VSG AJH

Wow, thanks for letting us know. I'm two weeks out and SO ANXIOUS to get to real food! I'm sure I would have done something similar without your warning. My doc requires full liquids the first three weeks, then purees and soft for the next 9. No grilled chicken until 3+ months out.

Now that makes sense. Seems very exotic.

*backstrap. :/

Where in the world are you that a "simple dinner" consists of "elk blackstrap?"

I'm like @Jenny12 -- I'm 2 weeks post-op, and I can take water in super fast. I feel like I have no restriction when it comes to liquids, and it's been that way from the hospital (with warm beverages/broth, anyway). When I called in a bit concerned, nurse said it's not abnormal to fell little to no restriction with fluid, but expect a difference with dense protein. I do feel more restriction with something like pudding than something fluid-y. We'll see what the future looks like. My doc used a 38f bought on me.

Smart tip!

You're a smart woman! Not doing a bowel prep in advance (wasn't required or suggested) is probably my single surgery regret.

This totally happened to me. Took pain meds (hydrocodone) for the first four days home. By the fifth day, I was in more pain. Pain behind and to the left of that largest incision, hip pain, back pain, and nausea. Having had several c-sections and stalled bowels as a result of the surgery + anesthesia + post-op pain meds, I immediately recognized the sensation. Stopped pain meds immediately (though did reintroduce liquid Tylenol a couple of days later), and begin to hit the constipation stuff hard. For me, it took prune juice, Colace, Miralax, a mineral oil enema, and about two days for relief. Afterwards, IMMEDIATElY better. I've been regular since without meds, and only one time since have I regretted not taking a stool softener. Think about what your nurse said. There's a very good chance she's right.

Wise words, and you look amazing! Way to go!!

Not all surgeons do swallow tests. Mine doesn't. He does some kind of leak test during surgery, but said he stopped doing swallow tests to reduce the risk of vomiting.

I would absolutely take some stuff! I needed Colace, Miralax, mineral oil enemas, and time. It took about two days to clear out, but now, two weeks post-op, I'm doing pretty good. Certainly regular once again, but could use some more Colace periodically. I would recommend stool softeners for sure because this many days out without them, you'll be quite uncomfortable.

I really love your attitude about this. I'm two weeks out today, and while I haven't yet hit a stall, statistics say one is right around the corner. I really admire this gentle, loving approach towards a body that's been through a lot and changing so much. I think I'll embrace this attitude.

I never needed the anti-nausea script, and I took the pain meds for four days before switching to liquid Tylenol. I would recommend doing some kind of colon cleanse because constipation post-op is no fun (I speak from experience :/). I do recommend the PPI blocker (I have Protonix) because for some folks that excess acid feels like hunger for the first few months.

Thanks for the update! Hang in there, Andrew!!

So sorry to hear this, Andrew! Hang in there and keep us updated!

My center says a minimum of 60g of protein, with 90-100g daily being ideal.

Hang in there! Throughout these threads, people have moments of buyer's remorse right after surgery. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to heal. In no time, your sleeve will regulate and you'll feel and be doing so much better, and the weight will be melting off.

I use Syntrax Nectar unflavored powder mixed with 16oz of water and a Crystal Lite packet. It's as this as water and the 20g of protein is indistinguishable.

I'm glad you asked this question. I have no specific amount listed in this liquid phase either (sleeved 12/03), and I can often take in 1c. of puréed and strained soup. I was worried that I don't have enough restriction, but the nurse reminded me liquids go right on through. The pre-mix protein drinks I have are 11oz. and often have more calories than the 8oz. of strained soup. I'll see what happens when I get to purees -- in eleven very loooooong days.

Hey neighbor! I'm a bit north of you. Has my VSG at Baylor Grapevine.

Oh yes! They put me in one post-op, and it was wonderful! Kind of squished everything in to hold it in place. It's the same idea as holding a firm pillow against your belly for pain relief/comfort, except the comfort is strapped on. I'm 10 days post-op now. I stopped wearing the binder 24hrs/day a few days out, but I only recently stopped sleeping in it. I'm a side-sleeper, and the binder kept my tummy snug so that side sleeping didn't cause my tummy to stretch tugging on the incisions. So thankful for the abdominal binder! If you want one and aren't put in one automatically, just ask at the hospital. They can get one for you, no problem.

Cab -- I brought some PJ pants, a hairbrush, my toothbrush, my phone, and my charger. The only thing I didn't have and needed was Chapstick because the anti-nausea patch dries everything out, but they have me ice chips in recovery and Chapstick on the floor. They gave me everything else I needed: extra blankets and pillows, drinks and "food" (like Jello and broth), etc. I wore the same clothes out that I wore in, and I wore the hospital gown over my PJ pants. Would've been hard to wrestle with a gown over my IV tube, etc. not impossible, just not worth it to me. I was in the hospital about 24 hours and showered after I got home.

Andrew -- have you tried unflavored protein in Crystal Lite or in soup?

I have a McAlister's Sweet Tea ornament.

You look wonderful! Congratulations!!!