LisaMergs

I was 3/23. Let's buddy up!!!

Omg I'm cracking up! The panni is the thing that will freak me out I know this. But my double chin is now gone and I'm left with the weirdest wrinkles! They go up and down- from just under my chins down about 2 inches and they look like an elastic band- about 20 of them really really close together! Look! Now this is really close up- it's about 2 inches wide. I can only imagine that since I'm 9 days post op it will get worse. I'm thinking Botox- quick!!!

For me- my immediate family and a friend who had GB as a support system. My weight gain (mostly) was due to having rheumatoid arthritis. The high doses of daily prednisone along with IV decadron monthly as well as many other meds, the lack of mobility due to the pain caused me to 1) blow up and 2) created iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency ( no adrenal function- no metabolism). Friends and neighbors watched me grow over the course of 5 years. Then it was simply status quo- I was fat. But trying to explain that I was having GB to lose the weight and take the pressure off of my joints just sounds like an excuse. ( even to me) Therefore when asked about why I was having surgery, my response is simply- my stomach suffered horrid side effects from all my RA meds so they had to operate. Kind of the truth!!

Quick (now!!) funny story- years ago I'm sitting and notice a couple of droplets on my foot which was bare. Then I felt another droplet hit said foot. Thinking I spilled something, I'm checking around. Nothing. Now I look at the top of my foot and it's wet. Thinking I'm crazy, I try and ignore it. Fast forward the next day- same thing. Except there was a line of water going down the front of my lower leg. Huh?? Started about midway up. I just stare at it until I noticed the liquid coming from my skin!! I had literally sprung a leak!!!![emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]. ( I laugh now). I was so bloated from all my meds that I sprung a flipping leak. Went to dr immediately. He gave me a diuretic and it stopped bit darned if I wasn't completely freaked by it.

Wtg!!!

The Greek yogurt is a lifesaver when trying to get in that last bit of Protein requirement. Dannon has one that is toasted coconut. Omg heaven. In trying to add hot Cereal I do 1/4 c of cereal to 1/4 of yogurt and it's wonderful. Also- I purchased the Gerber baby cereal. Easier to make tiny portions with and no cooking involved. Just hot tap Water. As an aside, a friend said she added non fat powdered milk to things when she could and it also ups the protein levels.

I ordered the sampler from Bariatric fusion. By FAR the best! Amazing flavors and NO whey taste! I placed an order over the phone today with them and offered to be their official spokesperson lol! That's how good they are! Each serving is 27 G protein before adding milk. That's huge. Other shakes I had to mix with Water because I couldn't tolerate the taste mixed with milk. These I actually prefer with milk. Also- the Syntrax nectar brand had a fuzzy navel that is very good. I blend it with crushed ice, orange crystal light and feel like I'm having a wonderful summer drink!!!

No actual abdominal swelling BUT I, too have a couple incision areas that are hard, tight and very painful one week post op. Nurse said that's normal. Both are the two larger incisions. Rolling over in bed is a nightmare, and since I'm a side sleeper, I've begun putting a pillow on the side of my belly like I did when I was pregnant lol. It helps. One thing I notice is if I sit for any length of time and stand it really hurts. Walking is actually easier and I stop when I begin to feel it pull and burn- usually by the one mile mark. Hoping it stops soon. I'll keep an eye on this thread to see if yours dissipates!

Cook ahead! chicken parm freezes great, pulled pork does too! Make large batches of pancakes or French toast and freeze them. I had bypass a bit over a week ago and have about a months worth of meals cooked ahead in the freezer. ( my mom helped too and made things for me.) Sloppy joes, Soups, meatloaf, there is a bevy of choices that freeze well.

Omg I am SO with you! I'm 13 days out- full liquids- bit can have yogurt, hot cereals puddings too. My problem is just like yours. Eating fills me so fast! I have zero problems getting my liquids in, though my tummy prefers them to be warm. Room temp water is so-so , therefore I tend to drink more hot tea than anything. Crystal lite is ok. Anyway- I'm supposed to have 3 meals of 4 oz each and drink liquids and protein shakes in between. I much prefer having one meal and upping my protein to make certain I get it all in. It is so darn hard! I felt "real" restriction for the first time today. Trying to get liquids in 30 min after I ate and each sip almost hurt[emoji20][emoji20][emoji20]. Spoke with my NUT today and she said that for now it was ok to do "food" as an in-between and protein shakes as main source. Said it may take a few more weeks for my new tummy to get used to food. She also cautioned me that she did not approve of this as a long term solution. Who knew?[emoji4]

Bon voyage and good luck!!! Soft waisted pants are a must!!! Hugs and best wishes from rainy Chicago!

