DDN

Hello. How long did it take your pouch to expand in order to keep sipping? Today was my first day with liquids and I was able to drink the broth (8 oz) and crystal light (8 oz)...this was for lunch and I have not been able to tolerate anything else. This evening, I took one sip of Nectar Protein and had to request nausea meds and my stomach feels so uncomfortable and full. My Doc doesn't want to release me until I'm able to take-in at least 64 oz. I'm thinking yikes how will I do this. The gas is coming out with lots of burping, but not from the other end. Will the relief from gas help to take in more liquids?

Well that's what I've learned we do here. ???? I'm almost certain that you won't have any problems going back to work. I plan to work remotely from the house all of next week and return on the 22nd because I have meetings already scheduled. I've only shared my journey with a few folks...my two weeks were taken as vacation time and thinking that I may do half days if need be when I return...I'm an administrator and have a little flexibility. Have you heard anything about how soon patients can fly between states? I have to travel for work mid-March and was just curious. I will ask my Doc during my follow-up on the 18th, but was wondering if you read anything about travel release.

It wasn't so bad for me. The only issue I had were a few gas pockets under left side and in the center of my chest. I asked if I could sit on side of the bed about 10pm because it was feeling awful in the bed on my back. The nurse was very kind and offered me some pepsid (sp?) in my IV line and it helped quite a bit with the gas.

I had my RYN yesterday (Feb. 8th) at 8am and my wife said it took about an hour. They woke me up asking me to take deep breathes and asked if I needed more pain meds. I didn't feel like I did, but agreed just to stay ahead of the pain. I'm sore from the incisions, but pain was definitely no worse than my two meniscus repairs or tonsillectomy surgery. Clearing the lungs by using the Airlife tube and coughing has gone fairly well. Swabbing my mouth with disposable swabs and ice water has been interesting. All-in-all, my experience has not been nearly as bad as I thought. I walked once last night and I didn't feel as though my insides were falling to the ground--I was fine. I can't wait to be cleared by surgeon so I can have catheter and heart monitor removed and my wife and I will walk the halls as much as possible to help relieve the gas pockets. I feel as though I have to pass gas from both ends, but nothing yet. So far so good.

I was wondering the same thing about drinking water while still on liquids! ???? I know someone who was sleeved and he eats small salads and soups during lunch meetings. I've wanted to has, but haven't, isn't that drinking and eating at the same time? I'm going to ask my dietician about it before I leave the hospital tomorrow.

@@MayMarie I tried to comment on this a few moments ago, but I was laughing so hard until I think I posted it without finishing my reply. Nonetheless, we are so focused on reducing the size of our liver--and God knows we should be--until it consumes us to no end. I cried real tears after reading your post…the part about not knowing if anyone was around to hear you ask about the size of your liver pushed me right over the edge with laughter. Thanks for sharing…I needed that one.

@@SHOTzY* Hahaha…I've heard others talk about their dislike of protein shakes leading up to their surgeries and soon after. For now, I enjoy drinking them…I have tried all sorts within the past few months. Unjury is much better than I thought…I purchased the sampler pack and enjoyed all of them. Premier from COSTCO's and Krogers is enjoyable as well…I prefer the vanilla over chocolate. My least favorite is the ISOPURE…good Lord, it's something that I hope my surgeon doesn't require, although its a great amount of protein in a clear liquid form, but the taste is some-awful. I'm concerned about clothing and the amount of money I will have to spend for a new wardrobe. I'm work in management and I wear suits, dress shirts, and ties or sweater, slacks, dress shirts and ties 3 days out of my 4-day work week. Some friends who have also had the surgery have mentioned shopping at Good Will and Consignment Stores in order to keep the costs at a minimum. I've never shopped at either--only donated over the years--it's gong to be interesting. I'm hoping to find a great tailor who will work with the pieces that I have…I have some great pieces and would hate to let go of them, especially suits and sports coats that I've paid a nice chunk of change over the years. My wife thinks that I'm gong to be excited about being able to shop again…we shall see. The encouraging part is that my 50th birthday is in May and she has put away a nice amount to get me started for my birthday…I told her that I will chip away at it slowly as I do not want to waste the money when finding myself needing buy all new clothes by the end of the year. The upside is that we usually dress casual at work during the summer months. Ebay has always served me well…we shall see. Do you have any specific concerns?

