katikati

I'm not on Lovenox, but I am on a blood thinner shot called Arixtra. I just finally started it tonight because the pharmacy had to order it for me. No one had it because I'm on the max dose. I am the biggest chicken in the entire world, and in the end I could not give myself the shot. I had to ask my mom to give it in my arm for me. Thankfully, it did not hurt, and it didn't burn at all. I am no expert, and I've never had Lovenox, but is possibly burning because you don't let the alcohol dry on the swabbed spot before injecting? I have had shots that do burn going in, and I hate them. At least yours is only seven days. I have to do mine for a month. x[

Sorry for TMI. I had my first bowel movement post-op this morning. Since that time I have had diarrhea 4 times. I woke up after an hour of sleeping and had the 4 attack of diarrhea. About 30 minutes later, I am having a sudden attack of the first nausea I've had since the first day after my surgery. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I took a promethazine. Waiting for it to work.

Starting to feel a slight headache too.

Hi, Juny. I know exactly what you mean. At my pre-op class they shared a list of reasons why not to have this surgery, and I was like, "oh, crap... that was my list of why I wanted to have this surgery." You know what, though, I happen to think some of those reasons are perfectly valid, and have their roots in the right reasons. One of the items on the not a good reason list was "Because I want a boyfriend." Hell yeah I want a boyfriend, and then a husband, and then a family of my own. I know why they say not to make this your reason. It's because they have no control of your personality, and there's a chance you're just a horrible person or totally undateable, and surgery won't change that. If you're unsatisfied with your ability to get a boyfriend post-op, then it can lead to feelings of defeat, and that can lead to slipping in your meal plan, etc. I think for the fully informed, though, this is a great reason to want surgery. We're not fools. We know results are not guaranteed and and that losing weight doesn't magically reveal the number of your future spouse underneath a roll of fat or something. I had this surgery because I want my life, I want my happiness, and the only way to have access to the possibility of those things is to have my health. I'm not going to lie to myself. If I knew I could eat brownies and pasta every day and still have everything I want, plus feel great in my body, plus not be in pain, plus not be inviting a plethora of health issues, I'd be face down in it every day. However, tragically, that is not the case, so I choose this. Health is the answer to my happiness and fulfullment of desires in my life, and so I choose health. Regarding goal weight, I feel the same. I picked a random number, and that number is higher than the chart tells me my ideal weight based on my height. I did this for a few reasons. First, I'm certain I'll have excess skin to contend with, which will weigh something. Second, I think I must be more dense than other people. I don't look as large as other people at my weight. Third, the number isn't going to matter to me. How I feel and how I look are the goals. I feel guilty sometimes, because I can't really picture losing all the weight. I would thrilled if I lost enough weight to be one of those beautiful curvy, voluptuous women like Christina Hendricks, or Adele. Do I think I'll actually look like that? Not so much, but my point is, if I get to a manageable where I can dress cute, and my health stats classify me as healthy, I will consider myself at my personal goal. I went through and read your blog entries and some of your posts. How do I say this without sounding like a weirdo? I really like you. You just seem cool and like someone I'd be friends with in real life. I relate to your thought processes, we're near the same age (I'm 33) and place in life, and you're intelligent. I tossed you a friend request. I'd enjoy keeping up with your journey as we go through this.

Oh, my goodness, Bekkamyhousekey. I'm extremely excited for you that your surgery is tomorrow, but I'm so sorry to hear about your best friend. I can't imagine experiencing both of these life events at the same time. You're right, joy is right around the corner, and I think it'll show up sooner than you think. No online cheerleader could compare to the encouragement of a best friend, but I will gladly join the ranks of people who "get it" and cheer you on. You have an awesome attitude and a beautiful spirit. You've done your part, just relax and let the doctors do their part tomorrow, then just walk, walk, walk and sip, sip, sip. You got this!

Just an Isopure update. The mango peace tastes like... are you ready for this? ...parmesan cheese. My mom tasted it and agreed. The apple melon is a very nice surprise. It is mostly melon flavored, and just a tiny hint of apple. I've never been a melon fan, but this is freaking amazing compared to some things I've drank in the last week. It doesn't have that Protein flavor to it. I'm one happy girl right now.

