ShelbyMoore

I constantly have pop-ups too and they are very frustrating. Every few “seconds” I see a pop up of every purchase made along with a small photo of the product. Cynthia in Tampa, Florida just purchased . . . ”. “Susan in Syracuse, Indiana purchased... “. “Leah in Jacksonville, Florida purchased .... “. “Catherine in Chelais, Washington purchased . . .” I come to this sight much less often because of those pop-ups.

It was 3 months yesterday and I feel great! I've lost, since my pre-op diet, 55 lbs! The sizes in my clothes have dropped from pants 16 to now I'm wearing 12's. Top XXL to L. I can eat anything now so it's more difficult because I have to make good choices now. For those in the beginning few months embrace that you can't eat much. lol I have to focus on getting my protein in, and when I know I'm short, I have a protein shake or two. I have to work on getting my water in because I just don't seem to have the time to drink all that's required. When I work I'm in meetings most of the day. I carry my water around but find that I have to work at constantly sipping/drinking it. So, bottom line, the water is what I have to focus on. I began this journey in the 250's and am now 191. I have about 20-25lbs to go. Thanks for asking!

I’m not going to sugar coat anything. My surgery was Monday and today is Thursday. While I was in the hopital I felt great. The staff controlled everything I might be feeling through IV medications. My surgeon visited me the morning after my surgery and asked if I wanted to go home. I did because I was feeling great. BUT, after I got home and all the pain and nausea medications wore off I felt miserable. They gave me liquid pain meds but I couldn’t keep them down. I couldn’t keep water down. As soon as anything touched my mouth I began dry heaving. I continued to try sipping but it was horrible. My stomach was bloated and felt like it was full of fluid. I phoned the surgery nurse and she had me send her photos of my stomach. She suggested I keep walking (which is hard when you feel so nauseous) but I did it. So day 2 was a really difficult day. Day 3, today, I feel a little better. I’m keeping up better on my nausea medication. Keeping the nausea down is helping me keep water down. I was on clear liquids for just 2 days and today I get to add my protein shakes. So far I’ve gotten down 1/4 of a premade premiere protein shake. The nurse phoned me a little bit ago and asked how I was feeling. She wants me to track how many oz of liquid I’m getting in. Yesterday I was so sick I didn’t track anything. But I’ll track better today. The nurse asked that I try to get 2 protein shakes in today. She told me again to walk around, even if I do circles in my backyard. My stomach is less bloated than yesterday but still has some bloating. When I walk I have to hold my stomach. I have overall muscle aches, just like when you have the flu. I have no fever. I had minimal gas pains which resolved before I left the hospital. It seems most posts I read others have done so much better. I find this process very difficult but I’m keeping focused on the long term goal. I hope others are doing well.

Hi aberry, I was the same way after surgery. Smells of anything bothered me really bad and NOTHING tasted good. Everything was thrown off. I became nauseous easily and like you said.. I didn’t throw up but felt like I wish I could have. I’m now 7 weeks out and all that is gone. It seemed like the 6 week mark I felt back to normal. All my regular tastes came back and I’m not sensitive to smells either. But I remember those days when it all did... it was horrible. Hang in there and trust it will get better. Do the best you can to get some food in. I averaged 400 - 500 calories a day. I phoned the Drs nurse when I went through it and she told me to eat the best I can but water was the most important. It was important to drink. The nurse told me it would get easier each day and it did. Popsicles were refreshing to me. I had a lot of them. Maybe try a popsicle to see if that gives you a better taste.

I have chosen not to tell anyone except my husband and he respects my decision and I know won’t say anything. I’m a very private person and would never dream of telling others about any medical procedure I’ve had. I also don’t share general personal stuff either. In this forum is the only place I talk about it. It’s a safe place with lots of support and no judging. I’ve had a few people at work comment on my weight loss saying I’m looking good.. They asked how I’m doing it. My reply is that I’ve increased my protein, no more bread, pasta, rice, no more sugar (I quit sugar about 6 months ago) and I’m exercising more. All of that is the truth. I don’t feel I’m lying. My sister had the sleeve done about 5 years ago. She told many people. Some told her it’s an easy way to lose weight and one person actually told her she would die from the surgery a few years down the road. I was appalled. Of course, she became worried. She told me she wished she had kept it private. I have a friend who was sleeved who told her co-workers. She too was judged and wished she hadn’t told. I also hear about many who share their surgery experience and have had no issues with doing that. I think if you decide to share just be prepared for possible negative comments. Many can brush them off and let it go. Some have a more difficult time. It’s a personal choice of whether to tell others. I wish you the best in your journey and much success. Enjoy the process as you gradually slim down.

