Annie B

Immediately post-op it wasn't too bad, but my second weak post-op was terrible energy-wise. From 3rd week on, it's been getting progressively better - almost 6 weeks out and feeling pretty normal now.

Another beautiful woman before and stunning after! Congratulations - inspirational!!

April - even though I can't find your post to me, I'm responding hoping you will get this. I had surgery on the 19th and have had no complications other than extreme weakness during the second week post-op. I'm feeling good - like I haven't even had surgery. Of course the small amounts I can eat remind me otherwise. Thanks so much for asking! How are you doing?

First, looking at the numbers you have posted, you are doing great! Do not let decisions made today ruin your tomorrow. And, if you look objectively at today, it could have been worse. You didn't have 3 slices of pizza. You didn't eat the whole danish. I don't eat chicken wings, but is there much meat on 2?? It seems to me like you got back on track immediately. Maybe you could keep Protein bars at work for those rare times you forget your lunch. We all have these moments. We learn as we go. Congratulations on losing 50 pounds!!

ER!

Is your RA managed by a rheumatologist?

lizv - you are so right to post your experience. I am so sorry to hear what you went through. Every person who has not already had the surgery should consider the risks. Just out of curiosity, because it seems like this is not standard practice across the nation, did you have a leak test the day after surgery? I'm so glad you're out of the hospital and pray you gain strength every day!

The most I've been put on is 2000 mg several years ago.

Only 5 weeks out and none so far.

I was told no nsaids - at all. I do not have RA (although my sister and mother do - and neither of them are allowed to take nsaids). As to school - it's so dependent on you and how your body recuperates and adjusts to the recovery and restricted diet. I had a really good experience with my recovery but those first two weeks of Clear liquids almost did me in. I brought home work but didn't have the energy to do it. Having said that, you should know I totally missed that I was supposed to be taking in liquid Protein and non-sugar free drinks, so I was pretty much running on empty. Other people might have much more encouraging words.

I was told 6 weeks for full internal healing.

I had a protein shake for breakfast on the way to work (around 7 am) and brought the 4 oz cottage cheese pack for lunch. I also got soups at work. Actually, I'm now on soft solids and still do the same thing - I'm loving my shake, and I seem to be addicted to the cottage cheese - totally enjoying it.

The pre-op tests are totally dependent upon the patient and whatever, if any, other health issues they have. People go back to work anywhere from 3 days to 8 weeks. I went back at 2.5 weeks and it was too soon - not from pain but from a total lack of energy. My energy didn't come back till just over 4 weeks out. If you don't have to give a return to work date, I wouldn't. See how you feel and determine your return date on that if you can.

Hi Kimmy, This isn't a diet. It's a change of life. It's not about how fast you lose, it's about getting healthy, day by day, decision by decision. My general doctor was extremely blunt with me. If you go into WLS accepting that this will alter your lifestyle, you will be successful. If you are not ready for the commitment, and continue to eat only ring dings and Cookies, you will not be successful. I have made the personal decision to weigh myself on Wednesdays and Saturdays. But I'm thinking of changing that to just once a week because I don't want my moods or decisions impacted by a number. I'm in it for the long-haul. I went out to eat with my family over Christmas (4 days after surgery) and was totally content to have only my Clear liquids. That is a huge change for me. You will lose weight with this surgery. I would just encourage you to look at it as a doorway to a new way of relating to food, the scale, and all the old ways that got you to where you are now - facing WLS.

I did something similar. I didn't eat massive amounts of food, but I did eat every single thing I thought I would miss after. However, Traci is absolutely right - you are not prohibited from eating anything. You just can't eat the quantities you used to. For me, I do get hungry. I also miss being able to eat a large volume, however, I'm praying that will change. I do find myself tempted, but then I remember that my stomach can hold so little, that I better make it worthwhile. I have had every one of my food weaknesses offered to me over the past 3 weeks, and I looked at them, knew I was allowed to eat them, but just decided not to - why open the door to foods that landed me in this spot in the first place? I'm not a food lover - I'm a junk-food lover. It was a road to obesity and diabetes. I'm now on the road to weight loss and glucose control. I'm not mourning the loss of food at all, and I hope you don't either.

Beautiful!!!! You did amazing!! Congratulations!

I've had several - one for pre-op. I don't mind them at all - it's the last level of incline that's the killer. But you tell them when you can't go for another minute. They don't want you to run. It's not bad.

I wish you the best!

You will probably drop 5 pounds in the next few days. The body reacts strangely to dramatic changes. Sometimes it just takes some time for it to adjust. Hang in there - you're really doing great!

My surgeon told me to start taking some of my meds on day 4 - two pills and a capsule. I've had no problems with them. I also take prilosec when needed - they are caplets and go down easily for me.

Just be careful about dehydration - dry lips, mouth, etc., you might need IV fluids at some point if you're unable to take in more than 1 oz an hour. Beef broth was delicious to me...

I took off 2 1/2 weeks as well. I was okay to go back but probably would have benefitted from the extra 1/2 week - not because of discomfort, but because of a lack of energy. If you are able, 2 1/2 to 3 weeks is probably ideal. If not, there are many amazing people who went back to work just days after the surgery. That would not have worked for me - I was on clears for 2 weeks and very weak, on the verge of blacking out many times. I think your post-op diet really impacts your ability to maintain your energy level.

Congratulations on your surgery! I think you have come to the right place. You will not be alone, that's for sure. You can participate as much or as little as you want. I'm 4 weeks out and had a similar experience to you - no real pain, etc. I have a worry about the hair loss as well. My hair is so thin already that the thought of losing tons of hair has me more than a little nervous. I've been told not everyone loses hair, and that it's all about the Protein, however, this forum seems to indicate otherwise. I was worried about the breath as well, but did not experience any problems with this. I wish you the best!

Congratulations! That is fantastic!

You are in my prayers as well. Perhaps you nephrologist and a bariatric surgeon could speak so your nephrologist's concerns could be laid to rest.