MelBooks

The week before surgery I was kind of where you are. I was losing a lot of weight on the pre-op diet, and it didn't even seem that hard. I kept asking myself, why I can't I just do this the rest of my life? And I kept answering myself, you can't. You can do it for these short 10 days but what happens next month or next year? The only time I ever had significant weight loss (about 70 lbs) I was working out literally 4 hours a day and on some crazy prescription that was basically speed. And the weight did not stay off once I stopped all that. This may or may not be a good analogy for you, but I view this whole experience kind of like I was a hoarder (of calories!). I'm basically paying some super tough cleaners to come and get rid of all my junk and start me with a clean slate. And it will be easy for the first 6-12 months to keep my house clean, but I need to put in the work to maintain it. I need to learn what is appropriate and healthy when it comes to what I put in my body, and be willing to face those battles. Only you can make that choice, but I'm only a week post-op, and I know things are going to be awesome.

I totally did that with my kid's grilled cheese at lunch, I just wanted to use my teeth, I didn't even let it get in my mouth, just ripped a piece off! I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

I lost about 20 pounds in the process of waiting for surgery, and people noticed then, but I think like @@LilMissDiva Irene, my face and neck thin out quickly. I'm only a little over a week out from surgery but haven't really seen anyone since I started the pre-op diet (I've been a hermit!), so I'm not sure if people will notice or not. I'm down about 22 pounds since the start of the pre-op diet.

I will just warn you I was perfectly happy with many different Proteins pre-surgery and now there's only one that I can barely tolerate. The surgery messes with your taste buds for a while! I use Amplify smoothie that I found at GNC I loved it pre-surgery and now, I'm figuring out ways to get it down LOL. The nectar Fuzzy Navel is actually pretty good too, I drank a lot of it during my pre-op diet. It just takes a lot of doctoring now

Hot herbal tea has been my lifesaver! Tazo makes one called Vanilla Rooibos Parfait that is apple/cinnamon/vanilla and it is SO good. I put t spoonful of almond milk and a couple drops of stevia. 2-3 cups a day helps with the liquid requirements.

I had my 1 week post op appt today, and everything seems to be healing well. I'm getting enough liquids, more or less, because I do nothing but drink all day long! My live in nanny (aka my sister) leaves tomorrow night so I have some concern that once I'm responsible for the kids and house again, it'll be harder to do my hydration job! My surgeon stressed how important it is to stay on the liquid diet for 7 more days and to take things super slooowww once I start soft/mushy/pureed foods. I just want to chew something

I suffered from this pre-surgery due to an unrelated condition. It's often due to a lower blood pressure, and losing weight can do that to your blood pressure. It may just take time for your body to adjust. Also, you may not be getting enough salt and other electrolytes. If you can manage Gatorade or something like that, it can help. I use these little packets made by Emergen-C because I can't deal with too much fake sugar http://www.amazon.com/Emergen-C-Electro-Mix-Lemon-Lime-30-count/dp/B002HWRY5S It was the funniest thing when my doc prescribed more salt in my diet!