Hi WhiskeyKisses, I just went through Kaiser So. Calif and had my Sleeve done in Harbor City. I’m 7 weeks post op. I attended 12 classes in the Options Program. That was all the classes - I didn’t miss any. They teach about better nutrition, what eating will be like after one’s sleeved, they explain the various weight loss surgeries, the importance of lifelong vitamins, etc. Toward the middle/end of the classes I met with Kaiser’s social worker for the psych evaluation to be sure I’m mentally prepared and, in her opinion, able to follow the new eating regime. I also had to have certain blood work done and an EKG while I was in the classes. That was it. For me, I’m very happy I did the surgery. I’ve lost about 30 lbs. since surgery but closer to 45 since I began the Options Program. I’m feeling very good. I’m glad your appointment went smoothly. Keep us updated.

Congrats on the 2 months out! I read somewhere that rice expands in the stomach. I’m 7 weeks out and have been afraid to try rice! Now reading your post is another “no rice” message. I plan on skipping rice. Like you it’s no big deal. I’m glad you are feeling great!

My surgeon told me my stomach could only hold 4 oz. So after surgery I weighed each meal, whether mushy food or liquid, and kept it at 3-4 ozs. I never ate more than 4 ounces. At my 6 week post op check I was told my stomach will be able to now hold 4-6 ounces as the swelling inside the stomach should be mostly gone. So now at 7 weeks out I weigh my food and am eating 4 -5 ounces. No more than 5 ounces, ever. I think it would be painful. You should check with your surgeon’s office but I would think, where you are at, you should not consume more than 4 ounces. I wish you the best in your journey.

I’m 6 weeks out and averaging about 525 cal / day. My medical team said not to focus on calories but to be sure I’m getting the required protein and water in. Best of success to you!

I’m 6 weeks out and what you are experiencing is normal. I experienced the same thing. Try slowing down and take smaller “sips”. It will get better. I feel like I can drink somewhat normally now. Nice slow small sips. Best wishes for you and much success!

My Dr told me he’d rather me listen to my body and react to it’s natural pain, if I have any. The binder might make one over do it as it may help minimize pain that some people have. Also, he wants me to work my stomach muscles as I’m able. The binder will hold everything in but it also minimizes using stomach muscles. He said “ don’t be afraid to use your stomach muscles”. Start slow and work up to more as the days progress. I’m 28 days out and had minimal pain after surgery. I began walking the neighborhood 5 days out and continue to walk nearly every day. I slowly work my stomach muscles. I would not want to use a binder.

My surgery date was 10/23. I’m 19 days out. Since surgery I’m down 13lbs. I’m averaging about 500 calories per day (I don’t know how the body survives on that). I’m getting about 75 grams of protein / day (I’m not sure if that’s where I should be). I have 1 or 2 protein shakes a day and high protein foods (eggs, cottage cheese, fish, etc). I think I’m getting all my water but not sure. I actually wake up most mornings at 4am very thirsty. So I start drinking then. I’m sipping all day but tend to forget to measure. I need to get better at that. I seem to be drinking better and taking in a bit larger amounts than a sip, which is nice. I’m on a puréed diet which is going well. I still have not felt hungry since surgery so I eat at normal meal times. I’m loving it that I don’t have hunger pangs. I average about 3-4 oz of puréed food each meal. It’s nice to hear how everyone is doing. We can do this!

You and I have the same surgery date! Yes they are huge. It takes me all day to get them both down. I begin biting off chunks in the morning and go at it all day. I’m afraid to eat it all at once as most people said it makes them sick. So I make sure I have something to eat before I begin the process. I’m hoping it gets easier. The calcium chewable aren’t bad. Other than that I hope you are doing well.

Congrats! I can already see changes! I wish you the best success! Keep up the good work! ( I’m just behind you - my surgery was 10/23. )

I was on clear liquids for two days after surgery. Then beginning day 3 to day 14 I was on liquids - not necessarily clear - so I added protein shakes, Fairlife milk, etc. I’m now on puréed food and will be doing this for one month. I get to move on to more regular food beginning December 6th. So I have to wait about 6 weeks after surgery before I get a salad or anything normal.

Meg. You will love the next stage. I am eating everything you have listed except I haven’t had oatmeal yet. I’m thinking it might need to be grinded like you said.. I just haven’t done it yet. I LOVE Fairlife nonfat protein milk. Sometimes I’ll have a small glass before bed. But like you I mix it in everything I can. You’re going to do great!

Jcb - if you have some white vinegar put a tablespoon in the simmering water before you drop the egg in. It will help keep the egg together in the water. Either way I hope it tastes good for you.

I use Genepro Medical Grade protein powder. I add a scoop of it to certain foods when I need to get my protein in. There is no taste to it. I mix it first in a small amount of liquid to get the clumps out then I mix it in whatever I put it in. I liked premiere choc protein shakes before surgery and still do. I have one a day. I use Genepro protein powder as a fill in. I bought my Genepro Medical Grade protein powder on Amazon. It delivered the same day - I was surprised. It comes in a small bag with 30 servings. I hope that helps.

