Lisa K.

Powerful message! I hope to be sensible about this whole new world I've joined. It's a learning process and I'm trying to absorb and seek out as much knowledge as I can.

The Levsin helped me a lot. Also, it's normal to be sore for a while. Think of all the muscles they had to poke through to get the laparoscope into your abdomen. It will lessen day by day and some days may be worse than others. The first week was definitely the worst and then I saw slow and steady improvement.

My surgeon required me to wear it for two weeks prior to surgery and to bring it to the hospital. If not, they would have canceled my surgery.

This is a true case of "a picture is worth a thousand words!" You really look great!!

My surgeon and NUT said to wait until my stomach has healed and then I can add in small amounts of coffee. I never thought I could stand life without coffee but I didn't miss it like I thought I would. I was spending a fortune at Starbucks preop and it is nice breaking that habit!

Even slight dehydration can make you feel much worse than normal. I was dehydrated the first two days and once I got my hydration levels up, I felt much better. The pain eases slowly and one day you'll get up and realize a new day has dawned and you are feeling stronger. Rest, walk when you can, drink ALL you can. Hugs and prayers.

That's amazing! You really look great! Congrats!!!

Gastric sleeve patients can experience dumping syndrome. It's like someone said above, it can actually happen to anyone but occurs most frequently in those who have had gastric surgery.

Great job! I'm glad you're doing so well!

I also had this response to sugar. It was from the sugar in a protein shake. It hit me after about 20-30 minutes and I was sick for hours. Cycles of diarrhea, dry heaves, then being very faint. I NEVER want to feel that bad again. It made a believer of me when it comes to sugar!!

That is a terrifying story! I'm 15 days out and really hope to avoid this complication. Thanks for helping us to know what to watch for and I'm glad you are doing so much better!!

My doctor prescribed Colace (docusate) to be taken twice per day for the first 10 days. It helped a lot.

All you can do is your best. Keep pushing yourself when you can but also rest and take care of yourself. Fluids are still my biggest nemesis. So hard to reach my daily goal for fluids. Protein is a little easier because I add the powder to just about anything I drink. It gets better!

Cammee, I hope you're doing well after your surgery!!

Great job! It sounds like you've got this locked down if you're able to drink your fluids that well!!

Of course the first thing we will all say is to walk like crazy. Even when it hurts. But the other thing is slow and steady sipping of your fluids. It sounds easy to get enough fluid but it's required a very constant awareness on my part to drink when I'm not thirsty. I got pretty dehydrated two days postop and I felt horrible. Stay hydrated!!!

The Mayo Clinic diet looks very interesting and I think it would be something my husband would be happy to follow with me. He's not overweight but has hypertension and high cholesterol and a strong family history of cardiac issues. He likes to eat healthy and this would make it a team effort!

At the end of my preop high protein liver shrinker, my BUN jumped up to 26. It scared me because I used to work in a dialysis unit and I really want healthy kidneys. I hope once I'm healed and eating more normally that I'll be able to eat plenty of protein with some complex carbs to balance that out a bit. But I have to say that at two weeks postop, carbs make me very sick and I am scared to even try them now!

I planned my surgery so that I could have it during my summer time off (I teach). I'm two weeks out and I probably could survive working but I am still having to focus and work hard to get my fluids and protein. I'm also pretty easily fatigued at this point.

Girl, we've all heard those comments too and it does hurt. I'm with you--is it jealousy, concern, rudeness? I am 53 years old and decided to quit giving people any power over me due to their own emotional struggles with my decision. I have struggled with obesity for 30 years. My loved ones and friends are all very supportive and I'll just be satisfied with that. There will be a ton of support on this forum. Maybe tell them you decided to take control of your life and be proactive. If that doesn't shut them down, make it clear that you are firm in your decision and that you would appreciate any support they'd like to offer, but that the decision is made. Period.

I'm 12 days post-op and feeling pretty good. Definitely get tired more easily than I used to but I'm sure my body will adjust. I work on the protein and fluid requirements constantly but still don't always hit my goal. I'm running out of protein ideas and the shakes have made me sick twice now.

I love the convenience of them. Also not having to take a handful of supplements.

I'm 11 days out and getting my 64 oz of fluids per day has been the absolute hardest part for me. My surgeon/NUT count protein shakes as well so that helps some. I haven't gotten over 50 oz. ever and most days I get around 45 oz. I'm like you--trying but there is just not enough time or space in there yet!

I hope you feel better once you're home. Don't be afraid to take your pain and nausea meds when you need them. I felt pretty rough the first two days but started feeling like myself on the third day. Your full-time job now is to get your fluids down. Keep us posted!

How did your swallow study go? I hope you're starting your clear liquids and heading home!