Jenny_Baldwin

Mine was the same day. I can't believe it's been 2 weeks already. I was in the hospital for 2 days, sleeping most of the time (when I want up walking & trying to pass that uncomfortable gas!). I started introducing soft foods Christmas day. No problems so far. I have unjury Protein powder which I still have once a day to keep my protein up. I admit to using the chocolate flavor in milk more than anything (I also have unflavored mix to go in juices & I'm also going to start putting that in morning smoothies that I plan to make with my Ninja). I haven't taken any pain meds since the day I came home from the hospital. I had a ruptured appendix/surgery years ago & expected another abdominal surgery to be that level of discomfort. By comparison, this was a cakewalk. I actually plan to return to work tomorrow right after my doc appt. Of course, I have a desk job, so that makes it easier. I figure going back in a short week is a good way to slowly get back into the groove. I hope things get better for you daily. :-)

I'm one week post surgery today. Things are going really well! I've only lost 2 pounds in the last week; of course that doesn't count having to re-lose the 10 pounds of IV liquids they pumped into me at the hospital. I came home feeling SO bloated and was SHOCKED when I stepped on the scale! Haha Feeling great (still sore), my incisions look good, I've been able to tolerate any liquid I tried...just trying not to get too bored with this liquid phase. Trying to keep some variety. I'm moving to stage 2 on Christmas where I'll treat myself to a good puree Soup and my chocolate Protein powder mixed with plain Greek yogurt for a great protein punch! Haha

Good to see things moving along for everyone. :-)

My bag was much of the same. Packed a couple of my own night gowns. Not necessary, but made me more comfy once the catheter came out. I must say, the distractions you packed (electronics, books, etc)...I found myself so sleepy, that was my distraction! :-) GOOD LUCK!

I'm laying in my hospital bed about 20 hours out of surgery. I feel incredible....MUCH better than I ever imagined I would! My pain level is minimal to nothing. I've still used the pain pump occasionally to "stay ahead of the pain". Going to get the catheter out this morning. I think the restrictions of that have been the worst. Expecting to start dinner clear liquids this morning. Then lots of walking to get gases moving (farts & burps, good times!). Good luck to you all!

How awful! Please call them & maybe they'll start on you something before surgery. Best of luck!!

Just had my "last supper" at Texas Roadhouse! I am still going to have my cheesecake dessert later. Tomorrow is clear liquids. Report to the hospital 530a Monday morning for 645a surgery.

How long are you on liquids? Fortunately, my surgeon only requires one day liquids the day before. Sunday is liquids, Monday surgery! Good luck to you.

I'm going in on Monday, hope to be out by Wednesday. I'll be off work until after Christmas, but home.

I'm pre-op (Dec14) and I've been sampling unjury. Today for lunch chicken Soup flavored, which smells AMAZING. The only problem is that it seems no matter if its a hot or cold drink, all of the powder doesn't dissolve? Even if I add more liquid. Mixing by hand is a mess, although shaking in a bottle is slightly better. Or if I use a hand blender (at home I need something that works at the office), which works a lot better, I get a lot of foam, which makes me think I'm drinking a bunch of air that, post surgery, won't be good. Thoughts? Suggestions? Many thanks!

Mine is the very same day...good luck!

Merry Christmas!

Rachel - I'm also in Pgh. Where are you having your surgery? Can I ask the name of your surgeon?

One of my sisters is not at all supportive. She said if I've been losing so well & being successful in these months before surgery, I should just continue that. I tell her I define success as KEEPING IT OFF, which is where I fail & need help. That my MS has been in check, which has helped tremendously. She finds it too risky (as opposed to morbid obesity??) and says that people lose, then regain (because they stop paying attention to what they are supposed to do) or lose too much and then look awful (if it was about vanity, I'd fine this at 25 & single!). We've just agreed to disagree on this.

@@bugsy72 You have a plan and that's the best way to approach it. Good luck!

I had my final pre-op visit last Wednesday. I've lost 30lbs since June 5th. Although I will admit I've been planning my "tour of lasts" (i.e. places I know I'm not going to be able to eat at again, if ever. This is for my husband's benefit as well as my own. ) don't expect to lose much more before surgery; my goal is simply not to gain. I'm down to 3 weeks from tomorrow. Today I cease my fish oil supplement. I ordered some individual unjury packets this week to try out prior to surgery. I'll also spend the next few weeks lining up the Vitamin supplements I'll need, along with some good for stage 1, post-op. Small glitch in my pre-op testing. My EKG showed an abnormality. My surgeon didn't seem too concerned in the he didn't seem to think it would derail my surgery. I'm going it is something already known to my PCP/something that was checked out a few years ago, not something new. I follow up with a cardiologist tomorrow afternoon. Fingers crossed! Side note: I truly feel for those that are on a10+ day fast prior to surgery, especially if it cross the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm also counting my blessings that my surgeon only requires a clear liquid fast the day prior to surgery!

Things have been going surprisingly well for me. I've really used the 6 months to educate myself and make subtle changes to the way I eat (Protein centered meals, citing WAY back on carbs, virtually eliminating sugar, drink less while eating). Since the humidity of summer ended, my MS has been calm and I've been able to exercise/walk easily several times a week. I feel great, I've dropped 2 of 3 diabetes meds, had my BP meds cut in half and dropped about 25 lbs. Wednesday is my 6th official weigh in, a few pre tests and my psych evaluation. My insurance paperwork is all lined up, ready for submission after this visit. I have my time scheduled off work, my FMLA paperwork completed - I'm ready to go. My biggest paranoia now is that I'll get a cold right before my surgery date. At the same time, in my mind, I just can't help feeling like it's been too easy. Don't get me wrong, it's been a lot of work. And I've had second thoughts...like do I REALLY need this drastic step when things seem to be "clicking" now? Then I remind myself that I've been here before...with brief successful times that eventually wear off & don't stick. That without the diet/exercise combo, making this happen is difficult and if my MS kicks up, having this surgery will make me stay on track. And this time, right now, is just the beginning. Sure, I'm feeling some "success" now, but the work is really just beginning.

4 weeks from Monday!

I'm pre-op (Dec14). Since early June, I've lost nearly 25lbs, am exercising regularly, am 100 lbs from my goal weight, have got my sugar under control & dropped 2 of 3 diabetes meds, & am feeling fantastic. However, I have 2 questions/concerns bouncing around in my head. 1) Did you ever have second thoughts prior to the surgery, starting to wonder if THIS time you were ready/able to do it on your own, without major surgery as an intervention? 2) How/when/what did you tell people about having the surgery and/or why you were losing weight so rapidly? Your thoughts on these questions are very much appreciated!

Just scheduled mine yesterday: December 14 I still have my 6 month weigh in & psych visit on Nov18 (pre-surgery bloodwork & EKG that day, too), but everything's prepped and we do not anticipate any problems with insurance. Moving right along.....

I'm new but I'm here...and also in Pittsburgh! Like you, several of the comorbidities, with MS added on for good measure. :/ I'm 4 months in on my supervised weight loss. Next month is my psych eval & hopefully we're going to start looking at surgery dates for December? If you are still around, where are you at in your journey?