Butterflylegacy

Hi, I'm Cindy. 37 years old. Live in Mansfield, work in Fort Worth. Married to my best friend 4 years. I have a 19, and 18 year old daughters both in college in Florida. I also have a 14 year old son with Aspergers and ADD who is about to start high school in the fall (god help me). I was sleeved on June 7th by Dr. Kim. So, I'm 10 days out and still on liquids. I have 11 days to do before I can progress to pureed and mushies. I started this journey at my highest weight ever, of 314. I am down to 285 now. I'd love to eventually get down to 130. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Hi all... Had my post op visit yesterday. Found out I'm doing great (Yay!), but also found out I have another 12 days on liquids... I've really struggled to barely get 24-32 oz in each day. I've tried the 1 oz cups every 15 minutes but when I try to force myself to drink I vet really nauseous and begin to get chest pains. I know I should mainly be worried about my fluids, but I'm also concerned about lack of Protein. I found these Odwalla drinks at the grocery store today.... Kind of high in calories but 15 grams of protein! I bought 2 just to see if I could manage it and so far so good. [ATTACH]3532[/ATTACH] Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

My first pre-op appointment was today. Finally got my staples removed!!! I'm down 22# since beginning my pre-op diet. I have 13 more days of liquids and then I can begin puree and mushies..... Oh I will definitely be counting down!!!! Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I was sleeved on 6/7 (8 days ago) and I have driven a couple of times, short distances. I have not taken any pain medicine since I came home from the hospital, and my hospital discharge paperwork states that I can resume driving as soon as I am off the pain meds.. I have to go back to work on Monday, 6/18, and I'm quite nervous about driving because it's a 25 mile drive, one way. Just driving down the road to Walmart the other day wore me out!!! =\ I'm hoping that the weekend brings me more strength and I'm able to get to work and make it through the day!!!

Thanks... I just keep trying. I sip, sip, sip, and although I know I'm not getting the ounces that is recommended, I am watching my pee, and making sure it's not real dark, and it's not.... I've also not been constipated at all (sorry for that info... lol). I'm doing everything I can think of.... I may try to suck on some popsicles today to see if that makes a difference. I have my post op follow up this afternoon, so I will be sure to talk to the surgeon about it.

