AmyInOrlando

I had my surgery 2 weeks ago and I had a hiatal hernia repair at the same time. The first week was rough, but now I'm able to drink liquids easily as long as I take tiny sips. Greek Yogurt and SF pudding go down easily too. I don't start solid food for another 2 weeks, but I don't anticipate any problems. Initially it felt like there was a golf ball in my throat, and I had shortness of breath and chest pain, but that's mostly resolved now. I'm going back to work on Monday, so I hope my endurance improves over the next three days.

I drizzled some Raspberry syrup over my Greek Yogurt today.

yes, I think the reason they tell you no gum or hard candies is if you accidently swallow it, it could be very painful.

You really need to move to Orlando. You can open up a Restaurant and call it "Sleevers".

7/18: Wgt. 204.8 Started 14 day liquid diet. 7/25: Wgt. 196.4 (-8.4) 8/1: Wgt. 195 completed 2nd week of liquids (-1.4) 8/1 Day of Surgery. Wgt. 195. 8/8 Wgt. 191.6 1 week post-op (-3.4) 8/15 Wgt. 186.2 2 weeks post-op (-5.4). Total wgt. loss 18.6 pounds. Average daily calories: 600, Protein: 64-70 Gms. I am 5' tall, and 60 years old.

What about finely diced celery? How long before you can add that to tuna, chicken and egg salads?

It took me 15 days, Colace, senna tablets and Miralax..... but I finally "did it". I guess I missed the "diarrhea" phase the Dr. warned us about. No straining either which is what I was worried about after more then 2 weeks. This may be TMI, but my 7 pound puppy poops more then I do.

It's always good to "go with your gut", listen to your own intuition. It's a good thing you asked for the ultrasound. Good luck, and I hope it resolves quickly. Keep us posted.

Thanks... I sent for mine.

I've had the same problem. I've become extremely short of breath with minimal exertion. I was having chest pain when I'd take a deep breath, and feeling extremely weak. Yesterday was better and I was able to do a lot of walking. Today I feel a little tired. I was hoping I'd feel more energetic everyday, but that's not the case. I didn't even have to take a nap yesterday, but I feel one coming on today and I haven't even done anything yet. My Doc did say that the chest discomfort was due to the hiatal hernia repair and not the sleeve. My surgery was also on Aug. 1st.

I was miserable the first 10 days. Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, itchy, hiccups, shoulder pain, reflux, and severe weakness. I felt like I'd swallowed a golf ball and it settled in my chest. I think most of my symptoms were due to the hiatal hernia repair. I'm feeling a lot better now. Tomorrow will be 2 weeks and I'm going back to work on Monday.

The night before Surgery, my 2 "sleeve sisters" and I sat in the Hotel Lobby drinking Lattes made with decaf. and cookies and cream muscle milk. It was yummy. I haven't had coffee since the day before surgery... I sure miss it !!! My Doc recommends waiting 2-3 weeks post op before starting caffeine, and then only if you're consuming 64 - 80 oz of fluids. I was told coffee does not count towards your liquids because of it's diuretic effect.

I'm still on full liquids for 11 days. I'm almost afraid to start eating real food. I can't imagine anything being easier then a soft scrambled egg. I guess you really have to watch your bites and timing.

The first Dr. I saw on consult said he recommended the RNY for those with reflux. Obviously not all Physicians have the same philosophy. Do your research. One of my "Sleeve Sisters" had severe reflux and she was sleeved at the same time as me. If you decide that you want the Sleeve vs. RNY, then find a Dr. that will do it. From what I've read, the problems resulting from the RNY are far worse then reflux, that can easily be treated with acid blockers.

Unfortunately, Physician's offices are in business to make money. Many nutritional supplements are available under their own label, when if you research them, you can find the same ingredients in products at less then half the price. I don't think they can insist you buy the products from them. They're available and encouraged because they're convenient. (one stop shop). My Doc sent me a list of recommended vitamins with different brands and those available at Costco, Sams and Walmart. He has a site connected with his web page, but never even suggested it.

Torani makes a bacon flavored syrup. I don't know what you'd do with it..... but, it's available.

I was told no lifting more then 5 pounds the first week, 10 pounds the second week and increase by 5 pounds each week there after. I'm sure that's not good news, but you don't want to wind up with a hernia. Take the time you need.

I'm a Nurse too. I had my Surgery on Aug. 1st, and am scheduled to go back to work on the 19th. I was starting to worry because of complications due to a hiatal hernia repair done at the time of my surgery, but I'm really feeling a lot better then I was just a few days ago. I don't think I'll have any problems going back to work on Monday. Good luck.

It's really helped to read these posts and realize what I've been going through is not unusual. Some things have been easier then others and everyone's journey is different. I'm looking forward to the results, which I'm sure I'll begin to see once I gain some strength and am able to exercise.

Hang in there sweetie.... it does get better. I never had severe surgical pain, but I'm sure it's because they kept me pumped full of pain meds for the first 48 hours. For me, the worst pain was from hiccups, I was itchy all over from sensitivity to the pain meds, it was difficult to swallow because it felt like there was a golf ball in my throat. I was also extremely short of breath with minimal exertion. Everyone's recovery period is different. My two "sleeve sisters" seemed to breeze through it. My surgery was Aug. 1st. I'm still having problems with weakness and shortness of breath. I did have a hiatal hernia at the time of my VSG and my Doc reassured me that the shortness of breath is a result of the hernia repair. I'm 60 years old and I get a little better every day. I'm sure my age has slowed this process as well.

Took me exactly 6 weeks from the day I mailed the application.

I was itchy like crazy after surgery. I didn't have a rash, I think I just had a sensitivity to the pain meds. The itching lessened greatly after I stopped taking the pain meds, but now it's starting again. Now the itching is around my incisions, so I'm sure it's because the wounds are healing.

Today I sent my deposit in, made my plane reservations, was feeling really excited about my decision to have Surgery, came home from work, logged on, and found this forum. I thought complications were extremely rare. Reading this, it seems like they're pretty common. My heart and prayers go out to everyone having difficulties, and I wish you all speedy recoveries, but now I'm getting scared. I guess following the pre and post op instructions to the letter may lessen the occurrences, but sometimes these things just happen. I thought because my BMI isn't that high, and I really don't have very many co-morbidities that it would be smooth sailing... now I'm not so sure. Plus, I'm going to Mexico alone. I really don't want to change my mind at this point. I guess I just have to hope and pray I'm one of the lucky ones.....

Send me some of that soup. I haven't had a BM in 14 days.

I was sleeved on Aug. 1st, and I'm not due to go back to work till the 19th. I'm still so weak and get short of breath easily, I think that's due to the hiatal hernia repair. I'm not having any problems with liquids or proteins, and I'm in no pain. I guess things go slower with age.