lollyfidy1965

Make your baby tummy your most precious possession, and take great care of it. In return, you will become healthier. If you would benefit from therapy, in order to conquer the addictive behavior cycle, then find a wonderful therapist to help you through that process. In the end, you'll be happier, and better able to enjoy your new-found health without the need for the empty-calorie "fixes."

The issues raised by my surgeon (and nutritionist) is that consuming alcohol is empty calories. Our caloric intake is so limited, after surgery, that wasting (or worse, adding) calories in the form of alcohol will hinder your weight loss process. Best of luck to you with your surgery!

If it were me, I would simply take a bottle of chocolate Muscle Milk lite with me, enjoy my protein shake, and enjoy the time with my family. In fact, my spouse and I are planning to go to NYC for 4 days, and I'll still be on my full-modified liquids diet. Am I worried? Nope....I'll have protein shakes packed, and will carry shakes and water with us everywhere we go. We do what we must, in order to follow our rules. I hope your husband has an awesome birthday!

My surgeon discharged me from the hospital with instructions to start my chewable vitamin that night, and to take 2/day. No other supplements (other than liquid Zantac and Actigall) until after my first follow-up appointment (3 weeks post-op). I've not had any problems with the vitamin...Flintstones Complete.

My surgeon is Dr. Daniel Jones, and my surgery was performed at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, in Boston, MA. Dr. Jones is an exceptional surgeon, and has a fantastic personality to go with his technical skills. The staff at the BIDMC Weight Loss Center are amazing to work with, and provide an excellent level of support. While my in-hospital stay was longer than originally anticipated (I had some minor complications, and ended up staying 6 days, instead of the usual 3), the care I received, while there, was exceptional. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend the BIDMC program, and Dr. Jones, to anyone looking to have surgery in the Boston area.

I'm on what my surgeon calls "full modified liquids" for the next 4 weeks (give or take). That includes all CLEAR liquids (waters, jello, broths...any liquid you can see through is considered "clear"), as well as things that aren't "clear," but are liquid, or liquid-like...sugar-free puddings, protein shakes, protein powder mixes, cream soups (they may need to be strained to get any little chunks out before drinking), THIN Cream of Wheat/Rice/etc, WHIPPED cottage cheese (I have to thin this with a little sugar-free fruit juice). My instructions are to ensure I get 60-80 grams of protein (through protein shakes, powder mixes, gelatin 20, etc), then I can add non-protein items, such as pudding. I have a schedule that runs hourly (essentially), alternating between 8 ounces of water, and a "food" (protein shake, broth, pudding, etc). So far its working really well. I've been able to get more than the minimum amount of protein in, and well more than the minimum amount of water (at least 64 ounces). Hopefully your surgeon/practice has some diet guidelines they can provide to you, as well. (I went through the program at Beth Israel Deaconess, in Boston...is an amazing program, with lots of support, both pre- and post-op. Best of everything to you!

My surgeon prescribes liquid Zantac for a period to 3-4 months post-op. It doesn't taste great, but it works like a dream for me. (I had horrible reflux immediately following my surgery, due to inflammation in my stomach blocking passage of anything.) I've not had any problems with acid since starting the liquid Zantac.

I absolutely love the chocolate flavor Muscle Milk, in either the original formula, or the "light" version. I have one shake every day, usually around lunch time. I can also tell you that the Unjury chicken broth flavored protein powder (mix with 8 oz warm water) is very good, if you like chicken broth. I didn't care the Unjury chocolate protein powder...it was a bit too sweet for me. (Someone mentioned the possibility that your taste buds may change...I find sweet things are VERY sweet to me now...I much prefer "savory" flavors to sweet since my surgery.) Best of luck to you!

My one word of advice would be to be aware that your stay may be longer than one night/day. That seems remarkably optimistic to me, particularly knowing how I was feeling the day following my surgery. The average length of stay at BIDMC is 3 days...and I was in a full week, due to increased inflammation (in my stomach) following surgery. Regarding energy, a week post-op, and I'm able to get up and walk a couple times throughout the day. I can't imagine having to care for small children, though....cooking, cleaning up after, and parenting would be exhausting. I hope you're able to keep your help around for as long as you need it, and that your recovery is a quick one!!

Angie...if you have a bulb drain in, and they're "stripping" the tubing periodically, that may be the source of some of your shoulder pain. The stripping creates a vacuum against the diaphragm, which pulls on the nerves that affect the shoulder area....causing a sharp aching pain in the shoulder. I experienced this every time my tubing was stripped, and it lasted at least 20-25 minutes every time! Wishing you a quick recovery!

Like you, I'm 1 week post-op (surgery was 6-19). I have bruising around each of my incision sites, and they feel bruised if touched. My upper abdomen (where all my incisions are located) is sore, but not so bad I would use prescription meds for pain. I would give my first born to be able to sleep on my side (my back/ribs are aching from lying on my back so many nights in a row), but I'm not yet able to tolerate lying on my side. I'm managing both my protein and water intake well, but have limited other things (non-protein things like applesauce, rice pudding, etc) simply because I'm not hungry...and can't stand the idea of putting something more in my mouth. I'm down 10 pounds since the morning of my surgery, and have absolutely no regrets! Best of luck to us all!!

I had my VSG one week ago today, and I'm doing well so far! I had one complication immediately following surgery...a higher level of inflammation than expected (inside my new stomach), which resulted in horrible nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. My surgeon left my NG tube in several extra days, delaying my discharge, and my advancement to Stage 1 (sips of water). My NG tube was finally removed at the end of day 4 post-op, and I had no issues advancing through to Stage 3 (full liquids) over the next two days. I was released to come home yesterday, and have had no issues since leaving the hospital, other than the typical lack of energy. I've been able to get plenty of protein and water/liquids in today, thanks to some wonderful high-protein products, and have opted to skip a couple non-protein/liquid items simply because I'm feeling so full, I couldn't imagine putting a bite in my mouth. All-in-all, I'm feeling pretty good! As an aside....anyone considering VSG surgery in the Boston/New England area...I would HIGHLY recommend the program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center!! Dr. Jones is a phenomenal surgeon, as well as an extremely personable character (something I consider a must-have in a doctor). The care I received, once moved to my room, was absolutely stellar. I have never experienced the level of care I received at BIDMC, from every single staff member who cared for me. Also, the level of hands-on, physician-level care provided...24 hours a day...was incredible! I was completely impressed, and can't think of a single negative comment to attach to my experience. One question....does anyone know of a good stool softener that doesn't taste completely vile?? I've been prescribed liquid Colace, but will not be taking it (yeah....that's the "vile" taste I'm referring to!). Best of everything, to everyone joining me on this amazing journey!