BLERDgirl

You can also try a wide mouth food jar.

It really depends on the person. If you can stand daily or weekly weighing without freaking out, then go for it. If you can't then stay off the scale and look at other NSV. Taking your measurements (neck, boobs, waist & hips) is a good alternative. I didn't get my first weight check until my 2 week checkup and was pleasantly surprised. However I know from previous weight loss attempts that the scale makes me crazy. Instead of focusing on eating properly and getting exercise I am worried about what the scale says. I therefore limit it to once a month, preferably at the doctor's office.

@@Eli Alexander As long as I get my protein and fluid I'm good. Let may sound weird but when I exercise regularly I have more energy.

*knocks on wood* So far no constipation and no diarrhea. I was discharged on Saturday, had my first poop on Monday and have at least 1 BM a day ever since.

I was the same way when I began, but honestly I actually do like it now. I've been home sick this week and unable to workout and I honestly can't wait to get back. I miss it and I miss how I feel after a good workout.

I agree Jawboneup24 is very accurate with how it monitors your sleep. I won one at the Lane Bryant promotion of their new fitness line and I've been testing it out all week. That said, the Polar Loop was just as accurate in how it monitored you sleep patterns. I just wish the Loop had better battery life. I may try one of the Fitbits just to complete my test run of the most popular trackers. Currently the Vivosmart is still valuable because it counts my steps/activity under Water.

I don't think anyone will get pissed off, you feel like you feel. Maybe I'm a special snowflake, I dunno. I was sore but I wouldn't call it pain. I've had worse menstrual cramps to be honest. I could sit up and lay down by myself and walk to the bathroom and back. As for gas maybe my doc was just good at squeezing it out. I was walking in recovery because I woke up needing to pee from the IV fluids and I was not interested in using a bed pan. I'm certain I wasn't ready to do jumping jacks or anything but my experience was relatively pain free.

It's literally a tube they insert inside you with a bulb on the end to drain off the excess fluids created during surgery and while you are healing. Not every doctor uses them, but they aren't uncommon. I actually wanted a drain because I had experienced trouble with a previous surgery and developed a really deep abscess as a result.

I prefer to keep it simple and I'm not anti-grain. These were not items that triggered my allergies. I am just particular about which grains I eat and what quantity of grain I eat. Farro and quinoa are staples for me.

Agreed. I bought enough protein drinks to last 2 weeks post-op. I then ordered more when I came home from the hospital. There are literally hundreds of protein drinks, powders, liquids and shot. You may have to try several before you find something you can use.

Let me clarify. You will eventually eat everything you used to but that will be a ways off. Those first few months you will indeed need to take very tiny bits and eat super slow. You are removing 85% of your stomach. There is no longer any room for guzzling and stuffing junk down there. I have been fortunate because I am careful to take my time, but many posters experience discomfort from not eating slowly. My advice is to down load the Eat Slower app and practice eating slowly now. Another change is you can no longer eat and drink together. My doctor advises a 30 minute window before and after eating.. Some doctor's recommend an hour. The reason are many. 1) Because you have a much smaller space, you do not want it filled with liquids and then not have room for food and nourishment. 2.) Drinking can push the food through too quickly and again your body will not have had time to digest and absorb nourishment. 3.) The food and drink can form a paste and feel stuck in your esophagus. Initially it will take you an hour or more to eat ¼ - ½ cup of food. Certain foods you may not be able to tolerate anymore. Soda and carbonated drinks are out for life. They produce too much gas in the belly and you no longer have any room for that gas. Keep in mind Champagne is a carbonated drink. Foods high in sugar may also make you sick. I think you can enjoy the Bacholerette festivities just find, you just can't get s**t faced. Get a glass of Water, toss some cherries in it and fake it. I didn't have a catheter, but some doctors do use them. They typically put it once you are under. The easiest trick I have for getting needles is to force your self to relax. Practice slow, steady breathing. Have the nurse count to 3 and instead of tensing up slowly exhale as she inserts it. It helps to relax the muscles and makes it easier to go through. A lot of this experience will depend on your attitude. If you stay positive you've won half the battle. You are creating a new normal. You are committing yourself to a new lifestyle of eating and drinking for a healthier you. If you aren't ready to commit to change, you may want to rethink things. I would also recommend starting an exercise program now. I have a really high BMI. However I was active and taking water aerobics 3 times a week. I had no pain in the hospital. I walked in recovery and didn't need to use a morphine pump for pain or take any narcotics for pain. I experienced no gas, nausea, dizziness or constipation. The worse thing about my surgical experience was a rash I developed from the tape used to hold the IV on my PICC line in because I am allergic to latex.

Your doctor should give you a list of recommended products. You can also try using the search feature on the forums. There are several active threads with loads of recommendations by the forum members.

I've had these they really do have a coffee taste. Not exactly like it, but not bad either. Myself I have to completely switch over. I go for herbal teas. I like strong ones like Peppermint or hibicsus.

Sorry you are having a tough time. I am hypersensitive and I break out even when they use the latex free stuff on me. I always end up blowing veins and needing PICC lines as well. It seems like such a small thing but the itch just drives you crazy. Welcome to the forums! Hopefully they'll get you patched back up and about in no time.

It's perfectly normal to be a little nervous. However if you really know in your heart of hearts this is the only way then take the plunge. The post-op dieting, especially in those early days is not fun, but is completely doable. Pain is not a guarantee. I had NONE. You will be able to eat your favorite foods again, you'll just eat them in smaller portions. Best of all you'll get the chance to live a healthier life. I honestly wish I had done this 10 years ago.

It wasn't an allergic reaction. She just required an higher does than normal.

That is excellent! You're almost at 60 gms of Protein and over for fluids with the shakes and Water combined! Get to walking even if it's just a few slow steps.

Yep sounds like gas or acid. You can try something like omeprazole or gas-x strips. Walking may also help if it's just gas.

It's barely been a week. Relax. You tummy is brand new and still healing. You've just joined the sip, sip club. The goal is to gradually build up to getting at least 60 gms of Protein and 64 ounces of Fluid. Those first 2 weeks you won't get anywhere near that. Sip. all day long just sip. Protein first then fluids. I found it easier to add a little Water to my Protein shakes and drink them over ice. That way I got some water along with my protein. Late on you'll need to separate your fluids from your food with a 30 minute window on each side. If you haven't had a BM, call your doctor, they can prescribe a stool softener or something like colace, benefiber or miralax. Do not go anywhere near the scale. It will make you insane.

I worked in an ER. We used versed a lot. I've also been treated with propofol.

Call you nutritionist. They should have provided you with a list or handouts. What stage are you at purees? soft foods? Call your team, that's what that hefty insurance payment was for.

Yes I think the entire container of coconut Water is fine. Also citrus fruits do need the peel and pith (the white part) removed as that goes bitter really fast.

Stay away from the scale. It will make you crazy. Also you don't need to do strenuous exercise, but you need to exercise consistently. A 30 minute walk each day is just as beneficial.

I've had propofol and as I was reading your story I was wondering why they used versed and not propofol. Glad it's over and you made it through.