kranky813

Everything you are experiencing is very very normal. I cried for days after surgery. I didn't want anything to do with eating or drinking after surgery and ended my butt back in the hospital for 3 days for severe dehydration. So even though you don't want to, even though you would rather do ANYTHING else - sip, sip, sip. I downloaded an app on my phone that buzzed every 7 minutes to remind me to sip my Water so I wouldn't have to go back to the hospital. Please sip. The reason you feel like this has a lot to do with the hormone dump you are experiencing. Your fat stores a lot of hormones and when you start to drastically lose it (such as in ketosis) those hormones are set free in your body and you go a little haywire . It will eventually calm down and you will start to feel better. I wish someone would have let me know about this prior to surgery so I would have been better prepared, but such is life. I am 7 weeks out and feel pretty good... almost 100% normal again. I am still a little tired and lack some motivation but other than that things are going well and they will for you too. GERD - I experienced a lot of GERD after surgery. I had heartburn every night and was miserable for about 2-3 weeks. I kept taking my meds for it and occasionally a tums and now it doesn't bother me at all. I also had it pre surgery so it took a while for my body to catch up and not make as much acid in my stomach as before. If it doesn't go away let your doc know so he can prescribe something a little stronger for you. Good Luck - Hang in there, it does get better.

So yes, the one thing nobody told me was how horrible I would/could feel the first week after surgery. Day of Surgery and the day after were fine but the week after that was miserable. It wasn't so much the pain I felt because there really wasn't pain I just felt like the world was ending and there was nothing I could do about it. It had a lot to do with the hormone dump you get after surgery. Also trying to sip Water or anything really sucked. It was hard getting anything in and I got dehydrated and ended back in the hospital for 3 days. Now - fast forward to day 9. I hit the turning point and started to feel a lot better. No more crying my eyes out. It was easier to drink fluids. I was feeling much better. Now - fast forward to 1 month out. I feel really good. Not quite normal, but getting there. I am getting used to my little sleeve and how to figure things out. Now - I'm at almost 7 weeks today and feel almost normal. Sometimes I have to keep reminding myself to drink 64oz every day. I have to remind myself to eat 3 times a day because I honestly forget. I am down 36lbs and my clothes are not too big but certainly loose. And I am so happy I made this decision. Knowing what I know now (that the first week was hell for me and I cried every day and regretted my decision) I would do it again in a heart beat. Love my sleeve!!!

So I have a very close friend who has never really supported my surgery decision. My therapist warned me about friends who would be jealous of the weight loss and the success I would see but I really don't understand her. She is 5'7, 130 pounds, long blond hair, smokin body and implants She always has something negative to say about surgery. She tells me all of these stories about people she knows who gained all the weight back or had complications or what ever. She is honestly my best friend and I finally broke tonight and told her that she doesn't have to agree with my decision but as my friend she has to support me. Why is she doing this? Why is she being so snarky or negative? Has this happened with other people? I am finding myself distancing myself from her more and more because of her negativity. I haven't told a lot of people about my surgery but she is suppose to be my friend. I am 5 weeks out from surgery and she couldn't even support me during the hardest part but then got mad when my hubby didn't tell her I was re-hospitalized for dehydration the week after surgery. what gives?

You might just be one that is slower to heal and get going. My doc had me on Clear Liquids for 2 weeks and then full liquids for 2 weeks then pureed for 2 weeks. I am on regular food now and have not had an issue at all. I would recommend going back down to liquids. Clear except for your Protein shakes. If your Protein Shakes make you nauseated here is a little concoction that I came up with: 8oz of Isopure Zero Carb ready made (they are in the glass bottles) 8oz of the same flavor Powerade Zero 8oz of Water Mix it all together and sip it. It gives you 13 grams of protein and your liquid intake at the same time. Don't feel bad about being tired. I was tired all the time until.... well I still sorta am. It gets better though. I remember in the beginning I was so scared to nap during the day because as you stated you lose precious hydration time. This will get better too. Try backing off of the food for a while and see if that helps the nausea. Right now all you need is the liquids and some protein.

