Betts69

vannort, I hope you feel better real soon. Please keep in touch and let me know how you make out with all of this. I certainly hope you can get off some of that medication. I wish you all the very best. Try to have a Happy Holiday. ~ Beth

I'm not sure but some of this sounds a bit like some of what I've going through. After the surgery I was terribly sick. Surgery on Thursday morning and I didn't stop puking until Sunday. Since then I've not been able to tolerate any of the Protein shakes. Dr said at first it was the whey protein and that it wasn't uncommon. I tried raw protein, soy protein, pumpkin seed powder protein, just about everything I could think of, none of it stayed down. Dr said to make my own shakes using greek yogurt or cottage cheese and fruit. That worked. Only problem is no matter what I eat or drink every bite or sip feel like it gets stuck at the base of my throat, and then when that sensation finally passes, more often than not my stomach either hurts, or I have to fight it coming back up. There isn't really any pain or burning in throat, in my belly sometimes yes, but not my throat. Doc has me taking 20mg Famotidine twice daily, and 300mg Ursodiol twice daily. He said these would be for 6 months. One is for excess acid, and the other is hopefully prevent the formation of gall stones. I'm not sure what my problem is. I know I'm not drinking enough, my husband has been measuring and I've been getting maybe 24-30 oz of Fluid a day. I'm also not getting enough protein, some days are better than others, but maybe 30-40g on a good day, and a lot less on a bad day. My mind is more alert since the surgery, but I have no strength whatsoever (guessing that has to do with the protein). I'm not peeing very much, but I don't think I'm dehydrated. I've also been having some issues with not being able to poop (sorry, but I'm hoping somebody else out there is having the same issues and maybe got some answers) I've been averaging a bowl movement every couple of weeks or so, give or take. All this is beginning to concern me. I was supposed to see the surgeon 3 days ago, but no one ever told me about the appointment (no phone call, no nothing), but they did call when I missed it. The appt has been rescheduled for Dec 5. I've lost a lot of weight since the surgery (I'm not sure I mentioned DOS, it was Oct 23,2014). 50 pounds in a smidge over 4 weeks. I'm certainly not complaining about that. So far I'm not regretting having decided to do it, but I'm getting really tired of not feeling well. My blood sugar is dropping too low, and I often get dizzy walking around. I'd be grateful if you tell me some of this sounds familiar. I certainly hope you begin to fell better, and I wish you the absolute best of luck. Please let me know how you are getting along. Take care of yourself.

I'm nearly 5 weeks post-op. I'm surprised you had so few days on liquids, clear or full. My program was 3 post-op days on clear fluids, and then 21 days (3 weeks) on full fluids. Then a gradual change over to pureed foods. I kind of had to go my own way, as for whatever reason I could not tolerate any form of Protein shake after the surgery. They were all too heavy. Doc said he thought it could be the whey protein, and said it wasn't uncommon for a patient to have that problem. He suggested a different form of protein or that I make my own shakes with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, and fruit. I tried that for a while when the alternate forms of protein didn't stay down either. Now I'm sort of alternating between pureed food and soft solids. I'm having a bit of trouble with most foods, what works one day, doesn't the next. The refried Beans were the worst. Even really thinned out they were way too heavy for my belly. Most mornings I try to eat some Greek yogurt, I'm finally having some flavored yogurt, I was getting really sick of plain vanilla. Lunchtime I try to eat either Soup, or leftovers from dinner the night before (my fridge is chock full of leftovers because I eat so little). Some of the things I eaten are chicken salad (turns out raw onion is a no-no now), the tuna salad didn't agree with me. I don't care for egg salad but that would be a good choice. Scrambled, soft and hard boiled eggs are all good choices. I've had some chicken florentine from a restaurant recently (lightly cooked chicken breast and spinach with a garlic cream sauce over it), I also had a small piece of grilled chicken breast and mashed potatoes from KFC. Last night I had a grilled chicken breast with a baked potato and light sour cream. Of course all of this stuff has been a couple of bites a piece. Over the weekend I tried 3 small bites of a ground up meatball in sauce, and that was a disaster. My stomach was upset for hours. Cream of broccoli soup (blended up a little bit) was fantastic, and canned cream of tomato soup was really good too (I used Healthy Request Cambells mixed with Skim Plus milk for the extra protein). I hope some of this helps. My written meal plan lists the following: plain yogurt (low fat or fat free), Greek yogurt; 3oz pureed fish, turkey or chicken; pureed low fat cottage cheese (I used the small curd and didn't need to blend it); scrambled eggs (add a little milk or powdered milk for extra protein); pureed vegetables; pureed fruit (without skins) limited to one serving a day; or a Protein Shake as a Meal Replacement. I have actual suggestions (from written meal plan from doctor) if you need more info. I also have some recipes that I found on line and some other websites you could check out. I'll send them to you privately if you'd like. Please share stuff you find as well. I always knew this stage was going to be the most challenging. Take care of yourself and good luck. <a href="http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wRCGvjX/"> <img border="0" src="http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wRCGvjX/weight.png"></a>

