#BirdDog

Must.... Have.... Pics.... Love seeing the successes, such motivation for me as I started my journey and now that I'm post op it helps keep the eye on the ball.

Day 4 is done, a little more Water down, actually got in 45oz of water and half a Protein shake. Did a lot of walking, well, pacing in the living room and hallway. The pain is getting better, the large incision still hurts some. The nurse from the surgeons office checked in on me. She said my large incision is where most of the action was during my surgery, and that there are actually some stitches in there closing everything up, so that pulling sensation when I cough or go from sitting to sanding is more than likely the stitches that I can't see. She went on to verify I was having my pain managed, was walking and getting in fluids. Wanted to make sure the gas was coming out and wasn't giving me any pain. Morning temperature, blood pressure and blood sugar we're fine, I have noticed terrible dry mouth in the mornings. I haven't taken blood pressure medicine since the day of surgery or metformin since the beginning of the pre-op liquid diet. In the evening everything was good but my blood sugar had dropped to 90. That's pretty low for me so I'll be keeping a closer watch on that today. Today my goal is to get in 64oz of water, at least one whole Protein Shake, do a lot of walking, and try to go to the movies with my wife. Our theater has comfy recliners and I don't expect anyone to be there during the day so if I need to stand up and walk around a bit I can.

My insurance just wanted to know I showed up and participated for six months.

I'm on day 4 and things are starting to feel much better. Everyone is different, just focus on staying hydrated and letting your body heal.

Sorry to hear that, but for your safety everything has to be just right. I know it's a hard pill to swallow but it just isn't the right time at this exact moment. Keep on preparing and doing everything you can. Keep you're eye on the ball and you'll get there!

It'll be over before you know it and you'll be on the road to recovery and new found you! Congrats!!! First few days afterward are a little rough but keep your eye on the ball!

I got online and checked my insurance requirements and what surgeons in my area were accepted. My insurance had a form for me to fill out to make sure I met the requirements for them to pay. I then went to a seminar where they discussed the different types of surgery available and the differences between them. They had people who had been through the various surgeries there to answer questions. While at the seminar they had a packet for me to fill out and return to them. I handed it back filled out the same day. They called me a couple days later and said my insurance had sent them the requirements and made an appointment for me to meet the surgeon. Took my wife with me to the first appointment. They had a presentation that we watched and we both had long discussions with the nurse and the surgeon. When I left there I had a binder full of information that they had put together for me. I started making appointments, first with a nutritionist from their list, then the psych, chest X-ray, blood work, and ekg. Got most everything out of the way but my insurance required me to see a nutritionist for 6 months before they would give the approval. Then one day my surgeons office called and said insurance had sent over the approval and they are ready to schedule my surgery. I scheduled it, had to go to another "class" at the surgeons office where they addressed things specific to my surgery, how my food intake had been in the last six months. They discussed the prep for surgery and what I would need to be doing afterward. Right after that I had another appointment with the surgeon where he basically went over how they do the surgery and he gave me an opportunity to ask all the questions I had. No rush he wanted to make sure EVERY question my wife and I had were answered. This made me feel excellent about my choice in surgeons. After that it was rock and roll, started the two week liquids and next thing I knew I was checking into the hospital for my surgery. Now I'm on day 4, still recovering and having some pain from one incision but I know I made the right decision and am excited to see what the next year has in store for me.

