nursehr80

What is your average calorie intake on a daily basis? I am just outside of 8 mos post op. I had some post op complications and had to have back surgery unexpectedly in December. So, I am just starting on my fitness pal and exercise is limited to walking at the moment. I have had steady weight loss since surgery - but now that I am recovered from my rough 2013 - need to get serious about what is going in my body. My intake today was 900 calories.

What is your average calorie intake on a daily basis? I am just outside of 8 mos post op. I had some post op complications and had to have back surgery unexpectedly in December. So, I am just starting on my fitness pal and exercise is limited to walking at the moment. I have had steady weight loss since surgery - but now that I am recovered from my rough 2013 - need to get serious about what is going in my body. My intake today was 900 calories. (Sorry for the repost - didn't want to miss anyone)

I did everything through HR and under short term disability. This way I was protected for 12 weeks and my manager couldn't go against anything HR said. My suggestion is to ask for more time, and then if you are feeling better, go back early. Even though the decreased income was hard, I was so thankful for the time off that I had.

I was out 7 weeks, but had some mild complications - dehydration and my sleeve was too tight and I couldn't advance my diet. I had 3 egd's with stretching/ dilation. I went back ft and feel like my normal self now. I may have been able to return at week 5 if I didn't struggle getting enough in. Maybe consider going back half shifts for the first week back. The pain is nothing - it is the exhaustion, nausea, and staying nourished that is most hard. You have to make time to eat and drink all shift long. My exhaustion and weakness was the worst though.

Any ideas on how long it takes for your scars to fully disappear? I have been using Mederma for 8 weeks straight and I notice improvement - but it is slow going. Will they ever turn white or go away?

I am 9 weeks out and have no signs of thinning or hair loss. My hair seems to actually be stronger than normal. My surgeon said to expect it to start either last week or this one - and nothing. Did anyone not experience hair loss the first 3 mos?

Thanks everyone!

BEEN THERE!!! Actually still there some days with the depression. I am 8 weeks post op tomorrow. The exhaustion was horrible for me and I was treated for dehydration 3 times and had one hospitalization 2 weeks ago. Today I don't need naps anymore, the nausea is better, and I can drink more. I still come no where near the protein and liquid requirements, but each day gets better. I didn't expect the recovery I had at all and thought I was all alone. I can now say it gets better - but the hardest part - just letting yourself heal. Sleep when you need to and drink what you can. There were days I just did clear liquids and didn't even focus on protein. I did full sugar Popsicles and regular chicken broth with soggy saltines. Those helped me the most. Whatever you do - listen to your body and don't over do it. In the long run, you will not regret this. My thoughts are with you - just know you are not alone in how you are feeling. Use your support team and if you don't have a great one - see a therapist. I have to go once a week right now - despite loving my 40 lbs gone - this is a huge transition.

I am almost 4 weeks out and have been using prescription Reglan about once or twice a day. It is not for everyone, as can have some side effects. I am lucky though and have zero side effects. Only issue is you can only take for short period of time. I take it 30 min prior to eating in addition to my ppi. It helps with nausea, reflux, and promotes motility. Also - have you asked your md for an upper gi ct scan with barium? I had one last week and they saw some narrowing. I had an endoscopy with dilation this past Friday and felt an amazing difference. It was a very simple procedure, no pain, and I was there less than 2 hours. Narrowing can be a normal side effect post op. My diet changed when I left the hospital Friday and it has been amazing. Good luck in some relief!

After 3 weeks of hell... I can now confirm there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I ate all normal soft foods today after a hellacious 3 weeks. It was amazing!!!! 2 pieces of steamed shrimp and one tomato slice with a small slice of fresh mozzarella for dinner. No pain, no nausea, no reflux, and I feel full. Just finished my 30 min wait and sipping some sugar free juice. There is hope for all of you suffering - just keep looking forward.