I too was very, very sick from the moment I woke up after surgery, and that continued right on through till Sunday morning (day 3 after surgery). I was given the patch in the hospital just prior to surgery, and was also given like 4 different nausea medications through the IV. They did really try everything. At first they said it was the anethesia, and then they said it was the pain meds, and after all that stuff was gone, they said it's not uncommon for a patient to be that nauseous. I just laid there with my eyes closed and wouldn't talk to anyone. Every time my concentration got broken by noise or sound, let alone when I had to move my head or body, I would start vomiting again. I was absolutely miserable, but thankfully they still let me go home the next day. I told them flat out I could go home and be this sick, and at least I would be in the comfort of my own home. I'm so glad they agreed. As for the price of the medication patch, I really can't say if it's worth or not, but I can't imagine how much worse it all could have been without all that medicine on board. The Dr wouldn't prescribe it if he didn't think you needed it, right? I hope all goes well with your sleeve, please keep up to do. BTW my post op appointment was yesterday and all is fine and I've even lost over 11 pounds since surgery (7 days ago). Good luck to you!!!!

Well it's been nearly a week since my surgery (Oct 23), and I've probably experienced every and any emotion that you can imagine in the last 6 days. My very first thought upon waking from anesthesia in the recovery room was "OH MY GOD WHAT THE H*LL HAVE I DONE?" I was in so much pain, and was so nauseous I was freaking miserable. The doctor was all chipper saying how everything had gone perfectly, and he was very pleased with it all. I was torn between begging for unconsciousness, and literally attempting to strangle my very HOT looking surgeon. I give the medical team all the kudos in the world, they really did try to deal with my pain and nausea, but sadly just hearing someone walk near me, open my eyes, or even blink my eyes had me vomiting all over again. They were putting all kinds of meds into my IV's but nothing was really helping. The first couple of hours after the surgery were truly the worst. However, in all honesty that time period after any procedure really sucks. Unfortunately for me the nausea/vomiting didn't get any better until Saturday (3rd day post-op). Although it still hits me from time to time. I threw up again this morning, but this bout only lasted a few minutes, and I've been fine the rest of the day. I think today's bout was due to the new medication my surgeon added to my normal regime. He has put me on prescription strength antacid twice a day for six months, and also a medication called Ursodiol twice a day for six months. The second one is to help prevent the formation of gall stones, but the description given with the info pack from the pharmacy says "this medicine is a bile acid naturally found in the body". That pretty much says it all. 1) the pill is enormous and 2) it tastes and smells just like bile. LOVELY!!!! Needless to say I'm fairly certain that was what caused this morning vomit-fest. On to the good stuff. Although my belly (incision sites) and my insides are still quite tender and painful, I feel good, really good. I already notice a big jump in my energy and alertness level. My body still hurts enough that I have to take it easy, but once it's on board I am eager to test it all out. I went out this evening. My husband bowls in a league on Wednesday nights, so I went with him to watch. I had to wear my pajamas because pants are a bit much for my incisions at the moment, but who cares. I got out of the house, and was able to talk to REAL people for almost 3 hours. YAY ME!!!!! As for the rest of it. I'm really struggling with the Protein shakes. My stomach is not tolerating any of them at the moment. I've tried every single one I bought. unjury (all flavors and the unflavored as well), Isopure Zero Carb (clear ones the resemble Kool-aid) and the EAS Carb Control in chocolate and vanilla. I'm able to sip about 4-6 times (except the Isopure, one sip and it came right back up) and then no more will go down, and my stomach feels really queasy, and it grumbles and gurgles until it finally gets rid of it, either up or down. I'm not sure what the problem is here. I'll have to talk to the doctor on Friday. For now I'm using Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) with Skim Plus milk, and they are giving me about 17grams of protein. I've also moved up the time frame for the Greek