SParkle

Hi there I'd suggest getting some different samples as it comes down to personal choice - my favs by far are the BSN Lean Dessert range, which if you mix with skimmed milk give almost 30g of Protein. ( I was allowed to use skimmed milk or Water with my shakes once released from hospital) It is hard on the sipping water front.... I was so scared to take anything larger.... I'm now 8 weeks out and that has improved and I can take larger amounts now. But I did get thirsty so just made sure I always had a bottle of drink with me where ever I went. I still keep a drink by my bed now, which I have never done prior to the surgery. Good luck

My Dr has me on Nexium, 2 a day for the first 30 days then 1 a day for 60 days. On my 1 month post op check up he said if I was still getting acid after the month to continue on 2 a day for another month, then cut back after that. I'm finding myself not needing 2 a day now - and I'm just approaching 8 weeks tomorrow. But i buy mine over the counter here in Spain and they are expensive - 35 euros for 28 tablets.

I had a breast uplift 4 years ago.... with no implants. As I'm a low start BMI I am hoping the uplift will mean that I'll not loose too much shape from them. The process of recovery was text book for me.... they didn't hurt as such, but then I've heard with implants you feel like you have a really heavy weight on your chest. I have the keyhole scarring which has faded well... my scars do extend round under my arms as well....but all in all I'm very happy with the results, go topless with no issues, and have no regrets except that I didn't get the VSG done first, but then I didn't know about it then.

I've not yet noticed anything with my hair but its early days, but I have noticed a dramatic change in my nails... they are actually growing for once.. must be all the vits, Protein and biotin! Likewise tho - I'll trade the slim part for the hair.. theres always wigs!

Good to hear you're both thru it all well..... well done on the weightloss so far - I bet you'll both do great.

I have 5 - a tiny one under my breast bone, and then the others are in more or less a line..... already they have faded a bit - I have been using Bio Oil. But the tiny one and my drain on, on my far left hand side are only about 1/4 inch in size and the others alough about 1/2 inch long have healed really well and neatly too.

Well done.... its good practice for your pre op diet if you have one.... and does make you feel really virtuous afterwards too.

I'm only 7 weeks out but mine is starting to look better already.... I have been massaging a body cream all over as well to try and stimulate the cells and help as much as I can. BTW - you're doing great with 8lbs off already, well done.. and not long now until your surgery either..... good luck!

Luckily I've not had that .... but I hate being sick so try not to eat beyond my comfortable stage.....I slimed once so far and that was bad enough!

I can totally identify with this..... at home I probably take between 5 and 15 mins to eat my small portion.... whereas if we eat out I can eat more - I usually order an appetizer and make that last while my hubby eats his and then his main course... so comparing to two I eat more when I am out because I am stretching the eating time....but if I was to have the same at home it would probably be left as I'd be full after maybe 5 or 6 bites.

Well done..... sounds about right I think.... I lost 4 inches off my bust in 2 months, so one size should be fine with extra taking in if needed.... good luck!!

I agree with Maddie.... do take it easy... you're only 3 days out and while you feel better each day it is still very early days. If that temp creeps up make sure you call your Dr - an increased temp can be a sign for infection or leaks, so its not worth risking anything. I had to record mine for the first 10 days along with blood pressure.

Heres a list I used, and have posted previously - this was compiled with the help of regulars on here and also a few of my own thrown in for good measure..It may seem like a lot of questions but it never hurts to know too much.... Questions to ask Pre Op /The Op If self pay - What does your fee involve? Is there some follow up care thrown in there, like labs at 3,6,9 and 12 months? Pre op diet – what to eat/drink and how long for? Do I get a nutritionist/psychologist? What size bougie is used? (This is the medical instrument which determines the size of your remaining pouch) Do you oversew the staple line? How many incisions do you make? Do you go in thru previous scars? How many nights in the hospital – is there facility for someone else to stay in my room as well? Do they need to be with me 24/ during my hospital stay? How many leak tests do you do? How many sleeves have you performed? Complication/leak stats? How many if any deaths? Who do I contact if I think I have a problem (most places give out an emergency number)? Is the hospital equipped an ICU and blood bank in case of complications? If complications do happen to occur, are these complications/additional surgery/days in hospital covered by the original quoted price of the surgery? Would you remove my gall bladder at the same time if needed? Can you give me some patient testimonials or do you have any before/after pictures of your patients that I could read/look at? Is it standard operation procedure, ie: no nail polish, no body jewellery? Do I need to stop taking any particular medication pre op - including double check for birth control? (Take a list of what you take and dosage) Post Op How often are the post op check ups? Where are they? – is price included? What supplements/anti acid drug would I need to take and for how long? Do I need labs done post op? – Are these checked with you or my local doctor? Do I get a dvd of the operation? Post op diet? How much weight would I be expected loose? What if I loose too much, how to maintain? Do you use heparin? – Will I have to inject it myself? How soon after the op can I……drive, swim, work out, lift my kids? Hope this helps

I had soluble vitamins and I ground up my Nexium and took it with liquid... although it tasted foul ground up.... did that until 1 wk post op when I then split it in 2 and tok it like that.

I'd also say call the Dr.......just to be on the safe side. I hope it works out ok for you.

I made some home made meatballs.... mini ones about 3/4 inch size, I freeze in portions of 5 balls with the tomato sauce and they are lush!! Just the right portion size for me as well.

Thats great news!! Well done!

Well done!! Heres looking to the next 50! Good luck

I've only ever eaten until I feel satisfied, never to test how much I can eat as I fear I'd eat more than I actually need that way and stretch my pouch.

I just wanted to add that you've had some great support here, more than it sounds like you're getting with your bf. Trust me - you know when you find the right person that you can't live without. From the sound of it, you've not met him yet... he is out there, someone to love and cherish you as YOU....someone to accept you for who you are large or small, to share your life with for the good times and the bad/emotional ones...... I kissed a lot of frogs before I found my Prince, and boy, was he wort the wait! Good luck.

Thanks for posting - its great to hear from long termers as its a relatively new thing....

If it helps I felt 'normal ' at 3 weeks... I know everyone heals differently, but the 3 week mark for me was the turning point. I felt a bit more energised, and able to do a lot more than before - I started swimming then too as my scars had healed by then. Will you be able to cope - Thats something only you will know at the time - a lot will depend on the situation of the trip - a day trip or a vacation etc.... but I'd not rule it out if you're with others who can help out with your kids if needed. Good luck

If you're looking for shakes with the Protein in then I use BSN Lean Dessert ones.. .they have 21g per scoop and I make them with milk which mine has another 8.4g protein per 200ml glass so thats almost 30g per shake. If I'm on a day where my meat intake is low then I'll have one of these as well to bump it up.

I don't think theres anything that can make them go totally... but I'm using Bio Oil for my scars and also slapping it on the stretch marks too...they do look less worse also if you have a bit of a tan.