FindingElise

A couple of shrimp and three bites of pizza are meal sized portions for us this soon after being operated on.

I'm not sure what you mean by regular food. I'm 9 days post-op and have eaten some things that are pretty normal for me and that I would've had pre-op (yogurt, popsicles, hummus, cream of tomato Soup, etc.) If you're asking who has eaten things that their surgeon and doctors do not want them to eat, I'm sure there are people who slip and eat things they shouldn't. However, the guidelines are there for a reason, and I don't think anyone here is going to encourage doing things that may harm you. If you're struggling, I hope you'll figure out some ways to overcome your struggles, and you're able to make the most of your sleeve. Refuse to make a pattern of your mistakes and move on. There are many people without insurance coverage or the ability to get financing that would feel privileged to have this surgery. Don't take your tool for granted.

I totally agree, and in some ways it's worse, because we still have to eat. At least a drug addict in rehab doesn't have to keep taking small doses of their drug to survive. You didn't eat very much at all, considering some people can't stop and eat until they throw up, so hopefully you're not beating yourself up. I can see myself eating all of that, and more, during my pre-surgery days. (I think I'm going to have to eat some shrimp soon!) We're working on a lifestyle change, so don't think of it as being bad or messing up. I'm sure today will be a good food day for you!

I saw Laurie for the group meeting and Dr. Nagle for my follow up yesterday afternoon. Dr. Nagle is concerned about some pain issues I'm having with pills and food hurting when I swallow, but he thinks it's going to resolve over time. I follow up with him again in 2 weeks. I love my sleeve, and I know the rest of you that are still pre-op will love yours, too. <3 If you haven't checked out The Protein Bar yet on the second floor, they have some really yummy things we can eat. I'm here this morning with my boyfriend for a medical appointment, and got a Denver Scramble. I could only eat about two little medicine cups, but it sure was tasty and a nice change from liquids.

You did great! It can be hard to record and put yourself out there, but videos are very inspiring. Keep 'em coming!

Congrats on your loss, and on making it this far! Time is going to fly by - you'll see.

I would also love to hear from those that have had babies after their VSG. My surgeon and gyne told me to wait 18 months before trying to conceive, and *strongly* recommended getting on birth control in the meantime, since it's been their experience that women become very fertile as they start dropping the weight. My gyne promised me as many happy, healthy babies as I wanted if I had my surgery and made my health a priority, so I hope so!

/\ /\ /\ Oh yes, the whole, "You're going to lose weight and leave me!" It's true, the name calling and arguments won't just stop. It's not your weight that's the problem. He is. If he doesn't get help, he'll likely find something else to argue or insult you about.

My situation is a bit different than yours, because my partner of 8 years and I are not legally married, and we don't have children. However, he has a history of not always being very accepting of my size. It's something we've been to counseling for, and he's made a lot of changes in the last two years leading up to my surgery. Still, I wonder...are we going to go through with our wedding plans? Will this be the father of my children? I think you realize that you deserve to be treated with love and kindness. Your children see it, too. Part of you seems to be hoping he'll be gone after your surgery and weight loss. The weight loss won't change who we are on the inside, so only time will tell if you stay with this man, IMO, but I don't see how someone who makes the brave decision to have bariatric surgery and make healthy lifestyle changes would continue to be compatible with a person that is emotionally unhealthy and abusive. You deserve the kind of life you want to live, whether you have surgery or not. I highly recommend counseling for both of you as you go through the process--you'll be surprised what you learn about yourselves. I hope that if you stay together he's able to make some choices to improve his own health, realizes how awful he's treated you, and changes his behavior. Know that If you decide not to stay together, you and your little ones will get through it and be okay.

I've been having horrible nausea since my second day post op, and I'm now at day 5. Even in the hospital on IV fluids, I constantly felt like vomiting (so in my case it wasn't dehydration, but it can definitely cause you to feel that way). My doctor called in a prescription for Zofran, but it actually made me feel worse. Try walking and sipping your fluids at the same time. I just walk back and forth from one end of my apartment to the other. I can't explain why it helps, but that's the only way I've been able to drink without vomiting afterwards. I hope you feel better soon!

You are sweet, thank you so much for asking! I'm 5 days post op. My surgery was on Tuesday with Dr. Nagle, and even though the procedure was perfect and I have no complications, I'm having a tough recovery. The surgical team was very professional, yet calm and friendly. The anesthesiologists chatted with me, and made jokes to put me at ease during pre-op. Dr. Nagle is an amazing surgeon, and I'm not only saying that because I have a big crush on him. I was worried that maybe my liver didn't shrink enough, or that he'd having trouble getting around inside with my belly being so big, but he's extremely confident in his abilities (and he should be, because his record speaks for itself) and he promised that everything would be perfect. Most of the RNs were great, the PCTs were so kind about helping me on walks or checking to make sure I was comfortable, and the on-call doctors have been great with helping me through some discomfort I'm having. I've had extreme nausea since my release, and getting liquids down is painful. Oddly, the nausea meds that were prescribed by the on-call doc make me feel even worse. My incisions are very tender, and I'm dealing with a lot of swelling. What people say about your taste buds changing is true in my case, because the Protein drinks I bought and enjoyed pre-op all taste like crap now. Make sure you get a variety stocked up at home for your first few days. I wish everyone a quick and painless recovery!