Try to break your Protein shakes up into 3 portions a day and have one between each meal and the final one after dinner. That might help you with headaches and cravings. If that doesn't work ask your NUT about Snacks. Mine was very strict on 3 meals a day and a Protein shake. When I told her that we eat an early dinner she suggested the protein shake thing or one snack before bed. Something like a sugar free Popsicle, sugar free fudgepop or sugar free pudding. Something lite that would help me. If it's protein you need I would say some hummus or cottage cheese.

Ask your doc for the Lortab liquid pain meds and the Zofran (it melts in your mouth) for nausea. My nausea was so bad and I didn't drink and ended up in the hospital for 3 days right after I returned home from surgery. It sucks, but sip. You can download an app that reminds you every (however long you decide) to sip. I set mine for 7 minutes. I hated that stupid app but after I started using it I didn't have to go back to the hospital and I only needed it for a week or so before I started drinking normally again. Also, try different temps for liquids and different flavors. I need hot liquids at first, I even heated up my Water. Now it has to be icy cold. I bough some grape crystal lite and found that it was disgusting (even though I loved it before surgery) I ended up getting some blue Powerade and some apple juice and diluted it half and half with water and then heated it up. Sounds gross but it worked like a charm. Try a few different things to see what works for you.

Congratulations! If you haven't heard the first week is hell It gets so much better though! Sip, sip sip and walk, walk, walk. At first it was easier for me to drink hot things. Even hot Water was easier than cold. I would heat up water and put lemon in it. As the previous poster said it gets cold quickly. I bought one of those mug warmer things that you plug into the wall to keep my mug of water/tea/broth hot. Worked for me. It seemed to sooth my insides. Now I have to drink Ice cold stuff. If it gets too warm I find I don't drink as much. I have 3 bottles of water in the fridge that I alternate between when one gets too warm for my taste. Try different temperatures and find out what works best for you. Hot and Cold aren't going to hurt you one bit.

Ice, Ice, Ice!! I was having weird left sided pain and my surgeon said to ice it for 20 mins then rest for 20 mins - repeat. It worked wonders the next day the pain was completely gone. They move a lot of things around in there when they do surgery and sometimes the scope they use can bruise things. Try the ice, you will be amazed at how better it feels.

So, I'm a little different from the other posters and I should say I am only 6 weeks out. I have already seen my life change in so many ways. food was a part of everything for me. My date nights with my hubby, my celebrations, sad times, angry times it revolved around every single thing in my life so that had DRASTICALLY changed. My hubby and I have to find different things to do on our date nights. Once a month we take turns planning a night out. It usually involved some fancy restaurant, a movie (with lots of popcorn) and then some bar to have a few drinks in. Great conversation and just time to us. Now we have to challenge ourselves. (so far only have done one date) He planned it and it was going on a long walk around the path on the lake. Holding hands, chatting. We had dinner before we left the house. Grilled chicken which I pureed mine. We brought Water bottles and a blanket and sat in the park. It was really nice. I am planning the next one and we are going rock climbing at an indoor place. My friends have changed. We don't go out to the bar and have a few anymore. People act a little weird around me (the ones that know about surgery) but I know they don't want to over step boundaries or want to include me in what they are doing. It's just a little different now. I still do all of the things I really enjoy in life. It just makes it easier to do. I spend a lot of time during the day focusing on me. Am I drinking enough, have I eaten enough Protein, have I gotten my steps in, etc... that part is drastically different from how I lived my life before. It can be overwhelming at times but It's getting easier with each day that passes. And it's also nice that when I do go out to eat, I know what I am getting. I don't have to agonize over the creamy Pasta or the greasy burger and fries. I am getting the chicken breast. Easy, done. Lastly - things get better. My boss brought me on a 3 mile walk at work yesterday to catch up. She is a runner and very fit. I was able to keep up with her all 3 miles. No breaks for me. I can carry laundry up 3 flights of stairs without being out of breath and keeping up with my kids is so much easier. So yes, for me it's a DRASTIC LIFESTYLE CHANGE but it's all for the better. I don't regret anything.