@@SHOTzY* Soooo true when you say that we "...get all excited and panicked in a way". Every time I think about it or my wife reminds me of how many days remain, I get excited and then I get the butterflies in my stomach. I have had several surgeries (i.e., tonsillectomy, uvulectomy, meniscus on both knees, terminate reduction, etc.) over the past 15 years, but this one is different. My surgeon is only requiring me to be on liquid only diet two days prior to surgery because he requires 4 weeks of liquid after surgery and feels that is enough torture. How is your liver cleansing diet going? I wish you to best as well and I look forward to hearing about your recovery process.

RNY Surgery on Feb 8th…requested arrival time @ 6:30 AM. Nervous, but I'm excited that the time has finally come. I attend my post-op classes on Monday, Feb 1st (Anesthesiologist, Dietician, RN, and Pharmacist).

@@Lina123 I hope and pray that you get the support you need...we all need to be supported by those who are closest to us...it makes a huge difference. Thank you for replying to the topic. I'm sorry to hear about your issue w/GERD. My surgeon discussed the possible complications and concerns with me going with the sleeve, especially after reviewing the results of my Upper GI, and I finally made my decision to go with the RNY-Gastric Bypass. I have dealt with GERD for way too long and I'm ready to be rid of the nagging feelings associated with it. However, I'm also nervous about too much weight loss after having the RNY procedure, but also ask myself what is too much? Lol. I'm scheduled for surgery on Feb. 8th and I'm hoping that the loss will taper off at a "normal weight" and I am finally able to have a normal and healthy body composition. I look forward to discussing the weight-loss and maintenance plans with the Dietitian in a few weeks. As far as revisions, this has been a hot topic on this site and I'm sure if you search under the Gastric Bypass sections, you will find some answers. I wish you the best.

Hello everyone-- I am trying to make a decision between having the Gastric Sleeve or the Gastric Bypass (RYN). My Doc is steering me in the direction of the bypass because of my issues with GERD/Acid Reflux. However, he is leaving it up to me and has recommended that I complete thorough research in an effort to make an informed decision. Any of you sleevers experience a greater sensation of GERD after surgery? If so, how is it being controlled? My wife and I prefer the sleeve over the bypass.

Hi folks, I'm working hard to stay active and walk as suggested by my surgeon and his team. I walked 5 miles this morning and now I'm suffering with pain in ball of my feet and left ankle. I over-pronate, have very little arch, and I use insoles, an ankle brace, and wear ASICS Road-Running Shoes which are said to help with over-pronation because of the re-engineered heel-clutching system for a more secure and adaptive fit and rear-foot and forefoot Gel cushioning systems. ​Whenever this happened in the past, I have discontinued all activity and become depress because diet alone has not helped me to lose weight. I know that it takes diet and exercise. I am determined to keep it going this time, especially because exercise is necessary even after surgery. Any suggestions on men's walking shoes with good padding and constructed to assist with lifting the inner parts of the foot?

@@miiasan Thanks so much…great suggestions and I agree. I'm not a swimmer…wish I would have kept-up the lessons when in High School.

This is refreshing to read. I have a HH. They are repairing my hernia at the same time as my sleeve. Praying for relief. My surgeon did warn me that it could get worse and revision to a bypass may be in my future. Indeed, it is refreshing to hear. I wish you the best Cindy. I just choose not to take the chance…RNY it is for me and repair of the HH simultaneously.

Thats awesome. Were you sleeved?

Yep...I was warned that that would happen to me. My Doc was going to leave it totally up to me, but informed how uncomfortable I would be and the possibility of issues with the sleeve. Thus my decision for going with the RNY. I pray you get some relief soon.

Thank you @@NTL44! I received a call from the surgeon and his coordinator last night, they are catching up after being off for the holidays, and I made my decision after the UGI results confirmed a hiatal hernia. I decided on the RNY and I'm scheduled for February 8th. I'm nervous and excited all at the same time. Thanks again for the response...it confirms that I am making the right decision.