Hi, everyone! I hope I posted this in the right place. One week from today, I'm getting sleeved. I don't have any extended family or tons of close friends, and I can count on one hand the number of people that are aware I'm having surgery. My boyfriend missed a lot of work this year due to medical issues of his own, and isn't getting around very well (plus my cat just had surgery, and I'd prefer he spends his time making sure Mr. Cat eats and doesn't mess up his sutures.) My very best friend is away on business until August, but has offered to find a way home to be with me. I don't want either of them to disrupt their lives on my behalf. For those of you that were alone immediately before and after the surgery (or for any surgery), and during your hospital stay, was it depressing? Did you wish you had someone with you? Would it have been easier to have someone there to help you use the restroom, get dressed, etc.? (I HAVE to put on a bra and panties as soon as they let me!) The one thing that's REALLY bothering me is, what will happen to my belongings? I plan to bring a small bag of clothing, toiletries, magazines, my phone, and a pillow. If I'm going from the pre op waiting area - to the OR - to recovery - and finally to a room, I don't see how anyone would be able to keep up with my things. Is anyone else worried about this sort of thing? Thanks in advance to anyone who has something to share!

This is my first day post op. I took a taxi here to the hospital by myself, which was quick, and there were so many nurses, my surgeon, the anesthesiologists, and others coming in and out that there was no chance to feel lonely. My boyfriend did show up last night, and it felt good to see a familiar face, but he's really just been watching me sleep. No matter who is with us, we're all a brave bunch. This is one of the most life changing, scariest things I've ever done. Thanks again everyone for your replies and support.

My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, and "that time of the month" just started for me this afternoon. SIGH! I wasn't even due yet! I hope everyone else is spared the extra stress.

Thanks for the replies! Laura, I had to laugh out loud at yours, because my mom was the same way. I think moms live to drive us crazy. I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one worried about putting a bra on. I even bought a new one that's nice and soft, with hooks in the front. If there's an incision right where the band lays, well...I guess I'll have to bring a roll of masking tape along then! (J/K!) I'm not too worried about what I'll look like (although I look really sloppy without one), but for me laying around without a bra is pretty uncomfortable.

I can't wait to see 199. I know how happy you must feel! Congrats, and wave goodbye to the 200s forever!

Accidental double post.

You're so beautiful! (Both before and after!) You look happy in the hospital pic where you're walking around. It gives me hope that the hospital stay won't be so bad.

I am not post-op yet, but my doctors and dietician have all mentioned depression being very common in the first few months, so don't beat yourself up for feeling that way. Let your surgeon, dietician, etc. know how you're feeling. I don't really have anything else to add, except that my thoughts are with you and I hope that things get better soon! Kulita is right about b12, and once you have more energy you might find walking or fresh air makes you feel good. Hang in there!

Thank you for the encouragement, BeBe! It's so wonderful hearing about people who've changed their lives!

Let's see...my third class was on 2/19, but they require insurance pre-approval before they'll schedule the fourth one. Since my insurance company requires a 6 month wait, they didn't submit everything until around April 19th. (I had to stalk them on a daily basis to get them to submit everything right when my six months was up LOL!) Fortunately, my insurance company approved everything in a little over 24 hours, and I had a surgery date about 10 days later. (I called them every single day until I got one!) They scheduled class four at that time. Don't be scared to call them if you feel like they're being slow or taking longer than necessary to move from one step to another. Laurie was great at helping me communicate with everyone; she seems to really care! I need to try harder to get my Water in. I get busy and forget, or sometimes I just don't feel thirsty! It's really good you're already in the habit of drinking the shakes, because it seems like a lot of people struggle with that. It took me months to find one that didn't make me gag. I hope the next few weeks go by quickly for you, and you get through the classes ASAP. I know how hard it is waiting!!! You're already on your journey. Just hang in there, and soon the waiting will all be a memory. Please let me know if you have any other questions at all. I'll be cheering you on as well!

I'm on day 2 of the pre op diet, and it really isn't too bad. It's not a liquid diet. It's high Protein and low carb. It requires 8 ounces of vegetables, 4 ounces of fruit, two frozen diet meals OR 6-8 ounces of lean fish or poultry, and a Protein shake (aiming for 60-100 grams of protein daily). We're allowed approximately 117-133 g of carbohydrates, 61+ protein, and 870 - 1070 calories. I lost 11 lbs while attending the classes, but managed to regain 14 or so while waiting for insurance approval. I hope to make the most of the next 8 days!

Hi Tevida! I'm from Chicago and also a Northwestern patient. I'm scheduled for June 4th. Which surgeon do you have? It's very, very cool to find someone at the same hospital! The last two months will go by REALLY fast, you'll see!

June 4th! I'm so excited for all of us starting this journey!

It's very cool to see so many of you with a surgery date close to mine (June 4th). I'm looking forward to keeping up with everyone's progress! I'm on day 2 of my pre-op diet. The meal plan is pretty liberal: 2 Protein Shakes, 1/2 cup of fruit, and two servings of meat/protein w/1 cup of vegetables. The limit is 1000 calories and 90-100 carbs. I worry that this won't be enough to empty my liver of it's glycogen stores - especially since I had a fatty, unhealthy dinner right before getting started on my pre-op diet - but I'm hoping for the best! I find the EAS Advantedge shakes tolerable, and I'm going to try a sample of Syntrax Nectar this afternoon (their Roadside Lemonade is easy to chug right now, but I know there won't be any chugging after surgery). My boyfriend has a secret stash of chocolate and Twizzlers under the couch, so the temptation to cheat is right in my face. I'm going to stay strong, and keep reminding myself that June 4th is almost here!