BitterSweet*

I second what beachgurl84 said. Additionally, these are the healing and recovery days where protein deficits and dehydration will cause hair loss months down the road. Trust your sleeve, trust the process, and get in your daily protein and water consumption. You can do this!

Just throwing these out there and maybe ask your doctor at the next follow-up. 1) Hives can occur in that fashion as a heightened stress response after surgery. Similar to diabetics having elevated blood sugars after surgery; it's a common stress response that some people just develop. 2) You could be allergic to the sutures used to close your incisions. Suture rejection is a common problem but is often overlooked as the cause of rashes or hives post-operatively. 3) Pain meds. Even if you've taken them previously without difficulty, they can still cause itching or an allergic response. 4) If you have JUST itching it's ok. Not comfortable I know, but ok. If your itching is accompanied by a rash of any kind or hives, then that's an allergy. If your itching is accompanied by a rash, hives, an itchy tongue, lips or mouth, swelling, and shortness of breath - call 911 for help.

You're right, they are stingy; in part because many people abuse the drugs, and also because they feel that your PCP should manage any anxiety issues you may have, not a specialist or a surgeon. When you request the Xanax, explain yourself just as you have done here, and tell them you're not looking for a prescription - that you're just asking for 4 to 5 pills to get you through the process of surgery.

I don't know. What I do know is that any organ (including the skin) that is cut or severed will bleed, become inflamed, and will swell as a result. That drainage has to go somewhere and I'd definitely prefer for it to exit my body via a JP Drain than to pool and sit internally, possibly causing an infection. The color and amount of the drainage collected is very telling of the healing process or lack thereof, as well as helping to point out leaks. There must be some research out there that doesn't support the reasoning behind the drains, because you're right - not every surgeon uses them.

@ Luvin_Life125, how are you expected to meet protein goals after surgery if protein powders / drinks aren't part of your plan. I realize that everyone has different guidelines pre and post-op, but I'm kind of curious about your plan.

I have a fantastic idea! Go to the complications support group forum on this site and read through the struggles others are facing. Maybe it'll help to get through this rough adjustment period and remember that you have done well, are free from complications, and will soon be able to progress your diet and reach your goals.

=( So terribly sorry Jenna. Prayers that whatever decision is reached, it is the best choice to restore your health and get you on the road to recovery. Hugs.

Request Xanax. They can give you a prescription for a few pills and you can take one the night before surgery; it can be given in the hospital as well as as a couple for after you get home. Your fears are not a big deal to us but they are very relevant and valid to you. Ask for Xanax so you can focus on what's important instead of having to focus on your phobias. Best wishes to you.

The cause of the hair loss occurs several months before the consequence (shedding) begins. By the time the shedding begins, the hair is already into the loss phase and Biotin does not and will not reverse the phase. When hair loss is related to weight loss, it's usually a result of poor Protein intake and dehydration.......which are the two most common problems WLS patients struggle with in the initial phase of healing and recovery. That is when the damage is done and that is why it'll be several months down the road before the shedding begins. What supplements like Biotin (pill and shampoo/conditioner forms) will do is help your hair rebound better when it begins it's growing phase again. The only medication available that will FORCE the hair OUT of a hair loss cycle and into a regrow phase is Rogaine. For those who have yet to have surgery (there's no guarantee of course) but those first few weeks of recovery are vital to hair health months down the line. Protein, hydration, and Vitamins are really the best weapons you have, and even then shedding may occur due to weight loss being too rapid. For those who have already had surgery, the best weapons you have are protein, hydration, vitamins, and TIME! The hair will regrow, although it may come in thinner or with a different texture than you had before. Only use Rogaine as an absolute LAST RESORT. Yes it works and it works really well, but if you use it and it does force your hair out of a shedding phase, you'll have to use it for the rest of your life or the hair will fall out again.

@ Jenna1985, I'm so sorry to hear about your complication. How do they propose to correct this "mistake"?

