mcal

This was my first Thanksgiving with the sleeve as well. What a difference it made. Not only was I full after a small amount but I noticed some of my old favorites weren't quite as good. The carb-heavy stuffing and mashed potatoes didn't really interest me as much as the turkey with a little cranberry sauce. I know what I was thankful for today!

I ended up taking a loan from my 401k so that I wouldn't be hit with the penalty. I end up paying myself back the interest and with the economy in the dumps, the rate of return is nor that much different than the interest charge for my loan.

I was just sleeved last Tuesday (10/2). I was lucky; I never got the gas pains that so many talk about. Instead I was extremely sore. I used my pain pump fairly often the first night trying to deal with the soreness. By the next morning I realized within a minute or so of pushing the magic button, nausea would set in. During one of our pre-op classes we were warned that sleeve patients often have more nausea than the rest. While I had outpatient surgery in April for my hand, this was my first surgery with general anesthesia and hospitalization. It really wasn't that bad once the leak test was done and the foley catheter was removed. A week later it is still a little sore on the biggest incision I had but it's getting better. I no longer need a pillow to help push against when getting up and down from a chair or in and out of bed and I have been able to bend again. All in all, this wasn't too bad of an experience. You'll do great! Just make sure you walk while in the hospital and let them know if you have pain or nausea instead of laying in bed in agony.

I wish I could help. I don't know anything about HMR. I started mine yesterday but mine is just focused on the amounts of Protein. My meals have been yogurt for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner with some broth at lunch and dinner. Throw in a sugar free popsicle for dessert.

Everyone's pre-op diet seems radically different. Mine starts on Tuesday for Oct 2nd surgery. 20 grams of Protein a day via shake, milk, or yogurt. No more than 20. Everything else is broth, SF Jello, and other beverages. It sounded hard but doable until I realized that 20grams of protein was 8oz of milk in one of the nectar protein mixes. Good luck. It's all worth it and we'll get through it.

I have high bp as well. It's my only comorbidity but my PCP expects it to come down after surgery. From reading all of these forums, all of the requirements are different. Before getting a date I had to get an EKG, chest xray and lots of (expensive) blood work. I was lucky and didn't need any of the other consults. Some of the other options on the form that the surgeon requires for some patients in my program are cardiology tests, pulmonology tests, sleep study, gastroenterology clearance, pap test & mammogram if female, and a colonoscopy if over age 50. There's lots of stuff to do but hopefully it will go quickly for you. Good luck!

Good luck! I'm sure we'll be passing each other while strolling through the halls.

I'm doing blood work this coming Tuesday, sept 18th. The class with Jeanne & Fran is also on the same day. My appointment with Valerie is on the 25th. Who is your surgeon?

Thanks Meka! It's good to know I'll be in good hands. Yup. I was told to report in at 10am on Oct 2nd.

I'm going for mine on Oct 2nd with Dr. W in Norfolk. Does anyone know what the History & Physical with the nurse practitioner is? Anyone have any other tips of things to expect while at Norfolk General that they don't tell you in all of the classes?