Margie14

Lookin' Hot little mamma! I am close to your start weight and hope I can have as great a result!

I'm 1.5 weeds out and just had a cup of regular coffee. My surgeon said you can have one when you can tolerate it. You just can't have more because of the diuretic effect of caffeine can dehydrate you. It won't hurt your staple line. I am 1.5 weeks out and was terrified that I drank slightly over a 10 oz. P. shake one morning not thinking about it (that was over a period of 30 minutes). It seems we are blessed with no swelling, scarring, or restriction on fluid. I know anything thicker and I stop automatically at 1/4 cup cuz I'm stuffed, but liquids I have overdone and am still okay. Yogurt and pudding is still 1/4-1/2 a cup. Still, take it easy, you REALLY don't want to develop a leak!

Okay, I did a seriously stupid thing... I fixed a Protein shake with 1/2 cup almond milk, 1 scoop Protein powder, some of my Vitamins, and ice. My blender added a lot of air and made this fill a 16 oz cup. I slowly sipped it while perusing the internet and downed the whole thing in 30 minutes. I am on day six after surgery. I have no pain, but am full. I realized afterward that I am only supposed to have 4 oz. per serving at a sitting. Also I am not on pain med that would block any sensation. Did I hurt myself or am I obsessing over this? I don't feel anything other than full. I have read you don't feel fullness yet. I am so afraid of developing a leak it's not funny.

Thank you all. I did not die or have any pain so i guess I'm okay! Always,...Whatever possessed you to eat a piece of chicken? I have been planning my (tiny) spaghetti dinner as soon as I can start on solids and tolerate it, but I could not even think of eating a piece of chicken at this point. Ouch. I hope you are alright?!

I had been taking them before surgery and will continue again once I heal and can swallow a capsule. I never had that problem before surgery though. I took a heavy pro-biotic supplement with minimum 10 strains. Maybe go back to the miralax and eat yogurt for a while and see what happens. That sounds more like allergies or not enough Fluid intake, maybe?

I know I won't be "Perfect" and I'm sure I'll have my little cheats here and there, but I do believe this will work. You can only eat so much, so unless you plan to graze all day long (you will gain doing this) on really bad food, it will work. Exercising only speeds results and gets you closer to your "personal" goal. So let's say you have 100 lbs. to lose and the doctor says 60 is the perfect amount, but you want to get to fighting weight, exercise will get you there. As you lose the weight your body is not carrying around all that extra weight that helped it lose so fast in the beginning. Carrying around 100 pounds is exercise, believe it or not. The closer you get to goal the more you need exercise to compensate for the lost weight your body no longer struggles with. It's all up to you. I really don't think anyone has gone 100% and not had a treat now and then. After all of this work we deserve it! Just don't go hog wild!

So, here is my train of thought...I'm going to take Biotin, methylfolate, SIBU, and zinc. If it starts to fall out...minoxidil. If that doesn't work I will let it fall, buy a pretty jon renau wig, and wait it out. I haven't heard of too many people saying it never grew back! Jon renau also makes a nice topper that can be matched to your shade and blends right into your natural hair. Don't get discouraged. We are lucky we have all the cosmetic junk to cope with just about anything, except my face getting wrinkly and saggy...but then hey, that can be fixed too! I'll be happy to be rid of the weight that is holding me back. The rest is just peripheral and can be fixed.

I'm taking Biotin and folic acid too. My daughter's nutritionist told me to buy her methylfolate as it is more bio-available and her folate level was low (not a bariatric patient). She said regular folate doesn't absorb nearly as well. I also have been following a woman on youtube (actually a bunch of people) who goes by attagirlsherrie and her hair is amazing 7 months out. She recommended a product called SIBU http://www.amazon.com/Sibu-Beauty-Liquid-Supplement-Nails/dp/B002C6T1JQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1394485896&sr=8-3&keywords=sibu I put a serving in my smoothie as it's not the greatest tasting stuff, but it is full of omega's including hard to get 7. Take a look at her videos and her hair! I also read zinc is important and have been sucking on a zinc lozenge everyday and will pick it up again once my tummy heals a little better (only day 5!) Keep up your Protein too. I'm going to try minoxidil if my hair starts shedding too bad. What does Nioxin do? Is it a minoxidil shampoo? From what I have researched hair loss happens and it's an individual thing as to how much and where. It can't hurt to try and slow it down until the regrowth phase!