yogurt and other stuff. (Doctor said wait a week before adding those). I really didn't feel like I had a choice as I was averaging about 5-10 grams a day instead of 60-70grams. I'm tolerating what I’m doing at the moment. I feel good, it stays down and my protein intake is much better than it was. The biggest surprise to me so far as been how quickly I'm filling up, and how little it takes. It was sort of a problem at first. I'm supposed to start the day with a shake, but I have meds to take first. I have 8 pills and three Vitamins to take in the morning. It takes me over an hour to get them all down. I can only take one at a time, and by the time I ingest the Fluid to swallow that pill, my stomach is too full to accept anymore. I have to wait at least 5-10 minutes before taking the next. By the time all the pills are down, I am far too full to be able to drink any protein, I barely have space enough for my own saliva. Takes another hour or two to get to the point I can drink my protein. This goes on all day long. It takes me about an hour to consume a 1/2 cup of anything (longer if it's something substantial like yogurt or soup). Nighttime is a repeat of the morning except I have even more pills and supplements to take. I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to stop some of these meds, but for now I'm dealing with it. I think it's kind of funny actually. I sit here and remember eating McDonald's dinner, either a Big Mac Meal (large of course, with soda) or a two cheeseburger meal (large with a soda, if I wasn't that hungry) let's not forget the 10 piece mcnugget I "ordered for the dog" and the two apple pies for dessert. Then of course I would probably end the evening with a pint of Ben & Jerry's, maybe some chocolate or other garbage food. It's sad really, but I never thought twice about eating that junk, usually at least 2-3 per week. I made maybe meal per week at home (by making I'm referring to some sort of prepared food, like TV dinners, potpies, frozen fries and hot dogs, nothing at all healthy here) The rest of the week was some sort of fast food, or take out. It's no wonder my body is in it's current condition. I find laughable to even consider being able to eat any of that, let alone all of it. Well I've kind of gone off on a tangent here, sorry about that. I'm tired and rambling. I just wanted to share some of what I've gone through, and a couple of realizations I've had. I'll write again, more coherently next time. Have a great night All!

Keep up the great work. I started this whole journey at 350, and was 327 on the day of surgery (7 days ago, today in fact). I go to the DR tomorrow for my first post op visit and I'll find out if there as been any weight loss in the last week. I would think with the sheer amount of vomiting I've done in the last week, there has to be some reflection on the scale. I guess we'll find out. Good Luck to you!!!

Hi Jennifer. I too am one week post surgery. My experience hasn't been as smooth or as painless, but I'm feeling good right now. Unfortunately right after the sleeve, and for several days all I had was nausea and vomiting. For the most part that has passed, and I'm now in reflective mode. I too was giving thought to portion sizes, and the kinds of foods we were putting into our bodies. It is little wonder that we ended up in the shape we were in, and even more surprising is how we are still alive and in relative good health. I find I'm curious as to how you are tolerating your Protein, and hydration. For whatever reason my body is not tolerating any of the Protein drinks. I was using a mixture of 3 different ones prior to surgery. unjury (all flavors, and the unflavored), Isopure Zero Carb (looks like Kool-Aid), and EAS Carb Control (chocolate and vanilla). Now I am able to sip about 6-8 times before my stomach won't take anymore (except the Isopure, one sip and it comes right back up). Within seconds my stomach starts grumbling and gurgling, and within about 10 minutes my body purges it, either up and out, or down and out. I'm not sure what else to do to get my protein in. Right now I'm using Carnation Instant Breakfast (no sugar added) mixed with Skim Plus milk, and that is giving me like 15-17 grams per serving, although it can take me well over an hour to get an 8oz serving down. I'm also eating Greek yogurt and cream Soups made with the high protein milk. My post op DR appt is tomorrow and I'll mention all this to him, but I thought maybe you might have experienced some of this? Any suggestions you can think of? Thanks a lot and great luck to you. I'll be checking up on you as well. Take care

