Ciaobella

Headed to hospital for surgery at 10am PST. I'm so ready for this next phase of my life!! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous at all, but it's more eager anticipation of how different life will be. Looking forward to eating to to live instead of living to eat, and to be able to be more active with my family. I'd be grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes to say a prayer for me and the surgical team. Thanks so much!! Blessings...xoxo

What are the foamies? I just had surgery on Monday, so I haven't experienced them. Doesn't sound like I ever want to either! :-)

Congratulations dstollery!! I'm sure that's just one of many rewards coming to you. Keep up the great work!

Great news!! Thanks for the update. Now you can relax. :-)

Jess, I think you should call your doctor. They will be able to tell you if it's normal or not, and whether it warrants you making a two-hour drive to the ER. Praying it's nothing unusual. Let us know what they say.

Hi Darcy! Every doctor is different and has you progress at a different rate, but I'm 5 days post op and I'm allowed full liquids, which includes plain or light yogurt (no fruit on bottom or high sugar content), thinned hot Cereal and creamy Soup. Reg yogurt hurt my tummy pre-op, so I only eat Greek yogurt. I bought plain FF Greek and added a very small amount (tsp?) of banana cream SF FF pudding to it to take the edge off the sourness. I also thinned it out with lactose-free skim milk. It was yummy! I have found that the only broth I can tolerate is boullion. I can't drink the real stuff. I also drink hot caffeine free herbal tea. I can get lemon Propel down and I've also had spilt pea soup (no bacon) thinned with milk. How long are you supposed to be on Clear Liquids?

Our stats are very close. I'm pear shaped and carry the majority of my weight in my hips. Funny you mention Christmas, because just last night I was wondering if this would be the year I would allow myself to be in the Christmas card picture with my boys, which also means my hubby could be in the pic too. I was 206 on surgery day, 210 when I got home from the hospital, and this morning with my pajamas on, I was 201.

Kiwi, my husband went to Sonic and bought me a bag of their ice. They have the best little ice ever!

I don't have head hunger yet, but I did make blueberry muffins with my son last night to have with breakfast this morning. I had to be really careful not to lick my finger when I got batter on it!

Praying for you Rachael. Remember God can move mountains, so although it's hard, keep the faith and don't get discouraged! Your day will come and we'll be cheering you on!!

Steve, glad to hear your surgery went well. The gas pain for me was the worst part. I'm 5 days post op and still have severe gas pain in my shoulder. I'm praying today is my breakthrough day where it magically disappears! I agree, walking is the cure for everything! Praying for speedy recovery. Each day gets better!

Isla, I'm so sorry your first surgery attempt didn't turn out like you had hoped, but I'm so very happy you had a competent medical team around you that made the decision to keep you safe! I'm sure it's difficult to deal with the pain and disappointment without the reward, but your day will come and we'll be here for you! Please keep us posted and let us know what your doctor says on Monday.

Hi Sharon - The only things that seem to really work are a heating pad and walking. The problem is that I can't walk ALL day long and if I'm sitting with the heating pad, it's puts me in a bad position for drinking my fluids, which are top priority. I'm praying a lot and doing a lot of self-talk because I know it will get better. I'd just like to know when!?!? I called doctor yesterday and have increased my GasX to the dose I was getting in the hospital vs. the packaging, but it's not making a huge difference. I've gone back to taking my Lortab when it gets unbearable because it helps take the edge off. I just called my husband to ask if he thought going to the chiropractor or getting a gentle massage would help, and he thinks it might be too soon. ??? Seriously, except for this pain, I feel great! I'm doing well with my full liquids - had some soup, cream of wheat and greek yogurt. The fluids are still challenging to get all 64 oz of them down, but my stomach soreness is very manageable. My husband took our 1.5 year old to the babysitter this morning, but I managed to get my 6.5 year old off to school before the pain set in. I have a sneaking suspicion it's God way of making me slow down so I don't overdo it, but I will be singing His praises as soon as this part is behind me!!! How are you feeling about starting your pre-op diet? Are you getting the supplies you need? Just think, this time next month you will be all set for your surgery! Yeah!!! BTW, how tall are you? Our weight stats are very similar. I'm 5'2". Highest weight was 225, pre-op was about 206 and goal weight is 125.

I agree, no red peppers! They're overpowering and ruin everything.

Thanks so much!! I feel so blessed to finally be on the other side. I know these first few days and weeks are the most difficult, so I'm just doing the best I can and trying not to stress about it. :-)

You're probably right!! I could tell from the moment she walked into the room that she lacked confidence. My only request was to place the IV in my left arm because I can't stand going to the bathroom and having to wipe with an IV on my hand or arm. She checked both arms and went for the left one. I even tried to reassure her that I'm not afraid of needles, etc. Well, she blew the vein. She proceeded to blow the right side too then had the nerve to tell me she should have listened to her instinct. Umm....what instinct because you blew both sides?!?! At least she had the confidence to walk out and get another nurse before poking me again. Now I have two large blackish purple bruises on my arms to remember her by. As for my pain...well, if it weren't for these stupid, excruciating gas pains in my shoulders, I'd be great. My stomach is sore, but it's totally manageable without pain meds. I'm still taking meds though because of the gas pains. I talked to the nurse today and I'm doing everything I can do, so it just has to run its course.

Lucky you! I sip sip sip and feel like I'm drowning. I have to really pace myself. I am surprised I can take bigger sips than I thought I would, but I definitely feel it. I have read that some people don't get the restriction feeling right away, but it definitely shows up. I'm sure it's just lurking.

No problem! Rachael or Jessica usually keep up the list, so I'm sure they'll add you to it when they're able. Just let us know your real name too. Starting weight is optional. We'll be here to cheer you on!!

What a blessing this would be. You are brilliant!! I LOVE this idea. I would buy your food in a heartbeat. I am a busy working mom and wife who often brought frozen for lunch at work pre-op, and it would be great to know there was a line of food that is healthy, tasty, not boring, and pouch-friendly!! I pray this becomes a reality...and that it gets to Southern California! :-)