I bought mine at The Vitamin Shoppe. You can buy it by the bottle to try out the flavors first, and then buy 12 packs once you know what you like. It's not cheap. They were 4.19 per 20 oz. bottle, but so worth it. I believe they are also sold at GNC, but I don't know if they sell it by the bottle there.

Hi, Ginamaria. You're not alone. I am an extremely anxious person, and my fears were intense before surgery. Regarding your fear that the surgery will not work for you, I'm pretty sure any person who has done their research and is going into the surgery fully informed has that fear. I think it's a healthy fear, even. I had to re-word that fear in my head and say that I'm afraid I won't work this surgery. The sleeve is what it is. The surgeon will put it there, and a new fact about my body will be that my stomach is smaller. My brain is the same, though, and I will still need to be careful about what I put in it. With regard to the regret, ugh... I feel ya. That was probably my biggest fear going in. My second and third day post-op, this fell upon me with the grace and subtlety of an avalanche of lead pipes. I became tearful, and my brain started asking me, "what have I done?!" If this does happen to you, please know, it is normal, and it will pass. I think it just goes with the territory of major decisions, but it's just scarier when it has to do with your body. You've done the absolute best thing you can do with fear, and that is tell someone you're afraid. You're going to do great! Keep talking about it, breathe through it, and look for something positive to look forward to in addition to each fear. My best combatant to my fears has been browsing new clothes online. Yes, there is a risk with this surgery, as there is with every surgery, and most of us get scared that we'll be that 1% that experiences a complication. For me, this surgery was worth the minute risk, because without the surgery, there was a 100% chance of a multitude of other life-ruining health concerns. I'm more than happy to trade those risks in for better ones!

Hi, Kbraun87. I can tell you that all surgeons are different with their pre-op diet requirements. I only had to do 2 days of liquids. Using logic, knowing that many people only have to do a couple of days, I can say I'm sure it's fine. However, the most important opinion is that of your surgeon. They know your surgery was moved up and were okay with the shortening of your liquid diet, and that's what matters. If you're still really concerned, call them and ask about it. From what I understand, the two main reasons for extended liquid diets are 1) because the less you weigh, the easier the surgery is, and 2) to shrink your liver as much as possible to also make the surgery easier. If those were the only two reasons, they you're more than likely okay, if they were doing it for an additional reason that I'm not aware of, then it's probably worth a check. Congrats on your big day approaching! I'm 5 days out and doing very well.

Wonderful idea, DivaNurse! Thanks for starting this!

Welcome to the journey! Bearing in mind that everyone is different, and that I'm less than a week post-op, I can tell you that the hardest part of the entire process was all the fears I let pile up in my head. They nearly undid me. The next to hardest part was the first day after surgery and the spells of nausea I was experiencing, but those were from the pain pump, and everyone was very quick to respond with anti-nausea medication until it was resolved. Everything after that has been a breeze, to be honest with you. Yes, there's some pain, but not near as much as I expected. I'm about 5 days out and sitting in a comfy chair at home, and the only thing that is hurting is my butt from being on it so much. I'm starting to move around more. I was scared at first because I have a drain (I live three hours away form surgeon, so it was a precaution), and I didn't want to mess it up or hurt anything internally, but I'm seeing that I can do everything I need to do and it doesn't cause a problem. I have no pain at my incisions, which are still healing, no pain around the drain, even when I change the bandage. I have some slight achiness at two IV sites, but only when I move or press on those areas. If this surgery is the right thing for you, and you're confident in your choice of surgeon, then sit back and try not to read too many more horror stories. Yes, it is good to be educated about the surgery, have the facts, and be prepared for any curve balls, but once you have the information, don't dwell on it. Cross those bridges if you come to them. Instead, work on filling yourself with the positive prospects of surgery. For me, that's been browsing new clothes online.