Yesterday was my surgery. I had a check in time of 12:00 noon. I was very thirsty, as you can imagine! They brought my husband and I back and we worked on some paperwork and the final pre-op weigh in, I was down about 30 pounds since I started with this doctor last June. 13 pounds were from the pre-op diet alone. I also got a huge heparin shot in my leg to prevent clotting and an anti-nausea patch behind my ear. The hospital was running a bit late (they kept apologizing) but brought me to the OR at 1:45. I was having some anxiety laying on the table, but the put me under very quickly. Next thing I knew, I was awake and the nurses were asking how I was doing. I remember replying "Hot, thirsty, nauseous." I'm not sure how it all happened, but the next thing I knew, I was in the big hospital recliner with a bottle of Water to sip and a fan pointed right at me! I felt much better at that point. They wanted me to get up pretty soon after that. Walking was not at all a pain, but I was having trouble focusing my eyes. My DH was there too, and he sent out some texts to the family that I was all done. I passed out at that point. The rest of the evening kind of went on that way: sip, sip, sip, walk, doze off. I listened to music and podcasts to help keep my mind at ease. DH had to leave to help out with the kids at home. I had my surgery at a stand alone bariatric hospital, and there was only one other patient there overnight. My abdomen was a bit sore but not too painful. However, my right shoulder was. Luckily I had brought a heating pad that is helping A LOT. I asked for chicken broth, but before I could try it, I had a dry-heave thing. The nurses waved some alcohol wipes under my nose and that helped it to stop. I waited a bit longer till it had totally passed to try anything else. At abut 5 this morning, the nurses got me up and dressed. I did some more walking and sipping. I had to really play around with the sipping. Too little and I think I was swallowing too much air which was VERY uncomfortable in the esophagus area. To much and my tummy kind of spasmed. Around 7, I had to go back for the barium swallow/X-Ray which was AWFUL. Apparently, the liquid is having a hard time moving into my stomach (refluxing) and is kind of just sitting in my esophagus. She also saw a big air bubble sitting in the top of the stomach. That sort of explains why swallowing has been (and is still) very uncomfortable. Not painful, but really strange feeling. At that point, my husband returned and I got discharged to come home. I'm still having the weird feeling in my esophagus. My surgeon said the swelling there should go down in a day or so. But other than the general discomfort, nothing super acute has been bothering me. I think I might feel a smidge worse tomorrow. I've been drink water, Vitamin Water Zero (the lemonade is good and not too sweet, the mixed berry is good too) and some warm chicken broth. I am trying to take it all slowly. The weather is really sunny day, so I may even take a little walk outside! Please let me know if you have any questions about the surgery, my background or even the pre-op diet!

Day 6 after surgery: Today has gone pretty well. I'm SO lucky that I have lots of help with the kids and around the house, so I've been able to to some very good healing. What's working: warm liquids are the best, my decaf tea in the am and evening is really helping with my Water requirements. I bought some chicken tortilla Soup and strained it really well. I mixed it with a bit of greek yogurt, and it was a nice dinner last night and lunch today. It was a bit thicker than the corn soup I tried before, so I probably ate about 2 tablespoons before I worried it was too much. Almost every Protein shake I try has a horrible after taste to me, even ones I used as my pre-op, so I've been brushing my teeth a lot and chewing a 1/2 piece of SF gum (I have a jaw issue, so I'm not supposed to to chew gum but seriously, it's gross). I went out for about a 25 minute walk today and it felt pretty good. I went nice and slow. I'm having some lingering right shoulder pain, but I'm starting to wonder if it's related to another issue I have and not strictly surgery related. I see my surgeon tomorrow for the post-op and then I have another week of "full liquids." I'm going to get so bored! I'm trying so hard to keep my eye on the prize though and talk myself through any weird head games I play on myself.

I was just talking to my husband about this. I'll be a week out tomorrow. When I really think of the things I would love to be eating right now, I realized it was the sensation of chewing that I really missed. Like, I'd love to bite into a huge sandwich. I don't even think I miss the actual food, just that satisfying chew/tearing!

Day 5 after surgery: So, that unjury chocolate shake that was the best thing I ever tasted? That lasted exactly 4 sips and then I found it VILE. I was able to try some Creamy Corn and Roasted Pepper Soup from Trader Joes, thinned with a bit of milk. I had about 1/3 cup at lunch and 1/2 cup at dinner. I used a tiny baby spoon and it took about 30 minutes to finish each one. I also had 1/2 of a nectar Fuzzy Navel shake. I did not come close to my Protein requirements, but I'm making progress on that and my other liquids. I'm pretty bored too, my family was out all day yesterday and there's only so many movies and shows a girl can watch in one day! I'm going to try and get out to the store to pick up more SF Torani syrups. I woke up a bit nauseous this morning, but I think that was because I didn't really drink anything all night. I took a Zofran and am having some herbal tea. Then we'll try to jump back into a Protein Shake.

