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?

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??

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!!

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

Yesterday was my first day - I only managed two protein shakes, but I went back over my list from my doctor and saw that clear broth was allowed, so I had beef broth for dinner...ate it with a spoon from a bowl, and it felt like I was having dinner. I just "felt" better mentally after that! I have a little bit of a headache this morning, but I'm powering through Have my pre-op with Dr Mehta this afternoon, and then I'll know what time on the 21st my surgery will be, and all the details!

Started my two week liquid diet today...I know the next two or three days will be tough, but mentally I'm just glad it's finally here!

Hi all - - well, I’m finally in surgery month...my Pre-Op appt is this week, on Thursday. I’m starting my 2 week liquid diet on Wednesday. I realized today that I have to teach an Inservice on the 15th...3 hours on my feet, teaching, after a week of liquids only. Kind of dreading that! Here’s my real question for today though — those of you who are done with your surgery...if any of you had a hiatal hernia fixed at the same time, how long was your procedure? I’m trying to prep hubby for how long he has to wait

I looked through the thread, but didn't see anyone else in Houston...Are any of you in the Houston area?

August 21st — got my date this morning! Surgery in Houston, at Memorial Hermann

August 21st!! Got my date this morning! And I’ll be at Memorial Hermann in Houston - Downtown

My husband is a double lung transplant recipient. He has been asking me questions about the process as I've been going through it, since the meds post-transplant have left him with "the twins" as he calls it I told him yesterday I can't see any surgeon approving gastric bypass or any surgery that causes malabsorption for a transplant patient (I guess for lungs, especially), since the struggle just to *survive* the transplant is so high...survival rates for double lung are really about 50% over 5 years, so I just can't see them approving it in his case...he is going to focus on being more stringent with his diet, under the supervision of the transplant team's nutritionist...

As of right now, only my husband, my best friend, and my son (who is also my lawyer) know. I really don't want my ex-husband to know (can anyone relate to that??!), and I know my mother will be judgy McJudgerson about it...my dad would be happy, but he can't not tell my mom...once the surgery takes place and I start to lose rapidly, I'm sure a co-worker will ask. I'll decide then whether to tell...

I can relate to the original post you are responding to...my SIL was found unconscious in her apartment several years ago, and the two paramedics (for some reason, both female, and small) were not able to lift her onto the stretcher (mind you, she had lost quite a bit of weight - she probably weighed 250 at that point). It was an awful experience for my then-husband, and they would not let him help lift her...

RickM - thank you so much! That is all very helpful info!