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elleschaeffer

Gastric Sleeve Patients
  • Content Count

    34
  • Joined

  • Last visited

About elleschaeffer

  • Rank
    Advanced Member
  • Birthday 07/19/1985

About Me

  • Gender
    Female
  • Interests
    History, event planning, tattoos
  • Occupation
    Surgical Technologist
  • City
    Richmond
  • State
    VIRGINIA
  • Zip Code
    22850
  1. elleschaeffer

    Back to work

    I also work in an OR. I was out for a full month before my surgeon cleared me to go back because of lifting restrictions. It not only drove me crazy but he wasn't pleased with because I'm his favorite scrub tech.
  2. elleschaeffer

    Sushi?

    I had sushi 8 weeks post op. Ordered a roll and asked if they would make it using half the amount of rice they normally would. I was only able to eat two pieces but it was heaven!
  3. elleschaeffer

    When did you eat sushi?

    I had sushi at 8 weeks post op. I've never had any issues tolerating anything and couldn't wait any longer. I ordered sushi rolls and asked that it be made using about half the amount of rice as usual. I was only able to eat two pieces but it was amazing!
  4. elleschaeffer

    3 days post op

    Congratulations on starting your journey. So many people will tell you the first few days are the hardest and that was my experience too. I'm now 11 days post op and feel better than I have in years. Hang in there!
  5. elleschaeffer

    Days off

    I'm out for at least three weeks, maybe a little longer. I work in an OR so between lifting 20+ pound instrument trays and moving patients I have to be out longer than some. Even though at 11 days post op I feel great and am ready to work again.
  6. elleschaeffer

    Any tips on surviving the post-op liquid diet?

    Thanks everyone! Your suggestions helped a lot and today wasn't as bad.
  7. elleschaeffer

    kicked off of a fair ride....

    I love rollercoasters but haven't been to a park in almost a decade. The last time I went I saw a girl try to ride and get turned away for being too big. And at that time I was almost too large to fit. So I haven't been back since then, for fear of being turned away. On the top of my post sleeve bucket list? Any and every ride I can find!
  8. Today marks my fourth day post-op and I'm already starting to feel like my normal self. Little to no pain or nausea, no trouble getting enough fluids in. But I am struggling with some serious head hunger. I know I'm not physically hungry but the craving to have real, solid food to chew can be pretty intense. I'd never be crazy enough to try to eat anything not on my approved list. I don't want to jeopardize my health by pushing my sleeve too hard too fast. But was there anything that helped you get through these first couple stages? Or am I just going to have to power through it? Either way, I know so many of you were successful and I can be too!
  9. Thanks for all the well wishes! I'm struggling a little but I'm trying to just focus on getting enough fluids and walking as much as my body will allow. I know that eventually I will feel more like myself so I am trying not to dwell on feeling bad right now.
  10. elleschaeffer

    2 Week Update with Doc's office

    It sounds like you're doing pretty well overall! Congratulations! I hope they figure out what's going on with the lack of urgency though.
  11. It finally happened! I am about six hours post-op and I can't tell you how relieved I am to be here. I am not much for posting things, I normally just read and find helpful tips, advice, and information but I felt this was cause to break out of my little shell a bit! I was so worried about how I would feel post-op. My pain tolerance is pretty low. But I have to say I feel pretty good. Really my only "complaint" is being tired. As much as I enjoyed eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, I get the feeling I am going to enjoy being healthy and slimmer even more. And thank you, to all of you for all the info you've posted over the years. You have all been a great resource for me and reading about your experiences has been a huge help!
  12. elleschaeffer

    Anyone from Virginia?

    Richmond here! I decided on Dr. Brengman for my surgeon but work with him, Dr. Schroder, and their new partner Dr. Barker in the OR. What a talented and caring group of surgeons!
  13. I've told everyone except my brother, the personal trainer. I love him to death but after years of hearing how "easy" it is to lose weight ("just cut back what you eat and get moving") from someone who has to work to GAIN ten pounds, I decided I didn't want to hear the judgement when I needed support. We live almost three hours apart so by the time he sees me he can either figure it out for himself or think he was right. I've told friends and family to keep any mention of surgery off social media.
  14. elleschaeffer

    VSG With Simultaneous Hiatal Hernia Repair

    Doing the hernia repair during a VGS only adds a few minutes to your procedure and is done using the same ports that were already in place. We literally use a suture to close the defect and normally it only takes two or three small stitches.
  15. elleschaeffer

    Weird/worst Comment at Pre-op testing!

    As a healthcare worker who works in an OR and does bariatric surgery almost every day, this makes me really sad. My hospital is a Bariatric Center of Excellence so every staff member who comes in contact with bariatric patients has to attend annual sensitivity training. You should never feel shamed by the people you are trusting with your care! Please don't hesitate to speak up for yourself, these people obviously need a reminder that they are there to support you not judge you.

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