I was sleeved in the 7th and I am also struggling with liquids. I can definitely tell though when its time to kick it up a notch because my head will start pounding very similar to a hangover... And what is a hangover really but just a reaction to being dehydrated. I am struggling to get in 16 oz of Fluid a day, but I am not limiting myself to just Water. I can have crystal light, broth, cream of chicken/mushroom Soup, etc. I could also have pre-op Protein shakes but I just can't get them down. I bought 3 bottles of Isopure RTD (ready to drink). They were kind of hard on the taste buds but more tolerable when mixed with crystal light. Isopure is a great source of protein if you're having a hard time with the shakes like I am. As for the gas pains........ Yes, they're dreadful. My go to is chewable gas x tablets. They work better than the strips and you can have 6-8 a day. this and walking is really the only cure for this. Today is my day 7 post-op. Each day gets better.... This much I can say with confidence! I've read that some folks have a real hard time with water after the surgery. If this is the case for you, try some other form of liquids until you can work yourself up. That's what I'm doing! Good luck to you!! Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I commend all of you who are able to get your fluids in. I was sleeved on the 7th and I simply cannot get more than about 8-16 oz of Fluid in a day.... And half the time I flat out forget to eat too!! I have broth, tomato soup, and cream of chicken soup as options along with the Protein shakes. I haven't been able to get past a few swallows of the shakes. I just bought some muscle milk and will try that tomorrow. I have my post op on Friday... Was really hoping I'd get upgraded to pureed but I don't know... We'll see. Good job to everyone else though!!! I will just keep trying! Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I am 6 days post op and I actually gained 3 lbs in the hospital. I've had a really hard time finding 'food' I can tolerate post op. Everyone I speak to keep asking me how much weight I've lost and I wonder if they ever took a health or biology class before?!? Right now my body thinks its starving. You will never lose weight when your body enters starvation mode. I haven't succeeded yet at consuming the 48-64 oz of Fluid I'm supposed to get daily much less the 40-60 gm of Protein or the 500 calories. I'm just biding my time until I get past this diet phase and then hopefully when I can start adding more variety to my diet and I go back to work and become more active then the weight will start sliding off. In the meantime I relax knowing the hard part (surgery) is over and I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other now. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Hi all... Hoping you can help me out here. I am 4 full days post op and today I am feeling miserable. I can't seem to catch my breath or find a comfortable position to sit, stand, or lay. Up til yesterday I was only doing Clear liquids and some Soups. I was having a feeling inside my stomach that felt similar to starving (like when you're so hungry it feels like your stomach is going to turn itself inside out??) I thought that the portion of the stomach that sends you that hunger signal was part of what was removed so I didn't really know what to do with that feeling. This morning I had my hubby take me to get some applesauce, cottage cheese, and greek yogurt. Since I've eaten these today I've finally felt full (no more starving feeling) but I've also felt completely worn out and just unable to breath. I'm sure I'm just scaring myself but I don't know if I'm developing pneumonia (the breathing thing) or if I've over done my pouch.. Per my surgeon I should not be eating pureed or mushies for at least another 2 weeks. Am I going crazy here? Making myself insane? If I'm over reacting I can handle the truth. Just worried from the way I am feeling today. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Oooh! You guys are all so amazing and awesome!!! Thank you SOO much for prayers! They went straight to God's ears and he heard every one of them! I am OKAY! I had a CT scan and blood work and everything came back good! The Dr. didn't really have any explanation for what was wrong. They were very concerned when I arrived with how shallow my breathing was. My oxygen level was very very low. They put me on oxygen and an IV as soon as I got there. I had to drink that god awful gastrograffin stuff (blech!) too. When I went in to the CT scan, I was really worried because I had to lay down flat, and still, and had to hold my breath while I was being scanned... I wasn't really sure how that would work out. Amazingly though, when I was done with the scan, and I got up from the table, my breathing had regulated, and I was able to relax! I don't know why, but when I spoke to the Dr's office this morning they said that more than likely some of the gas from the surgery had gotten caught up under my diaphragm and was what was causing my discomfort. Now I know if I get that shallow breathing again to just stretch out and relax and see if that does the trick!! I was also told this "rolling" in my stomach is probably gas bubbles too. Was told to take gas-x (which I have been doing but not with much to report in results), but I will try to make it til Friday when I go in for my post-op visit. The ER doc did not seem very worried about the fact that I ate the apple sauce, cottage cheese, or greek yogurt yesterday either. (Keep in mind the ER I went to was at the Bariatric Hospital, so the nurses and doctors are all familiar with the diet phases and surgeries). I had a little greek yogurt today, but when I spoke to the Dr. this morning they suggested that I try to just get in some Isopure since the Protein shakes are just too heavy for me right now. Anyway - that's the scoop... I am home and feeling a lot more comfortable, with the exception of that rolling in my stomach. If I could figure out how to manage that, I would be good to go!!!!! Thanks again for all the support and concern. I'm glad I mentioned my symptoms on here last nigth, otherwise I probably would have never called the Doc or gone to the ER, so...... many many many thanks!!!!! <3<3<3

Ok I spoke to the on call. They are having me go to the ER. She said sounded like a pulmonary embolism from my description. They won't let me go to ER in my town though. I have to go to one a little less than an hour away. I'll keep y'all posted. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

