TheGamer

The thing that helped me most was focusing on why I was putting myself through the misery of two weeks with no "real" food. My surgeon was adamant that if they couldn't have clear/easy access to the stomach there would be no surgery and after a lifetime of being fat, there was no way I was going to do anything to risk it. If you're hungry, have something you're allowed to drink, like a shake. The first couple days are the worst, but the longer you do it and stick with it, the easier it's going to get. If you're not already exercising, use the lunch time as get away and walk time.

I get to have a second EGD on Friday to check for strictures at the opening to the stomach. I think it would be fascinating to watch, but I doubt they'd let me stay awake for it. I think they put everyone under as a rule just so people don't freak out.

If it's the one I'm thinking of (OnQ), it's basically a small, clear ball/pump that goes directly to the site of the surgery/incision. Small amounts of pain medication are dispensed directly at the site. It allows for pain control without the necessity of giving the entire body pain medication (ala hydrocodone), which generally leaves you more tired and less likely to be active immediately following surgery.

Start with something easy, like walking together. I still spend most of my down time in front of the computer. I'm never going to be one of these super active, workout all the time types, but I do make sure to walk more days than not.

Considering it takes me longer than 20 minutes to drink one, I hope not

You've got internal stitches, so that description isn't inaccurate. It's possible that you overstretched something and that's why you're feeling more pain than normal. If it gets worse, I'd call your doctor back.

Have they done another EGD? If you're unable to swallow soft or solid food, it's possible the opening to your stomach is too small.

This may seem kind of silly, but how much are you exercising? I find that the more I do it, the more energy I have. Really, post surgery other than sleep there's not anything food wise (which would previously have been something sugar and fat loaded) that will boost me.

That's going to depend on a lot of factors like your starting weight, height, how you're sticking to your plan, your metabolism, how much you exercise, etc. Ultimately, you're losing weight so yes, it's good

I wish I wasn't so familiar with my stomach acid this week

While acidic foods can irritate ulcers, it's a myth that they will cause them.

Yeah, carbonated drinks are a no go. If it's got bubbles, avoid it.

You're going to still be a little uncomfortable. That's normal. After all, they did just take out most of your stomach As long as you're continually feeling better, don't sweat it.

A couple other things to note, especially if you physically feel something when you call it hunger (and not just head hunger). I've learned the hard way that the stomach will do some things that mimic the feeling of a REALLY hungry stomach. If you physically feel hungry, make sure it's not gas, stomach acid, or esophageal spasms. The last is physically painful, but the other two are just that annoying "I need to eat" feeling, regardless of if you really do or not.

I'd imagine the closer you get, the more obvious it would be. I've got a LOT left to lose (about 140 to my personal goal, down 60 so far) and I've noticed that my skin texture has changed and that the skin isn't as tight and smooth as it was with all that fat under it. There are a lot of factors, including age, skin condition, and amount of weight to lose that will all contribute to how your skin rebounds from the weight loss. That's why they won't generally do any cosmetic skin fixes for two years. It gives the skin time to do all it's going to do as far as tightening up.

Actually I've noticed more back/shoulder pain since surgery and the only thing I'm thinking is that it's chest related. I've lost weight everywhere else, but not there so there's less fat to hold them in a comfortable position and maybe they're stressing out my back

Chewable multivitamin (which I can't stand), sub-lingual B12, calcium citrate as needed (what I don't get from diet), acidophilus, and Biotin (potentially help hair loss/regrowth). Post surgery I'm also taking Zegerid for stomach acid, ursodiol for gall bladder protection, and norvasc for esophageal spasms.

I've been taking Prilosec and am currently taking Zegerid, which is the same as Prilosec but with added sodium bicarbonate for absorption. Unfortunately it seems that either the spasms or the medicine to fix them (which loosens the esophagus) is giving the acid a way out.

I've been sleeping in the recliner because laying flat tends to cause my esophageal spasms to activate. Well, I was peacefully asleep this morning until I remember sitting up and being hit with a wave of nausea. Next came a burning sensation and the next I knew, there was this vile taste in my throat and I thought that it was just some acid. Went to go get the tums and at that point I realized I had aspirated something and my lungs started burning with the acid. I started coughing it up, freaking out just a bit. There was some blood, which cleared out in 2-3 coughs, but mostly this bright lemon yellow looking substance that I'm assuming was stomach acid because it was vile tasting - like bile. I'm still a little freaked out, but not enough to run to the ER now that the sensation has subsided. I am working closely with my PCP and surgeon's office, but I'm wondering if anyone has tips/suggestions on what else I can do while waiting for this to resolve itself.

Thanks They're thinking that the opening between the esophagus and stomach is too small, hence the issues. I've been sticking with the recliner because otherwise I am one of those that sleeps on my arm on my side. It's the only way I can be sure I don't roll over

I was sent home with liquid hydrocodone.

I've developed problems later in the game (6 wks out) that have included esophageal spasms and some severe acid reflux. I'm basically back to a nearly all liquid diet, with most of my nutrition coming from Meal Replacement shakes, soups, and yes, mashed potatoes. While higher in carbs, potatoes are not inherently fattening as they have no fat. Even the potato flake variety has very little fat if you don't dump butter on it. Sweet potatoes are not nearly as spiky in terms of the glycemic response and are a better choice. Honestly? I'd rather *not* be eating mashed potatoes, but given how very little of anything else I can tolerate, I'll take some extra calories where I can (literally) stomach them.

So I've been having problems and they've narrowed down the source as esophageal spasms. They're interfering with my ability to work, to eat, to even sit up straight. The only comfort I'm getting is in sitting in a recliner with a heating pad on my stomach drinking warm liquids. They've put me on some medicine that is supposed to relax the esophagus, but I'm not noticing much of a difference yet. For a while I thought it was just really bad acid reflux, but even after switching to a different PPI and trying all sorts of remedies, I was still in pain. One trip to the doctor later and now I'm wondering what the next steps are. Has anyone else dealt with these? If so, what did they do to fix it?