I've been dealing with this issue for years. FOR YEARS!!! I'm only 7 days post-surgical. First off, do report this to your DR every time, you want it documented as this is a good medical reason for skin removal down the road. Now to actually deal with the issue. I've done a great many things over the years, some have worked better than others, but the most important thing to me was 1) my comfort and 2) that I didn't smell bad to others (very highly possible). Now I wash 2 times a day, every day (sometimes more in the sweaty summer months). I always use feminine body wash (any brand will do) I use in under my belly in the groin area and under my breasts, pretty much anywhere you have a skin on skin issue. The next most important thing is to thoroughly, and I mean thoroughly, dry the skin on skin areas. The absolute best way is with a hair dryer on low. I can not stress enough how important the drying is. Now if I'm already broken out in a rash (sometimes not matter what you do, it still occurs) I use a cream the DR prescribes for me, it is called Clotrimazole/Betamethasone. After drying well, I'll use this cream, and if I'm currently broken out it usually clears it within a day or two, and then I go back to just my washing and drying routine. Now if things are really bad, and it can get really bad, swollen, painful and smelly, then I do all of this and also cut up a clean white cotton t-shirt into appropriate size strips and lay them between the skin folds or under my bra or wherever to keep the skin on skin from happening. The absolute worse things you can do is 1) ignore it, 2) use ANY kind of powder (the reason is one because it gets pastey and nasty, and two if it's yeast, then the yeast eats the sugar in the powder, most especially corn starch.) 3) keeping it moist using vaseline or other lubes, this will only prolong the healing process. Let me know how you make out trying these tips. Oh one last thing, if you are sqeamish about using feminine body wash, then a regular antibacterial wash will work as well, although I sometimes find these can burn pretty good if you are in a good break out. Good Luck!!!!

For the pizza lovers in the house, have any of you tried making pizza with cauliflower crust? A friend of mine who is a vegatarian made it for me just before I had my surgery, and it was yummy!!!! Look up recipes for it, and give it a try. The protein count for it with the cheeses and maybe some chicken is pretty high. From the things I've been reading, there really isn't too many foods you can't find some sort of a suitable substitute for. I'm going to consider it a personal challenge to sample and try all kinds of new stuff once I can eat solid food again. In fact I'm looking forward to it.

Kelseycakes, I did have the sleeve. From what the staff at the hospital said, it's not unheard of to have the kind of nausea I've had. I've been trying ignore the articles that says it can go on for months. I'm being optimistic about that, especially since I'm already feeling 100% better than before. If I get it every once in a awhile, I can deal. Thanks!!!!

I'm scheduled for my sleeve day after tomorrow (Thursday) and I've been trying to adhere to the pre-op diet. My surgeon's plan is a protein drink for breakfast and lunch, and then 3-4 oz of lean protein, 1 cup steamed non-starchy veg and a dish of salad, until the day before, and then it's just clear liquids. I'll admit that I've not been following the diet as outlined. We had a wedding to go to last weekend, and although I ate nothing all day (not even my protein drinks) I allowed myself to eat the wedding dinner as served (although I didn't go crazy, and also skipped the dessert). I went out to lunch with some friends a couple of times. I'm just curious if anyone else cheated on their pre-op diet, and if there were any repercussions. I read a couple of posts on here from a few years ago, and it seems some surgeons don't require a pre-op diet at all. I'm not sure how much good it'll do now, but I plan on clear liquids from now until surgery. I just hope that it doesn't cause any problems, or even a postponement of my surgery.

