SLL

Congrats, Ms. Debi! It's good to see you on here again. I recognize your photo from earlier posts. Hope you heal quickly & have a smooth ride! Keep us posted with your progress! Take extra care of yourself for the next few weeks as you recover! I needed lots of naps & rest after my surgery (for about 4 weeks), but I had also had 3 other surgeries in the same year (my sleeve op was Nov 15, '11), so I think my body was just worn out. Anyway, so happy for you!

I enjoy sweets also. I was sleeved on 11/15/11, and weigh 159 now at 5'6". So, we're very close in surgery dates & stats! I fall back on peanut butter maybe once or twice a week. I just go easy on it. If I really am soooo hungry and need some protein & want sugar, I will take 2-4 saltines & make peanut butter cracker sandwiches. I've done that twice since surgery. I don't deny myself dessert all the time. If I make some homemade cookies or cake or anything, I just limit myself to a very small portion size. One thing that seems to satisfy my sweet craving most of the time is taking 2 of my butterscotch calcium citrates. It only takes a bite or two of something usually to satisfy my cravings. My husband bought me some sugar-free russel-stover chocolates for valentine's day. I tried them, but honestly, they don't taste very good to me post-op & don't make me feel very good. Of course, I stay at or under 1 serving. Protein bars are also a good "sweet" satisfier. You could just cut one up into small bites to eat when you have the craving. You don't have to eat the whole bar. (Sometimes I have to remind myself bc old habits die hard.) I'm not wild about ice cream or chocolate anymore like I was pre-op. Once, post-op, I had a kid-size frozen soft yogurt from Braum's. I think as long as I don't "feel deprived", I am more apt to make wise decisions. So, I allow myself a treat here & there, but make sure I have checked the sugar content (I'm fanatical about checking sugars), the serving I am dishing myself, and I make sure that I have consumed a proper amount of the nutrient/protein-rich foods my body needs. Hope this helps bc I know this is a difficult thing to balance & that there are different schools of thought on sweets. Congrats on your success! I know you must feel as great as I do! -Stacey

Take a slow, deep breath. You are in a perfectly "normal" spot for pre-op. Most of us have a mental freak-out just before surgery. It's a big decision & a big deal. I am 2 months post-op & have lost 45 pounds...it was worth it! I still have some more to lose, though. I went through a bunch of different emotions before surgery...& I had mine JUST before Thanksgiving! So, that meant mushies over the holidays! Hard times. Anyway, my advice is to go ahead with your surgery as planned. It will be a huge relief when you are past that big part of this journey. For me, waiting is always the hardest part. And it sounds like you have made your decision to do this. You're just having last-minute jitters, which is completely fine & healthy! Also, there are ALWAYS going to be people who are going to have "bad foods" around you. Just make up your mind that YOU are the one in charge of your feelings about what you choose to eat or not eat. You CAN totally do this! YOU are in charge of the choices you make for you, regardless of what bad foods are around you, whether it be at home, on the road, at work, at the grocery store, at your family or friends' homes. That's the name of the game from here out. Making "better" decisions for yourself every time you have a choice to make. Block the bad stuff out. It's simply "off limits". (Although you are eventually going to be able to have things you currently enjoy that are not exactly healthy, just in moderation.) You need some other support people too. Check to see if your surgeon has a support group he can recommend for VSG. My bariatric center has one every Thursday night, & I go when I can. It is so neat to be with other people who have been where you are & who are going through what you are going through. And you get some great ideas! I sincerely think (if you haven't already) that if you just sit down and calmly dicuss your husband's feelings with him, you will lovingly find out what he is going through emotionally right now & you can let him know where you are as well. It sounds like he is possibly afraid of you going through the surgery. I don't know for sure. He could be afraid that you will lose a lot of weight and attract attention from other men, so maybe insecurity?? Wishing you the very best as you continue along this exciting journey! Trust yourself & make great choices for yourself! You are going to to fantastic! (((HUGS))) -Stacey

Great job! Can't wait 'til I can say the same! I've lost 30 pounds now & also feel great & very hopeful about the future! Keep up the great work! Thanks for posting your milestone...it gives us all a lot to look forward to!

Dr. Greg Walton did mine 4 weeks ago in Edmond, OK. Wonderful doctor! Great, awesome facility! Superb hospital! Terrific experience! Wouldn't dream of going anyplace else!

I will be 1 month post-op on the 15th, so 2 more days. I wonder if u are sleeping on your left or right side? I still favor sleeping on my right side. If I overdo my activities during the day, which I do almost every day, I will be tender on my left side where the large incision site is. I wouldn't really say it is super-painful, but then we all have different pain thresholds. If you are having "significant pain" don't hesitate to call your doctor. They have probably heard everything in the book, so that would be the best thing to do. Good luck & hope you heal quickly!

