ZinNH

I went back to work n Monday and was fine until lunchtime. I ended up taking a two hour nap after work. No pain, but the fatigue is there! I walked the dog 1.5 miles on Sunday with no problem, but now I'm taking it easy since my job requires a lot more standing and walking than I realized.

I took a clean pair of underpants, my cell phone and iPad, and my charger. I took a few magazines which I never read, and lip balm, which I didn't use because they gave me some. I took my own toothbrush, but they gave me one to use. I was in the hospital for two nights and stayed in the hospital gown the whole time. I wore the same clothes home as I had worn to the hospital. They gave me compression socks and grippy socks. The only thing I wished I had taken was a package of baby wipes. The nurses brought me stuff to clean up with, but it just seemed like too much work and I was so tired. I'm sure they would have helped me, but I just didn't care that much. (The shower I took when I went home was divine though.)

I have been very fortunate to have had no complications and a fairly easy recovery. It's impossible to predict though! i had a two day hospital stay, and I was up walking laps around the hospital wing within a few hours. (Although, most of those two days, I was sleeping.). I did go back to work yesterday, which was day 6, but I have a desk job and I only work 6 hours a day. I was exhausted by mid-day, so it probably wouldn't have hurt to take more time off. I didn't want to tell anyone at work about the surgery though, so I just sucked it up and dealt with the exhaustion.

My advice is to get yourself in good shape as much as possible before surgery. My recovery has been fairly easy, and although that has a LOT to do with luck, I also think it helps that I was doing a brisk 45 minute walk ever day leading up to surgery. And be kind to yourself through this whole process. You are human, and humans make mistakes. It's ok. Just dust yourself off and start again!

I went back to work yesterday, which was six days after my surgery. I was fine until 1 pm or so, then I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I ended up taking a two hour nap after work. I didn't have pain - just exhaustion. with that said, it's hard to predict how much time you'll need, because everyone's body is so different and we all react so differently. I think you'll be fine after a week or two, but give yourself permission to take it easy! You can do this!

I'm also in phase 2. I drink 3 protein shakes throughout the day. I have half a cup of Greek yogurt for lunch, and half a cup of cream of chicken soup (strained and mixed with milk) for dinner. calorie wise I'm coming in around 750 or so. I'm focusing on protein so my body can heal. The calorie counting and all that comes in later, once we've moved on to real food.

How long after surgery did your surgical glue come off? I've been SO careful not to pick at it, so I'm wondering. When it will come off on its own.

Did your surgeon give you a plan to follow? I had a really hard time losing my pre-op weight at first. Then I went on Pinterest and found a bunch of low carb recipes. Following the keto method helped me drop a lot of weight easily, and I was always satisfied. Its so hard figuring out what is going to work for you and your body. I decided to stop eating simple carbs and focus on carbs from veggies. Using a tracking app like MyFitnessPal really helped me with portion control. And reading the book Never Binge Again helped me deal with my food addiction. It's an ongoing struggle though! I hope you can find a plan that works well for you! You can do it!

I was sleeved the day after you. My cravings kicked in today. My husband was eating chips and salsa, which triggered all sorts of cravings. We can make it through this!

I had a huge sense of relief when I had my band removed. I just felt free!

Has anyone come up with any other uses for the strawberry unjury? The company says I can return it, but I don't want to pay for return shipping if I can find something to do with it instead.

I have been wondering the same thing. I can take three sips, then I have to wait at least ten minutes. I go back to work tomorrow, so I'm going to have to seriously readjust! I'm thirsty all the time too. Glad to hear it gets easier!

I'm only a few days out, but I have a really hard time drinking plain water. It's easier for me if I drink crystal light that has been waaaay watered down. It's just a hint of flavor, without being excessively sweet. I hope you find something that works for you soon!

That's great! And what a bonus to be saving so much on groceries!

That's so exciting! Good for you! And good for you for recognizing that these things sometimes mean more than the number on the scale! Keep up the good work!

I had the band placed in 2008 and didn't lose more than 15 pounds. I had tons of problems and ended up having it removed in 2013. Then I gained 40 pounds. Last year I started researching the sleeve. I had my surgery a few days ago, and I'm feeling great! I will always have to be vigilant about junk food, but I am miserable being overweight and I needed this help. Do your research and talk to people who have had it. You'll figure out whether it's the right thing for you.

I cheated a little- nothing major. I'd eat 5 ounces of grilled chicken when my doctor said no more than 4, etc. then, after surgery, my doc told me I had a really small liver and he didn't even need to use the retractor. it sounds like the cheating you did won't cause a problem. Just don't chest in the clear liquid day! We all slip once in a while, but you CAN do this!

I was pretty faithful on my pre-op diet, but after surgery, I found out that I have a pretty small liver, and the surgeon didn't need to use the retractor at all. im still glad I stuck to the diet, because now I'm that much farther toward my goal!

Pretty good. I had some cream of wheat for dinner. It was so nice to be able to sit with the family and eat together. I only ate a few bites. I haven't had any interest in eating yet. I did reach my protein and liquid goals, so that's good. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was given a walking schedule. It suggested taking three walks of six minutes each. I had been running/walking on the treadmill for 45 minutes, so this feels like a huge step backward, but I don't want to overdo it.

I'm three days out and just started hiccuping and burping too. I'm not supposed to use straws, but I feel like I swallow more air when I sip than I would if I were using a straw!

It will get better. I'd definitely make a call to your surgeon's office, because it sounds like you are in more pain than you should be. Did they tell you that you could also take liquid Tylenol? the soreness will go away in a few days. Hang in there!

Buying a recliner was a great idea. I slept on a flat bed for the first time last night, and it was really uncomfortable. Mentally I am feeling good- but I have been through this before, with the lapband, so that helps a bit. The pain will get better. It just takes time.

I actually wanted to be alone the whole time. But then the day after my surgery, my husband stopped by for an hour in the middle of the day, and it was nice. I felt like someone came in my room every two hours or so to draw blood or take my vitals all night long, so I was happy to know that my husband was home sleeping comfortably. Plus, we have a child and a dog, so I needed to know that everything at home was running smoothly.

How are you doing with the pre-op diet?

This was my pre-op diet