Tuesday is right around the corner so when you start getting protein you’ll feel better. I couldn’t get enough water in the beginning either. I called the bariatric nurse and she told me to try the best I can and she knows it’ll get easier each day. She did remind me how important fluids are. Dehydration is a serious problem. Be sure you are tracking your liquids. I tracked more carefully and realized I was getting more than I thought. Just keep sipping all the time. Remember the popscicles or whatever you are taking in counts as part of your oz’s of fluids. It’ll get better. The first week is the most difficult. Sip sip sip sip

I had a similar recovery Luv Life. I was fine in the hospital but when I came home and off the IV meds I felt like I had the flu. I had two days of dry heaves. I took my Zofran which helped. After those two days I was fine. Hang in there. I know you’ll feel better soon. And Congrats on the surgery!

You aren’t getting any protein.. no wonder you are so weak. I’m 12 days post op for the sleeve. After surgery I was allowed, chicken broth, jello, popsicles, protein water and protein shakes. I needed to get 60-70 grams of protein a day during the post op liquid stage. I drank my protein shakes and protein water then filled in with the broth, jello, etc. I was able to keep up with my protein and I never felt tired. Maybe you need to call your surgeons office to be sure you aren’t allowed protein shakes. I would at least drink some protein water. I hope you feel better soon! Ok I just saw you asked about the protein. Well, I’m sure thats why you are tired..

I just began puréed stage yesterday. This morning I had a poached egg. I cut it in small bits and ate it. It was deliscious and I felt fine. My surgeon told me to poach it because no grease is used. It’s just pure egg. I hope it changes for you and eggs become more tolerable.

The first day, for me, wasn’t bad at all. They kept me very hydrated and on pain medication through the IV. I didn’t feel bad much at all in the hospital. I just had a small amount of gas pain in my left shoulder area. Some small pain in my abdominal area as if I did too many sit-ups. It was very manageable. I brought pajama bottoms and slipped them on. I just wore the hospital gown for the top. I didn’t want to read and never turned on the tv. I wanted to nap. Also brought a brush, toothbrush, paste, chapstick, facial moisturizer, slippers. Fresh underwear but wore the same clothes home a came in. I’m excited for you! Think positive thoughts. You will do great! Check in here when you feel up to it and let us know how you are doing.

Some questions I asked: How many days in the hospital? Will I have a catheter? How many incisions will I have? Will I have a drainage tube? When is the leak test done? Can I get something to relax me when I arrive at the hospital on surgery day (so you aren’t waiting around and getting anxious)? How long is my pre-op liquid diet? What special diet will I be on the weeks prior to surgery? What medications that I’m currently taking do I need to stop prior to surgery? I hope this helps. I wish you the best.

I’m 10 days out from being sleeved. So here’s my experience. First off I have no idea what my bougie is. I’m meeting w/my surgeon tomorrow so I might ask. I also had a hiatal hernia repair (which I didn’t know it needed repairing). The surgeon found it when inside and fixed it. He said it’s a 1 minute procedure. I was excited the day of surgery. They gave me a relaxer to keep me calm as it’s a few hours of preparing for the actual surgery. I’m glad I had it. It made me feel real comfortable but not drugged up. I don’t even remember being in recovery and faintly remember them wheeling me to my hospital room. First day in the hospital I just wanted to sleep. I felt minimal pain. My only gas pain was in my left shoulder area. I was on IVs which kept me hydrated and how they gave me all my pain meds. I had a button to push if I felt I need more pain medicine. I recall I just kept pushing it when ever I was awake. Again I felt no pain. They brought me a cup of ice chips and some water. I enjoyed the ice chips and took them slowly. After a few hours I was brought broth, jello, diet cranberry juice and a water bottle. I took a few sips of the broth with tasted good and a few sips of the juice. I really just wanted to sleep. I did walk once. The nurses didn’t push it. Surgery day very minimal pain, mainly sleeping. I spent the night. Day 2 I felt great. The surgeon asked if I wanted to go home. I did. By the time I checked out it was late afternoon. First night home I began feeling nauseated. I sipped water the best I could. I slept in my recliner which was more comfortable on my stomach. I was feeling more pain at home because it was difficult to keep my pain meds down. If you have a choice try and stay an extra day in the hospital. They can give you everything via the IV which is great. My second day home I felt like I had the flu. Mainly because of the nausea. I had anti-nausea meds which began to work. It was a small pill that dissolved under my tongue. After that I did great and am still doing great! So I only had 2 days where I felt nauseaous and minimal pain in my abdominal area. I do feel some slight burning pain under my breast bone which I think is the Hiatal hernia repair. It was all very manageable and I’m so happy I’m now sleeved. I’m 10 days out and have no regrets. You will do fine! Think positive thoughts and look down the road at how much better you will feel. Anxiety the days before surgery is normal. I wish you the best. Continue to reach out to this forum, as you just did, for support.