Really? That is your reply? Please.

Stunning and you look so happy!!!

May I ask- what does the bladder lift/ hernia repair have to do with skin surgery approval? I desperately need the lift and think I may have an umbilical hernia. Thanks!

Amen. Lmao

Very inspiring. I'm now 8 days out and went against my own rule and gave in to the scale today. 13 lbs since day of surgery. Holy moly ![emoji4][emoji4][emoji4]

No. You're not unlucky. She simply did a crappy job of explaining it to you. Nerves are in our skin. When they cut through they sever them. When they sew you back up the nerves need to re connect/ regenerate. THAT is where the pain is from. Some areas "reconnect" easier than others. The areas that don't hurt more- a lot more. And EVERYONE goes through this. She needs to be reeducated on speaking with patients. Period.

Lol on the whining. I can relate. However- have you considered some sort of compression garment for your abdomen? Also, during maternity there is a belt of sorts women wear under their clothing to support the belly and alleviate pain from their back. This may be your savior. Stop by a maternity clothing store ( not just a section in a large store an actual specialty shop) and ask of you may try one on. Good luck.

Dr gave me cymbalta years ago for two purposes- first was for peripheral neuropathy from rheumatoid arthritis. Worked like a charm. Second was for depression I didn't even know I was suffering from. Worked on that as well. Fast forward 5 years and the cymbalta just wasn't cutting it any longer. My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin in addition to the cymbalta- boom! Back on track and way easier than trying a new medication alone. Lol at the happy pill comment. That's exactly what I call them!

I'm now 8 days post op. Still have pain by two of my incisions but been walking over a mile each day. Today was crazy! Was up early to take my youngest to a 7 am dental appointment and walked while he was getting his teeth cleaned. Did some other errands and at 1 sat in the recliner by the fireplace and woke up at MIDNIGHT!!! Holy cow! Obviously I needed it but now 3 am and wide awake! Finding hot tea is my best friend. Tummy does NOT like cold things! Have yet to throw up, dump etc. no issues getting liquids in either but adding all the food ( that's a laugh!! 4 oz 3x a day?!?!) is more of a pain because I'm more interested in getting the Protein in. FYI- Dannon Greek yogurt has a banana cream and a toasted coconut that are unbelievably awesome!!!!! Have a great day all!!!

Mine was last Wednesday. The 23rd of March[emoji4][emoji4][emoji4]

Thanks!

Omg and get up and walk asap! First time needed the nurse and hubby with me. After that walked the halls by myself with the IV every 2 or 3 hours!

Has surgery same day. Two of my incisions are the same when I roll over or stand up after sitting. Walking is helping. When I hit the one mile mark I find it burning again and have to stop. Remember that nerves were cut going into your belly and they are reconnecting. Often that is the cause of the pain. Organs don't have pain receptor nerves. So what you and I are experiencing is the nerve pain in skin tissues

Oh sweetheart- this is ANYTHING but an easy way out! Yesterday, a GB friend told me about a woman she met at the gym. Lady had noticed my friend had lost a significant amount of weight. Asked her how. My friend told her she had GB and the woman's reply? Oh, I've lost the same amount but I did it the HARD OLD FASHIONED WAY. Ha! There is nothing easy about recovering from surgery. There is nothing easy about eating 4 oz per meal and needing to take a half hour to do so. There is nothing easy about trying a new food and find yourself having a dumping reaction to it. We could go on and on. There are simply people that no matter what the weight won't come off. There is a genetic predisposition to becoming obese for many and a metabolism that won't cooperate. Having surgery and the tool simply, in my opinion, puts you on par with those whose metabolism is highly functional. Evens the playing field so to speak. But certainly there is nothing easy about it. Be proud of your decision. Embrace it. Use it and quit finding excuses for it to fail. Good luck!!!!!