BerryChic

5 incisions healing beautifully 4 1/2 weeks post.

Wouldn't even consider it! Way too much for only a week out.

I was only restricted from caffeine for a week, because it is dehydrating and it was hard enough to get down the amount of fluids I needed. I am just over 4 weeks out and had coffee for the first time yesterday. Bad move for me, it was very unsettling and doesn't even taste good to me anymore.

I am so glad I am not alone in this. I was never particularly emotional, but now I have felt many of the same things you mentioned- anger, sadness, depression. It's driving me nuts! My husband is a hunter and loves being in the woods this time of year, but I am kind of resenting him for leaving me right now even though he has been really great so far. I have hit a plateau, I'm starting to feel hunger again and I am frustrated having to constantly check calories, sugar, protein and fat grams on everything. Normally none of this would bother me. And just to add to it, I have been put on some really strong meds for a MRSA infection I contracted post surgery which are making me feel really lousy just when I started to feel better. So I am feeling totally out of control and an emotional mess! Can't wait till this stage is over. Hope you get through it quickly too!

I am almost 4 weeks out and have had a relatively smooth recovery. I am ahead of schedule for weight loss and BMI tracking, which is great! I did have to deal with a yeast infection (probably from the antibiotics or catheter) and some expected post-op discomfort for the first week. But, no vomiting, very little nausea, no foamy burps or spitting up. I will say the first 7-10 days were a little rockier than I thought they would be. I have always rebounded and healed quickly after surgeries but I am 10 years older now than when I had my last surgery so I think my expectations were a little unrealistic in that regard. The biggest thing I struggled with was/is the energy swings. One day I'd feel great and the next I was exhausted. As you probably know, this is a by-product of the healing process and I have learned we just have to be patient with ourselves. Interestingly, I have not had any of the aches and pains I used to get all the time (headaches, joint/muscle aches) which is awesome. Honestly though, there have been some moments that I would never like to repeat in my life, but that's just what they were: moments in time, relatively speaking, but the benefits and results will last a lifetime. I can't wait to meet the new Me when I reach my goal!

I know I am full because I start to get a heaviness in my chest, like when a burp gets stuck. And if I really push it past that I get that familiar left shoulder pain from my first week post-op. I have found that chewing really, really well is a key to avoiding discomfort. I have to say, my first 7-10 days on solids (as thrilled as I was to be off liquids & purees) I hated to eat. I just didn't know if it was going to hurt or not as I experimented with different textured foods (because some surely did). Also, if you find that you can't tolerate some foods (like eggs for example) wait a week or so and try again. I found that I had to wait for my stomach to heal up a bit more before I could tolerate certain foods. I am happy to say that the last few days have been very smooth, so if you experience any of this, just be patient as your body adjusts to eating real food again and enjoy!

I am almost 4 weeks out and fluids are tough! I still don't get it all in but it has become a lot easier in the last 5 days to drink larger sips and that has helped tremendously.

I was concerned about Motrin also. It has always been the best pain killer for me and I used it 2-3 times/week before surgery for headaches, body aches, etc. Interestingly, I just realized that since the initial pain of surgery wore off after the first week post-op, I haven't had any headaches or joint pain or muscle aches! Ain't it great

I would eat out 4-5 times a week. I loved to order salads and sandwiches, but unfortunately I can't have lettuce or tomato yet which is a real bummer. I also miss eating and drinking, probably more than any particular food item. The problem is by the time I'm done eating my protein-heavy meal, I am sooo thirsty. Waiting 20-30 minutes to drink something seems like an eternity sometimes and then I have to sip it when all I want to do is chug it! Looking so forward to my first salad, I hope I can tolerate the lettuce so I can have one every day

Almost four weeks out and in a stall for the last 6-7 days. Same exact issues: not enough fluids or protein since these are both still uncomfortable sometimes. But I know I can't possibly eat any less than I am, so I'm just going to keep doing what I am doing and relax about it

Sleeved 10/23/13 HW 340 SW 329 CW 302

Leftover gas from the surgery and air when you drink is getting in there. I had it and the deep breaths worked for me too, but only at that moment. I also found that adding a flavoring like Crystal Light made water go down easier and with little or no pain. I don't know why that works but it does. I am just now able to drink enough plain water without so much discomfort and I am 26 days out.

