Berry78

Just started practicing with Protein powders. 1 scoop of protein in 20oz of milk and ice. I am soooo thirsty! Have to drink 3-4 cups of Water to feel non-parched. Is this why people are getting so dehydrated after surgery? I just thought it was because of inability to drink. If they need 3 quarts of water a day just to digest the protein powders...

Ah.. ketones mean you are in ketosis.. a fat-burning state during a low carbohydrate diet. That is good, but I guess it also means your blood is irritating to your vagina. Good to know!

Whoever scheduled your move so close to surgery should be shot... Other than trying to get other people to do the work and you go curl up in a ball somewhere, I don't have anything constructive to add. Just know that you'll get through this! Just be sure not to lift more weight than you are allowed. [Hugs]

The tenderness could be a yeast infection, especially if you were on antibiotics. But, you need to be seen to make sure you aren't losing too much blood, and what is causing the tenderness for sure. Good luck!

Personally I don't have any old smaller clothes, so I'll be shopping Goodwill, and wearing dresses with leggings that can fit multiple sizes.

A stent is definitely something to try. Good luck!

Good to know!

Sounds like you are due an upgrade in friends. True friends stick with you through thick and thin...

Like sloknitter said. Plus, you can be a designated driver! I am sorry to hear about your complication. Hopefully you can figure out how to get the care you need without so much interference in your work/school.

I know you are frustrated, but this may be showing some issues that may arise after surgery if you are slow to get your energy back or have complications. Definitely come up with some contingency plans!

You say wanted to.... did you not go? It is soooo important to get a bag or two of fluid when needed. This should be drilled into patients' heads... After surgery you PROBABLY WILL need IV fluids a few times. This is not a failure! This is expected! If you don't want to be admitted, find out if there is a place to go on an outpatient basis.

Statistically, most bariatric patients don't reach 24bmi. BUT, this is absolutely under the patient's control. The surgery will knock 100lbs off, the rest is up to you! Use the easy time to make lifestyle changes that will encourage the rest to melt away.

How much have you been drinking?

You won't gain fat from calorie free beverages. Weight gain at this point is the body holding onto fluid for healing.

What the heck! Do not do this! Your stomach nerves have been cut so you could be doing real damage to yourself and not feel it! Please call your surgeon's office and find out what they want you to do!

Hats and wigs. Keep up with your nutrition so it will grow back in nice later. I'm gonna be in the same boat since I already lost half of it through pregnancies.

My 11 year old was worried. His grandmither had a panniculectomy a couple years ago, so when he heard I was getting stomach surgery, he said, "but I don't want you getting your belly button taken off!" I went and got 5 bandaids and put them on my belly, showing how I will look after surgery. I explained the doctor was going to shrink the inside stomach so I can't eat so much anymore, so I would be healthier. He was ok with that. Here's hoping I won't need an extensive tummy tuck!

Get some neon paper. You and your daughter make signs to hang around the house with encouraging tidbits. She can draw pictures of you riding bikes or whatever. When you become disheartened, look at your signs for a boost!

Do we really have to talk about muscle vs fat weight incessantly? Everyone knows a pound is a pound, and that it is the volume that is different. Karlos even spoke of tape measuring for losses, rather than weight losses.... so you can be sure he understands the difference, even though he didn't add "by volume".

Spend time on this board hearing about people's successes, questions, and disappointments. It really is a day in the life of... Aquaint yourself with the preop and post op diets. Look to get a wide variety of calorie free uncarbonated beverages and protein powders/shakes. Look at the selection of vitamins that are needed, and she may need to try a few types to find ones she likes. You need a good blender for pureed foods and protein shakes. When she comes home, she will need to rest and walk. She should walk at least 5 minutes every waking hour. Dehydration is the #1 problem after surgery. She needs to take a sip of water every 5 minutes until she can drink more at once. Plan to set timers for meals, vitamins, walking, and such. If she has an 8 ounce cup of water where she is resting, then she will have to get up frequently to go fill it back up. That is one way to get the frequent walking in the first few days. An alarm that goes off across the room would also make her get up to turn it off. Of course, any if these suggestions should be talked over with her to decide what will work for you both.

Is the pain in your chest or abdomen? If it's in your intestines it could be due to what you are eating. Maybe try eliminating dairy for a couple days, if no change, then try eliminating wheat.

What greensleevie said. Don't be afraid of limiting your food choices at first. Create the "perfect" template meal, get comfortable with that. Then gradually exchange out the pieces of that meal for equivalencies. For example: starting meal is grilled skinless chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes. Equivalent meal: Salmon, boiled spinach, rice During the weight loss phase it may be best to leave out the sweet potatoes and rice. Create a week of meals, then cycle through. When you get bored, make a new menu. Spend the time shopping and planning 1 day a week, so you needn't think about it the other 6. After a few months or years it will become second nature. Good luck!

Awesome!

And I should add... all the above is based on an uncomplicated experience. She has about a 10% chance of having some complications. (Usually minor). Of course in that case, the journey changes accordingly. Before you get too scared, keep in mind obesity presents its own risks... and severe complications are pretty rare.

Both. Physically she will be in pain from gas and the incisions. The pain will lessen over the first couple weeks and should be gone in a month or less. Her stomach heals over the first 8-9 weeks, so her diet gradually transitions from clear liquids to solid foods. Her emotions will be on a roller coaster because of changing hormones and lifestyle. If she is addicted to food, or has other eating disorders, she will be going through withdrawal. This isn't at all just a small cosmetic procedure. It will deeply effect all parts of your lives, at least at first. We refer to this as a journey. Things couldn't be more different if you packed up and moved across the country. Be prepared to enter the twilight zone, but she and you should come out better, stronger, and healthier on the other side. Good luck!