Racewalker48

Miniature explosions?

I wasn't given an "don't ever eat this" list, only a list of foods to avoid or limit, which includes alcohol. My surgeon's view is that as an adult, I have to decide to make better choices to assist this new tool. With that said, I do avoid high sugar and high carb foods, carbonated beverages (even sparkling water), and alcohol.

I'm just outside of Atlanta in Sandy Springs.

I made sure that I had enough liquids and Protein for the 2 weeks I was home and on narcotic pain meds. I did ask my boyfriend to get me some sugar free popsicles, but other than that, I was pretty self sufficient at home as I recovered, and my boyfriends and 2 girlfriends were just a text away if I needed something. I took Uber to my 1 week post op appointment. My surgeon stated that I can only drive when I am completely off narcotic pain meds (Percocet in my case), so I heeded his advice. As for what to expect during the hospital stay, I can only tell you my experience. I was in the hospital for one night and pretty much dozed on and off until the next day. I was given morphine and Toradol for pain around the clock (I was completely pain free). I was also pumped full of fluids and had a catheter in my urethra and drain in my abdomen, both of which were removed before discharge. The following day after surgery, I had a swallow test, then I tried Clear Liquids. After pacing the halls for what seemed like hours, they sent me home. My hospital does does not discharge patients to catch a cab or take public transportation (it's a patient safety and liability issue), so my girlfriend picked me up and helped me get settled back in at home.

Another option to discuss with your doctor is tramadol. It is related to the opioids, but has much less potential for dependency.

My surgeon wasn't against eating it, but his plan preferred pureed regular food. I have tasted baby food, I found it quite nasty. The pureed stage was tough for me, but I survived on hummus, refried Beans and Protein shakes to supplement till I got to the soft food stage.

Congratulations on taking your first steps! I had already attended my surgeon's informational seminar, so at my first appointment, he went over which surgery I felt was best for me (he agreed) and what I could expect in terms of weight loss. He did a quick physical exam, gave me a sleepiness survey, and discussed the pre-op process (psych eval, EGD, Labs, sleep study). He introduced me to his Bariatric advocate, who handled all of the insurance and pre-authorization processes. Then it was up to me to get things scheduled and completed before everything was sent in to my insurance company for approval. My other suggestion would be to write down any questions you have about the surgery, it's risks and complications. Good luck to you.

Mine were done 6 months out, with complete metabolic panel, CBC with diff and platelets, TSH.

My surgeon didn't take measurements, and I honestly don't care if he does or not. I have been taking my own measurements and tracking inches lost.

My hospital didn't care about my toes or acrylics, they just wanted me to have no colored nail polish on my fingers for the pulse ox. It worked out great as I wear acrylics with clear polish.

Some creamed soups are also high in calories and fat if you read the label. Soups in general don't give you a full feeling unless you only eat the solids (if there are any) and leave behind the liquid. Also, many soups in general don't have a lot of protein.

It depends on the type of Midol. Some have acetaminophen, some have ibuprofen or naproxen (both may be a no no for bypass patients). The Midol brand with acetaminophen generally won't harm your pouch, but you still need to check with your surgeon first before taking anything for the cramps. I can relate to you though. I had cramps so bad I was allowed by my surgeon to take liquid ibuprofen with Carafate to coat my pouch to minimize my risk of ulcers. I only take it if I am desperate. Here's link to the midol.com site:http://www.midol.com It describes the various formulas under the Midol Brand.

My surgeon suggested that I avoid it if possible. Otherwise, he said be careful as WLS patients are more sensitive to the effects, as others have posted. One sip and I am tipsy and tired for hours. I also don't enjoy the taste any more. I chose to avoid it altogether, which is fine by me as had I not had surgery I probably would have been well on my way to becoming an alcoholic.

I got approved and was scheduled for surgery a week later.

I use Crystal Light all the time, or caffeine free herbal iced tea to get my fluids in. It works. As long as it's calorie and caffeine free, my surgeon said it's okay for Fluid intake.

Congratulations on losing 24 lbs in 5 weeks! First of all, I think you should be happy with your weight loss so far. The fact that you haven't lost weight in a week is probably not something you need to worry about. You will drive yourself nuts this early on. If you are following your plan, you should continue to lose weight. Your body may not necessarily lose in any consistent pattern, so be patient and celebrate your total loss and the progress you have made towards your goal. Oh, one more thing, try to stay off the scale. I have lost weight with no discernible pattern. Early on I lost 5 lbs/week for about 2 months, then went 3 weeks with no weight loss. Since then, I have lost anywhere from 1 to 4 lbs per week. I really don't know why that is, and I don't care, since I have followed my surgeon's plan as best I can. I can see the results (68lbs in 5 months, off BP meds, lower blood glucose). Stick to your plan, and you will continue to lose.

Sounds like you need to have a discussion with your surgeon. There still may be options for you. I am curious, what was the name of the medication that does work for you, but your Dr. won't prescribe?

At such an early stage, I wasn't given a calorie limit, the emphasis was on getting my fluids in.

I was allowed to, but you need to ask your surgeon.

I was in the hospital for 1 night. From what I have read, barring any complications, 1-3 nights is around the average amount of time. This may also be based on surgeon's preference. Have you asked your surgeon what he/she expects?

Carmen, remember that you have had major surgery and are only one week out. Please be patient, as everyone heals differently. If you are taking pain meds, please take them as scheduled to control the pain. I went back to work after 2 weeks, but really didn't feel 100% until about 2 months out. Be patient, follow your surgeon's plan and stay on top of your pain. It does get better.

The likelihood of getting hooked is extremely low if you are using your pain meds for a legitimate reason. You have a legitimate reason, YOU HAVE PAIN. Please, don't suffer unnecessarily, take your meds as prescribed. As you heal, your pain should subside. You are only 1 week out from surgery, and have reason to have pain. As a pharmacist, I have heard too often of people who suffer because of fear of becoming addicted when they have legitimate pain. Pain is a powerful, thing, and when it's not controlled, can really hamper the healing process.

The scheduling of your pain meds can make a big difference. If you are only taking it once or twice a day and you were prescribed it more often than that, then you won't get adequate pain relief. If the Rx has you taking the pain meds more often, then it may be wise to follow the instructions, otherwise you will still have discomfort.

I would keep an open mind about what the pain will be like. Pain is subjective, so what you experience will be what you experience. I think the hospital and your surgeons approach to pain management can make the difference in how well your pain is managed. I was made extremely comfortable in the hospital after surgery. My pain was also well managed with Percocet at home post op, and I needed it for about a week and a half. I would avoid focusing on the possible negative things that could happen and the wonderful thing you are doing for yourself and your health. It's easy to get anxious on things during this process that you really can't predict. I was more concerned about whether or not I will come out of anesthesia (I did) and gave not a thought about the pain I would have post op. One shot of Versed in the OR right before surgery , and my worries disappeared.

I am 5 months out and travel a lot. I have not needed Depends even while on liquids for the first 2 weeks post op. If you are "regular" and don't have issues with incontinence, I would say you don't need them if you have access to bathrooms. If you are concerned and given the type of work you do, it can't help to have them handy. I bought some just in case pre-op, but ended up not needing them.