abbygirl

Don't stress....had a similar 10 day period. Keep your protein and water up and stay off the scale for a bit. Mine was a combination of my body "holding" onto water and calories. In addition a little pre-menstrual bloating. I plowed through (and got off the scale) and a week later....5 lbs down . Remember to keep track of non scale victories, loser clothing (and shoes - go figure). In a couple of weeks you will be starting to settle into your life change and love the results!

The doctor removed mine and did a local around the site and then sent some down the tube to numb the area and the diaphragm . I've heard without it that it produces quite the scream So far down 10 (total 20 with pre diet). It's my choice to go back - I own the company . Will probably start off 4 hours a day and build up during the week. Only seem to have gas issues in the morning - oh and when I drink too fast. I keep asking my husband I let me smell his food he thinks I'm nuts but I am looking forward to "tasting" omething other than chocolate, vanilla or chicken broth !

Hey August 1sters - how are we all doing? Had drainage tube out yesterday and feeling 100% better (strange feeling getting that pulled out). Going back to work next week - desk job so no major lifting.

So five days later and I am doing ..good. I'm shocked. I expected to be flat on my back and forcing liquid down in between gasps of pain. But no. I keep waiting for things to take a turn to bad but they don't - it keeps getting better every day. I was on pain meds the first few days but after day two I was taking less and less. Now it's just me and the occassional twinge. I still have a drainage tube in - the pulling on the stitches hurts more than anything else. I am getting at least 30 minutes a day light light exercise, all my liquid and all my protein. By about 4 pm I need a nap but only for an hour. I am also getting 8 hours a night good sleep - even with a drainage tube. I haven't weighed myself because they asked me not to (based upon my swollen tummy the first few days I would say that was smart). So what can I tell you that made it easier......listen to the professionals and follow their instructions. I started a pre op excercize that got me as fit as possible, preop diet to the letter. Getting up and walking after the operation (pushing past the initial pain of getting up and then walking - only the initial pain of getting up - it does not continue!), and breathing! Take deep breaths and slow exhale...think yoga. It not only gently stretches the stomach muscles and lung muscles it also gets oxygen into the system. And finally to combat sore throat Chloraseptic spray. It makes drinking easier, breathing easier, and getting those pain meds down. And remember each day is better than the one before !

Yes recovery is going great...which makes me wonder what's next ? Ha ha

Hi all, Just an update. I am recovering just great! Focusing on hydration as per the nurses. It's a struggle but I am making it - really have to focus on sipping even when not thirsty. I had a drainage tube put in during the operation which comes out tomorrow - yhea! It is the only thing that is still hurting . I am finding I need a nap by about 4pm but other than that things are good. I've been off the pain meds for two days now and I feel a lot less foggy which makes me feel better. No throat issues - used Chloraseptic spray and that combatted most throat pain in the first few days. So far so good....very tempted to step on the scale but they said not to as could be disappointed due to Fluid retention etc. Feeling really good overall.

One drain (on the incision they took my tummy out of). And 4 incisions total (one right at my belly button . Also take breaths as much as you can. Expands lung so help stretch those sore muscles a bit plus oxygen is one of the keys to healing - yoga devotees can attest to this

Recommendations for my August Sleever Family: Get pillows - it makes it easier to get you into a comfortable position Heating pad or rice bag - even if your shoulder doesn't hurt you are still on your back quite a bit. The heat from the pad helps to relieve some of muscle stress Get Mio Sports - it has electrolytes and B Vitamins - something a little more than Water and clear Soup and the electrolytes help with Fluid absorption Walk - I know it will hurt but walk when you can, go slow' keep shoulders back, and eyes up (your feet have not changed so no Need to stare at them. Use your leg muscles and not your stomach muscles when getting up and down off seats - less pain (plus your first mini workout ) Get Chloraseptic spray - it helps to get those important fluids down Lastly ask for and accept help. With your care givers help it helps take off the strain at times where your stomach muscles might engage.

Yep D Day is here aka operation day. I am not nervous. This shocks me. Could be e premedication I've taken but I haven't felt nervous at all. That doesn't mean I haven't had moments of "worst case scenario" syndrome but for the most part I am good! My appointment is for 7:30 but have to be there one hour before to get IV, gowned oh yhea and pay the anesthesiologist (thank you spell check). Through this whole journey to today I have had my husband supporting me the whole way. Thank you darling. Nope I'm feeling good and looking forward to being on the other side - recovery pain and all. Good luck to all being sleeves today- see you on the other side.

Update: Doing well, no. complications. Sore throat but manageable.getting my flluids and drinking . Am walking around every hour and half - it helps! Have a drain but my husband is dealing with it as well as flushing my IV line (it will be removed tomorrow after a load up on liquids. Highly highly recommend cholera septic spray - it make everything just a little better. Take the pain meds as directed - don't be a hero. And pillows....lots of them makes it easier to get into a comfortable position. I currently 4 an am eyeing my husbands two

Done and back at hotel with lovely pain meds. Went well - doc even give pictures ! Back hurts but not sure if that is from lying on bed or procedure! The one incisission that the excess tummy came out of hurts plus I have a drain A(in for a week). Otherwise it went amazing!

Ahhhhh.....it's here!

Good luck all ... See you all post op

Surgery tomorrow morning 7:30 west coast time ...... Here we go August sleevers!

Don't worry about the emotions - we women get e added bonus of extra hormones during the weight loss,so you are dealing with that too!

Thanks as always for the list! 4 more days...good thing I'm busy at work to keep my mind a little focused

Sorry all August 1st sleeves been pretty busy gettin things done before the "day". How's everyone doing preop diet? Mine is high Protein low carb and right now I'm ready to either cluck like a chicken or oink like a pig from all the eggs and bacon! Had final appointment with doctor and nut on Wednesday- went well. Doctor is so nice and friendly. Loved the fact he introduced himself by his first name and gave his personal cell phone number. How corny am I? Amyinorlando I would love to join the 8/1 club if you got it going and offer is still there - let me know!

One week preop diet down one to go. Get to finally meet the surgeon today . Get to ask him all the questions I have. Thing is I don't have any. Between this board, books, and Google (thank God for Google) I think I got it. From everything I've read no two people are the same in recovery, no two are the same in weight loss and no two are the same in final results. That means every question will be answered as you can expect or on average. I will listen carefully to what he has to say but when he asks , do you have any questions, I don't think I will. Makes me think I should make some up just to make him feel good (how about, how long do you have to practice to pay off your student loans for med school - guess that's not what he is looking for), Fortunately I have my husband along. He has been there every step but he's not on the boards here or reading books so I am sure he will have questions. I will take the time to tell him how inefficient his office is (even today's 2pm appointment was confirmed to be 2:45 - how does that even happen). I laugh because in Canada we have a social health system (which I get questioned on every time I travel to the US). And while it has its hiccups (long waits being #1- which is why I am self paying in the US) I have not seen the level of inefficiency on the adminstration side here as I have with this. From talking with my friends in the US this is not unusual. Really?? And you're okay with that. Have to say neither system is perfect but I like the option of accessing both. Wish I could blend them together but big business and socialism don't mix (so sayeth ....someone). So don't get me wrong I'm happy I have the ability to access an immediately available medical source but just would have expected better non-medical services/support for my $17,200. Oh yhea..... Have to pay today. Wonder if that is why they really want to "see" me.

Laundry therapy ! I love it. You hang in there...do the visual for this time next year...smaller loads of laundry !!, ha ha But seriously ...a smaller you

Started low carb duet Thursday. I see the surgeon and nut on Wednesday - not sure if they will change it to liquid at that time or stay low carb?