Are you drinking cold liquids? Cold liquids are uncomfortable going down for me. I was sleeved on the 15th, so 9 days ago. I have to stick with room temp or warm liquids. Also, make sure you are on an acid reducer and Gas-X strips (the pkg states that you can take 2 strips...I just figured that out yesterday, LOL!) This issue of the pain when swallowing has gotten better for me. But, if I sip too much, it does hurt. SO, my advice is to sip teeny sips, as little air as possible, and choose warm drinks. It might even be worth giving the Dr a call if you are terribly miserable...also utilize your pain meds!!! Best of luck & YOU CAN DO THIS!!! -Stacey

I agree.I had surgery Nov. 15th (last week!). Online classes should be very manageable, and I have done many of them in the past. I have spent a lot of my recovery time on the computer, and it wouldn't have mattered if I had been doing school work or just goofing around, other than the stress of any looming deadlines. But, recovery for me has been manageable enough that I have cared for my 3 kids, cleaned, cooked, washed laundry, & run errands. And this week I added caring for my sister's baby all day every day. It really does depend on the person. I have had a bunch of surgeries & bounce back quickly. If you have that same fortune, I say go for it! -Stacey

Veda, I was sleeved a week ago on Tuesday and stayed one night. I don't recall hearing anyone who was outpatient. That's a fast turn-around, esp considering the hernia repair. But, I am glad you have had a great experience! My experience has been very good too, so far. My first 7 days were terrific! I had my pain under control. The gas was annoying. I had energy & really didn't feel fatigued until a little bit starting this week, and even then, it was just the normal post-op sludgy feeling. I managed my little bit of nausea with Phenergan gel, so it was never a problem. I just feel so fortunate to not have had any post-op problems. I am always aware that things could have gone another direction in an instant. I did wait several days before driving and then only stayed close to home & kept my outings limited in quantity & duration. I have 3 kids, so there isn't much time to take it easy. I cleaned and cooked and did laundry and took care of them, so yes, it was good. Now, this week, I am feeling some deeper internal discomfort where they removed the stomach. I have a 2" incision where they took it out, which has been painful thru the different layers of tissue. I have 6 incisions total. So, I have been trying this week to stay rested and let the house go a bit so I don't hurt myself or wear myself out. I haven't had the energy to do my 30 minutes a day of exercise yet, but I am going to look at an elliptical today so I can start. Have you begun your exercise routine yet? Best wishes! Stacey

Why don't you plan your menu for tomorrow!? Or, get out of the house. Have you tried the Knorr beef or chx stock cups yet? You can find them at Wal-Mart & add one cup to 3 1/2 c of H2O. Boil. Yummmmmm! The Knorr bouillons and stocks are so robust in flavor! Also, the Edy's SF all-fruit popsicles are so good. These are my favorites. I KNOW you can get thru this day...you may need to just get out of the house & start your Christmas shopping early or just find something else to occupy your time.If you journal, today would be a perfect day to wrap up your liquid phase of journal entries. Hope that I am able to help you here! You are doing FANTASTICAL!!! Keep on going! -Stacey

I was sleeved on the 15th!!! Congrats!!! I don't have time to write much now, but wanted to welcome you & say we're so glad you are here! This is THE best board out there for VSG in my opinion. I feel safe here & it feels like family! The support is iNCREDIBLE! Best wishes on your journey! -Stacey

I am 5 days post-op and have been managing to hit my 64 oz per day goal. My biggest motivation is that I don't want to go back into the hospital for dehydration. What I have done is not concentrate on Proteins at all. The Protein drink I tried was gross, so I have: -Bariatric Hot chocolate -Knorr makes some AWESOME bouillon & beef/chx stock cups. With both, you just boil with H2O. I find that brand the most yummy of all. -I haven't tried hot teas yet, but may today. (Warm liquids go down easier & I can consume 8-10 oz. in 30 minutes easily) -Powerade Zero -Crystal Light -SF Jello -SF Popsicles -Smart Water (don't like the taste though) Anyway, change it up as often as possible. Find SOMETHING that tastes good so you can drink it often. For me, it is the broths. Love those & they have sooo much flavor & are filling. Good luck & congrats!!! -Stacey

I had my surgery on the 15th. So glad you are having a good experience! I am also! I think everyone's experiences are so different. Mine has not been a walk in the park on a sunny day, but more like a walk thru the park after having done situps for a week:-) Emotionally, I have done AWESOME! No regrets! Physically, I am just following my doctor's orders and thriving! So happy this far! I am still on my pain medicine, so I have to say that it has saved me considerable discomfort. My Gas-X & Protonix have helped too. I walk & sip & walk & sip & rest adequately as well. Best Wishes!

