Berry78

Once a week isn't much bathroom time. Try to get things happening more frequently. If nothing seems to help, be sure to run it by your doc.

I was meeting my protein goal with a lot of milk, protein kefir, and liquid yogurts. I was lucky dairy wasn't an issue. If it was, protein shakes would have been necessary. Introducing solids was slow and progressive. 3 ounces of soft protein at a time was happening around 6 weeks I think.

You are only 3 eeeks out, right? This is way too much/heavy for 3 weeks out. How about split pea soup and the like? I'm 3 months out and have just regained my energy for hiking. You'll get there, just give it time..

And, to make things more complicated, we lose electrolytes too. Plain water may not be enough. I like to drink some coconut water in there.. maybe 1 coconut water for every 3 regular ones. I eat salty snacks, not drink salt. But that's just me, and I don't live in AZ. Glad you are ok! And thanks for the warning!

The chili seasoning can be harsh. Maybe use half a packet to start...

We should make the distinction between muscle and fat weight. We don't want to lose muscle. Both exercise and eating enough protein will help preserve the muscle. Sure, you will lose weight without eating protein.. but some of that weight will be lean muscle mass... The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you burn per day..and the more you can eat while losing or during maintenance. The more we can eat (within reason), the healthier we will be, because there will be more micronutrients available to us. Not all nutrients are found in a pill. There are tons of tiny chemicals, some likely without names, that are helpful to us to have healthy bodies. If you are stuck eating 800cal a day because more makes you gain.. you'll get half as much nutrition as someone that can eat 1600cal. You'll be malnourished and weak over the long run. We might get away with low caloric consumption for the weight loss phase, but we need to increase our consumption during maintenance.

Right, and as a one day build-you-back-up thing, they still need to know what you are short on.. a custom banana bag, if you will. But, usually they prefer to just get you to take more orally unless there is a life-threatening condition, severe depletion, and the like.

Sounds like it's starting to heal.. that's great! Yeah..the airplane thing is an urban legend kind of thing. Not a real person..(I hope!) I bet whwn you (finally!) get your procedure, you'll feel like a whole different person!

You poor thing! They have you working so hard, your boobs are gonna deflate on their own! (Maybe that's what they're hoping happens?!) You'll be like that woman on the airplane with implants.. the pressure change ... swellll.. BAM!!

Glad you are getting good medical care, even if there are unanswered questions... Hope this next two weeks goes quickly for you!

How to make broth.. I like to simmer a bunch of chicken legs for several hours in a large pot. At the beginning add about 1/2-1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of pepper (if tolerated). A couple teaspoons of italian seasoning (a premade mix like oregano and such). Garlic, onions, carrots. Strain, and scoop off the fat off the top. Same idea with any meat. Might change seasonings for beef or pork.

You may be a smidge slower than average, but not bad. 10lbs a month after the first month or two seems to be average. I'm 3 months out today and am in a 2 week stall All part of the journey, I'm afraid...

Are you making your own broth? Homemade hits the spot in a way the boxed stuff just can't. Pretty soon you will be able to start having milk. For me that was a wonderful turning point. The aching and cramping is injury, not hunger. Just stick to the plan, and you'll make it through.

I think I was 4 weeks out when I tried hard boiled eggs.. by 5 weeks I could eat a whole one in a sitting. At 12 weeks, I can eat at least 2 at a sitting. So everyone is different. I'm to the point where I can eat more than I SHOULD, so my scale is super important.

These are general supplements, most commonly given to alcoholics in the ER. When bariatric patients need supplementation, they need custom nutrients based on their individual levels. A general one really won't suffice.

Incisions can cause nerve issues... but I'm glad you are getting checked. It sounds like you are having more pain than should be expected 4 weeks out.

Hopefully your pills are very small. Most of the time patients crush them, cut them, etc... But don't do that without your doctors permission because some pills can't have that done. The swelling in your tummy will take weeks to go down. Usually the first three weeks everything should be runny enough to go through a straw. Follow your doc's meal plan. At one week out, hunger is usually either acid (you should be on acid medication), or "head hunger".. Where you actually are just having cravings, not real hunger. If it's real hunger, a cup of milk or protein shake should take care of it. No worries, in a few weeks the swelling will go down and you'll feel better.

Wow, 6 pounds already! You are doing great! (Bet they are milkshakes in your IV! 😜 ) You have had a tough go of it, for sure. Talking to someone isn't a bad idea.. Let some of the pressure out... (Hugs) Just take everything one day at a time, and be kind to yourself. Get a massage or your nails done. Rent a movie. Enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. You are strong. You just have to hold on, ride out this tough patch, and one day soon you'll be sorted out and back to living the easy life. If it requires another surgery, you'll do just fine with that too. I have faith in you! Your journey has had lots of steep mountains to climb, but you've come this far, and climbed that many. What is one or two more? So happy your tpn is doing such a good job for you!

A hematoma is basically a blood blister. Since they cut veins during the surgery, I imagine they could be pretty common. Hopefully it's no big deal, and it will resolve on its own. Sometimes they can be big enough to need draining. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I agree. I look in the mirror, and can't see a difference in my belly, but my measurements have changed, as have my clothing sizes. The mirror lies, so we need other ways to measure progress. 64lbs is good! If you aren't at goal, keep on going

The past is behind you, but let's learn from it, so you can keep moving forward. Did it make you feel happier to stay home, or less happy? There is no right or wrong answer here. For some people, the stress and anxiety of going out would have made them much happier to stay home. Others would be sad about "missing out". Once you wrap your head around what makes YOU tick, you'll be able to figure out how to BE happier. For me, going out to eat is about the conversation and fellowship, not about what is going into peoples' mouths. For others it IS all about the food. We are all different, and sometimes we don't know what will make us happy or uncomfortable until we are in that situation. So.. like I said. Use this as a learning experience to help you learn how to make you happy

Your symptoms started at 8 weeks postop, and the problem might have taken a few days to manifest. So it was within the 2 month window. Hopefully it isn't a leak, but prepare yourself mentally that you may need a stent. Good luck!!!

I was also going to recommend strapping a pillow on your belly. If he's apt to REALLY kick you, you'll need something solid akin to body armor. (You'd want it even without surgery!) I used to care for a 84 year old alzheimers patient. Dude would punch, kick, and the like..with all his might..and he was STRONG. If your son was like that, I would strap HIS feet down while I was hanging out with him to keep me safe. I know restraints are frowned upon, but at some point... You wouldn't have to be mean about it.. play "mummy" and wrap him all up. it's gonna be for about a month or 6 weeks that you need to take extra care.

Hello, and welcome! You are gonna do great! Surgery can be painful, and your emotions will be all over the place post op. Just take it all one step at a time, and you'll be healed up before you know It!

You had surgery a year ago and haven't lost weight? Or do you mean something else?