Warning, there may be TMI ahead in this post. I assume since this is the lady's forum, it's okay just to be open. My body has the absolute worst timing. Here's the story. Growing up, my period was incredibly irregular. Like, from when I first started, I'd have a period once a year, but it would be a monstrous two-week long flooding ordeal. Now, that period also could be triggered by stress, and without fail, if I took a trip or something, there it would be, messing up all my clothes and the sheets and generally ruining my life. I evened out a bit as I got older, but it was still pretty rough, and not anywhere near regular. I lost about 120 pounds a few years ago, and during that time my period became regular and much, much lighter. Like... it actually became predictable and manageable! I was never excited to see it, but I knew I'd get through it, and in a couple of days, it would be gone. I have regained every pound of that weight I lost, maybe even more, but my period has stayed regular for some reason...until this month. Now I'm two weeks late, and I'm having my VSG in two more weeks. I read in my pre-op material, that the stress of surgery can bring on your period, and to pack accordingly. I'm curious, did anyone, regular menstruaters or not, actually experience your period starting right after surgery? I know you may mention or ask me a few things, so let me toss out a few more pieces of info to help. No, there's no chance I'm pregnant (unless it's immaculate). Yes, I'm sure I have PCOS, I have every single classic sign. I am, in fact also having a very large para-ovarian cyst removed at the same time as my VSG. It has been with me for years, so I don't think it's impacting this particular missed period. I have had some signs of an impending period, but it's like it just won't start. I got achy, some slight pain, I've been moody, tearful, alternating between sleepless and sleepy. It's like I've been morphing in and out of a fog of almost-PMS for a couple of weeks, but my body just can't quite get it started. It may be that I've just reached that point again in my weight, where my period was going to disappear and become crazy again. I know that was a lot of information. I also just seriously needed to vent because this is frustrating me. I hate walking around every day not knowing when it may strike. I'm suddenly appreciating a regular period for the gift that it was. Main question is this: Did any of you start your period in the hospital, and if you did, was it during your normal cycle, or brought on by surgery?

Hi, Itstheamaria. I hope that each day you continue to feel better. I found the second day to be the worst, and each day I've felt better and better. I wanted to comment on your statements about the coughing and mucus. Did they not have you use the incentive spirometer while you were in the hospital? It's a thing with a short hose and mouthpiece attached and you inhale through it. It makes you cough and helps your lungs get back to normal after surgery. That mucus and fluid you're coughing up is a normal result of surgery, however, it's important to get it expelled because you can get pneumonia, and that can be dangerous post-op. I was instructed to use that and to continue coughing and drawing that stuff out. It hurts, and it feels like you're going to bust your gut open, but they assured me I would not. This is not my personal advice, but medical information gathered from so much reading. Make sure you continue to cough, and deep breathe as much as possible. We tend to shallow breathe post-op because of pain, but you need to be breathing deeply even if it makes you cough. I used the spirometer every hour, and definitely hacked up my fair share of gunk. It's mostly gone, though I find myself still coughing just once in a while.

1) Before I had surgery, I had cut out all sodas for weeks, was drinking lots of Water, and as a result, my urine was almost completely clear and looking great. I know that's gross to say out loud, but I was so happy with that because I've had chronic UTIs in the recent past from drinking too much Coke Zero and not enough water. I was just wrecking my system. So, seeing that healthy turn, and it being something that I did on my own, for my health, was a huge step for me. I've noticed since my surgery 4 days ago that my urine is really dark. Is that normal after surgery? I know that the nurses monitored my output in the hospital when I had the catheter, and even after I started going to the bathroom on my own, and they never said anything about it. Still, being home and seeing it so much darker than it was is a little worrisome and I just want to make sure that is normal. 2) Starting last night, my stomach is insanely LOUD. It is making so many noises. I was on the phone last night and it rumbled so loudly once that my friend thought someone had driven down the road without a muffler. xD I'm thinking it's maybe just gas moving around, because it's all over the place. On the other hand, I don't know about that because by an extreme miracle, I had ZERO gas pains after surgery. I have had gas, but I didn't have any of the shoulder pain or pressure anywhere. I'm so grateful for that! So, the noises... what's happening down there? 3) I'm having a super hard time getting any Protein in at all. Is this normal the first week or so, and is it going to hurt me? The surgeon said to concentrate on just staying hydrated for now, and that that comes first before the protein, because I can dehydrate really easily right now. I'm just kind of freaked out by that. I basically haven't eaten in days and days, since I've only had a couple of ounces of Protein Drink each day. I was able to take the chicken broth at the hospital pretty well, and will continue that at home, hoping it also has some nutrients in addition to just water. I'm just scared something bad is going to happen, or that it will hinder my healing or something. Please share your experiences/thoughts on this, if you have them. In the mean time, I will keep trying. I'm finding the Syntrax nectar nearly impossible to drink, so going to try Isopure Zero Carb later today. REALLY hoping it will be better, because it's really my last option until I'm past Clear liquids stage.