No.. I'm not running a temp at all. I've had no problems using the bathroom, bowel or urinary. I just have no energy. I will not eat any more food... I'll go back to sipping on liquids and soups and broth tomorrow. If I still can't get comfortable or breathe I will call my surgeon or go to the ER. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Yes I am taking a pepcid every day and have still felt that stomach turning inside out feeling all through out the day. Today is the first day that I ate mushy/pureed food. I don't have that starving feeling... Actually feel satisfied but then I have the shallow breathing. I can take a deep breath if I need to but I just can't seem to find a comfortable position and I feel like I've got a cramp in my side like you would get after walking too ling or too fast. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Found these in Walmart today. 42g of Protein, 180 calories. 3 flavors: watermelon (shown), grape, and acai berry. [ATTACH]3416[/ATTACH] [ATTACH]3417[/ATTACH] Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Well poo! I bought 3 of them to sip on when I came home from the hospital. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I agree Giselle! Early is better! Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I hope to lose 175 lbs. Not quite 200+ but close enough I would say. Unfortunately I didn't understand much else in your post.... I think you're talking about how big the stomach is post surgery but I'm not sure. My surgery is on Thursday. If there's anything I can ask for you to help answer your question, please let me know. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I'm June 7th with Dr. Kim also with a 7:30 check in and a 9:30 op time but in Decatur..... Hmmm I wonder if he's really amazing and can be in 2 places at once lol Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

kdippy - I am not sleeved yet, but this is probably my worst fear. I have never been able to get out of my own way before, and this is why I've chosen to take such a drastic step and have this surgery. I also know that if I don't, then eventually, I will kill myself from these terrible habits. With that said, I think you should be commended for stopping yourself, taking a step back, and acknowledging that you are on the wrong path. Think about what you wanted to accomplish when you made the decision to get sleeved. Think about all of us that haven't been sleeved yet, that are desperately waiting for our day to come, so we can join you and so many others on the losers bench! You've made a huge step by realizing that you're making some bad choices. But they're just that - CHOICES. You have the ability to make right ones, and wrong ones. Stop for a moment and recommit to yourself that you will not let food win. Protein is very important, and if I've learned anything in the past few weeks, is that there a literally hundreds of ways to incorporate it into your daily intake. Maybe find 3-4 protein options that you truly enjoy, and cycle them through your days? I feel kind of awkward responding to your post, simply because I have not been sleeved, and therefore I really can't relate.... but what you're going through is the one thing that I am most terrified of. I have never been able to discipline myself before, which is how I ended up being 314 pounds!! When my doctor tells me that I can be 125, it seems so impossible to me, but I still have it set as my goal weight. What's your goal weight? What can I do to help you? I am here for you, and I will be your cheer leader if that's what you need. Maybe you can be mine in a few months! You can do this!!! Make the decision right now that you are going to reach that goal. Whether it's a weight goal, a size goal, or an overall health goal. Say it out loud, and believe yourself when you say it! I believe in you!

A co-worker surprised me with this to take with me to surgery next week, and then to keep for comfort and chuckles... I don't know, maybe it's sick and twisted, but I think it may just be the greatest pre-op gift I could have received!! I absolutely LOVE it!!! Yes - that is a STUFFED stomach!! If you're interested in getting one for yourself, you can purchase at www.iheartguts.com. There are many other body parts to choose from as well... (I'm still giggling!!)

@need2change I am also a Dr Kim patient - surgery scheduled for 6/7/12. I chose the Bariessentials shakes over the Optifast ones, but I'm on day 5 of liquids and today has been especially rough as it's Memorial Day AND my 4th anniversary with my hubby!! Despite that here's what I've done to get thru the days.... I've tried my best to keep my shakes and liquids on a 'meal schedule'. I can have 4 shakes and nothing else but Water, or I can have 3 shakes and low sodium chicken broth, sf jell-o, and sf popsicles. I've tricked up my shakes with flavored extracts and sf syrups. Add more ice for thicker shakes (I prefer). I'm not positive with the Optifast but this works well with the bariessentials brand. I also choose to drink a 16.9 oz. bottle of water after each shake which cleanses my palate and keeps me hydrated, increases my need to potty (lol), and helps me stay/feel full longer. I've been doing 1 shake for Breakfast, with jell-o for snack. Then broth for lunch. Another shake mid afternoon and more jell-o. Last shake around 7-ish and a sf popsicle for dessert. For me.... It's partly knowing when the next bit of something to eat (drink) will come that helps me get through the stretches. Keeping busy also helps a lot. I knew I would be fine during the week while at work but the weekend was what scared me. Now that I've gotten this 3 day weekend behind me I know I can make it thru this upcoming week and weekend. Oh and I've lost 10 lbs so far in the process You can do it!!! PM me if you would like. Good luck Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

