ShelbyMoore

The first week it was very tough - couldn’t do it. I got so worried I phoned the surgical nurse and she told me to keep trying and do the best I can. She assured me it would get easer... and it did. I’m into my second week and I’m meeting my goal. Hang in there, it’ll get easier.

My surgeon said NO to both. I never drank sodas so the No to sodas doesn’t bother me. And I never use a straw - well for many years. The reason I don’t use a straw is that it causes those little wrinkles around our lips from the constant puckering.

I use Genepro Medical Grade Protein powder. I bought it on Amazon.. $30 or $40 , don’t recall, but it has 30 servings in it. Each scoop is approx 30g protein (same as 1 premiere shake) I use a scoop of it and put it in my broth. It has NO taste. Once I move on to more foods I will add it to my yogurt, cottage cheese, anything. When you use it, to avoid clumping, I mix the protein powder in a few oz of liquid first. Mix it well to get rid of any clumps then I add it to my larger portion. I tried it as a recommendation on here from someone else. It works great for me!

My surgery was 8 days ago. I still have bruising on all my incision sites and at the 2 heparin injection sights. The bruising around my belly button is the worse. So your bruising is normal. Your gf is so lucky to not have bruising!

That's good ... mine was the same but I didn't get pudding. Protein makes you feel full so be sure you drink the protein drinks... space them out. I added protein water. It's still a clear liquid and the added protein was beneficial. I missed food but I wasn't hungry. My sleeve was 7 days ago. I am still on liquids. Have not had any food in a long time. I still don't feel hungry. Do I want a piece of toast or a cracker? sure But I can't say I'm "hungry" for it. You can do this. One day at a time.

I agree with poster "temkins". Drink your protein shakes, drink your regular water, drink protein water. Only focus on today. Do not think about the days ahead. Just get through the next hours of the day. Self talk is amazing. Tell yourself what a blessing this surgery will be. Tell yourself you can get through today. What did your surgeon say you can have? What's your pre-op diet choices?

Hannah, You are going to do great! I can see how mentally prepared you are for this wonderful journey. Be sure to let us know how you are doing after you are finished. My thoughts are with you!

Hi Danai, Yay you made it! Congrats! Yes it does feel like the flu. That nausea is tough. I got Zofran as well. It melted under my tongue. It was a life saver.

Hi pdiz, I’m 7 days post op so just a little behind you. I’m still on liquids - broth, popsicles, water, jello, etc, and I got to add non-fat milk at day 4. That non-fat Fairlife milk is delicious and feels so good in me. Like you I’m looking forward to some real food, even if it’s puréed anything. BUT.. what keeps me going is the long term goal! I will struggle a bit now, and can handle it, knowing my not to distant future I will be losing a lot of weight. At what point will your surgeon allow you to add anything? Are you just days from that? Look at the big picture. Focus on how good you are going to feel. Read the success stories of others. They really are motivating to me. I wish you success!

I’m currently 7 days out with the sleeve. I had a drain in while in the hospital. It was removed the 2nd day upon my discharge. I took 2 weeks off. I do mainly a desk job and if I had to I could go back today I could have but it would have been difficult. I am swallowing a bit better but still on just fluids. I am getting all my protein in and staying hydrated. My stomach area is still a bit sore. I can’t say that I’m that fatigued. BUT... I’m so thankful I took that 2nd week. I would highly recommend taking at least 2 weeks off. One week is too soon.

Has anyone tried Barimelts? You can find them at Barimelts.com. I haven’t tried them yet but will probably be ordering some from them.

I had the nausea and dry heaves after I came home. As long as I stayed on top of the Zofran I felt a lot better. I’m at day 5 and the nausea is all gone. Thankfully. I hope you feel better soon.

Oh they did a hernia repair on me too. I didn’t know I had it. Surgeon saw it when he went in and fixed it. So that’s why my breast bone area hurts when I swallow. I didn’t know that. It’s funny how surgeons are so different regarding milk. I was told when I was still in the hospital that I can add nonfat Fairlife protein milk when I add my protein shakes. I’m very thankful for the milk. It’s helping.

Day 2 and 3 were my worse. My pain is when I sip. It’s right under my breast bone.. right in the middle. I constantly took my pain meds right on time which limited the pain. I couldn’t keep down the liquid pain meds they send me home with so what I do now is take my Tylenol pills and crush them to a power, mix them with some protein water (2 tablespoons) and slowly get it down. It takes me over an hour to get my crushed Tylenol down but I do it. I feel so much better after my Tylenol kicks in. Today I’m day 5 and most of that pain is gone. I’m down 7 lbs from surgery day. We can do this!! I hope you feel better soon!

