blashlee

I struggled with telling people at first. Then as I started to, the reactions I got we're all positive and supportive and excited. If people who are questioning or judging your decision aren't licensed medical professionals, tell them to stick it where the sun doesn't shine. Their opinion is just that, an opinion. It's based on nothing but their own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. Not on medical fact or scientific knowledge. Ask them how the surgery is performed and see what they tell you. Odds are, they have no clue. Don't be put off by the opinions of someone who's (pardon my French) talking out of their ass. Everybody knows somebody who knows somebody whose sisters ex boyfriend's mom had WLS and regrets it. Oh the horror. F those people and do you. Good luck <3

Every surgeon is different. My surgeon is very strict about pre and post-op eating phases and strongly advises against advancing your own eating. When I was in the hospital, several of the nurses saw who my doctor was and would say things like "Ohhh no wonder we can't give you ice...sorry." Or "let me read your orders again, Dr. Ellner is very specific." Other people didn't have to do pre op diets. Other people didn't have to do a saline laxative before surgery. I had very strict instructions for my pre op period and have been given just as strict instructions for my first 6 months post op. I think the reason my doctor and the bariatric nurses at the hospital I had surgery at have these guidelines so that patients can have a better recovery. I'm amazed at how comfortable I am only 3 days post op.

I had surgery Monday morning. I was discharged from the hospital yesterday. I've had no complications and very little pain. Mostly gas and general discomfort associated with major surgery. I feel like I'm kind of a unicorn, because my doctor seems surprised by how well I'm doing and according to most people I've talked to either here or in my local support group etc, most people had difficulties in the first few days after surgery into the first couple of weeks after. I haven't had any so far (knocks on wood). I wouldn't recommend being alone, but that's just me. My doctor and the bariatric nurse at my hospital have called me twice to find out who's helping me out at home. The pain medicine they give is considered a narcotic, so I can't drive or anything until I'm no longer taking it. I also can't lift more than 10 lbs or bend over to get things off the floor. So...I'm not left alone too much right now.

Went home today! I had my staples removed, and dermabond put on my incisions today. I was discharged just before 11am. My doctor is really pleased with my progress. She said my incisions look about 24 hours better healed than most patients. I took down just over 20 oz of fluids this morning, so she said I could go on home. I just finished another 24 oz and roughly 30g of protein here at home. So another 20 oz and 30 g I will have made goal for the day. It is difficult though because my stomach feels like a basketball. It's very swollen and firm. The gas pains suck. I will never take a burp it fart for granted ever again.

My RNY was yesterday. I have a drain in my lower left side. This is the biggest incision I have. I did not have a feeding tube. I also have an OnQ pain pump apparatus that's in what looks like a fanny pack. It has tubes connected to all of my incisions to numb them.

Surgery done this morning at 8am. Dr said everything went beautifully. I'm in my private room and not feeling too shabby. A bit of a dull soreness in my upper stomach area. Been sleeping a lot. The only thing that sucks about today so far is I can't drink anything and my mouth feels like a cotton ball. :-/ upper GI X-ray in the morning will tell us if I can start taking liquids and ice chips tomorrow. I seriously can't effing wait for that.

My X-rays were great so I've been having fluids all day. Mouth and throat are still dry but getting better. Should be heading home tomorrow :-)

I'm 14 days pre-op and started my liquid diet today. I hope the next two weeks goes by incredibly fast. I'm pretty nervous but also excited. My "support staff" (family, boyfriend, friends, personal trainer, surgeon, PCP) are all rooting for me, and it's helping me get through each day of the countdown. My boyfriend is doing the liquid diet with me (solidarity!), I hope we don't spend the next two weeks snapping at each other because we are "hangry" haha. April 6, 2015 8AM, my life changes forever for the better! If you need me, I'll be crying in the break room with a Jello cup (LOL)

Dr. E came to check on me this morning. She said the procedure was flawless and that my vitals have been steady and she's pleased with my progress. I had my upper GI and stomach X-ray done. That came back great as well so now I'm taking liquids by mouth today. Starting with ice chips, then I will try water and tea. I saw my new tummy on X-ray. It looks like an egg! Lol I'm also very aware of it. When I drank the liquid for the X-ray I felt it in my stomach right away. If things continue to progress in the right direction, I'll be heading home tomorrow.

Surgery went well. My pain is moderate but tolerable. Been up and walking every 2 hrs and having no trouble there. Most uncomfortable part is not being able to take liquids yet. My mouth is super super dry. I've been swishing water around and spitting it out but it provides very little relief. Upper GI test in a few hours. Hope it goes well so I can swallow some water or something to beat this dry mouth and throat. Two of my nurses are WLS journeyers also which is really cool. They've been giving lots of tips and advice.

