Kabranda

I purchased the unjury unflavored protein and I stir 1T into yogurt, puddings and soup to up my protein. BTW, Light and Fit is now making a yogurt for diabetics - less sugar and carbs....yahoo!!

Can I get some input on how long it takes before your abdominal swelling goes away after surgery? My surgery was 3/3 and I losing. I can feel it in my hips, bottom and legs but my abdominal is still swollen and my pants fit somewhat looser in the waist but not as much as the hips and legs.

cwalker - I'm 56 and had my surgery 3/3/2010. You are only as old as you feel .... so get the sleeve and feel YOUNGER!!

Ruby - glad your problem was diagnosed and repaired. How very scary for you. Your experience will be a warning to us all to slow down. Happy to hear your hubby will soon have R&R. What a wonderful surprise you have for him. Keep us posted as you heal.

Glad the surgery was a good experience..I'm only 9 days ahead of you and it just gets better and better. Follow Dr's orders and all will be well.

Absolutely there is room for you!! As you know those of us that have had the surgery are just getting smaller and smaller so there is lots of room...lol.. Welcome!

Thanks so much for sharing Steve and also for being so honest.

Congratulation Tiff you look great!!! I too miss wearing boots so I plan to lose so this winter I will have a great pair of boots!!

CAmom - my sleeve was 3/3 and I still have stitches in until 3/17 when I have a Drs. visit. My Dr. wrote his own booklet that he gives all his patients and under General Wound Care Instructions it says that "if drainage is present or the wound separates, clean the wounds twice a day with hydrogen peroxide and cover the wound with a clearn bandage. You may replace the bandages as needed. If no drainage is present you may leave the bandages off." I hope that helps. I will tell you 11/2008 I had gallbladder surgery and incisions were closed with glue. One opened up and it took until 1/2009 to heal all the way. Use hydrogen peroxide sparingly as it can impede the growth of new tissue. Good luck!

I did not have a drain (yeah!)

I stayed 23 hours (overnight) and was fine when I came home (ready to sleep in my own bed).

I'm going to have size 16W clothes, a few 18W and some xxl tops if anyone is interested. I'm 5' so the pants inseam will be appx 28. Just sent me a PM.

Nic - I was sleeved on 3/3. Showers only until incisions are completely healed. I was on clear fluids 1st week, full liquids now (SF yogurt and pudding included) and I will start mushies 3/17. Daily calories 500-600, 30 fat grams, 60 protein, 30 carbs and liquid intake of 64 ozs. I keep a food diary to keep me on track - hope this helps.

Welcome John. I'm 56 and just had the sleeve done 3/3 and I'm feeling great. I had no nausea, did not take pain med after the 2nd day and going back to work on Monday (I did work 1/2 day from home Thurs and Friday). This is a great forum and you will get honest, experienced answers.

To all who have posted, I had all these same feelings right before my surgery 3/3. Thanks so much, it is so good to know I was not alone in my panic!!

FMLA does cover this. For the privacy, I would recommend you get you GP to write it up for you. My surgery was 9 days ago and I did work from home 1/2 days yesterday and 1/2 today. I feel good but tire easily. I'm not ready for anything physical. I do return to work Monday but I'll be working from the office (not always the case). However, after working yesterday and today I wonder how good I'm going to be in getting all my water in and I found when I was working I got involved and forgot to keep sipping.

breekahouse - I had 1-day of clear fluids before surgery also. Also the 1st week was clear fluids and now as I'm in my 2nd week I'm on full liquids. Then I move to mushies for 2 weeks.

Brenda, I'm 56 and had the sleeve done 3/3/2010. I did a 23 hour stay. My hubby was home for a couple of days but I could have been on my own. I know some talk about sleeping in a recliner for a few days but I was able to sleep in my bed on my side the night I came home and I have taken no pain meds since that night. I did take some liquid Tylenol but for a headache. I would highly recommend my surgeon to you in Huntsville, Al. Just PM me if you want contact info. I did not self pay, however, I think he is very reasonable.

I wish you the best of luck.

Looking forward to your next posting!!

twinnicolson - Congratulations! my sleeve date was 3/3/2010 and I'm doing great. The 1st week was clear fluids and at day 5 I was feeling tired and weak but as soon as I could move to full liquids and get more protein I felt better, however, I do find I tire easy. Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.

KerriFr - good luck with your surgery. Today I'm 5 days out and doing good and will be eager to hear how you are doing after surgery.

2muchfluff - My surgeon repaired my hiatal hernia when he did my sleeve. With the problems you describe with the hiatal hernia it sounds as if that would benefit you too.

My surgery was 3/3/2010. It was done by Dr. Facundus of Alabama Surgical Associates, a Center of Excellence. Dr. Foreman also was in attendance as they do all their surgeries together. Per the bariatric coordinator they are close to receiving their 2nd Center of Excellence award. I'm 48 hours out at this time and I feel good. I still have some pain in my left shoulder and sometimes across the shoulders from the gas. And of course my stomach is sore but I can lay down, get up and walk around with little problem. A 36 bougie was used and they clip off the sleeve and test with 60 lbs of pressure prior to closing to have no leaks. They have never had a sleeve leak and only 7 leaks in 2500 gastric bypass surgeries. I have no drain and as the Dr. used 2 prior incisions from lap surgeries, I have less scarring than expected. I have had no nausea. I have glue over my incisions and was able to shower when I got home. I was in a bariatric wing for a 23 hour stay and received wonderful care. I did have some pain med issues but they had been expected as most pain medicines make me restless and itchy. When those symptoms appeared benadryl was added to my IV however as the symptoms has started already the restlessness and itchiness never completely disappeared. I did spend 12:00 to 12:15 the night of surgery walking due to the restlessness and it was not time for additional benadryl but the walking did greatly reduce my shoulder pain from the gas. I was very glad to get home and take the pain meds and liquid childrens benedryl at the same time and sleep in my own bed. I was able to lay on my side in my regular sleep position and catch up on my rest. I did run a slight temperature the afternoon I came home and did take liquid SF Tylenol for that. Working on getting my liquids down and cannot finish 2 oz of SF jello as I'm stuff at 1 oz. I do have some discomfort as it seems the liquid 'catch' at the breastbone and then go down. Some of that may be because I had a hiatal hernia repair done at the same time. I had planned to take off work until Monday 3/15 but I probably will work from home some hours at the end of next week.

youknowit - and all they others who have stated they have not told many people - I'm so glad to hear that! I too have not told many people. My husband is the only one who knew prior to my surgery and I did tell a friend I talked to the night after the surgery (my family and friends knew I was having hernia surgery just not having the sleeve done at the same time). When talking to the bariatric coordinator after my surgery she told me she had been the bariatric coordinator for the hospital for 8 years but only had gastic bypass surgery 4 months ago as her husband was not in agreement until then. She shared that she told everyone and now wishes she did not as she is stopped everyday by people (friends, friend of friends and just people who know) and asked how much she has lost. She says sometimes she just doesn't want to talk about it.