I’m on day 5 today and it’s much easier getting my protein in. I struggled day 3 and phoned the nurse. I barely got anything down because it hurt under my breast bone as if the liquid was getting stuck. The nurse told me to just keep trying as it would get easier. Day 4, yesterday was much easier and I was able to finish 2 protein shakes! Today I had a premiere protein shake for breakfast which takes several hours to get.down. I also had about 3 oz of Fairlife nonfat milk - that tasted delicious. Then for lunch I had broth from homemade broth soup which I cooked carrots, celery and other veggies in. I then strained it using cheese cloth and drank just the broth. I added 1 scoop (30 gr protein) of Genepro medical grade protein powder (which doesn’t change the taste). It tasted so good! The broth will be my dinner too. I feel so much better today. Days 2-3 were pretty rough going and am glad I’m past that. Scdaniec...hang in there. It’ll get better. But if you seriously are lacking in the fluids you should phone the surgery nurse.

Hi jcb, I'm sorry you felt miserable like me. In hindsight I should have stayed in the hospital. It seems I read on here how well everyone was doing right after surgery but I was miserable. I just want others to know that it can be a very difficult process. Today I'm at day 4. I felt miserable when I woke up but once I got moving around I feel better. I stay on top of my anti-nausea medication. So far I've gotten 1 1/2 protein shakes and I added some nonfat Fairlife milk (3oz) so I could have a different taste. The milk tastes good. The main issue I'm having is when I drink a "sip" I feel tightness under my breastbone.. it's kind of painful. I tap, tap, tap it hoping the pain will go away. I do as much walking as I can.. it's not much.. but it's something. Each day is a pinch better. I'm looking forward to feeling better tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon too!

Hi Karen, I’m sorry you went through this too. Today I was able to finish one premiere protein shake and some water. I got close to my hydration goal. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll get two shakes down.. I feel a little better today and my hopes are each day I improve. Like you said I can’t imagine doing this outpatient. I see your surgery was about a month before mine. I hope you are doing well and your weight is progressing as you had hoped.

Hi NixNichi, You look amazing! I can see all the hard work you are doing is paying off big time. You’re an inspiration! Tomorrow is my surgery day... and with Dr. Belzberg! I saw your review of him and it made me feel good. He seems like such a caring Dr. Keep up the good work!!

Hi Tasha! Mine is tomorrow as well! I have to be there by 7:15am. How is your clear liquid diet going?

I have a question, which may sound silly, but ... my surgery is tomorrow. So I’m on clear liquids. I know all the regular clear liquid stuff but can I have protein water? It looks clear but I can’t find anywhere where it says protein water is ok or not. It’s not mentioned. I think some added protein will help me get through this. So.. what’s the deal with protein water on the day before surgery? Thanks a lot!

M.A., I’m so sorry this happened to you. I’m just like you.. in that... I want no one to know. I’m very private as well. My husband knows and that’s all. I’ve reminded him often not to tell and I think he won’t. He told me he had to tell work why he was taking a few days off and he said he told them I was having surgery but didn’t specify why. My surgery is tomorrow and so far my husband has kept his word... that I know of. Some may tell you it’s no big deal, but it is a big deal that he told. All you can do is be honest with him about your feelings. Let him know you are hurt that he didn’t respect a wish of yours - something that was important to you. I’m sure you already told him but it’s important that no matter what he feels you want him to hear YOUR feelings. Maybe you won’t have to deal with his business partner in the future. Your mother-in-law I’m sure you’ll see more often. If they talk about it, I would minimize the conversation. I won’t expand on it unless you want to. Sometimes if the conversation is shut down people get the hint and move on. Most importantly, you need to focus on yourself. You are doing this for you, your health. I wish you the best!!

Hi Danai and MissT... My surgery is this coming Monday - Oct 23rd! It's been a long wait and I'm ready to go. I've been enjoying my chicken broth, popsicles, chamomile tea and protein water. I took two weeks off of work to recover. I'm excited for all of us.

I’m in Orange County and having my sleeve surgery on Monday (10/23/17)! Yikes! I’m going through Kaiser’s program. I did all the required classes and am all set to go. If anyone has an questions with Kaiser’s process feel free to ask me. My surgery will take place at Kaiser’s hospital in Harbor City. My surgeon is Dr. Belzberg.

hillnicole.... You had your surgery? Wow.. congrats! Are you overnighting it in the hospital? You feeling any stomach area pains? I'm excited for you! My surgery is next Monday... I'm getting nervous.

I’m happy for you! My turn is a week from Monday.... I’m starting to get nervous. But you saying you’re feeling better after a week calms my nerves. I wish you much success.. your are off to a great start!