back2barb78

Nope. The only reason I have done IVs for many years now by the way (long before having this surgery) is strictly for hydration. As I said, this is a transitional period for me and all of us in the immediate postop period with our bodies adjusting to the changes in diet which is why some of us react differently, be it diarrhea or constipation. I have ended up on the constipation end like lots of people, but it seems to be getting better the more varied my diet is.

I do buy my own supplies on a medical site online. I would never do that at work!! I'm able to start them in myself so there's no need for anyone to do it for me. Very convenient!

You would think staying well hydrated would solve it, but it doesn't. I'm an RN, so I give myself IV hydration every week on top of my oral fluids to make sure I'm super duper hydrated and I'm still constipated. I know some people have the opposite problem. I think it's an adjustment period also. Either way I make sure I stay well hydrated orally and intravenously.

I take it when I notice I haven't gone in a while. I've been going on my own lately. I didn't have any vomiting until I was about a month out when I went back to work intermittently. Then I had a period about 2 months out where I was nauseated and sick to my stomach for about 2 weeks straight. Then randomly it all stopped and I haven't had any nausea/vomiting. It's like I turned a corner of sorts. I eat whatever sounds good. I'm not weighing things and all that complicated stuff. I found that when I was doing that I wasn't keeping anything down. I still focus on protein as much as possible but eat what will stay down. Lots of turkey meatloaf and chicken soup. I don't like my old protein shakes anymore. I mix chocolate muscle milk with a caramel Atkins protein shake most days as well. I also like Malto meal or cream of wheat with turkey sausage crumbles. I know I don't eat enough but I'm doing the best I can

I used email and Skype only.

Ahazelwo, the constipation is tear-inducing at times. You are not alone. I have to take Milk of Mag on occasion, moreso in the beginning. It's a smooth move with that. I've also taken Mirilax. I noticed if I eat more "normal" food, I have an uninduced bowel movement, but Ive gone almost 2 weeks with no BM if I only do protein and veggies sometimes.

Congrats!! It will come off MUCH quicker than you think!! It's truly amazing to be honest.

Really. I'm still only 3 months out, so maybe it will come back, but I hope not. I know I need to eat because of the weakness and lightheadedness, but that's me knowing I need to eat. I don't have the stomach growling and hunger pains that people normally have. No true hunger. I'm glad for it!

Very true

Lila921, my "follow up" has been with my PCP. I've had labwork twice with her since my surgery. I live near a major hospital that does gastric procedures, so if I would've/ do have any complications related to my sleeve, I will head straight there. I looked at the threads you posted and they would make me nervous too if I were in your position. I did not choose the option of the plication because it is "experimental" still. This is not a surgery performed regularly here in the US and the sleeve is tried and true. People have gotten gastrectomies for aged now for other reasons. Plication didn't make sense for me personally because I don't understand how you can portion off that part of the stomach but still maintain the integrity of the tissue that isn't being used. That was just my personal medical thought process. I'm not saying it isn't safe, but it seems to be that there would be way more chances for complications with that than with a sleeve. If you eat/drink too much too soon, pop there goes a stitch- or a stitch may go for no reason at all! Stitches in your forehead or finger can pop! It is what it is. I didn't need that huge stomach! It's done me no favors for many years now. Good riddance Covalita, I used Walden farms because I think the sprays are off the market. Couldn't find them either.

I'm actually having the opposite problem. I haven't had hunger since I got sleeved. I know I need to eat, but I'm not experiencing actual hunger like before I was sleeved if that makes sense.

Congratulations Lila on your decision and best wishes for safe travels. And you are NOT crazy for going alone! I think a lot of people go from Canada alone. I would have been absolutely fine alone. You will get lots of rest not worrying about anyone else. When you go, you will be in a group that morning and kind of mingle that morning. You'll also be with the same people daily- sharing the same nerves and the same happiness when it's over and you're ok!

It is hard to see people have complications (I didn't see many preop because I purposely steered clear of those threads), but for any benefit there is a risk- and I was willing to take that risk. You've done your research, prepared for what's to come postop, and are cotent with your decision. I spent my last couple of days preop looking in the before and after threads here, looking at how fast things change after surgery and was so pumped for my surgery I was cool as a cucumber! Now 3 months later so much has changed for ME so fast. You will be in the same boat very soon! Good luck to you and well wishes for a smooth recovery

Indigo messaged me yesterday. She's doing ok

HoosierGirl, congratulations on this major milestone and thank you for sharing it with us! I can only imagine how happy you are. Yay, Bat Team!!!

Oh come on!!! You know you're looking good!! Check out those traps!!

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14-252 lbs

My high weight was 333lbs and surgery day I was 299. My first NSV was when I went it was time to go back to work a month later, I put my scrub pants on and they fell down! Nice! I'm having another NSV right now at the pedicurist. I usually had to squeeze into this pedicure chair and the side of the darn thing wouldn't even close (how embarrassing), but I'm happy to say I'm sitting pretty and comfy with both sides closed with space to spare! Yay! I'm finally excited to travel and can't wait to take my first flight WITHOUT an extender

That may be apart of it too. Hopefully you're just off to a slow start. Usually they make you lose weight preop an the more you lose preop the more success you have postop. I've never heard of anyone not having to lose preop.

I know I've said it before but I love your hair! You and your daughter are beautiful. Congrats! You look great

I was wondering what part of the world do they not have extension cords! Then I thought maybe they call them something else where you're from.

Patty61, I was a crazy one who didn't want my drain out! I wanted it to stay in even though it was a bit uncomfortable because seeing the fluid gave me peace of mind that my stomach wasn't leaking any unusual fluids. The Dr thought I was "different" for not wanting it out. The most difficult part for me has been getting enough fluids in and taking vitamins. I hate pills! I feel so much restriction when I eat and drink still, so hopefully it will let up a bit over time. I LOVE water and get frustrated that I can't drink it the way I used to.

Those paper panties were beyond a HOT mess! I knew they would be so I brought mesh disposable panties that were quickly denied by my nurse. I had to go to surgery commando

The best things I took with me were front snap sports bras and an extension cord. I had an incision right around the bra line and it was wonderful to have an easy, soft bra to put on. The extension cord is obvious since all the gadgets we have nowadays don't have long cords. Good luck to you!

Nothingupmysleeve, every single person on here would be liar if they were to say they would be patient in your situation. I would be pissed. We didn't go through this to see the scale stand still. No one can discount others feelings of disappointment especially with what you are dealing with. Even when people lose 15lbs and see others lose 30 in the same amount of time there is a question of "why am I not losing that fast"? I know I feel that way sometimes. I am so sorry for your troubles, wish you nothing but the best, and hope you find the answers you need to be successful ASAP