healthyme1963

Since I only told a few people that I was having the surgery, I was more inclinced to not talk about it to others. I have my husband and a dear friend (who had the same surgery 5 weeks after me) to talk over any concerns with. It would be really helpful if you had a friend who has gone through this surgery. It will probably be a challenge to not talk about it non-stop, but my advice would be to only talk about it if someone else brings it up, and then, try to keep the conversation to a minimum. That's what these boards are good for. You can share all you want and ask any question you have.

What an inspirational story. Miracles definitely can and DO happen! I'm so happy for you! Keep us posted on your successes!

Most of what you're experiencing can be called 'normal'. Everyone heals differently. You may be lactose intolerant, so try making your shakes with almond milk or Water. It definitely sounds like you need more water also, especially if you're experience diarrhea. You don't want to become dehydrated. Have you started taking your liquid/chewable Vitamins and supplements? Your fatigue could be related to not having enough nutrients/vitamins. Walk as much as you can, this will help alleviate any remaining gas you have. Remember the golden rule of bariatric surgery recovery - WALK, WALK, WALK, SIP, SIP, SIP The first week or two can be a bit overwhelming because you are healing, trying to figure out how to get those awful shakes down, trying to get your water in and trying to get enough walking in as well. Don't stress too much; we all recover at a different rate. You'll get through this recovery period. Good luck!

I have been taking Claritin every day for two years for a bent septum (to keep the nasal swelling down) and was told it was fine to continue to take it after surgery.

chicken broth, vegetable broth, sugar-free popsicles, sf Jello, sf flavored waters. . . all of these are good options. Good luck!

From what I've learned, dumping can be a combination of any or all of the symptoms you described. I haven't experienced dumping, but have had foods not like me very much. chicken breast, for example, made me queasy (I wished I could have thrown up and got rid of it!). If I eat something that makes me queasy, the feeling usually goes away pretty quickly if I get up and walk around for a while. Some people have said that when they experience dumping, the symptoms can last for hours and hours. I hope to never go through that!

I have the same gripes! There always seems to be some sort of 'goodies' showing up in my office at least once or twice a week. Donuts, Cookies, birthday cake, cupcakes. . . Although, I have to admit that since my surgery, it's a lot easier to walk by the sweets and not want any. I just don't crave sugar anymore (nor can my body handle it!). It also seems that most conversations I hear at work or am involved in eventually turn to the subject of food. Funny how that always seems to happen. . .

Since I had no GERD or reflux issues, my surgeon left the decision entirely up to me. After several weeks of research on both surgeries, I decided on the RNY, and I have no regrets. A few of my reasons for choosing RNY: first, there is long term data behind the RNY, but not enough on the sleeve. Second, the RNY holds you more accountable, meaning that the consequences for cheating are more severe (dumping, etc.). Third, an acquaintance had the sleeve and after about a year started gaining weight because she was able to eat more (especially more of the wrong foods) without those consequences I mentioned. It was a big struggle for her to regain control and lose the weight she gained. If I had it to do all over again, I would still choose the RNY. Good luck to you!

Anxiety and fear are completely normal. If you weren't at lease a little nervous, then I would be a little concerned. Try not to focus on the negative. Focus only on the positives - the weight loss, getting your health back, being able to wear fashionable clothes, etc. Keep reminding yourself of the reasons you are doing this. You'll rock this! I wish you a very speedy recovery and great success!

Hang in there. Look at it this way - your surgeon probably puts in very long hours and probably really needs some down time to recharge his batteries. I would much rather have my date moved out than have an exhausted surgeon working on me. I realize it's very frustrating, but try to understand and make the best of it. Good luck to you!

Congrats! You are doing fantastic! Keep up the good work; you are an inspiration!

There are several different factors that determine rate of weight loss. If you are considered to be a smaller patient (say, if you have less than 120 or so pounds to lose), if you are prone to retaining Water, if you are close to or on your cycle, if you are not exercising (or at least walking a mile or two a day), if you're not getting enough protein/water. . . these are just a few things to consider that may slow down weight loss. For example: I was considered a smaller patient because by my surgery date, after losing over 25 pounds on the pre-op diet, I had around another 100 pounds to lose, so my weight loss is a bit slower than some (the smaller you are to begin with, the slower your rate of weight loss). I also have fibromyalgia and chronic arthritis, so my workouts are a bit lighter than most. Don't get discouraged; look at this way - in 15 days you've lost 9 pounds, which is just over half a pound a day. That's pretty impressive. If you average that out, you would be on track to lose between 16 & 20 pounds a month. Those are pretty good numbers. I also agree with SparklingBeauty - only weigh yourself once every week or two. Good luck!

It's funny, but I thought I would miss so much more than I actually do. I don't really miss sweets at all. I kind of miss salty, greasy tortilla chips, though. I love Mexican food, but at least I can make healthy versions of most of my favorite Mexican dishes. I really miss coffee and wine. I have a big wine refrigerator full of good wine. Heaven knows if I'll ever be able to drink it. I'm only 3 months out, so I don't plan to even attempt alcohol for several more months!

Congrats on your success! That's awesome!

Good luck to all of you! You are about to embark on a wonderful, crazy, frustrating, exciting, happy journey!

Thanks! It's one of many mottos I have adopted!

Beautiful!

Welcome! Being nervous and apprehensive are completely normal; but, don't worry, I'm sure you'll do great. You have the right attitude! Just remember that this surgery is only a tool, not a quick fix. You still have to do the work, but no worries, you'll rock this!

Welcome to both of you! You've made one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make - to take control of your health - congratualtions! This is a wonderful place to learn, to receive support and to give support. You'll find many compassionate, experienced and helpful people here to pose your questions and concerns to. listic - the emotions you are experiencing are completely normal. I don't know many people who went through this that didn't have doubts and worries. You'll do just fine. Just follow your surgeon's plan for you and you will rock this! Good luck to you!

Woot woot!! Looking good!

Congratulations! You are well on your way to a new, healthier you!

Don't stress too much over this. After all, you are only one week out. Very few of us met all of our liquid and Protein goals in the first couple of weeks. Just sip as often as you comfortably can. It may take you two or three hours to finish one Protein Drink or a glass of Water, and that is okay. You will get there soon; have faith.

Yes; most people prefer the strips that dissolve on the tongue, but either one works. Also, I have a bottle of Beano in my purse, my desk at work and my kitchen. If you eat Beans or gassy vegetables, just chew a couple of them when you take your first bite. This will keep the gas that these can cause at bay.

If your husband truly loves you for who you are inside, not the size you are, then you have nothing to worry about. Have a talk with him about your fears and give him the chance to reassure you that his feelings will not change after you lose weight.

I think a lot will depend on whether your surgery is open or laparoscopic. I have a very high tolerance for pain and my surgery was lap. I actually experienced very little pain from the surgery itself. The worst pain I experienced was the gas pain. This can be alleviated more quickly if you are up and walking as much as possible in those first couple of days. The more you move around, the faster the gas moves out! I only used the pain medicine for the first two days in the hospital. By the third day, I was using just liquid Tylenol. My friend, who had open RNY, experienced a bit more pain and used the pain meds for almost a week. Good luck to all of you with upcoming surgeries. You'll do great!