stacechase

My recovery has been much tougher than I expected. I was in the hospital 3 days, two nights. LOTS of gas pain; couldn't pee, so they had to insert a catheter. The smallest sips of anything (including water) make me dry heave which is incredibly painful. My poor mom is doing everything she can to make me comfortable, but I'm still in so much pain. She is trying to push fluids, but every time I try I get the worst heartburn feeling ever and nausea. Been walking a lot but it doesn't seem to help much...the doctor said my surgery went "beautifully" and that he "couldn't have made a nicer sleeve"...just wish I was feeling better. How is everyone else doing?

Was sleeved on 8/19 and also needed an extra hospital day. Still at the hospital. Gas pain was excrutiating after surgery, and they had to install a catheter because I couldn't pee. The tiniest sip of water gives me painful dry heaves and the worst heartburn ever. I'm having a tough recovery compared to the others I've read about recently.

My surgery is tomorrow too! I have anxiety about many things, but this is not one of them, which surprises me! I guess I've been so proud of myself following my pre-op diet to a T, doing all of my research, and I've lost 20 lbs since July 26th...it's almost like a reward to have this surgery tomorrow. You'll do great, just remember how fortunate we are to have this kind of opportunity and how amazing we'll feel a few months out!

Hi everyone! I'm pretty new to the site, and am scheduled for my surgery on August 19th in Mountain View, CA. I am already beginning to work with a therapist as well as a nutritionist to get myself prepared for the psychological issues that I know I'll need to deal with post-surgery (frankly, I should have dealt with them a while back, that's probably part of the reason I've gotten myself into being the "perfect candidate" for this surgery, LOL!) I'm curious if any of you who are post-surgery (or even pre-surgery!) can recommend any good books that provide strategies and information re: the emotional challenges of post-surgery patients—particularly how your self-image changes, how to deal with people treating you differently after you've lost weight, emotional eating and how to work through it, etc. I know my therapist will help me with these things, but I wanted to check and see if anyone had any suggestions! Thanks in advance!

You're so welcome!! I've always wanted to go to Disney World around the holidays...I really want to see that Osbourne Family light display!

LOL, no problem! It's a really helpful site, especially for getting an idea of where you can eat and stick to plan! When I went to the parks last, I brought Protein bars, Premier Protein shakes, and then treated myself to one healthy meal in the parks a day. It's nice to know your options in advance...plus it's just fun to read about food.

I'm ready for the big day! I'm the first surgery of the day on Monday at 7:30am, arriving at the hospital at 5:30am! Mom is SUPER excited about that, haha! Today is my last day of Protein shakes pre-surgery; tomorrow I am on Clear liquids only (broth, popsicles, fruit juice, etc). Still doing daily exercise (I even JOGGED for part of my walk this morning...I haven't jogged since I was forced to in high school P.E.) and humming along! Yesterday I had a 2.5-hour pre-op class at my hospital just to confirm everything and go over post-op instructions, as well as get my EKG & chest x-ray. Can't wait to DO THIS! Good luck to my fellow 8/19ers!

This looks SO good! Man, I can't wait until I can chew. Haha!

Ohhhh girl! Disneyland is my JAM! My most favorite place; I go about every other month. I'm still pre-op (surgery on Monday!) but let's see...you could bring some unflavored unjury Protein powder and doctor up some of their Soups if you're not entirely sick of Soup, LOL. New Orleans Square has some awesome clam chowder and broccoli cheese soup! There is some really fabulous food in both parks, and I'm sure you can find some great options for the mushy stage! (There's also a really good veggie quinoa cheese bake thing at Flo's V-8 Cafe in California Adventure if you'll be going to that park, it's mushy but delish!) Anywho, this is a great site that features all of the menus for every restaurant in the parks, and it's kept up-to-date: http://allears.net/dlr/din/menu/menus.htm Have a great time!!!

Do you have a store like Road Runners or Fleet Feet close by? You might want to do a Yelp search or Google search for independent athletic shoe shops like these near you. There are some great brands (Asics, Brooks, Saucony) but it's a good idea to spend the extra time & a little extra money to be professionally fitted! That way they can watch you walk & jog, etc. and fit you with the perfect pair! Good luck!

LOL, I quoted the same thing in my comment earlier in the thread!

Sure thing! I was made to pee at the hospital but barely anything came out. I'm willing to bet you just need some more time to come off of the anesthesia! You'll be just fine!

Yikes! Good thing you got it checked out! I've had shingles and it is SO uncomfortable and painful. Last thing you need during this time, and I'm sorry! Hang in there! The meds should help quite a bit! Damn you, chickenpox! *shakes fist at the sky*

Congratulations on your surgery! I don't know for sure, but in my past experience with anesthesia, it takes some time for your bladder to "wake up," so that may be why they had to do your peein' for ya! Sounds like you're doing great; glad to hear it!

I'm ready too! On day 7 of the liquid diet...we had a gourmet pizza-making class as part of a work event yesterday and it was SO HARD!! Everything smelled amazing! But still, no cheating. Oh, I also discovered the joy of Syntrax Mint chocolate Cookie Protein powder...it is SO GOOD! I've been having that at night with soy milk, I chill it in the freezer after mixing so it is almost like a milkshake, and it's rocking my world! Highly recommended! Liquid diet on Sunday will likely be a pain, but hey, if I can do this (full) liquid diet for 9 days, the 10th should be a piece of cake! Mmm...cake. Haha! Good luck to all of us! By 9:30am on Monday, I'll be sleeved!

Welcome! Sorry to hear about your current frustrations. I'm getting sleeved this Monday, so I can't speak to how to best deal with those, but I just wanted to welcome you to the site! I'm sure you'll feel better in no time!

You. Look. AMAZING!!! Holy crap! That 30-Day Shred is an ass-kicker...I'm doing it now! It definitely gets results, though! Congrats on your tremendous success! Very inspiring.

You can buy it on their website!

Guuuurl, you look AMAZING! Your hard work is paying off in spades, congratulations!! And I see you're wearing a San Jose Sharks shirt--I'm from San Jose and live on the Peninsula now!

Congrats, Daydra! So great that you're having a good recovery. My surgery is on Monday, hope I have a similar story! Thank you for sharing your story.

That is honestly disgusting. What a horrible salesperson. I am SO GLAD you went back and gave it to the manager...reminds me of Pretty Woman! "Big mistake! HUGE! I have to go shopping now."

So glad this site has helped you; it has helped me a bunch too! Don't be a stranger to the forums though--feel free to ask questions and to share your experiences. After all, without all of these awesome people sharing their stories, none of us would know what to expect! Good luck starting the process!