DeniseM

For pre-op, I had to do two weeks of low carb to shrink my liver, then two days of clear liquids right before surgery. I think the pre-op is the same as the post-op- it varies depending on the doctor and the patient.

Two weeks. It wasn't that bad- the first week it was a challenge to even drink much less eat anything. The second week I just got sick of the protein shakes, but it wasn't hard to not eat. The most important thing is that you need to follow YOUR doctors instructions because everyone is different, and there are different factors that go into the doctors decision as far as when you can move to the next food phase. Your doctor is the one who knows what is best for you, and you need to trust him/her.

My Dr. told me not to worry about constipation unless I was feeling cramping/bloating, and then take medication. It is normal not to have a BM for a few days because you have not eaten any food in a few days.

Definitely have to wait until your stitches are out or skin glue has fallen off, and of course when you are feeling up to it. I would be careful though because being outside in the heat could cause you to get dehydrated very quickly in the beginning when it is hard to get in the fluids.

I took 2 weeks off- I was still sore, but felt ready to go back. I have a desk job though so nothing strenuous and a great boss who lets me walk around as much as I need to. I have had no problems other than the waistband of my pants bothering me when I am sitting since it goes across one of my incisions, but I have just been unbuttoning my pants (I work in a cubicle) and it has not been an issue.

I use it to track protein and carbs. I don't really use any of the other features though.

How did everyone do going back to work? I start back tomorrow which is post-op day 14 for me. I feel fine except for the usual sore spots on my abdomen, but I also work 10 hour shifts, so I am nervous about that. I can always leave early if I need to, but I am going to try to make the entire shift. My biggest concern is the walking around because I do my work 100% at the computer, and the only times I get up during the day are for bathroom and breaks, so walking every hour is not really an option.

I just pureed a Wendy's small chili and two packs of crackers and it is SO good! My first pureed food since surgery.

First day back was great! I felt really good, even after 10 hours. The only thing was I ended up unbuttoning my pants when I was sitting after a few hours because the waistband of my pants is right across one of my incisions, but I work in a cubicle so it wasn't a big deal. After work I went grocery shopping and still feel good, not too sore and not too tired

I had my surgery on 6/4 and I have had a rash and been itching like crazy since I came home from the hospital on 6/5. The rash is only on my stomach in the area that was wiped with betadine, so I am not sure if I am allergic to that or if it is something else. I am hesitant to use any cream because I have dermabond on my incisions, but the itching is making me insane! I have been trying to hold out until Monday but I am thinking of going to an Urgent Care tomorrow if it is not any better. Did anyone experience this?

Turns out I was allergic to the Roxicet. As soon as I stopped taking it, the itching and rash went away. My Dr. prescribed a cream and told me to take Benadryl, and those helped, but the itching did not stop until a few hours after my last dose of Roxicet.

ME TOO!!! I just have to get through tomorrow on liquids and then Wednesday I start pureed/blended foods and I am so happy! If I never eat another cup of jello again I will be happy

I found out after my EGD that I had eosiniphilic esophagitis (basically a severe food allergy that causes food to get stuck in your esophagus), and I was really scared that would interfere with my surgery but my surgeon didn't even blink when I told her. I have heard of several people having their hernias repaired at the same time as their sleeve surgery, and reflux is extremely common for overweight people, so I wouldn't worry too much.

I felt this way too, as I am sure everyone has. It is completely normal to be nervous and to second guess your decision. When I was having my doubts, I just focused on the end result. Being overweight had consumed my life. It was all I thought about, and I was so sick of being in pain from my knees and back and feeling like I was missing out on my life. Yes, I will miss eating the way I used to, although I know that behavior is what got me here in the first place. I might have to give up a few things, but what I am gaining is priceless. Right now, I am so excited to wake up every morning and weigh myself. I know that sounds crazy, but every single day since surgery I have lost at least one pound- this morning it was three! It is amazing to me how this weight is literally falling off, and I wish I had done this so much sooner! I know that the weight loss will slow down eventually, but for now, every moment of pain I went through the first few days is totally worth it. Bottom line is that this is a decision that only you can make. You can change your mind right up until they put you to sleep in the OR. But when you are having these doubts, try to remember why you started this journey to begin with. Focus on how you will feel when you have lost weight, and your life is changed forever!

I also gained 5 pounds in the hospital, but it comes right off, I promise!

11 pounds the first week.

I am supposed to take my Nexium by itself with plain Water and no food or anything else to drink except plain water for at least 30 minutes. I think that is because I have esophagitis and I have been taking my Nexium that way for some time before surgery. I think when it comes to medicine, every one is different, and we need to be careful to follow the directions from our own doctors, especially if it differs from other people.

My husband was able to sleep on a chair in my room with me- you should check with the hospital to see if that is allowed- it could save some money for him.

I take mine whole- I was never told to crush anything. But I am only taking Nexium, which is a capsule, and a birth control pill which is tiny. My Vitamins are chewable.

I don't know anyone like that, but as they say, beauty comes from within. You can be beautiful and thin on the outside and be ugly and hateful on the inside.

Probably gas, so maybe you should try walking more. But if you go more than two days with pain in that exact spot you should be checked by your doctor to make sure you don't have a leak or something.

I am totally trying the Wendy's chili and crackers! I have three days left of full liquids and am really getting bored with it and looking forward to something that actually tastes good.

I had gurgling and burping with every swallow of liquid my first few days, but that has stopped now. I tried several different types of RTE Protein shakes, and my favorite is the "Eat Good Look Great" brand, and I like all the flavors- vanilla, banana, chocolate, and Cookies n cream. I buy it at the Vitamin Shoppe, but I'm sure it sells other places as well. I will eventually start making my own shakes and putting more healthy ingredients in, but for now I am opting for convenience and buying them ready made.