nibble

I asked my surgeon how many patients don't make it out of surgery. He said EVERYONE makes it out of surgery! They are not going to operate on someone who is too much of a risk or medically compromised. And I have the greatest respect for the anesthesiologists who keep us appropriately sedated during the procedure. Share your fears and concerns with everyone connected with your process. They will ally your fears. They understand. I also realized that all the hoops you must jump through are building confidence for both you and your surgeon that there will be a good outcome - they want success as much as you do. Every clearance you get just boosts the confidence level. Perhaps you can talk to a therapist about it, or perhaps they would prescribe something to help you relax if it is truly debilitating. You don't want to get in the way of your own journey.

You certainly did!!

Thanks, J - I'd forgotten to check Pinterest. You're right, you can fritter away the whole day there! It's a fascinating place to wander around, though. And yes, the differences in protocol from one program to another are amazing. I wish I knew the rationale behind all the different programs. Seems like the programs would be more standardized across the board.

I guess I missed that recipe - can someone provide a link to it? Thanks!

Once I got to Stage 4 (that would be today, 2 weeks post-op) my NUT said I could have the seeds in strawberries and raspberries, also flax seed meal and ground chia seeds. I can add them to yogurt, smoothies and pureéd soups. The added variety is simply wonderful. I will probably never eat jello again!

From my program's nutrition booklet:

Ohhh, thank you for these!!!

https://www.livestrong.com/article/404539-muscle-cramps-in-the-legs-and-nutritional-deficiencies/

You have great "rules" for yourself, Creekimp! I will try to incorporate some of those. In our class we were told our weight loss is 80% diet, 20% exercise. Post-op we are to walk 10min 4x daily. After that, as the healing continues, just keep doing a little more than the day before until we can do the exercises of choice. Flexibility and stretching are important first. Things like yoga may be too much stress on the healing stomach and incisions initially. And of course, if it hurts, STOP. Your New Rules are not as humorous as Bill Maher's, but they are wise!

Missouri Lee - I'm sure you've tracked when the cramping comes, after certain activity, only at night, etc. but I've had muscle pains greatly relieved by moist heat. if you don't have a bathtub to soak in, put a damp towel in the microwave and wrap your leg in that to see the effect. If nothing else, it sure feels good! You've explored other possible vitamin deficiencies that could contribute? Sometimes it not the dosage, but the timing of them in conjunction with other vitamins. I cannot take calcium for at least 2 hrs after my vitamin+ iron - the iron won't be absorbed by the system. What does your medical team have to offer for this conundrum?

I'm also a borg now, with two titanium knee joints. Haven't had the toe fusion as yet. Interesting issues, these leg cramps -- only in the calves?

Good one! I love all these -- keep 'em comin'

Hi Missouri Lee! I'm curious if those leg cramps are like what joggers might get from lactic acid buildup in their calves and they have to lean over to stretch the hams to release it. Are you injesting more dairy now with the whey protein, etc? My med issue was what to take in place of Celebrex for arthritis now that NSAIDS are a no-no. Then my dr said Curcumin - now FDA approved for arthritic pain. It's tumeric, related to ginger. 1 teaspoon per day or purchased capsules. I'm researching it now -- of course!

I had read (livestrong.com maybe?) that our systems can process about 8-10g protein an hour. It seems logical to me to spread the protein intake throughout the day, hence the 6 small meals per day plan my hospital advocates. I just put protein in everything I injest. By end of day I've hit my required 65g daily. I, too hate having my day parceled out into do this with this, and do that with that. But it's temporary, and we all find a rhythm that works for each of us. Had my 1st surgical post-op appt 10 days out from surgery. I was told that in 3-5 weeks I could expect to stop losing weight for up to a 14 day period - that it is normal, and it's just the body adjusting and catching up to itself - so not to worry. I'm glad they said that, or I'd be really upset and confused!!! So far I'm averaging about 1# per day wt loss.

My summary after 1 week: 1. Room temp and warm fluids tolerated best. 2. New stomach did lots of "growling" but rejected nothing. 3. Nausea meds gave me a headache and made me dizzy. 4. Hunger still lives on! Surprised -- didn't expect that at all! 5. Cravings for a graham cracker on day 5, then club crackers on day 6. 6. Advice? Don't try to rush things - slow and steady gets you there. Stay ahead of hunger with proteins. 7. Regrets? Wish I had added 1 tsp Benefiber to each protein drink to avoid constipation. 8. Haven't managed 64oz fluids daily - only up to 48oz 9. Naps are wonderful. 10. Making grocery list for things I can soon have - cottage cheese, V8, creamy soups, spinach added to smoothies, applesauce, etc How does this compare with other experiences after one week?

I use Unjury - my program recommends - but it’s not cheap. They do offer a starter kit so you can try everything.

Your last sentence just answered your Q in my thinking. Make the 2hr trip for almost guaranteed clearance, or risk denial going somewhere else?

Holy smoke, I am awe-struck. You are an inspiration, dude and I applaud your diligence! AMAZING!!!

7 days post-op and I'm wondering about the gurgles, too. Does it want something or is it just whining? I need a new course in deciphering my body language. The sounds seem loud to me! I have felt hunger pangs, though, which was a surprise. Didn't expect that at all. Will things keep changing for a while until everything settles down?

Down the road, you might send him a photo of yourself, before and after, and remind him of his offensive remarks. Don't get mad, get even.

Did your team give you Zofran? In my case I would take the Zofran, wait 10 min, then test with a tiny sip. If it wasn't rejected, I'd try another and so on. If it's plain water you don't like, try it as Crystal Light or some such. What kind of foods can you have at this point? Can you incorporate water into them?

Am bored with the protein shakes and wish to move on to applesauce stage. But I dare not to protect the staple line. Was so hungry Day 6 post-op but Day 7 is better. Put protein in my decaf and that helped also. Will try other broth soups too. Still need daily naps, have occasional pains around incision points but can't complain. Swelling is going down and i have returned to SW now, so hope to see weight loss in ernest from now on. Keep increasing water each day - up to 40 oz yesterday and 60g protein.

Me, too. How are you doing, Yessi?

I tell ya, those pesky insurance folks are annoying! There should be workshops to teach others how to be their own patient advocates.

I know, I know... what is a librarian doing with a BSW and MSW?! Go figure! I was in social work briefly, but the funds were soft and I was a single parent + 3 kids, yadda yadda.....Well, I guess we'll have to share our research adventures in bariatric surgery living. That IS my lifestyle from now on. I can't wait to explore lo-carb/hi-protein cooking and baking down the road in the Kitchen Laboratory! I can't do processed foods, so must make everything. Looks like you are about 4 weeks ahead of me -- maybe you will have some menu or cooking tips at some point. I was just reading about Banza lo carb pasta...