CelticBeautyEvolving

Aug 21st folks...7 weeks today! I'm down 52 lbs since I started this process (HW 363, CW 310). It hasn't been the easiest thing in the world, lots of nausea, learning what foods I can and can't eat, still can't eat more than an ounce or two at a meal. After a particularly bad day Monday with some chicken breast, my nutritionist told me to switch to Flintstone Complete Vitamins (the Bariatric Advantage ones were making me gag to the point I couldn't get them down), and she reminded me that WATER is first, PROTEIN second (but at this point, she doesn't even want me overly focused on that, just hydration)... I am planning to go back to the gym (mainly to swim) next week...how is everyone else doing?

Y'all....tell me this is going to pass....I thought I had a better day yesterday...made it through the whole day at work, and I actually managed to eat one extra time, so I had about 300 calories before dinner. Got home, fixed my "dinner" -- I got two bites down, and my stomach started HURTING. I stopped eating, but...not 10 minutes later it all came back up (I actually felt MUCH better after, so I won't be afraid of that happening now...) This morning, I had my cottage cheese - I usually can eat about 1/4 cup for breakfast...got two bites, and I felt really full so I stopped. Haven't eaten since, and now I'm getting a dang headache which I'm sure is from lack of food...ugh!!

I'm with you...I just barely have the energy right now to make it through my day at work...averaging 300-350 calories a day, walking an extra mile or more is not happening right now!

Okay, question for the group...I had chicken “salad” today (just canned chicken breast, hard boiled egg, and a little mayo). I didn’t overeat - had maybe two tablespoons of it total - but about 20 minutes after eating it, I had my first bout of “foamies” — had to leave work early I was so close to throwing up. Obviously I need to wait a little while on the chicken salad...but I had matzo ball soup last weekend, and the shredded chicken and veggies in that went down fine. So, my question is this — do y’all think the canned chicken would be ok in the crock pot with some sauce, or should I use real chicken breasts instead? I think the chicken salad was just too dry somehow, but I need protein from meat right now, if I can get it...

If they told you to remove the glue, I would do it I was a little worried about it, but it did help me...and nothing came loose, lol.

Starting the day I got home after my bypass, all of my incisions were swollen and red (about an inch or so around the incisions), then I got a rash, that eventually spread from my neck to mid-thigh... it was hideous. I took pics and sent them to my doctor, and he called me within an hour to day — a small percentage of people are allergic to the surgical glue, looks like you’re one of them. We need to get that off of you! The pain issue from the hernia site was what put me back in the hospital, but while I was there, they were able to clear up the rash!

Just checking in...my surgery (GB) was 8/21, but I ended up back in the hospital last week for three days. They did a hiatal hernia repair with my surgery, and I had some issues that developed, in addition to being allergic to the surgical glue! Still in a lot of pain from the hernia site, but I'm home again. So disheartening to come home and get on the scale..I ate literally NOTHING for two days, but thanks to the IV fluids, I was up 6 pounds 😰 It was gone this morning though, and I'm back on the loser's bench... I've been tracking all of my intake pretty closely in the Baritastic App, and I'm averaging 300-350 calories a day, at the most. I know I need more protein, but I'm trying to move to "real" food...hate to rely on shakes all the time. I'm on purees now, and I managed some refried beans yesterday, and some canned chicken and mayo today at lunch. I'm down 16.5 pounds in 20 days, even with the IV fluid detour, so I'm not really complaining...

Tomorrow is the day!!! I kind of can't believe I have survived these two weeks on liquids...I'll be honest, I'm kind of sick of protein shakes and broth! It will be a relief to get to day 3 post-op and be able to have *full* liquids! I had my bloodwork done Friday, and one of my tests indicated some clotting issues, so I had to start lovenox injections on Sunday. Luckily, not too bad

Well that’s not too bad is it?

What does your post-op diet look like? How long will you be on clear liquids, then full liquids, etc? My surgeon requires two weeks pre-op of the clear liquids and protein shakes, but only 2 days post-op will be clear liquids, then two weeks of full liquids, and then purées. I do think this is good prep for the post-op diet, plus I’ve already dropped 9 lbs, so it’s a good start

I should note — my husband had a double lung transplant two years ago. If I *wanted* a strong pain medication, there are plenty in my house! And I manage all of his medications for him weekly - heaven forbid I have any complications in this upcoming surgery

I did notice that the “pain” meds he wrote the script for me to fill was tramadol, which is not the usual hydrocodone-acetamenaphine combo... hmmm

It's fascinating how many variations there are of the "pre-op" diet And I agree, everyone should follow exactly what THEIR doctor tells them... my doc is on the "two weeks, 3-5 protein shakes and clear liquids ONLY" team...the nutritionist told us if there was ANY food in our stomach or intestines they would cancel the surgery because it isn't safe...that's kind of kept me on the straight and narrow these first few days when I'm SO hungry!!

I had my pre-op appointment today, and as the nurse was going over everything, she had me sign some paperwork about using the On-Q PainBuster. Has anyone had this, and can you tell me about it??

Oh...my friend warned me the bloodwork was "plentiful" lol...I guess they'll do that this afternoon? What hospital are you using?