BuddyD

Five holes. Two small and three large. Did anyone else have bruising around two of the large ones? I think the camera and extra stomach came out of the one on my right side.

The surgeon replaced mine one week after surgery. I said removing them was the most painful part of the whole process. The replacement strips started peeling and sticking to my shirt one week later, so took them off. Healing quickly and the sensitivity under my shirt is gone three weeks after surgery.

I met with my NUT yesterday, 12 days after surgery. Previously she had told me that she would have my vitamins for me, but oops, the only store that sells them in Guadalajara is out and doesn't know when they'll be in stock. She suggested I go to GNC for calcium citrate and D and double my centrum multivitamin. I'll get a B 12 blood test on Monday. I had to go to three stores and drive an hour away before I found the vitamins close to what I need. Amazon U.S. doesn't ship these vitamins to Mexico. Amazon Mexico doesn't carry them. Costco doesn't carry them, so.... I'm asking if everyone is taking vitamins long term. I'm reading that they are needed for life, perhaps. I'm going to be in the states in June and I'm wondering if I should buy a one year supply so I don't have to go through this every time I need vitamins. Thank You for any advise.

I had surgery last Tuesday and I've "eaten" out four times already. It's how we socialize. The hospital gave me a tote bag with their name on the outside. I bought a plastic container. I order what the husband would like to eat for leftovers. When the food comes I immediately place it in the container and in the tote. Waiters can see the hospital logo and can deduce that I have a medical condition. I've found that they don't understand my need to sip a lot of water and after taking my plate, forget to refill my water glass, so I bring my own bottle as a backup because I get parched quickly. I found pre op that if I order and don't eat the food the waiter is insistent on knowing what was wrong. Another positive, no take out containers in the trash.

I started the processes last year, but dropped out because I didn't care for the team that was selected for me. (I live in Mexico and we had communication and location issues). At that time I told everyone that I was considering surgery and It brought out the negativity in many, the useless comments from some and my closest friends and family knew me well enough to know that I've struggled with my weight for 25 years. I've tried all the diets. I've yo-yo dieted with success and setbacks due to injuries and medical issues. This year I wasn't sure the new team nearer to my home would work, but they've been wonderful. Remembering the people with hurtful and worthless comments from last year I've only told the closest of my friends and my husband. Only the supportive people are around me now. When to tell my mother is an issue. She has recognized that I've lost weight. I haven't told her that it's the pre-op diet. She'll figure it out when I stop dining out with friends the first month after surgery. She'll be OK with apprehension.

April 17 assuming I can lose another 10 pounds in the next month. I'm cleared by the surgeon, cardiologist, endocrinologist, psychologist and dietitian. Still have the endoscopy, but had one last year with no problems. I've been so busy worrying about the pre-op diet that I haven't had time to worry about the surgery.