Ready4theday

I absolutely understand! I had to do the same - 2 weeks of liquids pre-op, then 2 weeks of liquid post-op. I was so sick of protein shakes! Have you tried thinning out some yogurt? Soups? I finally got some clear protein drinks (lemonade and kiwi & berry from the Bariatric Pal store) and they were a nice break from the sweet protein shakes. I'd also mix a little sugar-free Hershey's syrup with my fair life milk to make high-protein chocolate milk. Hang in there! You'll make it! Make sure you're staying hydrated. That will keep you full longer. On my 3rd week post-op, I was able to have pureed foods and could definitely tell a difference in my energy level (a lot more energy!). Refried beans and little cheese were my go-to food as well as unflavored protein powder mixed with mashed potatoes thinned out with Fairlife milk, with a little cheese. Those were really good and filling. Today (week 5), I begin soft foods. I had some sliced turkey breast and avocado for lunch and my pouch has been ok with it so far. Stick with it! You'll get there and it will be worth it!! HW 280 CW 254 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

My surgery was Aug. 24th and at my 2-week post-op visit, I had lost 14 lbs. I was so excited. Yesterday, I was 4 weeks post op and I've only lost 4 more lbs. (for a total of 18 lbs. since surgery). I had hoped to lose another 10 lbs at least by now! I'm getting in an avg of 900 calories per day and my surgeon says thatxs perfect since the greater part of my protein is coming from real food rather than protein shakes and supplements. I have my 4-week post-op visit next week (which will be more like 5 weeks post-op) and I'm anxious about what my surgeon is going to say about my minimal weight loss. [emoji52] HW 280 CW 256 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

I'm 3 weeks post-op and my incisions aren't bad at all. I've been using Aquaphor on them since the surgical glue wore off (about 9 days post-op). I have 6 incisions, but 3 are very small - less than 1cm - on R and L sides, and upper center. Today I started using Bio-oil on them, as many recommend to prevent scarring. And I had gastric bypass, not the sleeve. ( HW 280 CW 256 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

Thanks Krissy22blue! What you're describing is a lot like how I feel! I have 3 flights of stairs in my townhome and each one feels like a small mountain. The 1 and only trip I've made to the grocery store wore me out. I'm post-op day 12 today and I had a couple bites of scrambled egg last night. I just needed some protein that wasn't liquid or jello! Very glad to hear you're feeling better already. That gives me hope! [emoji4] HW 280 CW 261 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this. I've been through something similar when my boss was unexpectedly laid off. It's a scary and stressful time. But rest assured that you will still be able to keep your health insurance! Under federal law, you must be given the opportunity to enroll in COBRA. It probably won't be cheap, but you can still have surgery and continue your coverage. It shouldn't have any impact on your surgery at all. Another thought is that the HR dept must be very careful about what they say (or what is communicated to you) in these situations. In my experience, they won't lie to you and say there won't be any changes if it isn't true. Instead, you'd most likely have less information than you already do if there were more cuts coming your way. Still, I understand the uncertainty of the whole situation, but seriously doubt they'd tell you that and then turn around and do something else in your meeting. Hang in there. Sending positive energy your way!! [emoji5] HW 280 CW 263 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

That's awesome! And while I can relate to the bittersweet feeling of giving away almost new clothes (or even clothes with the tags still on them!!), it's great to know they're going to such a good cause. [emoji3] HW 280 CW 263 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

Can you have avocados? Nut butter? Greek yogurt? I've also been having luck with Genepro - it's such a small amount of powder for 30g of protein. It mixes well with nearly everything and has very little taste.

Thank you so much James. I appreciate your thoughtful reply. I didn't consider low iron being a factor since I'm taking Bariatric Advantage crystallized vitamins. I checked the container today and was stunned to see that there is NO IRON in the formula I bought! It doesn't include calcium citrate, so I have no idea why iron would be omitted. So I just took one of my women's multivits that I'd taken in the past. I'll be ordering another formula soon so that I'm not missing the iron I need. Thanks again! HW 280 CW 263 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

I'm post-op day 8 and am doing well, but feeling extremely fatigued. Everything takes effort. I had to take a break while putting sheets on the bed earlier today! I'm getting in 65-80g of protein each day, 50-70 oz of fluids and taking my multivitamins. I've been able to do this for the past 4 days and I'm not physically hungry. I will note that I'm now starting week 4 of the full liquid diet (had to do it 2 weeks pre-op as well). While keeping track of my protein and fluid intake (via My Fitness Pal), I've noticed that I'm only getting 550-700 calories per day - and that's even counting my 3 calcium citrate chews! I can't help but wonder if the low calorie intake is what's contributing to my fatigue. And forget about exercise - I can hardly make it through an entire shower without needing to sit down. This just doesn't seem right to me. Have others had the same issue? Obviously, I'm not expecting to be getting anywhere near "normal" caloric intake, but I thought maybe 800-900 calories would be closer to what I should be getting at this point? Does anyone know? HW 280 CW 263 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

Glad to hear you're feeling better!

If it were me, I'd go to a nearby urgent care. I understand not wanting to mess up your surgery, etc. but you need to be healthy! Stay hydrated no matter what. Even if the water just comes back up. Dehydration will get you a hospital stay quicker than you think. I'm no medical professional. Full stop. But if it were me having those symptoms, I'd guess it was some type of food poisoning or allergic reaction. Hang in there.

You look great! Congrats!!

I brought my own long bathrobe which was great for walking the halls post-op (to throw over the peek-a-boo butt gown!). Make sure the sleeves are loose enough because you'll have an IV. Didn't have any problems with mine. I also brought my slip-on crocs so I didn't have to walk in socks everywhere. Both were a lifesaver. I agree with others on the lip balm! Very glad I had that, too. HW 280 CW 266 SW 274 DOS 8/24/17

Just had surgery last Thurs. I take an antidepressant (for MDD) and my surgeon had me stop it only the day of surgery and for 3 days afterward. Since it takes a while to build up in the system, she wasn't concerned about it being depleted after just a few days. Since I couldn't crush it and it's not a capsule I can open, she just wanted to be sure my stomach would tolerate it once I did take it. I started taking it again Mon. and so far have had no problems. I just make sure to have some milk, soup or protein shake in my pouch and not take it on an empty stomach. I also talked with my psychiatrist about it prior to surgery and he said I'd stay on the same dose until I come back for my next check up with him in late Sept. He didn't anticipate needing to change the dose due to surgery. Hope this helps. Best of luck to you all! HW 280 CW 267 SW 274 (8/24/17) GW 150

Admitted @ 730am for 10 am surgery on Thurs, Discharged by 2pm Fri. RNYGB, no complications or vomiting, able to keep fluids down and void (urine/gas). I also walked a good bit post-op evening, as well as the next morning. HW 280 CW 267 SW 274 (8/24/17) GW 150