Genr2d2

I did the liver shrink diet for two weeks prior to surgery-while I still cooked meals for my family ☹️The last two days before surgery I wasn’t allowed any protein. By that time, I had no interest in anything! It became a chore to drink. It seems like it’s difficult, but it’s all in our head. Think of it as a means to an end. Just make sure you’ve constantly got something hot or cold to drink. It really helps you prepare for what’s to come.

Mine started at the 6 month mark... just when I thought I would escape it!

I had a scotch on the rocks about 2 months after my surgery. But I sipped it and it was probably watered down by the time I finished. I didn't experience any problems. Could be also because I take protonix 2 X daily.

Thank you all for your advice. I do feel totally dried out, but I think the worst is over. I'm able to down ice chips. If I feel I need to go to hospital for an IV, I will. Best wishes to you all.

What do you recommend I do if I think I have a stomach virus or food poisoning? Do I ride it out, like I used to with a whole stomach or do I need to call my doctor and get to a hospital? Has anyone had a stomach virus or food poisoning since being sleeved?

I too have PCOS. What I 'be done to combat facial hair is laser. That seems to have worked the best. Yes, it still grows back, but its finer and not so thick. Right now I use a noxema facial blade for a dermaplaning-like experience. I'm pleased with the results because I was tired of the reactions I was having to prolonged facial hair bleaching and just didn't want to wax anymore (I was having to wax once a week). I'll probably go back for laser hair removal.

Has your drain been removed? Mine was removed 24 hrs after surgery. I had slight drainage. What I can say was that the drain incision took the longest to heal out of all the other incisions and healed as a raised scar. If you don't notice your wound dressing smelling or any off colored drainage, it should be ok. If you're still worried, have a wound care specialist look at it. Hope it heals well for you!

Has anyone had herniated discs and been afraid to kick up their exercise routine? I'm mortified at the idea! I'm walking, trying to build up to 30 mins at a time instead of breaking it up into 15 mins and 15 mins intervals only. I've looked into Pilates and thought about other things, but I'm so scared of doing more damage to my back. What's been helpful for you?

Just a thought, could it be your blood pressure? Hope it's just a side effect that goes away! Best wishes!

I used Benadryl gel and that gave me relief until I was able to peel the derma bond off once I thought the incisions had healed.

I take the fusion wild cherry. At first, I hated the taste-very metallic. But as soon as I was able to move from liquid diet to soft foods, it tasted much better. I guess the problem was with me at the time. Still can't manage to take more than two a day, partially because it isn't convenient and secondly for constipation reasons from all that iron.

Well, it seems I've pulled a muscle at the large incision site. I could not sleep last night because of pain and decided to call my surgeon. Whereas he was disappointed that I've probably lifted more than 10 lbs (probably the food processor), he told me this happens and to just ice it and take pain meds (btw: I'm only allowed extra strength Tylenol). I can't even walk around without putting pressure on the incision. I was doing SO well with my daily walks...was even enjoying them, and now, I don't know what I'll do! I feel like I've already let myself down because I know if I try, it's going to be very difficult to get my 30 mins of walking in. I'm going crazy thinking how my family will view this setback as I was supposed to begin driving tomorrow.

An abdominal binder really did wonders for me by providing needed compression at the incision sites. Also a large body pillow that I could wedge between me and my right and left sides when I went to sleep. Do you still have a drain inserted?

I had a two week, clear liquids only and 4 protein shakes day day. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I kept envisioning the goal and I was so close to it, that I didn't want to screw up and push my surgery date farther down the road. You can do this! Sugar free Popsicles, clear broths and stocks (one time I had Mexican fish soup from a restaurant totally strained) and jello and crystal light really help. I wish you the best. Don't sell yourself short-you're stronger than you give yourself credit for. It takes a strong person to make this life changing decision.

Also, there's pectin in applesauce so it makes things much more "slippery". Good to keep in mind if you ever experience constipation.

That is definitely weird! I'd ask him to clarify his statement and then ask for an explanation.

I was given 40 mg of acid reflux med 2 X daily by my surgeon. I don't know if it's forever or what. Prior to surgery, I had acid reflux for years.

You might be taking too much of a sip if your doing a full liquid diet. That may very well be your new "full" sensation. Burping can be the signal that you're finished with your meal. Same thing happened to me... I was taking too many sips at one time and was full. Try one sip of fluid or protein shake every 5 mins. Best wishes!

@krissyleigh: You are NOT a failure! You've made an informed decision and have decided "enough is enough"! You've tried many different ways to achiever weight loss and it has not worked. This is a hormonal problem-PCOS, for example. You've taken proactive steps to get to this point. Don't fool yourself-this is no easy way out. You have to work. VGS is the tool that's going to help you lead the life you know you're meant to lead. I struggled with your same feelings it's all perfectly normal-even thinking about what our friends will think. But you can't let that get in your way.

You can do this. But you might need help. Perhaps talking with a therapist or psychiatrist. The program I'm in has one that's available. I not only met with her for a clearance, but I have a follow up scheduled about a month after my operation. Use these people to help you get to the bottom of it. Yes, the surgery is a tool. Diet and exercise are the keys along with behavior modifications. However, you don't have to do this alone. Get to the bottom of the issue. Best wishes @@Spectra13

Walk, walk, walk. It helps to not only burp but to pass gas the other way, too.

@@ahappycamper I had the gastric sleeve 16 days ago.

That's good, though. You won't experience dehydration that can happen at the beginning.

It was true for me. Good things are: 1) it was inserted while I was asleep (Thank God!) and 2) it was removed within 24 hrs. No pain on removal, just a weird feeling.