I had my surgery today also. I'm not in too much pain. Been up and walking a lot every 2 hrs. Nurses are happy with my ability to get up and walk. Burping a lot. The most uncomfortable part so far is that my mouth is horrifically dry and I'm not allowed to drink anything yet. I'm rinsing and gargling with water and diluted mouth wash but it's only a tiny relief. Catheter comes out in a couple of hours and my upper GI X-ray should be fairly early this morning as well.

Thanks Lauren! Once I feel up to using my phone I'll update you guys. Thanks everyone for being so supportive <3

I packed sweats and tshirts and sleep shirts and soft loose granny panties lol and sports bras. Fuzzy socks I got from the last time I had a night in a hospital and my basic toiletries for the day I get to shower and go home. I also packed my iPhone and iPad and their chargers, flip flops and I'm wearing my Nikes when I go in. It's probably more than what I need but I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Dropping my dog off to my moms now for the night since she can't sleep with me at home (everything has to be sterile and she sleeps in bed with me).

I drank it around 4. I intended to drink it earlier but had errands to run and I didn't wanna be out and about when it took effect. I had lemon lime. That's all target had. Tastes like spoiled sprite. I chugged it with sips of Water in between. That was advice I got from my pre-op coordinator. To be honest, I had a hard time with it that way because it's carbonated so it blew my stomach up. I haven't had soda or anything carbonated in over 3 months, maybe longer I really wasn't a soda drinker. It started to work in about 30 minutes. I won't go into detail, but you should get some charmin wipes, a book or few magazines, and make sure you don't have anywhere to go. It was still doing its thing this morning, so it lasted more than 12 hours. 17 hours til check in!

@@meSparkle83 Today is magnesium citrate day :-/ So I'm at home cleaning and washing and getting my stuff ready that I'm taking to the hospital. Feeling pretty good. Except for the magnesium citrate.

@@Elode I don't believe you have to have a costco card to order online, but you need one to go in-store. I'm not 100% on that but try it and see if it works.

While they do advertise mostly for a younger demographic, H&M and Forever 21 have a lot of basics (tees,tanks, leggings, sweaters, jeans etc) for really cheap. I'm talking $3 t shirts and $4 leggings cheap. Whenever I go in there with my mom she ends up finding something for herself (She's 55). H&M doesn't carry much "plus" size; they go up to a 14 dress size and XL in lettered sizes. Forever 21 runs from XS-3XL.

@mstee3 glad to hear an update from you!!! I was warned about the gas and I got strips today. Keep us abreast on how your first few weeks go!

I found a recipe for adding protein to Jello and I've come up with some really good mixes but this one is my favorite. I'm on my preop liquid diet and my doctor said this was fine and would probably be fine post op as well. You will need Sugar-free Orange Jello mix Water Vanilla Protein Powder (I used Quest Vanilla Milkshake) Fat-Free (sugar free if you can find it) cool whip or whipped topping (optional) Prepare Jello as instructed on box. Whisk gelatin completely. Add 2 scoops of protein powder and whisk thoroughly. The mix will thicken and look a bit milky. Don't whisk it so much that it's foamy. The protein will separate. Pour into container or individual containers for small servings. Refrigerate until set (I let mine set overnight). Top with a small spoonful of whipped topping when serving or eating (again, optional). Tastes just like that classic Popsicle without the sugar . I don't wanna give the macros on this because your protein might be different than mine.

If anybody will suffer through it with you, it'll help. It's gotten easier, I've got 5 days to go! I've been experimenting with jello a lot. And seasoning my broths so they're a little more fun to sip on. Also, keeping variety helps. I have a lot of different proteins and zero cal drinks so I don't get bored. Mostly just staying busy really helps.

I lose my boobs first, my tummy last and my butt never LOL However, I strength train and place a lot of emphasis on working out my lower body because it's the largest muscle group which means I'm burning the most calories. Also, it builds your butt! Squat for your life and build yourself some cushion if you can! I'm still preop and I've already lost almost a whole cup size in my bra but not very much around the actual band of my bra. It's super frustrating because I'm pretty sure it means they're gonna completely go and everything else will be evening out, which will give me a nice awkward shape for a while. Meh. I'll buy new ones.

I'm having my surgery this Monday 4/6 I've been on a liquids only diet since 03/23/15 and I can't wait for it to be over LOL Good luck everyone

@@Morethan_justa_prettyface Yes I am my username is @blashlee there also.