I needed this story today. I'm on day four out of surgery, and I feel overwhelmed by the long road in front of me. Thank you so much for sharing.

Day 4 after surgery: I was very tired and out of it yesterday. I did not take my pain meds, as I didn't feel like I needed them. I was able to spend about 20 minutes walking in our neighborhood in the sun and that felt wonderful. However, I came inside and took a 2.5 hour nap! Last night I went with my husband to the grocery store to walk a bit more and pick up some things for my "full liquid" diet that starts today. sleep was good last night. I was up for about 45 minutes because my tummy was making SO MUCH NOISE. It was crazy. But I was able to sip some. I haven't been keeping great track of how much I'm actually drinking, but I think I'm making progress. The Vitamin Water Zero no longer tastes good, and plain water does not feel good in my esophagus. Emergen-C makes a mix that you add to water that basically makes a sports drink but with no artificial sweeteners (just the tiniest bit of stevia) and that has been my go to drink for the last 15 hours. I just made my first Protein shake (NF milk plus unjury chocolate Splendor) and put about 4 oz in a small cup. I'm trying to finish it within the hour. It's like the best thing I've ever tasted LOL My husband says I'm like survivor man, grilled slugs would probably taste awesome right now!. My husband and sister are taking the kids on an adventure for the day, so I'll be on my own, resting and watching movies. It's another sunny day, so I'll get outside too.

You also might be having a bit of anxiety/panic about what MIGHT happen if you're not careful. Your mind plays lots of tricks on you! At home, if something doesn't go right, you're at least at home and comfortable. Out, you feel trapped, embarrassed or scared. If you can talk yourself through those feelings (I know this is my mind panicking, I know I will be fine, I will push these scared feelings away), you might have an easier time of it.

I've been having the SAME problem. Plain Water is the worst, my unscientific guess is it has something to do with the water tension. When I went for my barium swallow, it was clear my stomach was refluxing and only allowing the tiniest amount through. Have you tried different temperatures? Warm chicken broth goes down the easiest. Also, are you on any type of anti-acif medicine, like priolsec or something? That may help as well. I go in for my surgery follow up on Wednesday and I'm for sure going to ask about this.

My surgeon wants us to start as soon as we get home. I've taken a tiny sip of water and chewed, chewed, chewed until it's down to just a thin paste.

Day 3 after surgery: My pain level is about the same. Sore across the abdomen, sharp pain in the right shoulder, but I've been able to sleep and walk so it's obviously not too bad. My entire GI track is making the loudest rumbly sounds. It's pretty funny. I'm still sticking with Vitamin Water Zero, warm tea and warm chicken broth. Tomorrow I can start the "full liquid" part of the diet. I'm looking forward to some Protein shakes for sure. I finally was able to shower last night as well, it felt SO good on my shoulder. The only thing that keeps freaking me out is that this whole experience has been super surreal. Like I can't believe the surgery actually happened and I'm on my way to a healthier weight. It's so strange.

I just tried the Isopure RTD in Apple-Melon. It's not horrible, but I'm also drinking it in tiny sips at a time (my surgery was 2 days ago). I think if I mixed it with something else like the crystal light drops or Vitamin Water Zero if may taste better. I like the nectar in Fuzzy Navel as well, but only if mixed with almond milk.

Day 2 after surgery: I'm feeling pretty OK. My abdomen is pretty sore when I move, but fine if I'm sitting or laying. One incision (of 5) has a HUGE bruise around it, and I think that's the one they used to remove the stomach piece. So far sipping is improving a lot. Yesterday was hard because every sip felt like it sat at the bottom of my esophagus for a few seconds, then a bubbly feeling would come up. Then the liquids would move down. That seems to be getting better. I have taken a couple of Gas X chewables that could be helping. The sharp pain in my right shoulder is still hanging around, so I pretty much leave the heat pad on it all the time. I also got to take a 10-12 minute walk outside last night which felt pretty good. Hoping to do 2 of those today.

