were so kind about the whole thing but it is embarrassing. At least I am comfortable being able to spread out. I am at my highest weight and I am feeling every pound when I travel.

Hey everyone, lurking for a while but now I am a member. I am just starting my 6 month waiting period for my insurance. I have done consults with nutritionist, psych, and all the testing. Saw the surgeon last week and she gave me the green light for the sleeve. She wants me to lose 20 to 30 pounds before surgery in the fall. I am a bit nervous but ready! I travel a lot for work and am having more trouble due to my weight. I am writing this from a plane right now. Looking forward to smaller size that can fit better in these tiny seats. This site has been so helpful already. Happy I found it!

Those dates are coming up! I am in Hillsboro and going to Dr Patterson. Have to do the 6 month wait for insurance though. OWLS has been really great so far!