I used little medicine cups like that come with liquid Benadryl or cough syrup. It should have an oz mark - 4 ounces an hour is a good goal. Also 1/2 cup measuring cup is the same as 4 oz - so you could measure out that way. Write it down on a log. My first goal was 32-40 oz per day and my surgeon was happy with me when I reached 40. I stopped focusing on the Protein and only focused on fluids and then worried about the shakes after. I also didn't focus so much on the holding liquids 30 min pre and post when doing the shakes. Once i was feeling better - i went back to the rules. If you are drinking from a Gatorade bottle and able to get half in - they are usually 20 oz bottles - so just estimate how much you get in. Be careful if the milk. Is giving you bloating or pain and just focus on clears. Popsicles and Jello will also tell you how many ounces they are. Again, others may disagree, I stopped focusing so much on sugar free. I like sugar free drinks - but not Popsicles or jello - so I did regular ones. I'm working on some Campbell's vegetable Soup broth right now - just took out the veggies. I like the flavor of the broth.

I still get it sometimes at 3 weeks out - but the worst was during week 1 and 2. I would just pace in my bedroom, sit up in a comfortable chair, and the gas x strips also helped. The strips also helped any time I was feeling nauseated - think it is the mint flavor. When feeling bloated - if laying down - turn side to side every few minutes - this helped my gas move. Feel for you - my first 2 weeks were much harder than I expected. If you have a support person - parent or friend - talk to them about how serious this is and how much help you really need. As a nurse - I know all the things I am "supposed" to do - but I felt so bad that I got my mom to be bossy and stay on top of me with my fluids. Now at least 5 people contact me a day to make sure I am drinking. I did the broth of my favorite soups, low sugar apple juice, water, Popsicles with sugar because something is better than nothing, and the zero calorie SoBe waters. I still can't get in 64 oz in - but each day I get in a little bit more.

I am also nurse and agree with everyone else. I have had to be treated for dehydration twice - once with an ER visit in the last 3 weeks. Ketosis is normal at this stage. Just keep focusing on water and staying awake as much as you can. 2 things that helped me - writing hourly goals of 4 oz on 2 32 ounce water bottles and the other - using a straw. I know the straw is a no no but I was able to get so much more in with a straw. Gas pain and bloating isn't fun - but was better than the feeling of dehydration for me.

This started after week one for me. I had a melt down on Monday night - sobbing and all. (Not like me) but each day is different. Yesterday and today have been better and tomorrow marks 3 weeks for me and I am temporarily stuck on clear liquids. I am craving a burger like no other. I had moments of regret - like "why did I do this to myself?" The psychologist I had to see for pre-op warned me this would happen. I have a therapist that I see and have been able to talk to her on the phone on my worst days and I plan on attending the support group at the hospital I had the surgery at. Feel your pain - but tomorrow will be a new day. putting on a new shirt today that was just a little too tight before felt good.

I get this pain now and then. I know it is near the suture in my muscle - just haven't figured out why it comes and goes - but def r side of my belly button near largest incision. Feels like a pulled or twisted muscle

I can't imagine going anywhere or doing anything for at least 2 weeks post op - but that is my experience. I work from home and have not been able to restart working and I am almost 3 wks post op.

I was sleeved on June 12th, and have struggled regaining my strength each day. I am 32, starting wt 263, no other health conditions, and was able to walk a block or 1 set of stairs with no shortness of breath prior to surgery. Since being home, I have been struggling with intake of both fluid and protein - I'm sure you all can relate. I have been treated with fluids twice - once last week at the md office and then Saturday I could not get anything in because of nausea and was rehydrated at the ER. Yesterday I felt like a new person - it was amazing and no more nausea. I started the hour I woke up measuring out 4 oz per hour, ate some soup with protein, and got in what I could of some shakes - but the gas and bloating threw me off in the afternoon and evening. Today, I didn't feel as great as yesterday. I started the same way off, measuring my fluids, setting goals, but have not been able to take in very much protein at all. I called my surgeon and tomorrow is my first true follow up since surgery. The nurse told me to just focus on fluids - clear today, and relieving some mild constipation. Problem is - I am so weak that it is hard to shower, walk more than a few laps around my house, and the stairs just about knock me out. I am taking my vitamins daily and avoiding laying down. I have drank about 30 oz of water today. Anyone else struggle with weakness and loss of stamina this far out from surgery? I know we all recover differently - but I just wasn't expecting this for myself. Thanks for any feedback