sleevedllama

I'm 41, sleeved on my 41st birthday. I do wish I had done this sooner -- maybe before I had children, as recovery with two under 6 at home is hard. I'm still in a lot of pain. But, after I had my second child (and right around my 40th birthday), I could not lose any weight on my own. I did some pretty intense exercise and nutrition programs for new moms and I'm certain it was good for me, but only lost a few pounds (and it nearly killed me, in my sleep deprived, newborn mom state). That's when I decided to investigate the surgery, and I'm glad I did. I just wish my recovery were going a little faster.

Thanks, @leanbean -- same kind of thing. I was doing really well, I thought, and then maybe I've overdone it. I have two kids under 6 and even when I'm not lifting them, we're doing things like buckling into carseats, high chairs, getting them dressed, playing while sitting on the floor, etc. Nothing I would call strenuous but it is a lot of movement. My surgeon seems to think this is all normal and just recommended a binder. I've been wearing spanx and a belly band I still had from my pregnancies but neither is particularly effective, so I ordered a couple of new binders that I hope will arrive today and keep me held in (which reduces the pain). I haven't had a fever or nausea, etc. so hopefully it's just as you say. Hope you're feeling well now, one week ahead of me! How has your soft foods phase gone? I get to start that tomorrow!

Second this. I found Protein2O water at Target and I love the Mixed Berry flavor. For some reason it goes down much easier than regular water or protein shakes for me. 15 grams of protein in each 16.9 oz bottle -- so I have been adding 1-2 of those per day so I am able to knock out my protein requirement (I can only drink about a half shake at a time) and get my water/liquids to 64 oz.

I bought the starter kit of Bariatric Fusion shakes & soup mixes from the Bariatric Pal store and was so glad I got the Chicken Soup and Tomato soup packets -- I've had those for the last two days for dinner with my family and it was great to have a break from the sweet! I am so over chocolate, vanilla, banana, ick. Would I have liked these packets before surgery? I can't tell you, but they are such a welcome break from the monotony now. Chicken soup flavor was delicious.

I had surgery on 7/31 and came home from the hospital 8/2. Was not cleared to return to work (a totally sedentary office job) until 8/13. Over the last week, my pain has increased substantially. I'm worried about hernia or maybe infection of one of the incisions? Nothing on the surface -- what I'm feeling is deep, muscle pain. Having a hard time standing up straight because my abdomen is so tight, and I can't sleep unless I'm on my back -- being on my side is excruciating. I've lost 28 pounds (23 since surgery) and I'm encouraged by that, but I'm also frustrated that I cannot move faster and am in so much pain. Tylenol is NOT cutting it. I have two little ones at home, and while I can't lift either of them, just chasing them around on the weekends has been brutal. I felt the same way last Monday. I guess I'm just venting, but I am exhausted and SO tired of being in pain. I'm not hungry at all and I'm still having a hard time getting in my water and protein shakes (not cleared for soft foods until 8/22). Anyone else feeling like things are moving a lot slower than they'd like?

Hi. I realize this is an old post, but I just had my gallbladder out with a VSG on 7/31. Two weeks post op and I'm still feeling pretty rough, particularly sore in the area where my gallbladder pain had been. Did you have any complications or a slower recovery after your double procedure?

Congratulations! You look great. I'm just under 2 weeks post-op and this is really helpful, as I feel like while none of this is hard, none of it is particularly pleasant either. A bit like putting my life from a cruise in 4th gear abruptly into first gear. Learning to sip, taking things slow, etc. can be difficult, but I know it's worth it!

I'm doing mine on my 41st birthday - the biggest present to myself. Happy Birthday!

I'm scheduled for my birthday also! July 31. Good luck tomorrow!