I agree with Laura, it's a little soon, and definitely try it at home first. I'm not so much worried about you hurting your sleeve as the fact that you will be driving. That is definitely not the time to try it for the first time. To the others who said this question sparked emotional responses, if you're referring to the thread I think you are, it wasn't the question itself, but the general attitude in which it was asked, and subsequent responses. THIS was a perfect way to bring up and ask a great question. She asked before she did it and she listened to the responses and is taking them into consideration. This thread is a legitimate seeking of information in the interest of taking care of herself, and will help any future readers. Thanks for posting, Karlafaye!

Okay, I know I've read repeatedly that this is a very common feeling, but I've been struggling with it so much the last two days in the hospital. I woke up this morning when they brought my Breakfast tray in and just felt instantly depressed all over again. I'm really struggling with this. What have I done to my body? Was this really necessary? I know with every Fiber of my being that the answer to the latter is a resound, "YES." I had to do this if I wanted to be happy again and enjoy life. As a matter of fact, I needed this if I wanted to live at all. I wasn't going to last long the direction I was quickly headed. I'm just so scared I'll stay in this one spot, trying to get down a Protein shake that smells and tastes horrible, a body that feel strange and hurts in weird places. How long did this phase last for those of you that experienced. I'm so incredibly depressed and tearful, and I know I'm worrying my mom to no end. She's been so sweet to me and right here the whole way. She has had to sleep sitting up in a chair and is at her own wit's end. I pray they do discharge me today, as the surgeon mentioned. I need that as much as she does. Well, as I was writing this, the surgeon came in, asked me some questions, and said I could go home. That definitely helps me a bit. I'll write more later. In the mean time, I would really like to hear from other people who experienced the "what have I done?" feeling. How did you deal with it, and how long did it last?

Just wanted to say that I was sleeved on February 6th, and that everything went well. I won't lie, it was pretty scary, but the pain afterwards has not been very bad. I don't seem to be having that terrible gas pain that everyone talks about. I do feel it, and have some slight discomfort when it moves around, but it makes its way out pretty quickly. My worst moments were extreme nausea afterward, which we think was caused by the pain pump, as I haven't had any since I went off of it. The nausea felt horrible and was terrified because I came so close to wretching so many times and I felt like my insides were just going to shred when I did. Thankfully, I went from normal to DEFCON 5 nausea once right in front of the surgeon when he came by, so we got that taken care of right away. It's looking like I'll be discharged tomorrow. I'm scared of being discharged and driving three hours away to get home, but I'm also kind of sick of being here. RIght now, my most severe pain is my butt! It's is just aching from laying in this bed so much, and I can't get comfortable at all to sleep. I have a very cushy recliner at home that is calling my name. I'll just miss having the nurses and the amazing hospital ice. Haven't had any other liquids besides ice chips and sugar free popsicles yet. Let me correct that. THE BEST EVER TASTING SUGAR FREE POPSICLES. Seriously made my day when the nurse brought me one. The most severe pain I had post-op was actually my throat. It was dry and swollen from the tube and just a wreck. Swallowing was almost impossible, but the popsicles helped that better very quickly. I'm supposed to try a tray later today with broth, jello, protein, or whatever else they bring along. Kind of scared to do that, and the idea of drinking protein right now makes me want to cry, because I just don't like it and it made me feel icky pre-op. But, I know I have to, so I'm just going to do it.