Hi Stacy! I've battled the depression bug most of my life. I grew up with a war vet that had PSTD and I think he passed it on to us kids. As far as social phobia, I'll just bet most of us who carry around a lot of weight have some form of that. I think it goes with the territory. Society is very cruel to larger people. We are the last great prejudice. I've been in certain department stores and the workers and shoppers all give that same "what's she doing here" look. Plus, being a very tall female doesn't help. Let's just say I stand out in a crowd so I don't do crowds. I also go walking at night around 9 to avoid everyone. I plan on walking in the day light by this summer. I'm also tired of relatives getting on the latest diet topic every time I am around. I have a niece that likes to pinch the skin on her 110 lb. frame and state how she shouldn't eat because she is getting fat, and then give me one of those bitch smiles(just love that one) every time we have a family gathering. I have lately avoided them as well. I personally am looking forward to the day I can go to a store, try on regular clothes, and not be noticed in a negative way. That in itself will help the social phobia. I do know there is a period after surgery where your body kind of wants to shut down and depression can set in. I am going to keep a close watch on that. If it happens I'm going straight to the doctor and getting back on antidepressants. You will do fine. Just focus on your personal goal and when the negative thought monster creeps in, tell yourself how far you have come and where you plan to be by,...say...this summer! You are going to do this. This can be a real game changer for us. Just keep in contact with your doctor if you start to feel like you can't handle it anymore. Also, take a lot of pictures of your progress. I really believe that when you see where you where and how far you have come it will give you motivation and good feelings. That 100 pound rock will go after surgery. I thought I was going to die over the liquid/clear diet (even had a dream I was eating pizza and could literally smell and taste it), now I have to force feed myself. Eating will become about keeping healthy, and not an obsession. Even thought I'm newly sleeved I don't obsess over food anymore (at all) except that maybe I can have something tasty in six weeks or so. For now eating is...eeewwwwyuck!(but I'm only 4 days out) Prior to surgery I would eat and obsess about my next meal. I think most of us self medicate all of life's garbage with food. It's a friend that is hard to give up. I think if you look at these boards and youtube posters you will see that most (98%) have no regrets and the great majority state they wish they would have done it sooner. You have already started with a healthy weight loss, keep up the good work! As someone on this board stated to me when I was balking over the clear pre op diet....You can do this! You must do this!

Thanks everyone! I fell asleep and feel a little better now. My temp is normal now, but I'm still not able to take a big lungful of air. If that continues I'll call my doctor in the morning. I'm going to try and get outside and walk in the sun a little. I guess I thought like any other time I had laparoscopic surgery I'd be bouncing back by now! I will give it more time and just keep plodding along.

My surgeon has me on liquids for two weeks starting on day 4. This includes all the clear stuff, cream Soups that are strained (no chunks) Protein shakes, puddings with Protein powder (unflavored, use in Soup as well) and any beverage I can tolerate except carbonated. You also start your Vitamin regiment now. don't eat more than 4 ounces at one sitting (6 meals that include Protein shakes and puddings, etc) Eat slow small bites, and drink a lot of Water. Try to get in 64 oz of water. Oh, and yogurt, you can have yogurt as long as it does not have fruit chunks in it and is completely smooth(no greek, too thick). This is for two weeks. Then you can move on to any pureed food (consistency of baby food) you can handle for two more weeks. After that you can start eating soft easily chewed foods as tolerated. At the 6 week mark you can start regular food, but you must chew it to the point of mush. Hope this helps.

I feel so stupid, what is PPI?

@Mandaree85 I know what you mean! The burping! Every time I swallow! I am a little happier now as I just had my first chocolate pudding! Yeah, it seams like the pre op went post op and...yuck! I can't stand broth, I now despise Jello, and I don't want to look at another lemon flavored anything for a very long time. Ridiculous as it seems, I counted the days in 24 hr increments and my surgery was over by 3 on Wednesday and today at 4 I realized it had been three actual days and no more...JELLO! Yay! I can have real creamy Soup, yogurt, pudding, Protein shakes! I can't believe I can be so happy over a stupid chocolate pudding! Still don't have much of an appetite, but that pudding sure went down nice and easy!

