KatFight

Hi. My incisions were itchy but I didn't develop hives like I see in your pic. I used Aveeno anti-itch cream which helped. Similar to Benadryl cream that FluffyChix mentioned. I had hives years ago and my allergist advised me to take Benadryl tablets. I'm not dispensing medical advice just sharing my experience and if it helps, that's great. Sure hope you feel better soon. And, by the way, I'm from MD too. Cecil County.

Thank you for your opinion. I may have to go for the banana then. I see you've done very well since you're surgery. Congratulations on your significant weight loss. I have a lot to lose and it's encouraging to see your progress.

I'm so glad you're feeling better. Although I haven't had a similar experience with pain meds making me feel worse, I believe it happens to some people and your experience is proof of that. My pain was managed with liquid Tylenol here and there and a large ice pack. For those who need more, there's "no need to be a hero" (a line my obstetrician once said to me).

Hi. My dietary guidelines were 2 days clear liquids after surgery followed by 2 weeks of full liquids then 2 weeks of puréed food. The following month is soft foods and the next month is solids. Is your plan similar?

That's thrilling! Great job and congratulations Joanna. You are getting it done!

Oh, I use Premier Protein which has 30g of protein per 11 oz. box. I couldn't drink it all at once. Id have a couple of oz. in the morning then in the afternoon and then at night. You may have already heard of them or are using them. Costco sells them.

Hi. Sounds like your really having a tough time right now. It will get better. I had sleeve surgery three weeks ago and I'm still having problems hitting my daily fluid and protein goals. When I saw my surgeon and nutritionist a week ago I was between 28-35g protein and around 18-24 oz. fluid. It was work to get that much in a day. Since then, I have increased my fluid intake (not to goal though) and I'm still working on increasing protein. So, be gentle on yourself. You can only fit in what you can given you're only 12 days post-op. If your fluids are so low that you're dehydrated then you need to call your doctor or go to the Emergency Room. What I found pleasant-tasting was boxed chicken broth. Eventually, I had sugar-free Popsicle-brand popsicles and sugar-free jello and pudding (they tasted too sweet at first). You may have already tried these things. If not, are they worth a try? Wishing you better days ahead.

Hi. I had sleeve surgery on 12/28/17. My BMI was in the 50s so I have to take Lovenox. I was in the hospital for 22 hours so I had 1 shot there. I was prescribed 1 shot daily for 30 days. I was nervous about giving them to myself so my husband was giving them to me until one day when we forgot to do it at the scheduled time. I remembered a little while later and had to inject myself. It wasn't so bad. Since then, I've injected myself a handful of times. You'll be okay.

Patients post for lots of reasons. Some want to run what they're experiencing by other people who have gone through the process and others want to share their progress and/or success. I'm happy to hear nothing has gone wrong for you. My surgeon said that it's 50/50 - some patients go through surgery and post-surgery with ease and some don't. Those who don't may have vomiting, extreme nausea, and may express higher levels of pain. Some have an easier time with the diet progression and some don't. I'd say you're lucky. Best wishes as you continue on your Bariatric adventure. You're first pick won. I'm rooting for Minnesota too. Fingers crossed.

Hi Marieanna. First appointment on Friday - how exciting! For me, my insurance required 3 months of nutrition classes if I went to a specific hospital and 6 months of nutrition classes if I went to a different specific hospital. I did not know this information before selecting the hospital I chose. I chose the hospital I preferred and then found out I was required hto have only 3 months (all 6 mos of sessions were squeezed in to 3 mos) before surgery. There was a mistake by one of the offices that put me behind in getting all of my clearances done within that 3 months. Everything was done except my pulmonary clearance which can take longer if it's determined you have sleep apnea. My approval came just over 2 weeks after being submitted. Then I saw my surgeon and started the pre-op diet on 12/14/17, 2 weeks before my surgery. So, I had surgery a little over 5 months from my first appointment with the surgeon. I hope your appointment on Friday goes well.

Wow! That's amazing. Did you find some fun clothes?

Linus, Congratulations on nearly meeting your goal weight so quickly. Your family must be in shock to see such a fast transformation and likely believe they are looking out for you when they suggest that you slow down. You're getting your protein in; watching your carb intake; and have your new tool - your sleeve - so you may have to pat yourself on the back when you keep the weight off this time. Your mindset seems to be on point so I think you've got this. Not sure which football team you're rooting for (I'm guessing you're watching since you once played football), but enjoy the games.