Just wanted to say that I was sleeved on February 6th, and that everything went well. I won't lie, it was pretty scary, but the pain afterwards has not been very bad. I don't seem to be having that terrible gas pain that everyone talks about. I do feel it, and have some slight discomfort when it moves around, but it makes its way out pretty quickly. My worst moments were extreme nausea afterward, which we think was caused by the pain pump, as I haven't had any since I went off of it. The nausea felt horrible and was terrified because I came so close to wretching so many times and I felt like my insides were just going to shred when I did. Thankfully, I went from normal to DEFCON 5 nausea once right in front of the surgeon when he came by, so we got that taken care of right away. It's looking like I'll be discharged tomorrow. I'm scared of being discharged and driving three hours away to get home, but I'm also kind of sick of being here. RIght now, my most severe pain is my butt! It's is just aching from laying in this bed so much, and I can't get comfortable at all to sleep. I have a very cushy recliner at home that is calling my name. I'll just miss having the nurses and the amazing hospital ice. Haven't had any other liquids besides ice chips and sugar free popsicles yet. Let me correct that. THE BEST EVER TASTING SUGAR FREE POPSICLES. Seriously made my day when the nurse brought me one. The most severe pain I had post-op was actually my throat. It was dry and swollen from the tube and just a wreck. Swallowing was almost impossible, but the popsicles helped that better very quickly. I'm supposed to try a tray later today with broth, jello, protein, or whatever else they bring along. Kind of scared to do that, and the idea of drinking protein right now makes me want to cry, because I just don't like it and it made me feel icky pre-op. But, I know I have to, so I'm just going to do it.

Talk about cutting it down to the wire. Some of you may have seen my anxious post that the anesthesiologist had requested a cardiac clearance at the last minute, which required a mad scramble on my part to get that pulled together. I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning, in Nashville, which is three hours away. I just now got the call that they've gotten everything and that the surgery is on and we're good to go. I have run the gamut of emotions today, back and forth from despair to relief. I had just settled back into the idea that I didn't mind if they rescheduled my surgery because I would like to devour the entire contents of the nearest fast food restaurant right now. My clear liquid only diet started yesterday, but because I had to do cardiac testing, I couldn't have anything but Water until they'd done that, and as a result I only got one Protein Shake in yesterday. It's hard to get ahead of that hunger on Clear Liquids and stave it off, but I'm trying as hard as I can not to think about it. Now that it's set, and definitely happening, I am terrified all over again. I tell you the truth, I am really mourning food. I can't imagine life without the habits that I've formed around it. That is the sign of a true addiction, and just another reason why I need this surgery. I just wish it included removing the part of my brain that is behind it all. I pray I won't feel like this for weeks or months after surgery. I also just had the horrifying realization that I have not shaved my legs, and I'm not sure I can muster the resolve to do it in the hotel room tonight. I hope the surgical team are ready for that. It's not pretty. x[ Oh, and I had the great joy of starting my period yesterday. Um... I think that completes my lamentation. Hopefully my next post will be post-op. Say a prayer for me, or send me happy thoughts, both are welcomed.

Talk about cutting it down to the wire. Some of you may have seen my anxious post that the anesthesiologist had requested a cardiac clearance at the last minute, which required a mad scramble on my part to get that pulled together. I am scheduled to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the morning, in Nashville, which is three hours away. I just now got the call that they've gotten everything and that the surgery is on and we're good to go. I have run the gamut of emotions today, back and forth from despair to relief. I had just settled back into the idea that I didn't mind if they rescheduled my surgery because I would like to devour the entire contents of the nearest fast food restaurant right now. My clear liquid only diet started yesterday, but because I had to do cardiac testing, I couldn't have anything but water until they'd done that, and as a result I only got one protein shake in yesterday. It's hard to get ahead of that hunger on clear liquids and stave it off, but I'm trying as hard as I can not to think about it. Now that it's set, and definitely happening, I am terrified all over again. I tell you the truth, I am really mourning food. I can't imagine life without the habits that I've formed around it. That is the sign of a true addiction, and just another reason why I need this surgery. I just wish it included removing the part of my brain that is behind it all. I pray I won't feel like this for weeks or months after surgery. I also just had the horrifying realization that I have not shaved my legs, and I'm not sure I can muster the resolve to do it in the hotel room tonight. I hope the surgical team are ready for that. It's not pretty. x[ Oh, and I had the great joy of starting my period yesterday. Um... I think that completes my lamentation. Hopefully my next post will be post-op. Say a prayer for me, or send me happy thoughts, both are welcomed.