Congrats to you, Slimmercutie2b!!! I too was astounded when I got the call that all had been approved, and I only needed to do my pre-op testing and get a final all clear from my primary physician. Who by the way was only too happy to give me the go ahead, as he has been trying to get me to consider this for the last 10 years. I too am scheduled for the 23rd. I'd love to keep in touch and perhaps cheer each on or up as the case may be. Are you doing a pre-op diet? If so what are the parameters? Are you maintaining it, or struggling like me? I wish you all the best in the world, and i hope to hear from you. Take care, Betts69

My surgery is day after tomorrow (Thursday). I've tried all I can to set myself up for success without going overboard (I hope). I've picked up a couple of different Protein shakes (I have a difficult time tolerating them, as well as liking them). I picked up a case (12 bottles) of Isopure Zero Carb in Icy Orange, EAS Carb Control in vanilla and Dark chocolate and also have some unfalvored protein packets from unjury. As for other stuff, I've got a huge supply of homemade chicken and turkey broth (made by a family member and frozen in ice cube trays). I stocked up on sugar free Gelatin, sugar free instant pudding, vanilla greek yogurt and sugar free ice pops. I've also picked up a few containers of stage 1 baby food (just in case). In addition to food stuffs, I've laid in a supply of various flavors of Water flavorings, crystal light, diet cranberry juice and various herbal teas (for both hot and cold use). My doctor also insisted on having Milk of Magnesia, liquid Tylenol, liquid Benadryl and all chewable Vitamins and Calcium supplements. It's a little strange...I almost feel like I'm stocking up for an apocalypse or some other sort of natural disaster. LOL!!! My husband has taken a couple of days of from work to look after me after the surgery, and my daughter and son-in-law are begging me to come spend the next two weeks with them so they can look after me. I am truly hoping to be on my feet and taking care of business within a day or two, am I being unrealistic here? If you think I've forgotten something here, please let me know. If I leave it to my husband to get something for me he usually gets the wrong thing, and then gets annoyed at me becasue of it. LOL!!

Howdy! My name is Beth and I live in Newburgh, NY, which is about 80 miles north of the Big Apple. I'm 45, married, mother to 1 beautiful 25 year old daughter, and my nearly 18 year old canine. I recently read a post about having an identity outside of your weight struggles and surgery decisions. While I thoroughly agree with this ideal, I find that lately my entire existence has truly become about my upcoming surgery. The last few months have been filled with various appointments and tests to determine my eligibility for the surgery, and now that my surgery has finally been scheduled I find life is revolving about getting ready to have it, and preparing for life after. I will be starting the 2 week liver reducing diet on Wednesday, and then nothing but fluids on the 22nd, and D-Day on the 23rd. With my surgical history (17 procedures in 28 years), I find that I'm not at all anxious about having surgery, but the life changes afterward are an entirely different matter. I imagine my anxiety regarding this is natural, at least it seems like it should be a natural reaction to such a drastic change. I'm trying my hardest to set myself up for success. I know that if I do not have things in place beforehand that I tend to make bad decisions in the "heat of the moment." I've already mail ordered and received all the appropriate Vitamins and supplements. I'm slowly stocking up on the things I'll need directly after surgery. It has taken me a long time to find a Protein drink that I could stomach, and leave it to me to only like one of the most expensive. I'm slowly stocking those as well. My cousin has been making me homemade chicken and turkey broth and freezing it into ice cube trays. What a great idea that was! Thanks Bernadette. The next couple of weeks are going to fly by, I hope. I was very happy to find this forum, and only wish I'd found it sooner. The support groups around here only meet once a month, and I find I need a bit more support than that. I imagine I'll need even more after the surgery. I have a very good family and friend support system at home, but sometimes only folks that have been through the same things can truly understand what you are going through. I'm sure I'll be posting things here and there, and most definitely reading other people's accounts. Congrats to all of us who are getting ready to, and those who have already undertaken this huge step towards healthier and longer lives. I'll be seeing you around the forums. Good Night All!!

Hello KitKat from Perth, and welcome. My name is Beth from Newburgh, NY and I too am new here. I've also got my surgery scheduled soon. I go in on the 23rd, and will be starting the 2 week diet on Wednesday. I wish you all the very best of luck, and prehaps we can cheer each other on as we go. Have a great night!