Okay, I'm on day three and actually starting to feel human again. I was really sick yesterday with migraine and still coming down from anesthesia. I'm not taking pain meds anymore, just plain tylenol. The pain meds made me feel sick. I did chew half of a fioracet to get rid of the migraine, though (it's an okay med that contains no nsaids) If you would have asked me during my stay in the hospital if I was glad I did it I would have honestly said,"NO"! I woke up in recovery in horrible pain...10 (felt like a shotgun blast in the abdomen, or at least what I would assume one would feel like)...and was given stronger meds (morphine was not cutting it). My doctor was so good about making sure I was comfortable. After the pain went away, I just felt drugged, generally icky, and miserable. I have terrible bruising that covers half of my stomach. I was given blood thinners and am an easy bruiser though. I struggled with getting liquids down the first two days...and, on the second night at home I finally thought I was passing some gas!?!...(surprise!)passed a little more than gas if ya know what I mean (wink,wink,nudge, nudge)! had another liquid gas bought this morning. Next time I feel gas coming on ...heading for the B.room. I think after the initial pain in pre-op the gas is the second worst and I seem to be slow at passing it. Day three and I'm still having gas cramps. I have been taking gas x strips and walking as much as possible, but the gas seems trapped for some reason. I am feeling more human though, and I am looking forward to chocolate pudding tomorrow! I am doing okay with my new little stomach, but sometimes I sip a little too big and she let's me know, but not in a really bad way. I was so very surprised when they did the leak test that I could hold that much barium! Also, the nausea meds they gave me helped a lot. The people at DeKalb Medical Center where fantastic! They took excellent care of me and responded immediately to any problems I was having. Just want to let everyone know my experience and why I'm glad I did not have to go to Mexico. I could not imagine the plane ride home! I guess my one question would have to be....Did anyone else have problems getting rid of the gas? About how long before it's gone? Am I just a slow de -gasser?

Hi all, I got my surgery date...March 5th! My problem is I am dreading the nothing but Clear liquids for 2 days. Does anyone have any suggestions to help get through this? I know it's going to be very hard, but does anyone have suggestions as to how to counteract the horrible hunger? I tried to do a day of just liquids (not even clear) and was so starving that I overate at dinner. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

What about adding some nuts to snack on? The calories and nutritionally healthy fats might slow you down on the weight loss. Plus, they are low carb and can be taken to eat on the run. Just graze a little with them...a few nuts = a lot of calories. Or, Peanut Butter on whole wheat crackers? Just a thought. Healthy fats are very good for you and your brain requires them.

@ Superfab...I'll bet your happy you did it, huh? Tell us how you feel about the surgery now.

@btlombardo68...I have not cried yet, just frustrated sometimes that I have done this to myself and need surgery to correct. Not that I think I did this purposely, but having babies, SSRI's (weight gain side affect noted and used), and menopause, have made me quite the plumpkin! I think it's normal to have emotional rollerecoaster feelings over this, but if you go to support group and listen to the stories from the veterans,...It's going to all be okay and you will more than likely be saying you wished you had done it sooner! I'm keeping busy and refuse to allow my head to take in any negative thoughts. If I have any doubts creep in (and they do) I look into the future and what I want for me going forward after surgery. I want to fit in regular clothes. I want to take better care of my health (55+ and don't like the idea of diabetes, stroke, and electric carts at walmart!) I want to feel like a human being and be treated that way. Try to focus on the outcome of the surgery and you will be on the other side with me counting the pounds we lost. Good luck to you!

@ Inittothinit...No, going from regular diet to clear. My surgeon only requires a pre op 2 wk. diet if your BMI is over 50. I plan on keeping very busy, I just have a really hard time falling asleep with a growling stomach. I do find myself focusing on it too much. I guess I'm just going to have to focus on the positives and stuff Jello when I'm really hungry.

I'm right behind you...mine is March 5th....and, I'm already packed! Slippers favorite pillow Biotin gel to keep mouth moist lip balm (I love EOS and bought a special lemon flavored one just for surgery) Moisturizer (if you have dry skin) Nasal saline spray (if you suffer dry/stuffy nose) really stretchy jammies baby wipes (to help feel fresh and clean. ((I use them on my face, armpits, Under boobs, etc...they clean great, are gentle, remove makeup better than any expensive makeup wipe, and are totally hypoallergenic!)) gas x strips entertainment (phone, tablet, chargers, earbuds, book) C-pap machine and accouterments I always over prepare and bring too much wherever I go!

I can have those...should I binge on them to keep my stomach full? I can do this! I will do this!

Make sure your not deficient in the Vitamin and mineral category. I get leg pain just like that when I'm Iron deficient.

"Symptoms of thiamin deficiency include burning feet, neuropathy, and chronic vomiting. Treatment can involve patients taking B-50 complex Vitamins, 300 to 400 mg of total elemental magnesium for maximum thiamin absorption and appropriate neurological function, 20 to 30 mg/day of oral thiamin to address early symptoms of neuropathy, and 50 to 100 mg/day of thiamin administered intravenously or intramuscularly for more advanced signs of neuropathy or protracted vomiting." This is from the website. Good luck all!

In doing research to stay one step ahead for after surgery I came across this website on vitamins after bariatric surgery. It explains symptoms of vitamins deficiency. Hope this helps you and a lot of other people with the very same symptoms now and in the future. http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/111412p50.shtml