Same thing- sooo frustrating! I just start to feel kind of normal and then- WHAM! I'm exhausted or it hurts to eat and drink or I just feel lousy. I heard the same thing as sapMegan, this can go on for up to six months. Ugh!

I was told this is the next stage in the healing process.

I also had a hard time swallowing liquids and tolerating Protein shakes at that stage. I am now 26 days out and very glad for it! I went on purees at 9 days and soft foods at 16 days so I don't think you did any damage to your sleeve. But hang in there! Everyday it gets a little better

I certainly felt some regret the first week. I felt pretty miserable, but I also had two hernias repaired at the same time which added to the discomfort. Eating is uncomfortable if I eat too much, but I am learning my body's signals now and today I ate with almost no discomfort at all. I also started Zantac which helps control the acid and that made a big difference too. I think they need to prepare patients better for what to expect and when it will end. I am 19 days out and finally beginning to feel better. Some days I'm not so sure I would do it again, but on the other hand I have lost 26 lbs since surgery, 36 since PATS. This is the least I have weighed in over 10 years! I try to tell myself that maybe I could have done this without surgery, but the fact is I never did. So, I suspect that as the weight continues to drop and I continue to recover I will be even happier that I made this decision to enhance my quality of life.

The first week post op is definitely the most uncomfortable. Energy levels are variable at best, pain may not quite be controlled until the end of the first week and you may not be sleeping well since you may be in pain and unable to sleep in the positions you are used to. I was also quite preoccupied with getting in all my fluids and protein (which I never have despite how I try). I would find myself getting worn out doing absolutely nothing differently than the day before but remember your body is using a lot of energy to heal. I would certainly plan on someone else doing the cooking and cleaning. I'm almost three weeks post op and still don't have the energy level I would like even though the weight loss has been great and my doc says I'm doing better than average all around. Hope everything goes well!

I have found drinking liquids like water to be more difficult now than the first 7-10 days. Milk however, goes down much easier than anything else.

Sleeved 10/23 and water is the most difficult for me to swallow.

Had the same problem. More protein and fluids will help. I have a hard time getting enough water in but I figured out how to get it in other drinks like milk or juice. The additional calories also helped I think. Good luck!

I was sleeved on the 23rd and I know exactly how you feel. I am feeling super emotional (lonely, angry, frustrated, sad, depressed, you name it) which I normally am not. I still feel like I am in a fog half of the time, which is also driving me nuts. Can't wait to just feel like myself again. But, my weight loss has been great too so I'm thinking this is just a stage we have to get though. It seems like by 4-6 weeks out most people are pretty well back to normal. I can't wait!

I am 10 days post and tried one cracker today as I was desperate for something to chew with my pureed tuna. So far, so good. Tolerating it OK, but I don't think I could have handled it 5 days ago.

I have the same problem. 10 days out and I am on purees but I still don't feel well. I was beginning to think I'd made a mistake, guess I needed the reminder that I am still healing and to be patient.

Sleeved 10/23. I was at clear liquids for 2 days, currently at full liquid stage just starting to crave the taste of real food. Start pureed stage on Friday for 1 week and then move to soft foods for another week. Should be on regular food by week 4. I must say I am getting pretty sick of protein shakes, almost nauseating. I would have your doc review your progress and see if he can move you up a bit if you are having trouble with the schedule he set out for you. I had 1/2 teaspoon of peanut butter yesterday and tolerated it just fine. Everyone is different though, make sure to check with your doctor if you have any concerns.

I was at that stage about 3 weeks ago. Now I had my PATs on Monday and am scheduled for surgery 10/23. Going through my Pre Admission Tests helped A LOT. The unknowns are the worst, I agree but now I am really excited!