Yaya

"Trap" is short for trapezius, the muscle that runs from the side of your neck down your spine along the shoulderblade.

My trapezius muscles felt worse a couple of days after the surgery than immediately after. (Just like muscles feel worse a couple of days after a workout.) It's all referred pain from the diaphragm, both from the gas and the hernia closure (I had a hernia too). It hurts when you take a deep breath because you are activating the diaphragm, and the pain gets referred to the neck/shoulders. It'll take several days, maybe even up to two weeks, but it will keep getting better and eventually go away.

The ticker tutorial is the first item in the Frequently Asked Questions thread in the Pre-Op Forum.

I was sleeved April 9th, and my doctor told me I could start back with ab work, but do NOT hold your breath while engaging the abs. Too much pressure could cause tearing of the muscles that are still trying to heal where the trocars were inserted, and that could lead to herniation. So be careful! Breathe through the movement.

I'm one day shy of 4 weeks, and I rode today! A trainer friend started riding him for me three weeks ago (He hasn't been ridden since October), and I wanted to do his walk warmup today. Well, I was having too much fun, so I just kept going, and did walk, trot, and canter! The funniest thing is, he's a dressage schoolmaster and started throwing random flying changes in when the trainer was riding him, but never did it once to me! He was such a good boy! Did only what I asked. Because I've lost almost 40 pounds since I rode him last, I had to let my stirrups down a hole since I'm not sitting on so much butt, and boy did I feel my seatbones more, but nothing hurt (well, I am icing my back since it's been so long since I rode last). And I did notice I was able to breathe better! I'm still going to give it a little while before I sit the trot. Probably don't need that bouncing just yet. Haven't gotten on the tractor yet - too much rain to mow. But the grass is way tall, so that's next!

Congratulations! I haven't come as far as you have, but as of this morning, I too have left the 3s in my rearview mirror! I hope I have as much success as you have had when I am 3 months out!

My doc says no steak or roast beef for 16 weeks (4 months), because it is so dense and difficult to digest.

2 days - right when my doctor told me I would!

I started using a straw maybe a week out from surgery (I'm 2 weeks out today). I find I actually take smaller sips with a straw, and take in less air, so for me it's the exact opposite of why they tell you not to use one! Sometimes you just gotra do what's right for you and go "against Dr.'s orders"!

Surgery is only a couple of hours from pre-op to recovery. I don't think it'll close that fast! Just put it back in after.

Did the study say if the subjects stayed within the eating plan? I would think that just like those who return to poor eating habits will gain weight even after the sleeve, those who go back to poor eating choices would also have their diabetes come back. The sleeve itself isn't a cure-all, you have to maintain the good habits to go with it to receive the greatest health benefits.

You are not alone! I was sleeved 12 days ago (April 9), and am having the same problem. Stalled for three days, lost a pound, then this morning found that I gained a pound! How does someone gain a pound on under 600 calories??!!! (yes, I have tracked everything I put in my mouth!) I am over 60 gms Protein a day, over 70 ozs Fluid a day. Only thing I can figure is that I'm in the stage where some carbs are added back in in the form of dairy, and maybe that's causing Water retention?? (still under 60gms carbs, though) I am still 10 lbs down from surgery, but it's pretty disheartening to have a gain so soon!

Great idea.

I'm glad you are being taken care of! How did your doctor catch the blood clots? What symptoms did you have?

I had a hiatal hernia repair as well. No external sutures or staples, though, all internal absorbable. They cleared me to drive 24 hours after anesthesia, as long as I'm not on pain meds (never needed any). I probably do need to back it off a little, but I live alone so if something needs doing, I have to do it.

There is also the My Weight product line. I like the berry and the Pineapple Orange. http://www.myweightlossproducts.us/item/35/mixed-berry-fruit-drink

I'm April 9 too. Worst pain was the pain where my right shoulder joins my neck, which supposedly was from the gas, but I've had that exact pain before surgery, so who knows. It's gone now, and was never bad enough for pain meds. Still haven't filled that prescription, and hope to never have to! I was pretty active from the beginning. Surgery Tuesday, by Friday I was out shopping with my mom, Saturday I drove an hour back to my house and spent the day walking between my bedroom and the laundry room doing laundry. Yesterday was my one-week checkup, then errands while I was out. (mail those taxes!) Today I go to shop for foods for the next stage, and maybe try to get on the tractor to do some work. Slept on my side all night for the first time since surgery!

My surgeon told me 2 weeks, but the nurse practitioner said 4. I'm not sure either of them understand I ride competitive dressage and really use my core for those sitting trot extensions! But I will see how I feel at about 3 weeks and just take it easy at first. Right now I'm only a week out, and actually a little nervous about getting on my tractor tomorrow, but there is work to be done, so I guess I'll just go slow to prevent bouncing.

I too felt irritated hearing the complaints at lower weights until I reminded myself we are all different, and weight affects each one of us differently. You have to take into account someone's height and frame. At 5'8" and 338, I probably carry my weight better than someone 5'1" and 250. Many people don't believe I'm over 300. Heck, I'm still a competitive horseback rider! (granted, my horses have to be big!) Just do what you need to do for you, and don't make it a competition.

Just got done Tuesday 4/9. I've been fortunate to have an easy recovery. No pain meds (no real pain, just twinges), no nausea, and getting in more than the minimum fluids and Protein faster than expected. Up and around as usual (walking, driving, whatever). Can't believe I just had surgery!

Yes, the GNC stores carry them. If you don't like them, they will take them back even if they have been opened. I actually like them better after surgery than I did before surgery.

Isopure makes a clear Protein Drink in lots of fruit flavors. 40g protein in a 20oz bottle.

Darn, that's what I was going to say! Pretty much word for word! LOL!

Just sleeved 4/9/13, (so today will be day 4 by the calendar, or day 3 as the doc counts from first day home) and I'm worried I am drinking too much or too fast. I'm on Clear Liquids only, and my doc's info sheets say to try for 10oz every 4 hours at first, but I'm finding I can do 10oz in under an hour, sometimes in 30 minutes! No nausea, sometimes a little cramping. No problems getting in Protein, and yesterday I took in over 70oz Fluid total. Is this going to cause a problem?

Oh thanks, that makes me feel so much better! I ride horses, and my biggest fear was not being able to drink enough to stay hydrated while riding in the summer. 16 oz in an hour would definitely help prevent heat stress! I do feel lucky that I haven't had problems drinking. In fact, except for these four incisions and the lack of hunger, I feel no different than before surgery! It's almost a little freaky.