jatherley

I'm 2 and a half weeks out. Just started pureed. Still mostly fluids atm. She told me I could go ahead and start adding some pureed in because I wasn't getting enough calories and the sweet stuff makes me ill. That's why I have a hard time with the protein shakes. I've tried several flavors and brands. I'm now starting to resort to mixing the unflavored into what ever I'm eating or drinking instead. I've tried pureeing a few easy things and they taste awful. I did manage a sugar free pudding cup yesterday with out being ill but it took forever to eat it. I'd take a small bite and get that brick wall then a few minutes later i'd take another and another brick wall. I need to go back to work next week. I need to be able to eat something before then.

Yeah. I'm having the same problem with the protein shakes. I can't get them down. I'm doing better with my water but can't stand the taste of anything else.

Two of my incisions are red like that and doctor told me today that they look fine. I'm also in a great deal of pain. Like another poster said. Like hot knives sticking me in the gut. Doctor advised I wasn't resting enough and advised I got back on the pain meds. She said I was slowing the healing by trying to not take the meds and doing too much too soon. I would suggest calling your doctor and see what they think.

Word to the wise. I kept reading that peoples tastes change post op. I kept thinking how is that possible. I "tried on" every Protein drink I could get my hands on without spending $80 a bottle. And thought I had found exactly the right powder for me. Had surgery 8/27 and first drink of Fluid Water (which I can usually drink tons of) couldn't stomach it. Or the sugar free Jello or the chicken or the beef broths. Was able to drink some fruit punch crystal light (was never my favorite flavor before). Fast forward 1 week post op. Still having trouble with broths, water and jello. But the "worst" flavor of crystal light goes down like a charm. And don't get me started on my extensively researched protein powders. Just had to go back to the store to find new brands/flavors to try to find something I can drink. I can't wait till this time next week when I can start eating pureed. So many things have looked and smelled so good while I've sat quietly gagging down my broths and Protein drinks.

I'm 5 days out now and the shoulder pain was bad. Walking wasn't working and I got the gas x chewables instead if the strip by mistake and am afraid to take them yet. I used a heating pad set on low wrapped from my chest over the shoulder and down my back for a while last night. I woke up this morning feeling a lot less gas pain. Maybe that will help some?

Ok so I know its been said before and I know its supposed to get better. But all I can think right now is what the hell did I do to myself. The pain makes me want to cry. If I don't keep up with the nausea meds I can't get in any fluids and none sounds good or even taste good enough to take more than one or two sips. The pain meds are giving me a headache and I cant stomach the taste of it either. Really wish I can fast forward to a time when I'm not regreting this decision.

Today has been better. Only had to take the nausea med around 2am and not since. The pain med is another story though. I'm a wimp and can't tolorate much pain. I've been sipping on fluids all day. Water, protein shake, flavored water, even tried some soup for lunch. The bricks are lighter but they do not like it if I take too big of a sip that's for sure. I haven't gotten even close to the amount of fluid I need but I still feel water logged. Maybe its just the adjustments in the stomach making me feel that way. I hope we all feel better tomorrow.

My son is 3 and I had my surgery on 8/27. I spent several weeks working with him. Reminding him he is a big boy and didn't need mommy to pick him up to put him in his car seat and such. He's potty trained and independent so I haven't had any issues with having to pick him up except for earlier today when he was in much need of a time out. Had my oldest (she's 11) remove him and place him in time out for me. Maybe Dad can help in that but otherwise I think if you work with your kiddo you can make it work so that you do not need to lift during your restrictions. Just start working on it now so its not such a shock later.

I'm 4 days post op and I feel the same. Nothing tastes right. I used to love plain old water and I'm having a hard time with even that.

Congrats. Hope all goes well on the 10th.

Well I'm feeling worlds better today. The bricks don't seem quite so heavy on my chest. The pain in my shoulder seems to be better. I'm still having pain at the incision site but with the meds its getting easier to handle. Took my first sip of a protein shake. Its not tasting great but I think I can tolorate some. Here's to an easier day today.

And what is with this feeling of bricks sitting on my chest.

Thanks Guys. I've rested some and walked some. I drank what I could. I still have pain at the main insition site. And gas pain in my left shoulder. I still don't have a taste for any fluids. Still can't say I'm better but I'm coping I guess. Thanks for the encouragement.

Thanks. I am feeling a lot better today.

Got my sleeve on Tuesday. Was in too much pain and too nauseated to get to go home yesterday. Feeling much better today. Staying on top of the meds and am able to get fluids in. Hopefully going home today.

My doctor advised Benefiber for post-op.

What city are you in? I'm today at St David's in Austin at 2pm.

Thanks. I got up and started plugging away at my list of chores and I'm feeling better. I want the house in decent condition before I leave my husband and kids alone in it for a day and a half. I'd like to come back and not have additional mess to look at until I can get the energy to clean it. Down to getting laundry caught up and my bag packed.

In about 24 hours I will be heading towards the hospital. Sugery is at 2pm tomorrow. I'm trying to stay busy and focused on the lists of tasks I made for myself to stay busy today but the annoyance of the clear liquid diet keeps distracting me. I'm sipping some chicken stock with some unjury Protein powder sprinkled in right now. I was pleasantly suprised when I opened that sample pack and smelled the Protein Powder. Smells like that creamy chicken romen noodle seasoning packet. Its my favorite of the noodles.

Don't know if it will help at this point but body fortress has and cookies and cream protein powder. I haven't yet tried it but its sitting here waiting for the end of clear liquids. You can get it at walmart. Maybe that will help with the craving some.

Thanks. All fluids today. Yum yum.

Surgery is Tuesday. Been on my pre-op diet (min 70 grams protein and no more than 30 grams of carbs, low fat) for 4 weeks. Didn't really have food funerals or a "last meal". Tomorrow is only clear liquids so I thought well I guess this will be my last solid meal for a few weeks what would I like to have but stay within my pre-op diet. So, I decided that I wanted a steak. I know it will probably be a good long while bfore I'll be able to tolorate it. So, we go to one of the local steak houses and I get a filet minon the leanest steak I could think of and grilled vegis and a side salad. The first bite of my steak was heavenly but every bite after that was flavorless and I did not care for the zuccini or tomatoes on the grilled vegi scewer. Kind of wished I would have just gotten the stuff and grilled it at home. It would have had more flavor I think.

Thanks Yathie.

I know exactly how you feel. My surgery is this Tuesday. I don't know whether to cry, jump up and down or go running for the hills.

Another thread brought this to mind. I am having surgery next Tuesday and have resently realized a dilemma. All though my husband has scheduled two days off (one to be there for my surgery and the next to bring me home) he is unable to take anymore time off. I think I could manage on my own but he often works late into the night (A/C repair, in Texas) so he will not be able to pick our youngest up from daycare. We do not have anyone close that can pick him up for me. So, I'm sure you see the problem. Do I go against doctor's orders and drive a few blocks to pick him up or do I keep him home and try to stay consious enough to keep an eye on him (he's 3)? Anyone else drive before released? What about keeping eye on kiddos? What can I expect from either one of these? Thanks a head of time for your comments.