SusieK710

Drinking is easier when I am standing and walking. I get my morning protein in while getting ready and emptying the dishwasher. I keep my water on the counter so I drink as I pass, at 2 1/2 weeks out, I can take 2-3 normal drinks. Gravity helps alot!

Washington state! Almost 3 weeks out. I was way more concerned about complications than the actual surgery. First few days were very hard but each day was alittle easier. Pay attention to your body and take it slow.so far so good! Went into work in nylons and high heels for an interview!

GI RN, hospital requires being able to lift 50 lbs and do CPR, so surgeon said 6 weeks . 3 weeks would have been perfect to me.

Happens with mono, so hopefully it is something simple. Good luck!

The heating pad that we all love so much is currently on my feet! Having one at work for my lap might be nice!

Use Tylenol, aleve is an NSAID, which irritates the stomach and thins the blood. May be dehydration or caffeine or carb withdrawal. Good luck

Gas x strips!

Great reminder to always call your surgeon in the first few months if you have ANY medical problem. They are the experts, not us, not the local ER an not family practice doctors. Thanks for the info, may God heal your sister.

Normal, but you are losing fluids and electrolytes. Call your Dr. They may want you to take something to slow the diarrhea. Good luck!

Mine was not coved either. Talked with the hubby, he asked how much would it cost for us to pay. He stated, "We could do that". Now I'm post-op. Definately got the secondary insurance. I drive a 12 year old Jeep, instead of replacing it soon, we invested in me. I'll be the sportscar!

Education! Read everything from your doctor multiple times. Read articles. Buy books. Stalk this forum. As you go thru each of the stages, you know what to expect and what to have ready. Then, as you notice something, "oh, I feel a little nauseated", your learning kicks in. " Oh yeah, stop drinking for a bit, and walk." Know the realities of a weightloss surgery.

40, Dr. stated that there were reduced leak rates with a 40. Recovery has been relatively easy. 9 days out, 10 pounds down and getting all my water in, and 50 gms or protein (need more but ok for now). Hopefully that will help with less hairloss!

Thanks for the update. Will be praying for healing. My husband had it about 8 years ago. Healthy runner, this happened after shingling the roof. They thought it was the way he kneeled on the roof with his ankle flexed backward. It took a few month but healed well. Drove him nuts tho. Hope yours gets better.

We will be praying. Please let us know how you are doing.

Check out theworldaccordingtoeggface.com She had a RNY and has great food ideas!

I've found if I stand up then take a drink and walk around for a minute or so (bathroon break, empty dishwasher,etc) that gravity is my friend!

A friend recommended adult coloring books and paint by number kits from on line! Barnes and Nobel had some! A few minutes on the treadmill too. Warm cup of SF apple cider!

Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can cause ulcers in even normal stomachs so dr.s caution us against them. My dr. does an EGD and takes a biopsy for H. Pylori, the bacteria associated with alot of ulcers. Then acid reducers for 3 months. All to reduce chances of complications. Their reputations are based on outcomes so they are on our side. That being said, this groups experiance and honesty has taught me so much!

Remember teenage PMS...that's what this is like. Hormone surges due to weight loss, and we can't self medicated with food like usual. Our stamina is down, Our world has changed, we are different now and see our friends and family differently. Follow Dr.s orders, rest, walk, drink. Find things to keep your brain busy. Game books like sudoku, I bought adult coloring books and paint by numbers, that a friend recommended! Stack of magazines and a handful of new books. Messy closets are the plan for the last week before returning to work. Dream, plan and breathe! This is the how the "change" happens! I warned my husband that they were taking away my pacifier so I may whimper and cry a bit!

Check with your doctor but it seems most of us are on over the counter Prilosec for 3 months. Good luck on your recovery!

PPI's are prescribed twice a day for at least 3 months to heal stomach ulcers. Healing needs reduced stomach acid to heal. Since we basically have a long incision (raw spot) in the stomach, take your doctor ordered meds. The other medications are great for "normal" reflux or after fully healed. I've done done GI (stomach and colon) nursing for 12 years.

This is the climb up the stairs to the high dive. You can do it! We nurses have way to many "what ifs". Time to make the list of why you are doing this, what you want to do with half the weight off and for when you have all the weight off. Follow your Dr. orders (knowledge) and dive beautifully!

Imagine taking a large knife and slicing your hand in half. 5 days later, put those items in your hand. Now squeeze like the stomach does. Without opening your hand, trickle water thru at an ounce every 15 minutes. Keep the fist closed and continue to squeeze for days. Imagine all the problems that this can create. This is why we are scared for you. Hopefully your honesty will keep others from making the same mistake. Bless you.

Had a great time meeting several VSGers at our pre-surgery meeting! The question came up about surviving the pre-diet, clear liquids and post-diet. Pinterest has a search area. Try entering low carb, gastric by-pass, or other phrases and find peoples stash of recipes! Sucess is using all our resources wisely!

GI nurse here, surgery January 7 in Seattle. Dr said 2 weeks off but employer says must be able to lift 75 lbs to return to work so 6 weeks off. Glad to have other nurses making the decision for VSG, I'm the first in my hospital as far as I know. Read alot, very knowledgable crew here!