I told my 9 year old that mommy's tummy wasn't feeling well and that the doctors had to go in and take out the "bad part" or "part that was sick". I explained that they had to cut out part of my stomach on the inside so that is why I have to eat this crazy diet until I stomach is all better. I tried to keep it simple in her terms so that she understood. I didn't talk about the weight part of it at all. She doesn't need to worry about that part of it. Kids at school are so mean and call her chubby - she is not chubby in the least bit but actually tall and very lean. So I didn't want her to think that SHE needed surgery to not feel chubby. I want her to focus on how beautiful she is and how eating right is healthy for her and all of us. I am cooking better and we are becoming more active as a family. So in the long run I am hoping to instill positive vibes and practices. I don't want her to learn the bad behaviors that put my in the position I was in. IMO

Thanks everyone! You all have actually shed a lot of light on the subject. Things I never really thought of before. I do have to admit that for the first few weeks after surgery I was really focused on me. Getting me better, learning this new lifestyle. I think (I can only assume) her biggest problem is that I am not going to be her weekend drinking buddy. My hubby and I go out to her house every weekend and have some beer, grill some tasty food and sit around the bonfire. I have completely changed in the past 6 weeks. I don't drink, can't eat those fatty burgers and brats and am so FREEZING lol. She may be mourning the loss of that. But that doesn't mean I haven't been a friend to her. I still go out to her house for bonfires. I bring my Water bottle and food that I can eat. Maybe it is that I am her "fat friend" and she is nervous that when I lose the weight people won't notice her as much. Who knows. What I do know is that she sent me a text last night saying she needed "a break" from our friendship. I just responded with "ok" At this point I think I have lost my friend. But when I think about all of the negative things she has said and done over the past few months I really am "ok" with her taking her break. I am an AWESOME friend and honestly, it's her loss I'm glad my surgery make us both losers.. at least mine improves my life PS. 200lbs today.. karma wanted me to wait one more day to hit ONEderland, hahaha

I cannot believe how tired I have been lately. I could seriously sleep all day and all night long. I don't know why I am so tired lately. I am almost 6 weeks out. Get my Protein in and my Water. I am currently on solid food. Why do I sit at my desk and pray to go home to talk a nap every day. Will the exhaustion ever go away!

It's my first week back to work this week and I ran into and old coworker (hot one I might add... too bad I'm married) anyway he looks at me and says, "Damn Girl! You look so skinny, what are you doing?". I got the goosebumps, it was the first time someone mentioned my weight loss. It felt SO GOOD! I did a little happy dance inside I just told him I was doing high Protein, low carbs and smaller portion sizes. I didn't lie exactly

Yay! Now as a warning you will start freaking out about it, lol. At least I did. It's completely normal to have doubts and second guess yourself. You are going to be so happy you did this. Congratulations!

1. Yes you will be able to drink like normal again. I am almost 6 weeks out and I just gulped 4 huge swallows of water with no problem what so ever. Everyone is a little different but It will get easier and better every day. 2. I bought some chewable calcium from Walgreens. They aren't the best but they aren't the worst either. Maybe ask the pharmacist what they recommend? 3. My doctor said only walking until I reach at least 6 weeks out. Then I can start with weight lifting. Start slow and work your way up. If you start too heavy you can be really sore and not want to do it anymore. He was very strict on not doing anything besides walking for the first 6 weeks because of the injuries inside your body. The outside may look healed but the inside takes longer. 4. Aaahhh, crying. I cried for 8 days straight after surgery. I regretted my decision and hated myself for what I did to my body. LOL What my doc told me is that we carry a lot of hormones in our fat and when we lose that weight we go through this HUGE hormone surge. It makes us a total wreck for a while. I sometimes still get a little teary eyed from time to time but I don't feel like I am going crazy anymore and I DON'T REGRET MY DECISION AT ALL!!!! It will get so much better. I was in a dark dark place for the first 2 weeks. It passes, I promise. You will feel better and get better. It got amazing yesterday when I could start eating real food again. In the grand scheme of things it's such a short time of misery but when you are in it if feels like it will never end. The turning point is between one month and 6 weeks out. You will get there, I promise! Let us know if you have any more questions, that is what this place is for.

