4myfamily

I was sleeved July 2nd and am down 25 lbs. I had a plateau around the 3-4 wk mark but finally broke through with 3 30 minute treadmill sessions a day. Maybe that was all my body needed to get that jumpstart? I talked to my nutritionist who told me that many people have the same thing happened when they are in the mushie stage for some reason. I really thought I was doing something wrong!! My first day back to work is tomorrow and the following day is my first visit with my surgeon. I can't wait to get back to work, but I did not tell anyone where I was for the past month and am kinda nervous what everyone will think about my weight loss. (I've lost 33 lbs since everyone has seen me last!) I can tell in the clothes I try on that I've lost weight...but in my mind I'm still that fat girl that hasn't lost any. It's going to take some time for me to get over my body image issues. Other than that I feel great and have ZERO regrets!!

Our surgery date was the exact same, can't wait to see more updates from you! You are going to be an inspiration in my journey.

Okay so first day on stage II foods which will be full liquids for 2 wks. I was able to get down a quarter cup of Malt-o-meal after the protonix and Carafate of course. And then for lunch I was able to tolerate a half a cup of tomato Soup strained. Not bad since I only get 3 meals a day and at least 64 oz of liquids a day. I was discouraged at my weight when I weighed myself the first day home from the hospital. (They told me not to weigh myself until I'm a week out, now I know why) I had GAINED 8 lbs just from the bloating/gas they used to expand my belly! I weighed myself today (4 days po) and I'm down 4 lbs from my final weigh in before OR. Which means I technically lost 12 lbs haha I think the one thing that I was stressed out about was trying to fit all of my Vitamins in during the day by following the rules. Making sure I don't take the Calcium and Iron within 1 hour of each other. Taking Protonix only once 1/2 before Breakfast. Carafate can't be used unless it's 1 hour before a meal or 2-3 hours after a meal and take at least 1 hour before or after iron/vitamins. WHEW! It was so overwhelming Liquid Carafate 2tsp 4x's day. 3- 500 mg calcium citrate pills a day 1- 40mg Protonix pill 1- Multi-Vitamin 1- 29mg Iron Pill w/ Vitamin C I tried treadmill for the first time today and I think I may have overdone it - well the 3 lb weights in each hand was probably overkill for my first official workout. I have have to keep reminding myself to use my spirometer and expand my lungs fully, which I think will help tremendously. Looking forward to tomorrow...more treadmill time and more energy

You will feel so much better if you have pain control. I agree it was given to you for a reason. I was the same way and didn't want to take it as directed and only every now and then. But once I did It HELPED! I'm day 2 PO.

Congratulations on your surgery date! Oh believe me, you will have emotions up until they give you the good stuff to put you under! I forgot to mention that my husband gave me a little distraction during my check in on the day of surgery. He went Vasovagal on me and passed out while they were describing what they will be doing from start to finish. They almost admitted him into the ER. Poor guy!! As I was wheeled into the OR I passed him on a gurney and gave him encouraging words - good luck! LOL I think he managed a good luck to me too heehee. We're still joking about this! I was able to get a pic of him to put in my scrapbook. OH the memories already!

Hey All, I first wanted to thank everyone for the positive thoughts and prayers being sent my way! I believe that's what really is getting me through this. Well I have to say the first day PO while I was still in the hospital was the WORST by far. I was crowned Power Walker on my floor during the night of my surgery but couldn't get those dang gas bubbles from going away! I was uncomfortable that first night and couldn't find a sleep position that worked for me - good thing for the Morphine drip. Yesterday the gas bubbles were still bothering me so I walked, walked and walked. We stopped off halfway home at a park and was able to enjoy the gorgeous weather and get some more walking in haha. I still haven't been able to pass gas but I'm burping like crazy. =) Before bed last night I took the Carafate and then about 1/2 later took my Lortab which I believe helped me sleep the whole night with no pains! The one thing that I caution about Lortab (which could have totally been just me) is that it's super sweet and It made my mouth instantly Water and almost want to vomit. If I took the dose in baby sips I was able to tolerate it better. They started me on my liquid diet yesterday before discharge and and wasn't able to tolerate the Jello at all, but the tea and the broth went down just fine.I get to start the next food phase on Friday. I'm being very cautious about introducing new liquids to see how I tolerate them. As far as meds today I took my Carafate first on my empty stomach and then the protonix pill 1/2 an hour before any food which was recommended and have been alternating chicken broth and sugar free Popsicles. We'll see how today goes, I can already tell I'm healing and getting better each new day!

I finally have my July 2nd Surgery date! Went to my preop/nutrition class yesterday then came home and ordered my 2oz plastic cups with lids so that I can meal plan ahead. =) I've been on this journey for the past 2 years and can't believe it's finally time! I guess the main thing I am worried about post op is acid reflux. I've been having a ton of it the past 2 wks. My surgeon is Dr Baggs in Richmond Kaiser from what I hear he's the best of the best!