Ok so finally after 4 days I've gotten my Protein shakes to a tolerable consistency! My secret - shaved/crushed ice!! The more ice I use, the thicker the shake. Maybe its all in my head, but for some reason I feel full longer when I can eat my Protein Shake with a spoon rather than drink it with a straw. This morning I put banana extract and vanilla nut extract in my bariessentials vanilla shake and it tasted a lot like banana pudding. My lunch shake was shaved ice, skim milk and bariessentials swiss chocolate and it was like a cross between a frosty and chocolate soft serve. I've also been making myself drink a bottle of Water after each shake to help feel more full and to also encourage more frequent potty breaks. Sent from my SGH-T679 using VST

I have been thinking that having my VSG is just one step in my healing process. I still feel like there's another piece missing, that could be fulfilled with therapy. I've looked on my insurance website to see if I can locate a therapist who deals with food issues, or weight related issues, but they don't exactly adverstise that is part of their repetoire. I've thought about making a handful of appointments with different therapists, and trying to flesh out one that I can connect to, and who can help me finally work through the issues that brought me to this weight in the first place, but that just seems so overwhelming and pointless. I don't have an unlimited amount of time off from work, and of course every appointment would require time off.... So, I'm just wondering if there's anyone who is currently going to therapy to work through their own food issues, and what method did you use to locate your therapist. I have looked for "keywords" when searching, and I think there's just a generic list of "issues" that the therapists in my insurance network treat. I would really like to go to someone who understands that the weight is just a manifestation of other issues, and will help me peel back the layers to deal with the emotions that I have been avoiding for x number of years. Thanks for your help and insight!

This is my absolute worst fear. Thank you for sharing this. Perhaps you can find some comfort in knowing that the pain you're experiencing will save someone else from the same fate. I can't imagine how disappointed you must feel, and I have been working so hard to keep these thoughts from my brain as well. I have a history of self sabotage, and I am now in day 5 of my pre-op diet. I woke up this morning and I didn't lose any weight from yesterday and I wondered what I could have done differently. I cheated once yesterday (if you can call it that), and I ate about 10-12 raisins. I just wanted something to chew!! Now that I've read your post though, I am recommitted to doing this right! I started doing Protein shakes for Breakfast about a month or so ago, but once I got approved for my surgery, I held back nothing regarding what I ate. By the time I went in for my pre-op testing I'd gained 14 lbs. (From 2/27-5/15). Two days before my "official" required start date of pre-op liquid diet, I went all out and made a full (yes full) Thanksgiving dinner. I ate it that day, and then had another plate the next and I have been very disciplined and well behaved while on my liquid diet (minus the raisins). I am petrified that I am going to go to the hospital and come home un-sleeved. I wish that there was more I could do in the next few days to week to ensure that I wont experience this as well. I have been successful at keeping my calories under 800 while on the liquid diet, and I have been peeing like crazy, so I know I'm losing a lot of Water weight...... but not sure if that will be enough!! Please keep us posted on your next steps. There are a lot of us preparing to go through the process, and it could just as easily happen to one of us. Knowing what to expect IF it does happen, will make it a lot easier to deal with the disappointment. Thank you again for sharing this and letting us pre-sleevers know that this is a VERY real possibility!