@@SparkleCat It's called Oasis Moisturizing Mouth Spray and I ordered it from Amazon.

I stayed for one night, last night. I brought toothbrush/toothpaste, a travel neck pillow, a heating pad, two kinds of chapstick and a change of underwear. I wore comfy clothes (and slip on shoes) there and just wore the same ones back. I also brought a special spray to keep your mouth moist if you aren't allowed to drink. I brought my phone and e-reader, but I didn't end reading anything. I just listened to music and fun podcasts. I used eveything else though.

This is a copy and paste from the "Tell Us Your Story" forum Yesterday was my surgery. I had a check in time of 12:00 noon. I was very thirsty, as you can imagine! They brought my husband and I back and we worked on some paperwork and the final pre-op weigh in, I was down about 30 pounds since I started with this doctor last June. 13 pounds were from the pre-op diet alone. I also got a huge heparin shot in my leg to prevent clotting and an anti-nausea patch behind my ear. The hospital was running a bit late (they kept apologizing) but brought me to the OR at 1:45. I was having some anxiety laying on the table, but the put me under very quickly. Next thing I knew, I was awake and the nurses were asking how I was doing. I remember replying "Hot, thirsty, nauseous." I'm not sure how it all happened, but the next thing I knew, I was in the big hospital recliner with a bottle of Water to sip and a fan pointed right at me! I felt much better at that point. They wanted me to get up pretty soon after that. Walking was not at all a pain, but I was having trouble focusing my eyes. My DH was there too, and he sent out some texts to the family that I was all done. I passed out at that point. The rest of the evening kind of went on that way: sip, sip, sip, walk, doze off. I listened to music and podcasts to help keep my mind at ease. DH had to leave to help out with the kids at home. I had my surgery at a stand alone bariatric hospital, and there was only one other patient there overnight. My abdomen was a bit sore but not too painful. However, my right shoulder was. Luckily I had brought a heating pad that is helping A LOT. I asked for chicken broth, but before I could try it, I had a dry-heave thing. The nurses waved some alcohol wipes under my nose and that helped it to stop. I waited a bit longer till it had totally passed to try anything else. At abut 5 this morning, the nurses got me up and dressed. I did some more walking and sipping. I had to really play around with the sipping. Too little and I think I was swallowing too much air which was VERY uncomfortable in the esophagus area. To much and my tummy kind of spasmed. Around 7, I had to go back for the barium swallow/X-Ray which was AWFUL. Apparently, the liquid is having a hard time moving into my stomach (refluxing) and is kind of just sitting in my esophagus. She also saw a big air bubble sitting in the top of the stomach. That sort of explains why swallowing has been (and is still) very uncomfortable. Not painful, but really strange feeling. At that point, my husband returned and I got discharged to come home. I'm still having the weird feeling in my esophagus. My surgeon said the swelling there should go down in a day or so. But other than the general discomfort, nothing super acute has been bothering me. I think I might feel a smidge worse tomorrow. I've been drink water, Vitamin Water Zero (the lemonade is good and not too sweet, the mixed berry is good too) and some warm chicken broth. I am trying to take it all slowly. The weather is really sunny day, so I may even take a little walk outside! Please let me know if you have any questions about the surgery, my background or even the pre-op diet!

I check in at noon, Pacific time. I'm starting to get super anxious. Seeing the kids off to school was kind of a bummer.

The growling is often a consequence of too much stomach acid. I wonder if the prescription will help. I'm so sorry you're so uncomfortable. I wish your doctor would have been more proactive to keep you comfortable!

Another thing to consider is your electrolytes and salt intake. If you're drinking mostly water, you could try to add gatorade or something like that. Or, try chicken broth. I know when I was having dizziness issues, lack of salt was part of the problem.