Hi. I had sleeve surgery 12/28/17 and it was smooth sailing until this past Tuesday or Wednesday. That's when I felt a major drop in energy and became beyond exhausted. (I live with chronic pain & fatigue that leaves me exhausted regularly and this was reminiscent of my worst days.) I'm also experiencing daily nausea (had just a few fleeting moments within first 5 days home) and diarrhea. You may not (I hope not) experience this at all. I was surprised by my own experience so I wanted to answer your post. Wishing you only great days.

kakatlady612 - I'll bet you're right. Your grandmother would be in the balcony applauding you and encouraging you. We are fortunate in our lives to know love. My Mom passed away in 2011. She had lost over 100 pounds through the principles of OA and I've wondered what her reaction would be about my surgery. I keep remembering holding her hand in the middle of the night when she could no longer communicate verbally toward the end and saying, "I'm going to go to the living room. If you'd like me to stay, squeeze my hand if you can and I'll stay." She lightly squeezed my hand. I know if she were here and I needed her, she'd say, "I'll stay."

Nubbinsd22, GassyGurl, Allie589, and New Beginnings2018 - thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It's reassuring to know this is to be expected and reminded that my body is adjusting. So glad to have this community.

I hope you like them. I'd have a tough time with chewables or capsules/pills.

BariatricPal sells multi-vitamin patches, some include calcium and have the iron needed as well. I've used them since a couple of months before surgery. Maybe they'll be a good for you too.

According to my surgeon, "You're doing great if you lose 2 pounds a week." She didn't want me to expect too much at one time and be disappointed. She said that at my 2-week post-op since I had lost 17 lbs since December. I wish your NUT and DR were less critical toward you. The last thing you need is guilt when only so much is in your control. I had a week of no weight loss the second week after surgery. It was and is very frustrating. 10 lbs./month x 10 months = pretty incredible weight loss. You may have to school them lol Wishing you continued success.

Thank you for your encouragement. It's reassuring to know that you experienced a major shift that third week too. I've been in bed most of the day today and all day yesterday. Finally up and moving. Woo hoo! Congratulations on your weight loss. It's amazing.

Thank you. I'll keep aiming for protein and fluid goals. Glad to hear it will get better. Been using patch vitamins because I was concerned about increased nausea (thanks).

Hi. I had sleeve surgery on 12/28/17. I'm also having a tough time getting enough water (and protein) in. My doctor's guideline is fluids 30 min before a meal or 30-60 min after a meal. Between the fluids and trying to get regular food in, I'm getting 24-32 ounces in per day. Part of the reason is that I feel full for awhile after eating and it's hard to add anything more. I'm eating 1 t. - 1 T. over 20-30 min. I saw my surgeon and dietician who said that my fluid consumption is ok for now (of course, I have to keep trying to get more in). By the way, I like your username - it's very pretty.

It does feel like an eternity. I didn't think I'd ever get my surgery date. Yeah, you're right about the weather. There is a walking program DVD and Ondemand in some areas by Leslie Sansone. I haven't done it in a long time and it can feel boring at times but it's an option for me. If I remember correctly, there is a one mile walking program and a three mile. I'm rooting for you and hoping your six months goes by quickly.

My husband, like Creekimp13 (congratulations on 25 years together), has been very supportive and positive. He was happy after surgery. I said, "you're so happy and I'm the one who had the surgery." Part of it was being done with that part of this wls adventure and the other part was pure emotion. It was great to see how much it meant to him to come this far. He has embraced me at every size.

Hi. There were moments for me that felt long and the process was frustrating sometimes (one of the doctor's offices was poorly run, I'll leave it at that). The nutrition education was positive (thought I'd dread it because of weigh-ins) because of what I learned and because my nutritionist was an encouraging presence throughout the process. When impatience strikes, maybe taking a walk, calling an understanding friend or family member, going to a weight loss surgery support group, or writing in a journal/blogging about it will help. I had surgery 12/28 and I couldn't believe it actually was all done. As time ticks by, you'll find yourself closer and closer to the 6 month mark and when you get there it will feel like a real achievement. Surgery can be the trophy.

Hi. I agree with Creekimp13. A doctor, psychiatric nurse practitioner (that's who I see), or a pharmacist are qualified to answer your concern. People with bipolar disorder have had sleeve surgery (had mine 12/28). As you know, we're all individuals so a medical professional can take a look at your individual situation to let you know whether a sleeve surgery will still allow you to be stable. You're not alone in the process - even if you're at the beginning getting answers to your concerns.