OMG I love it! One of my goals is to wear a dress I bought for my 14 year old for Christmas last year. It's super cute and I really want to wear it. When I get to goal I told her it's all mine!! LMAO she didn't like that too much!

I get nauseated in the morning and the last thing I want to do is drink Water. Granted I am only 5 weeks out. I talked to my surgeon about it and he told me to eat something right away when I get up. Have something ready or something sitting by my bed. I tried that and it worked wonders. My blood sugar was low. If I don't eat a bite when I first wake up I get nauseated. Try it and see if it works. Even just a drink of OJ helps.

No the Triamino is only 7 grams of Protein but it gives the body something when you are on all liquids. It helped me so much by just getting a few grams of protein in every day. My body didn't hate me as much.

I had tried everything and anything to lose weight. Some with success but gained it all back and then some. I think the turning point for me was seeing a friend have surgery and seeing all of her success and how great she looks/feels. I got to the point where I didn't even want to leave the house because I was so self conscious and felt like everyone was staring at me all the time. I didn't do things with my husband or kids I became the hermit who sat at home and ready or watched TV while they enjoyed their lives. NO MORE!! I am only down 33lbs but I am ready to get out there and do all of the things they are doing and love life again. Heaviest Weight was 240. I'm 5'7. Pre Surgery weight was 236 and I am at 204 now. Yes, I will tell you that the first week was hell on earth for me. I cried and cried and regretted my decision, the first month was hard but bearable and I am at 6 weeks on Thursday and tell you that I would do it again in a heartbeat. Knowing the misery I went through and the re-hospitalization for dehydration and everything I would do it again. I am so excited to see what 3 months brings, and 6 months and 1 year and so on. BEST DECISION EVER!!!

People have already said this but a pillow for the ride home, comfy clothes/pjs - I didn't wear any of the gowns they had after surgery (I changed right away), your phone and a brush. They provided everything else but I guess I did bring my own shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste as well. My surgery was at 7am and I slept the rest of the day after surgery and most of the night. The 2nd day I did my walks, took my sips, took a shower and went home. I had no desire in TV, Electronic games, music, etc... I just wanted to sleep and get out of there.

I'm from MN... not WI. But close

It is my first day back to work today. I was off for 5 weeks. I had the time available with my Short Term Disability and was able to swing it. I highly recommend taking as much time off as you can. The more time you have to recover the better.

I was nauseated for about 8 days post op and I still am occasionally in the mornings. It will get better and go away. One of the things I did was drink Triamino to get some Protein in. It's a flavored Juice/water that my doctor recommended because of my difficulty drinking. I would recommend trying that - you can get it at Holiday Gas Station Stores and it comes in many different flavors. I will tell you to drink drink drink! I was re-hospitalized for dehydration and it was miserable. One of the symptoms of dehydration is nausea and not being able to drink. So watch that very closely. If your urine is not light yellow/clear I would talk to your surgeon, you are dehydrated and they need to get some hydration in you ASAP.

This happened to me but I was a few more days out and still on a liquid diet. My doc said they move a lot of things around in there when they do surgery and sometimes if we bend or turn weird it can cause horrible pain. My doc said to lay down and ice it for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes repeat. This helped and the next day I was fine again.