I am only 4 days out so I don't know. But, see if you can get your dr to prescribe Phenergan gel for your nausea. It worked great for me. As for your Protein, my experience of things I have "eaten" have been: 1 c. Swanson's beef broth = 2 g protein 1 c. Swanson's chx broth = 1 g protein 1 ready-to-shake Meal Replacement shake from Bariatric Advantage = 27 g protein You may be able to get some other high protein liquids from them or any other bariatric nutrition/food store. I also got some dry Soup packets & some cocoa which were all "high" protein...each packet is 15 g of protein...and the cinnamon hot cocoa is delicious! The Soups I tried were not good to me (Tomato 7 Crm of Mushroom). They were all "Health Wise" brand. So, perhaps if you shop around, you will find some items that will allow you to make your protein goals & be somewhat pleasant to taste...just for a few more weeks. You can do this! Hang in there! You are doing great! -Stacey

Needachange: Hang in there!!! You CAN do this! I was sleeved Tuesday. I know your pain although I realize we all have different tolerances, different incisions, etc... Here are my recommendations: 1) Gas-X strips! 2) Walk! 3) Are you on an acid reducer? I was prescribed Protonix and take it 1x every day. 4) Big sips will HURT...so take small sips for now (this gets better quickly as swelling goes down). 5) Try room temp or heated liquids. I feel less pain with heated liquids like broths, teas, hot chocolate (bariatric, of course). Cold liquids hurt me more going down. 6) Take your pain medicine as directed. Stay ahead of the pain. I took mine sometimes an hour ahead of schedule on an every-6-hours regimen. It worked for me. 7) Get plenty of rest so your body can heal. If you are too miserable, do not hesitate to call your doctor's office. They have been thru this with lots of people, so they may know something different that we don't know that could help you. It may be that your pain meds aren't managing the pain & you may need a different one. Feel better soon!!! Positive thoughts and prayers for you! Stacey

Ladonna, You don't need to stress about the Protein these first 2 weeks per my NUT. Just get the liquids in...at least 64oz per day. Also, take your pain meds as prescribed and rest when you can, but do keep up your walking. I've read that a heating pad helps with the pain on your tummy. Lissa said pretty much everything I would say. Just don't stay in that much pain. Call your dr to see if you can get a different pain med if the one u have isn't working. It definitely hurts to sip too much. Try a spoon or maybe ice chips also. Just do not get dehydrated. Some of your pain may be from gas...try some Gas-X strips to get some relief. I just had my surgery Tuesday, so those were the things I have been doing. Good luck! Stacey

@Michell: Thanks! I have been lucky so far to have been improving each day. Wierd thing is...my legs hurt like I've been working them out just as hard as it feels like that in my abs. Weird huh? @amberj: Try Gas-X strips. It really seems to do some good. Also, did u get anything for nausea? I got Phenergan gel & it works great. You are doing perfectly. Just "one day at a time" is what I tell myself! @sbsheila: I totally agree about the incisions.I wasn't prepared for the massive bruising, esp at the big incision site. My tummy looks horrible. Hubby can't stand to look at it! So, I had a great day. Did laundry & housework again. Ventured out to get my daughter a haircut. That was all I had energy to go out for. But, I needed to get out of the house. It was nice. Starting to get bored with my liquids. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them! -Stacey

Well, banana Babes, I had surgery yesterday & am back home. Yesterday was a breeze really. I had a great experience and was treated so wonderfully by everyone at the hospital. Tonight, I am down 21.4 pounds since the night before surgery!!! I took a picture if the reading on my scale the night before surgery and a little while ago. My incisions are quite sore. I really do feel like I've been doing situps for days. The liquid Lortab is helpful, but it tastes gross! I bought the cinnamon hot chocolate from Bariatric Advantage & it was soooo delicious! Also love the Crystal Light orange flavor and the fruit punch flavor. My husband made some delicious broth for me tonight & I sipped on it. So, I don't feel hungry at all. If anything, I feel stuffed! Weird, huh? Had a hard time sleeping last night, but I have insomnia anyway. Thought the Dilaudid would knock me out, but no such luck. I finally took my Xanax at 2:30am, slept for 2 hours & then the nurse came to give me my meds, draw blood & send me walking the halls. Wish I had the Dilaudid at home! It worked great! I will update more tomorrow!

I am also going in to have my VSG done at 7:30 tomorrow morning! Wishing you the best and remembering you in my prayers, sleeve sister!

Well, I'm arriving at the hospital tomorrow at 7:30am. I'm as ready as I can be. I'll tell you all about it when I get to the other side! Nervous excitement! Send up some prayers, Banana Babes!

What about considering self-pay using care credit? I know it sucks to have to do that, but then you get your sleeve.

I'm scheduled for Nov. 15th! Stacey (SLL)

I agree with 2bfit. More protein may make you feel fuller longer..high protein soups & shakes, if allowed. Can you suck on sugar-free vitamin lozenges or hard candies? I think staying out of the house is what will work for me. When I am at home, I want to graze. Good luck. You will do great! One day at a time.

My surgery is Tuesday! I am nervous & excited. This site has been a lifesaver! Best of luck tomorrow...please keep us posted so we can follow your progress. I'm trying to read all that I can about people's experiences just after surgery. So far, most of them have been positive. Hoping yours will be too:-)

Best wishes tomorrow! I'm having my surgery 1 week from today & feel nervous too. I think it's just normal for us to feel that way. You'll do great!