ready2smile

Best way to keep from getting a sore tush is warm water. Pretty much the same way we did it after childbirth but geared towards the other area; before you go put warm water in a squeeze bottle (it escapes me what they're called) and then after you go squirt the warm water on your tushi instead of using harsh toilet paper over and over. Then just pat dry with the TP.

You will both do great! Tomorrow am will fly by and in the afternoon we'll be scootching over so 2 more fabulous ladies can join us on the losers bench! Just try to remember the nurses, your pain pump, Chapstick and walking are your new best friends for the day. After that at home it's pain meds, slowly sipping Water, drinking your Protein, walking as much as you can, and Chapstick for those dry lips.....oh, and us, we're here for whatever you need!

Also, my surgeon prescribed protonix (1small swallowable pill taken on an empty stomach 30 minutes before a meal) to prevent acid reflux, heartburn, ulcers, etc.

That is an excellent outlook! I wish i had inly had a "last meal" instead of the indulging I did for darn near a week. The more you eat the more you have to lose after surgery. It's just not worth the risk. Best of luck to you!!

I found some titles on Amazon: The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery (ordering this) recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery: Delicious Dishes for Nourishing the New You (this one too) WLS for Dummy's (I have heard great things about this)

that makes good sense to me-and i'm very ok with -8.7lbs.

Wish me luck-tomorrow is my 2 week post op visit. I'll see the nurse at my surgeons office and have my staples (all 12!) removed, thank goodness-these things are annoying! I'm a little nervous at what that will feel like but I'm looking forward to seeing my progress and moving onto the next stage of foods (pureed). Who knew I'd be so excited to eat refried beans and mashed potatoes?!

redlockqt-how is your protein and water intake? Have you been able to walk at all? What liquids are you taking in-could they be high in calories and sodium? Just some questions I would ask of myself before panicing. Maybe you should try my fitness pal, it's great for logging everything you put in your mouth as well as your vitamins and excercise. You can add me, (anyone can) I'm karefulme.

Try the lite, 70 calories for 1 cup (at least for the lite vanilla soy silk that I drink). 1.5g fat, 5g sugar and 6g protein.

You can add it to either. Low/no fat milk, soy or otherwise gives it added protein and helps it taste better. For me that is a huge bonus. My fave is a scoop of GNC pro performance whey protein powder (in chocolate flavor) with a cup of lite vanilla silk (soy). It's 26g of protein. Tastes better than chocolate milk.

I do not have a ton to lose, (about 100lbs) but I had gerd and reflux, the sleeve is NOT good for people with those issues and in fact will exacerbate (or initiate) it. I also wanted to have the fear of dumping because I love sweets. I learned with the sleeve you can soon eat all foods with less issues than with the RNY, and it seems like people lose less and struggle more. I did a lot of research online, with my dr, and even in forums and on YouTube- watching hundreds of videos. This was the right decision for me, but it may not be for everyone. Hopefully your surgeon will help guide you. Either way, best of luck and hope to see you on the "losers side" soon.

This sounds like fun; sunshynne4k@aol.com

What a tough decision for you to make and I'm sorry you are going through this. Only you know how strong you are and what is reasonable. I agree with everyone else so far. I know how hard it is to wait for something for so long and have it pulled out from under you. Just know that if they approved you this time they will again. You need to be comfortable with whatever decision you make; you most likely wont need help more than the 1st few days after surgery yet there is always a chance of complications that everyone needs to be realistic about. Mentally, I think it would be hard to go through what we do these 1st weeks while distracted by caring for a very ill family member. Not to mention you have to make sure you're focusing on your nutrition and exercise in order to begin the healthy habits you need for making the surgery successful (and avoiding dehydration). No matter what, we are here for you in support and will be happy to do all we can help as you go through this.

Did you gain any from surgery (gas and fluid)? I'm never exactly sure what to include, its confusing since I came out heavier than when I went in. If I go from when I started my pre-op liquids I was 236.8, went down to 233.8 dos, (loss of 3) then up to 239.8 so a gain of 6, and am now at 225.1. Do I count the 6lbs I gained and then lost from surgery (14.7) or do I just say I lost 8.7? See, this is what happens to a brain lacking caffeine-nothing but mush, lol.

pack light, you'll sleep most of the time-the rest you'll be walking or won't really care. i took the following: chapstick (a MUST) brush, hair tie cell phone, charger, head phones eye mask and ear plugs (for peace and quite in the day time) chonies, socks, robe and slippers magazine i knew the hospital would have the following for me to use: a gown toothbrush and toothpaste soap, lotion, washcloth extra pillows and blankets i wore comfy loose clothes in, same clothes out (with clean chonies) :] walk as much as possible, use your chapstick, and keep your mouth wet. at home-always have Water nearby, Protein drinks at the ready, and plenty of options for liquids/clears such as sf Jello, pudding, popsicles and broth. i used my recliner a lot because it was easier than the bed.

that is awesome for only being about a week out!

Once I figure out how to add people I'll add you, if not, mine is karefulme

This is late, but lots of positive thoughts for you! You will do awesome!

I'd love your help! I read some posts previously about calorie intake but can't find them. As I'm getting farther out from surgery and moving from the liquids to the mushy stage, I'm a little worried I'm going to consume too many calories. I am curious what others have experienced when counting their caloric intake at both stages. I'm using MFP and when I log everything it's around 400-450 calories. This is any combination of protein, water, sf jello/pudding, soup, popsicles, etc.

For me, there is a significant difference in "hunger" now. I can eat or not, drink or not-BUT, if I see something good, or smell something yummy-it's then that I think I'm hungry and want to eat it. It's the same for craving food with crunch or even just a little bit of substance to chew on. The 1st few days after surgery I was always thirsty, that only happens at night now when I wake up and have to reach for my water and take a sip necause my mouth is dry. I have to be cognizent of getting in my water and protein, or I think I would go most of the day without much nutrition. Finding it crazy that I'm worried about eating over 450 calories....

I brought and used all of the following: chapstick-MUST trail size face wash (could have used the hospital soap) my brush/hair ties (could have used their comb) earplugs and eye mask (I had a roomate and both helped me sleep in the daytime) cell phone, charger, and headphones (to listen to music) chonies, socks (my socks were warmer than the hospitals) non-skid slippers and robe (I prefered them for walking the halls even though the gown provided full coverage) magazine The things they had that I used: toothbrush and toothpaste comb wash cloth slipper socks TV tissue basic phone extra pillows and blankets

You're welcome. I do have to admit it hasn't been easy and there have been a few little bumps. But for the most part I have been blessed. You will do great!