@@VDB Thank you. Aha! Yes, I am familiar with EAS...I see now that the SAS in your original quote was simply a typo. I will definitely try your recipe. My Doc and his coordinator are working on getting my RNY surgery scheduled for January. I am an administrator and I plan almost every aspect of my life, except for when it comes to my wife and son...I try and loosen up a bit once I leave the office. That being said, I have been eagerly testing the various Protein drinks ever since I have been off work for the holidays. I also watch my urine color and gauge whether or nor I'm staying hydrated. I've been off work since Dec 7th and it's only been since last Friday where the color of my urine has been lighter. I'm thinking it could be because I've been more conscientious about the amount of liquid I'm getting in--using a drinking reminder app to remind me to drink more has been helpful. I guess I'm more curious about how you were able to manage the liquids during the first few months of your post-op. I have been researching since my PCP suggested that I see the bariatric surgeon and most folks seem to really struggle the first few weeks to a month post-op. I'm hoping and praying that I have no complications and I too will be able to free myself of the blood pressure meds, nexium, CPAP machine, and lower my LDL and A1C levels...no meds for those just yet and I've been told that the weight-loss that happens after getting my pouch and concentration on eating healthier and exercising regularly will truly help. Thanks again for your response and please let me know if you have any secrets you can share on getting in the liquids during the first few months of post-op.

@@VDB Thanks so much for providing the information in your post. What are SAS whey Protein drinks? Are these target brand protein drinks? I'm looking for something that's not so sweet, thick, or chalky tasting. Also, what is your trick to getting in "1) 800 to 1000 cal a day; 2) 80 to 100 [grams of] protein; and 3) 80 oz of Water"? That's amazing and you make it sound so easy. I'm self-pay and haven't met with the NUT yet, but I'm sure various ways will be explained as to how I can get it all in. I have two family members who have undergone bariatric surgeries...one had the RNY and the other was SLEEVED--both stress the importance of all of this as well as the struggle of getting it all in.

@@aroundhky Lol. I get it. Thanks and I appreciate the response.

@@swimbikerun I appreciate what you shared...but, I don't understand why folks continue to test the waters and eat and drink what their surgeons and NUT's advised them against. However, I appreciate everyone's honesty when sharing in the forum--bad habits are not easy to break and I can only hope and pray that I follow alllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll of the rules. I'm thankful to have another chance with the new RNY tool.

@@Djmohr ...I'm in total agreement with you. Choosing a surgeon and surgery center designated as a Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery for the Treatment of Obesity guarantees to offer a comprehensive bariatric program that ensures the highest level of patient safety and support throughout the weight loss journey. Personally, I chose my surgeon because he specializes in treating morbid obesity and is a part of a team who has performed over 5,000 laparoscopic weight loss surgery procedures, which makes them the most experienced in my area. I’m excited because I know that both my surgeon and the hospital will work together to ensure that I receive the best quality of care possible. Don’t get me wrong, I am a tad bit nervous just like anyone else, but I find peace in having done my research and finding a center of excellence in my area. Although self-pay, I too have been flooded with information and I find that it's important to rely on the information in my binder just as it is for me to rely on the information in my Bible.

@@Blue1213 -- Good morning! I am waiting to discuss the results of my UGI with my surgeon...he's been very busy performing surgeries before year-end, but he is working with his coordinator to fit me in ASAP because I am a self-pay. Question, did your surgeon or PCP work with the insurance company to pay for your hospital stay and anesthesiologist? My GERD has been really bad for 10+ years and I wouldn't be surprised if I have a hernia. Both my PCP and Bariactric Surgeon work together and I would like to discuss this with them both if it turns out that I have a hernia. I appreciate any info you an provide. Thanks, Derrick

@@stacyg1 Thanks so much for your honesty. My Doc has a few patients who are willing to speak with me about their GERD issues after having the sleeve...he is that serious about trying to help me make the right decision. I will discuss with him further, but I'm thinking the RNY is the best option for me. Thanks again.

Congrats everyone! I'm having surgery some time in January, but I'm just not sure when. I'm self-pay because my company's ins excludes bariatric surgery from our plan. My Doc has me on a wait list for December, in the event someone needs to cancel. During my initial visit, he told me that I missed out on a cancellation schedule by two days. Nonetheless, he's working diligently with his coordinator to get me in soon because I am self-pay. I guess I should be glad that my Doc stays so busy with surgeries, but it's driving me nuts that the coordinator keeps e-mailing and saying that she is waiting on him to sign-off on a few things before she can confirm my surgery date. I am very anxious and ready for this to happen, just as some of you. My wife is pushing me to call the office on Monday and request a date because I am hoping to work around some travel dates and some important meeting dates that I have for work during the month of January. I'm hoping to be one of the first after my Doc's time off after the holiday.