macadamia

Thank you! I used to be a professional photographer working in Chicago. I first read the quote when I was doing that, and it just stuck. My motto for being a photographer is that I want to show the world what I see through my eyes, using my camera. The quote struck a chord with me. Taking photos is awesome! A real passion for me... but doing it for money sucks. I did it professionally for three years. Now, I just take photos for me... I'm much happier.

Trolls can be ignored - they suck, but words are just words... We alone are responsible for making them mean something. I hate the bots. There is software that will automatically scan the entire forum and search for personal information, such as email addresses, phone numbers, addresses, etc. If the site is "registration only" then the bots cannot get in.

That being said, to which I agree, there are parts of this forum that probably should not be accessible to non-registered, non-email verified users. I frequent a few other forums (cars, motorcycles, guns) and each of them has areas within the forum that are not accessible unless you join and get verified.

When I was itchy, they would give me Benadryl which would help a bit for the itching, but only once they took me off of morphine, did the itching actually stop. Keep in mind, Benadryl will make you very very drowsy.

Pain pumps are awesome! I was hospitalized and had abdominal surgery last May and they had me on Fentanyl through the pain pump. Every 8 minutes I was pressing the button. It was wonderful! When I had my another abdominal surgery in August of last year, they had me on morphine through the pain pump. This did not work for me and I itched all over while taking it. They think I may be allergic to morphine. It was all better when they switched me to Dilaudid. Much stronger so I received it less often, but it worked with no itching. I stayed on that until I could take oral pain meds again. Keep it up!

Chocolate is my favorite of the premier protein shakes. Right now, they have them at Sam's Club for $12.66 for a pack of 12 until Sunday, June 15, limit 3 per membership. I bought my three last night. Their regular price of $16.66 for a 12 pack is less per unit ($1.39 each) than the Costco price of $28.99 for an 18 pack ($1.61 each). The only other flavor of Premier protein shakes I've tried is the strawberries and cream. It was ok, but not as good, IMO, as chocolate. BTW, I lost over 11 pounds the first week of my pre-op diet. I weigh in again Friday to see what I have lost in week two. Good luck to you! You can do it!!!

Ok, got it! I understand now - thanks!

So, was this dumping? I saw that you were negative for kidney stones, but I'm not sure the consensus from the responders was that this was dumping... Or, am I incorrect? I'm still pre-op, so I have no idea...

Good for you!

Well said! The only thing I would like to add is something my surgeon said to me: It's a marathon, not a 100-yard dash.

Great job so far! Keep it up! I imagine each surgeon has their own way of preparing the patient for surgery. I also think that each patient's initial lab work has a lot to do with how the surgeon proceeds. I'd ask the next time you see your team (or call them). I'm on my second surgeon and both of them and their teams have been willing to answer any question I have. It has been my experience that the only stupid questions are the ones that go unasked...

My one-month pre-op diet is very similar to this. The only difference is I can have fruit or veggies with the protein shakes.

I don't understand places that have that kind of restriction. Every hospital I've ever been in has provided treaded socks to walk in so how is that any better than sandals? The sandals I have are hiking sandals - they look like sneakers with holes in them. They are very comfortable.

I always bring something to wear on my feet other than socks. After abdominal surgery, it sucks to put on socks. I have a pair of hiking sandals made by Keen that I bring. The foot support when walking in the halls makes me feel much more comfortable. A sturdy pair of flip-flop sandals work too.

Thank you.

I lived in Peoria Heights until I was 18, went to college for a year at ISU, then joined the US Navy. I've lived all over the country and even spent some time living in Germany. I just looked at your progress photos on your profile! Awesome!

No way! really? My mother and youngest brother and his family still live in Peoria.

I had RNY and eat tomatoes all the time. Never have bad a problem. Thanks! BTW, I was born and raised in Peoria, IL, although I currently live in Idaho.

I've been hospitalized many times and had four major surgeries, all abdominal. I say that you should bring everything you think you may need. If you have complications, you will be there longer than expected. If you do not bring something, you will have to ask someone to bring it to you. One thing to remember, no matter what you bring, you will have to take it home with you. If you bring a lot of things, make sure you have help leaving. You are going to be sore. The most important thing (other than all the other important things) that I make sure I bring are my hiking sandals. My current pair is made by Keen but I've also had Tevas over the years as well. They slip on easily and they make the hall walking much more comfortable. The socks with the tread on them are uncomfortable for me and it sucks trying to put on socks after you've had abdominal surgery.

Good luck on Tuesday! You've got this!

Good luck, dude! You've got this!

I got it now... I did not mean to waste your time with a long diatribe about my plight. I should have asked the last question first. I have edited my post accordingly.

I see you were going to get the procedure done in Mexico - does that mean you have already tried to get it approved through insurance? Since I am still pre-op, I'll let others chime in on the rest. Good luck with your journey and I wish you well.

How's that been going for you so far? Good luck with your surgery!

Also, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. Good luck on your surgery coming up on Tuesday!