Annie B

I had dumping syndrome before - hardly at all after. It has happened about 2-3 times since surgery 6+ weeks ago, but nowhere near as badly - mostly because of the teeny tiny amounts I can eat! I'm just making a practice to have my Protein first (which is what I'm supposed to do anyway!). When I do that, I don't seem to have any dumping issues. BTW - my gastroenterologist had me taking immodium daily for the DS - which really worked pre-surgery. I haven't had to take it more than once post-surgery.

If it were me, I would celebrate the day before. Restaurants are less crowded, service is better, food is better! I spent my 22nd anniversary at the Mayo Clinic watching my husband recover from open heart surgery. It was the best anniversary EVER! It wasn't what I was planning for, but it was wonderful.

That's great! I'm in my 7th week out and trying to do all the same things. I know it sounds shallow, but I'm so glad to hear your hair is still healthy. Some have started to lose hair at 6 weeks... makes me nervous - I just don't have enough hair to start with! People are beginning to notice with me as well and I don't like the attention either because I'm thinking it will be followed with "how are you doing it?" Your answer is truthful and appropriate. I'm not sure how I'll answer it - so far no one has asked, and only my boss knows that I had this surgery. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on being a great role model!

So glad you don't have to do the 6 month diet! It's so nice to be able to make the difficult decision to get the surgery and then just do the pre-op testing and schedule the surgery! I'm glad your husband called!

I like your wife's idea! (We nurses stick together!)

Vent away - these things are infuriating!!

iggychic, so sorry that your son has had to have any of these let alone many!! And so sorry you had a leak! Have a great evening!

The person actually doing the test and instructing you on how much to drink is usually the radiologist - a physician. The amount they want you to swallow depends on what they need to see on the screen. Mine was set up so I could watch and I found it fascinating. I also only needed to take about 4-5 swallows of the nasty tasting fluid so it wasn't too bad.

Are you asking why you were "allowed" to take the big sips but now you're not? If so, it's because the bigger sips allow the test to be done effectively - which is what you want - to see if there are leaks. However, the small sips are to protect your staple line and prevent a leak from developing.

A nursing assistant can also help you walk - they just don't want you to fall. It's usually just the first time out of bed. I got up as soon as possible - can't remember how many hours after surgery. Once they helped me to the bathroom the first time, I was able to walk in the hall.

If you have an HR, I would file a harassment complaint against your boss for this. This is above and beyond insensitivity - it's inappropriate behavior - period! He is making your work place uncomfortable. Wow - my heart really goes out to you - what a mess! I wish your surgery was sooner so you wouldn't have to be in that situation. So sorry!

A pharmacist would be able to answer that question. Chewable papaya enzyme works well and very quickly as well.

I was told salad was okay in week 7.

You would have to be NPO the day of surgery and traveling and light-headedness don't go well together.

Amazing what a change 50 pounds can make! Congratulations!! You look great - and you're glowing!

My doc has let me take my pills since day 4 post-op. I'm 6 weeks out and have not had any problem swallowing pills.

Yes - it works well for me.

I live in dumont. I'm feeling pretty good - finally getting my energy back. I sometimes forget I had surgery. I had a lot of soreness, but no real pain following surgery. I've been very fortunate. Others on this site have been through so much in their recovery. Their experiences have me very much walking the straight and narrow to hopefully prevent the complications they have experienced.

Hello Alexis, There is a thread somewhere on this website about NJ sleevers with lots of responses. I am from northern NJ - almost 6 weeks out. I'm not getting a whole lot of variety yet, but supposedly week 7 is the beginning of eating regular foods. I'm still adjusting to the low volume of food, but so far so good! I wish you the best!

My doc said crystal light was fine!

Not stupid - beautiful!!

Not stupid - beautiful!!

Two nights in the hospital, 2.5 weeks off but could have used a more time off due to energy level.

Lactose intolerant before surgery, lactose intolerant after surgery. Bummer.

I was also hungry - very hungry. It worried me a lot! I was on clears for 2 weeks. The second week was very tough - very weak. Protein supplements in your clear liquids would help a lot (I didn't know about them when I needed them). Gatorade and apple juice will give you calories. I was allowed diluted apple juice and gatorade. Hang in there - almost 6 weeks out and the hunger has been steadily decreasing as my diet has increased through the phases.