Well, I'm officially on my two-day clear liquid only diet as of two hours ago. I can actually only have water from now until tomorrow afternoon because I have to get some labs done at my cardiologist. On the one hand, I was not terribly excited about that, but on the other, the clear protein shake will look like a feast by the time I get to it. I can't believe this is it. I have this slight panicky feeling that's trying to tell me that the dinner I had tonight was my last enjoyable meal ever. I know that's not the case, and even if it was the case, I'd still know I had to do this surgery. I feel the freak out creeping up on me a little at a time as I get closer to walking into that hospital Wednesday morning. All I can do is take one breath at a time, and one step at a time, and just do this. Okay, as I write this, I'm really feeling how terrified I am. I need some words, please. Some people to tell me how worth it this was to them, and how much better they felt in the weeks and months after surgery.

I just posted this in the main forum. We're all preops in here, but I'm sharing it anyway. Well, I'm officially on my two-day clear liquid only diet as of two hours ago. I can actually only have water from now until tomorrow afternoon because I have to get some labs done at my cardiologist. On the one hand, I was not terribly excited about that, but on the other, the clear protein shake will look like a feast by the time I get to it. I can't believe this is it. I have this slight panicky feeling that's trying to tell me that the dinner I had tonight was my last enjoyable meal ever. I know that's not the case, and even if it was the case, I'd still know I had to do this surgery. I feel the freak out creeping up on me a little at a time as I get closer to walking into that hospital Wednesday morning. All I can do is take one breath at a time, and one step at a time, and just do this. Okay, as I write this, I'm really feeling how terrified I am. I need some words, please. Some people to tell me how worth it this was to them, and how much better they felt in the weeks and months after surgery.

Protein is in the pantry, my shaker cups are all lined up on the counter, sugarfree jello is in the fridge, vitamins are all accounted for, packing list for hospital is together, everything is paid, and all of the surgeon's requirements are met. I just hung up the phone from finding out my last little piece of preparation was completed, which was to have a recliner delivered tomorrow for my recovery time. I breathed easy and felt relaxed and ready for about five minutes before the phone rang, and it was my surgeon's office calling to say that the anesthesiologist has requested a cardiac clearance. Are you kidding me? It's Thursday, and I'm leaving town Tuesday to stay overnight in Nashville before my surgery on Wednesday. Blargh. Thankfully, the very first cardiologist I called was able to get me in tomorrow. I'm just praying I do get cleared, and that I don't hit any hiccups, and that they send my clearance letter quickly. I'm nervous all over again. I've never been to a cardiologist and I don't know what to expect. At least I can feel comfortable knowing that if they fuss at me about my weight, which I'm sure they will, I can say that's being handled in less than a week if you'll clear me for surgery, pretty please.

I'm having a terrible time with pain since I stopped taking ibuprofen on January 22nd, which was the two weeks until surgery mark for me. I was taking a lot of it, 800mg at a time, for my back and knees. Acetaminophen is doing nothing to help it. I'm willing to do my best to deal with this, as I know why it is necessary to stop, so please don't see this as a complaint. I'm just wondering what others of you who may have had the same situation pre-op did to get you to surgery day. I know about the good old heating pad, and I'm drinking plenty of water. Any other tips?

I wish you all the best! I'm sure everything is going to be fantastic. Let us know as soon as you can how it went. Mine is a week from today!