FocusOnMeNow

So my sister literally took me to the hospital, stayed with me in the hospital till about 9 pm each night and came back by 7am. She brought me home from the hospital. I got a quick shower and washed my hair and she jumped on a plane for home after that. If I could do it then you could do it too. I would give at least a month between your husbands surgery and your surgery that way you will see everything that you will really need before the surgery and get stocked up. Also you can start your pre-op diet a few weeks early (this will not hurt you). So you will lose quite a bit of weight before you even have the surgery (I lost 17 lbs on pre op diet for two weeks before surgery). You can do this and you can do this for yourself. You do not have to rely on your husband.

Of course helping another person out of their chair is more then a ten pound lift. I could not even lift a gallon of milk until about 10 weeks out and someone has to do the grocery shopping. You need to do what you need to do to take care of yourself. Don't do this just to look slim for some event. I did this surgery home alone after I was released from the hospital. I had my house stocked with enough protein drinks and clear liquids to last me for a month. I was also stocked with solo cups so that I didn't even have to wash the dishes. You must have some friend or family member who would be there for you like my sister was for me. Otherwise you can just rely on nursing staff at the hospital (your husband can be there for moral support) but maybe not overnight because he will really need his rest. You must have some friend or neighbor who you could hitch a ride to the grocery store with who would help you into the house with your groceries a few times if you got 90% of your stuff in advance. If not you would need to hire someone to help you.

You really do need to follow a healthy plan of eating though even if not a "diet". Initially you will have liquid and protein goals. Meeting your protein goals, getting in all your liquids and taking your vitamins is very important for long term success as well. Also eating healthy "real food" vs processed junk is important because you really need all the good nutrients that you can get. It's also important to remember that if you do not follow your Drs plan of eating then you can put the weight back on (like if you eat ice cream all day instead of a healthy diet). That being said I am 8 months out now and I have about 1 serving of cake and/or ice cream a month (and I never ever bring more than that one serving into my house because I know that I can't be trusted to eat just one serving if I have access to more).

It was more like the first six months for me. The honeymoon is over and when it is you really have to face feeling your feelings without stuffing them down with food. Do the work and take care of yourself.

It's what's going on inside (vitamins and protein) more than outside (shampoo). Take care of you and get your labs checked[emoji6]

How much biotin and iron are you taking and is it at least 3 hours away from ingestion of any calcium or dairy?

Vitamin water zero rise orange... I know that I sound like a commercial but that is the bariatric nectar of the gods as far as I'm concerned. I still drink one every morning 8 months out and cannot imagine not having it. Good luck and drink up.

Many weigh more upon discharge since since they are pumping you full of fluids so that you don't get dehydrated once you get hone[emoji6]

I would give it at least two months in between. Your husband will still be recovering himself. Maybe there is a third party who could be helpful to you both?

@sunjumelts are you out there and doing ok?

You know what I realized about 10 weeks out? That I was eating about the same amount of food as the skinny girls I hung out with. If people are giving you grief find some healthier more supportive people. Take car of YOU[emoji6]

Try vitamin water zero rise orange ... It could be the potassium that you're craving and plain water or ice chips just doesn't do it.

Maybe you could but why would you want to? I am 8 months out and technically can eat anything I want. I have had cake and then wanted to fall asleep because that is what carbs do to me... They are my poppy field and I don't really want to be under their influence ever again.

Why r u even hanging out with people who would eat that in front of you. Sounds like you need new friends.

It took me several weeks to even be able to sleep on my side. Like 6-8 weeks if I recall. That's because it's very uncomfortable to feel your guts pressing against the stitches until you have time to heal. I'm 8 months out and when you are it will be a distant memory.

Elode you look so fabulous. Remind us again where did you have the surgery?

@annmarie1621 also you can try doing what I did which was amp up all vitamins for the two months before surgery. I recommend to start taking bariatric or some serious prenatal vitamins and 500-1000mg of calcium and 1,000 mg a day of vitamin D (at a different time of day from your multi or iron). This should store up your reserves in case you aren't able to get all your vitamins in the first few weeks that your stomach is healing.

Take your calcium supplements as instructed: they are very important and get a fluoride "varnish" every time you get your teeth cleaned at least every six months, and you should be good.

Labs are the most expensive at 3 and 6 months out. Explain to your doc when you are losing insurance and be sure to get at least two checkups (and any lab work) under your belt before then. Maybe also your doc can give you a list of labs that you will need. Even if new insurance won't cover anything related to bariatric just tell your new doctor to code you for nutritional deficiency (since most of the labs are for vitamin levels and the others are for the most part an essential health benefit that would be part of an in depth physical exam).

I weighed myself every single day at the same time when I woke up in the morning after I peed for like 3 months. Now it's usually once or twice a week (I'm 8 months out).

1) stop using those muscles 2) try liquid Tylenol 3) use a pillow to push in your tummy where it hurts when you absolutely do have to (getting up and down), but mostly try to rely on your arms rather than your abs. You should search you tube for some videos for moms recovering from cesarean section. And how they need to get in and out of bed but let their abdominal incision heal. Also do not lift ANYTHING heavier than your water bottle or single serving protein shake.

Also suggest going to an OA meeting and try to figure out what it is that you are "really" hungry for (here's a tip: it's not about the food at all).

@@beylove FYI I had absolutely zero hunger post op. I'm 8 months out and can get a bit hungry now and again but the first month post op I had to literally force myself to eat. I would get nauseous just from seeing a good commercial on tv. I was concentrating more on keeping my sips down than getting more food in. Believe me.

Also keep in mind that you will be in pain meds that should seriously help you sleep. If your doctor is advising you to return to work within 3 days I would strongly recommend a second opinion. I have not heard of anyone ever returning to work in 3 days.

My doctor would not allow ANYONE to go home with less than 2 nights in the hospital. Also I would strongly recommend that you take a minimum of two weeks of work unless you are a professional napper. This is major surgery and you need time and rest to heal and you deserve it. Many people especially those with anything other than desk job will take off work for an entire month. Take care of you girl[emoji4]