Day 3 is in the books. Woke up this morning feeling pretty good. Stood up out of bed and coughed once. Then the pain was ON from my large incision. Not quite as bad as yesterday. Wife gave me my shot of blood thinner, that still stings a bit. Water is going down easier today, in total I got down 40oz of fluids including a few ounces of Protein shakes. Still need to work on getting in the protein as well as a bit more water. Feeling pretty good I thought I'd walk to the mailbox about a block away. That was a little much and I was hurting pretty bad by the time I got back. The rest of the day I just focused on sip sip sip and tried not to agitate my sore spot. Had a couple coughs through the day usually right after using my incentive spirometer. Those coughs caused quite a bit of pain. Staying ahead of it with my pain medicine is helping. Getting back into bed wasn't nearly as painful as it has been the last few days. Checking my blood sugar and blood pressure often. Both are staying in a normal range without the use of medication. It's like the surgery just flipped a switch. So far I am very pleased with my decision and am looking forward to getting to the point where I can have real food. I plan on working that sleeve for all its worth. There are some awesome recipes for sleevers here on the forums and on YouTube. I'm ready for small but nutritious meals to fill me up and watch the weight melt away. Looking forward to what tomorrow has to bring for my recovery!

Good luck! The surgery will be over before you even knew they started.

Everyone feels different about sharing this information. For me, I am a supervisor and work with a talented crew. I feel it is very important for me to be 100% honest with those that I work with. So I openly talked about it with anyone that asked. Once it came time for pre-op liquid diet, they were wonderfully respectful and made sure to try and do their group lunches when I was busy. Or if I was there they were not offended by me being in my office while they ate. They are all behind me 100% in this endeavor. My boss even came to the hospital once I was in my own room to show me support. While you may have one or two people make stupid comments, what you really find out is how many people truly support you. It really helped build confidence in my decision.

It's a heavy decision to make. It changes the rest of your life in many ways. Like you I have done every diet under the sun. I've been successful at most, but not long term. There was always something missing, I believe it was this tool. Now I'm two days post op, in a bit of pain but still have no doubts I made the right decision. I'm happy for you and even more so that you took the decision seriously. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey.

The pain from my large incision is quite the kicker. Every time I stand up or try to roll over it hurts like crazy. But so far today has been better than yesterday. Here's looking forward to tomorrow!

They had me stop my Metformin the day I started my liquid diet, I didn't seem to have any blood sugar issues throughout the liquid diet.

I had to change up what liquids I was having during my pre-op. Would have water, some with crystal light, chicken broth, jello, Popsicles, even crushed ice. Crushed ice was nice because it was something I could chew on. The first week of the diet I kept working. One night was particularly rough when everyone else ordered pizza. I just stayed in my office and kept my eye on the ball. I was open with everyone at work so they didn't think I was being a jerk by separating myself from their dining. They've been really supportive. The second week I went and saw a movie each day at the theater and did one project around the house. Went to bed early each night and stayed focused on the goal.

I have 6 and one hurts like crazy. It's only my second day after surgery so I'm hoping the pain starts to chill out.

I went to a lot of movies, 9$ matinee and a bottle of water kept my mind off food for a while. Then I had several protein drinks a day.

Same day as mine, I'm finally starting to get really nervous. Being off and home alone the week prior to surgery hasn't helped. But I have gone and seen a lot of movies to keep myself occupied and not thinking about it. But for me it's time, I've come to peace with my decision and know it's the best thing for me. This will help me live a long and healthy life with my wife. Clear liquids for me all day today nothing after midnight and check in at 6am.

Wow! Congrats!

I previously ate a lot of sushi, all kinds but mostly raw fish, never been sick from it. But I stick to quality restaurants. I'm pre-op but wouldn't the rice cause pain?

The weight loss is very close in percentages long term, so to me it wasn't worth the more invasive bypass for a minimal pound or two.

Concealed carry 38 revolver in a fanny pack. If you have the appropriate permit for your area and are comfortable with the gun. Not too bulky, plenty of punch, and not too heavy. Quick to access in the fanny pack. Something to think about.

Wow inspirational! My surgery is schedule for Sept 2nd. Hope I do as well as you have!

Found an empty shelf at my Walmart. People must be liking this flavor. Did get some caramel ones. Waiting for them to chill, need something other than chocolate.

5 days till your surgery, I'd let my surgeon know. Most only want 2 weeks of a strict liquid diet. 7 weeks seems awful long.

Sept 2nd for me too!! Getting excited but still nervous about going through a surgery.