MeltsIntoWonder

My surgeon wanted me off for 6 weeks. I'm about 2 1/2 weeks post op right now, and I feel like I could probably go back to work next week if I had to, but I'm using this time to get used to my new relationship with food.

You have to force yourself to drink. If plain water doesn't go down easily, try diluting some juice, have some decaf tea, or some warm broth. Experiment with different temperatures - some people find that warm or room temperature liquids go down more easily. I promise you will start to feel better if you keep yourself hydrated.

I was told that yes, I can chew gum, but it's not recommended because the chewing gets your gastric juices flowing and it actually makes you feel hungry. I did try some, and that's exactly what happened, so I try to avoid it now, unless my breath is really bad, lol.

The same thing happened to me a few days ago. Definitely made me start paying more attention to how fast/slow I'm eating. The good news is, that pain shouldn't last too long. I laid down on the couch for a few minutes and was fine.

I'm 10 days out today, and I feel good. I'm cranky at the moment because I miss "real" food and chewing, but other than that, all is well. You may need to rest here and there, but should be good to go!

I called the doctor's office when I had gone over a week, and she said to use miralax twice a day. It worked!

You probably won't need much. Of everything I brought, I only ended up using two things: clean underwear and my robe. Never touched my iPad, and the hospital provided all of the toiletries I needed. Good luck tomorrow!

@nicugal36 Thank you so much for this post! I'm 8 days post op, and have been doing pretty well, but for some reason today was a real struggle for me. I know I can do this, but hearing others stories and words of encouragement definitely helps. You look fantastic and sound happy. Keep up the good work!

...when you eat too fast. Oof. Never doing that again - I feel miserable.

I was told that I should wait at least a week, but also that as long as I'm not on narcotics and I feel comfortable, it would be fine to drive whenever.

Glad to hear I'm not the only one. My husband and I were literally just talking about this and whether or not I should call the doctor tomorrow.

What a great attitude! My surgery was last week, and I was definitely NOT feeling as happy and excited as you in the first few hours, lol. I'm sure with your positive outlook, you will do great on your journey!

I'm a week post op, and was sent home from the hospital on full purées. I'm still mostly just drinking water and protein drinks, with the occasional yogurt or applesauce; but that's really mostly because I'm nervous about trying anything else. I have my first follow up next week, at which they will probably move me to soft foods, so it sounds like your diet progression might be similar to mine. As others have said, every doctor is different. The most important thing in these early stages I think is to just follow the plan you were given. It sounds like you must have a good surgeon since you are feeling good and healing quickly!

Hang in there. The first few days are the absolute worst, but it really does get better everyday. You got this!

Hi all, I just wanted to share my accidental discovery: 2 scoops (or one pack) Bariatric fusion Mint chocolate Ice Cream flavor 6-8 oz milk (I used regular skim milk, but I'm sure soy or almond milk would work too) 1 tablespoon Hershey's Special Dark Chocolate cocoa powder (unsweetened) shake or blend and enjoy! Note: My husband said you definitely have to like dark chocolate in order to like the flavor. I don't think it tastes that dark, but then again, I love dark chocolate!

Hello, I'm not quite 5 days post op and am doing pretty well with Water and Protein shakes. I've had a little applesauce and some yogurt, and both went down well. I am on full purées, so I know there is more I am able to eat, but I'm really nervous about trying new things. I was thinking about making Eggface's ricotta bake, but is that going to be too acidic with the tomato sauce? Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks! I'm so glad not to be the only oddball who is allowed to eat more but doesn't want to. I did end up making the ricotta bake for dinner and was able to eat about 1.5 tablespoons without issue. It felt a little heavy in my sleeve - not uncomfortable, just different. I feel slightly emboldened, so I think I'm going to make some fish tomorrow! (Never thought I'd be this exited about fish, lol!) 😂

I had the same problem in the hospital. As soon as they threatened me with a 3rd night, I forced myself to stay awake and drink what I could. I'm still taking occasional pain meds at home - mostly at night. I also didn't need a nap today and have more energy than I've had in awhile.

Oh, I'm definitely not in any hurry to push things. I'm just concerned about my sleeve getting too used to the bland stuff and making it that much harder on me when I am allowed to eat "normal" foods.

I have that too. Just for a few moments when I get up and start to move around. For me I'm pretty sure it's a combination of gas and gravity pulling on my larger incision. Just one of the many things that will get better over time (I hope!).

Obviously everyone is different, but I would think since you're so young, your skin will mostly snap back into place with proper hydration and toning.

Same here. I stayed 2 nights, and the doc wanted to keep me another day, but the nurses made a point to note that there wasn't anything different they could do there than I would do at home, and at least at home I'd get more rest. I feel better today and am giving myself timed goals for getting in fluid while I'm awake. I am doing well with protein shakes, but am slightly terrified to try other foods, even though I'm on purées.

I was sleeved on 4/4 as well, and I'm right there with you in terms of wanting to sleep all the time. Surgery takes a lot out of you, and the body wants to shut down as much as possible to help with healing.

My surgery is in about two hours. Wish me luck!

It's a combination of both, but mostly incision pain.