Welcome and best wishes on your journey!

Pilates, yoga, and swimming would all be awesome exercise methods for your musculature and would help to redefine your shape. If you incorporate weight training (heavy weights and lots of squats and lunges), it'll help to balance your bottom with your top. Weight training also helps to mitigate loose skin. You can do this!

Unless there are obvious signs of an allergic reaction or brewing infection, the itching is a result of nerve fibers healing in your skin. Perfectly normal. Keep an eye on them and ask your doctor if you can put a small amount of hydrocortisone cream / ointment on the surronding skin; not on the surgical sites themselves obviously! Oral (not topical) Benadryl can also help.

Are you taking a PPI to keep the acid in your tummy at bay? I have not had surgery but I've read countless threads where people say taking Prilosec or Nexium makes a huge difference with nausea.

Btw, what a total Bish she is. I can think of a million mean and spiteful things to do or say, but the truth is "L" is envious of you and too immature to face her own fears and insecurities, so she broadcasts those emotions and negative energy onto you. You'll need to check her because her behavior is likely to continue and she is just waiting on the day that you crack, snap, or slip from your healthy lifestyle.

Tell her, "You're right, I do need new clothes. These are just getting so big they're starting to fall off of me. I'd be happy to donate them to you. You're about a 24, right? They'll fit you great." ......to be said in front of a crowd of people in your office, in a loud, cheery voice........

The meds work great when given prophylactically instead of after the nausea has set in. The following meds should be given (barring any allergies) once you tell them you have bad post-op nausea & vomiting. Pre-op: Decadron, Scopalamine patch, phenergan Intra-op: Glycopyrolate, Zofran, and sometimes Reglan Post-op (if nausea persists): Phenergan then Inapsine. If all else fails, sometimes anesthesiologists will give a very minute amount of IV Propofol in the recovery room and the problem is solved immediately. Good luck!

The culprits of nausea after surgery are the anesthetic gases that you inhale during your operation and IV narcotics that are given; namely Fentanyl. The Propofol mixed with Lidocaine that is given through your IV to actually put you to sleep don't cause nausea. Tell your nurse and anesthesiologist that you get post-op nausea really badly (even if you don't) and you'll be medicated prior to surgery and during the operation to prevent nausea; post-op as well if nausea persists.

I agree with BeagleLover. Why do you think the bleeding is coming from your tonsils?

The hardest part for me is letting go of the idea that I can lose weight and keep it off permanently on my own. No diet has ever failed me, but I have always failed them. To come to grips with the idea that I need to have the majority of my stomach cut out because I can not control what or how much I put into my mouth makes me extremely sad.

Make a smoothie / shake with a couple of prunes.

Gosh.....I hope they can get this figured out for you. It sounds like your coordinator is right about being given strong antibiotics before and after surgery to ward off anything.

Diabetes and smoking are the only two things that come to mind that would make someone "prone to post-op infections" because both of them cause slow healing. Have they ever cultured your infected wounds after surgery to tell you what pathogen it is that's growing? Identifying the bacteria would be the first step in trying to figure out how to stop getting post-op infections. Ask for a copy of your medical records and see if that information is in there. Also, if you're on this forum and are a candidate for WLS, then you're obese like the rest of us. What's the condition of your skin in a normal state? Are you getting random infections (like boils or skin yeast infections) unrelated to surgery?

If you insist on getting on the scale to check your weight - everytime it hasn't gone down, rejoice; especially if you're doing what you're supposed to do. The slower it comes off and you are actively exercising (especially weight training) the less hanging skin you'll have. In the end you'll be much happier with your overall appearance.

Someone suggested on another post to make a "slurry" with your protein powder so that it can be tempered in the lukewarm whatever (soup, coffee) and then added into the remainder of the item which can be a hotter temp. Haven't tried it but that's all I can think of to help. I hope things work out for you.