happygirl65

If I were in your shoes...I would probably do this... Get up, take viatamins, eat breakfast, workout...then drink coffe to relax after then shower and get ready for the day. your Vitamins dont really count as drinking a liquid even if they are liquid vitamins. I personally like to work out on an empty stomach...don't know why but I am gonna try mornings sometimes too.

How much swelling, can you describe it? Definitely call the docs office and talk to a nurse or someone like that who knows...maybe you can move your appointment up so they can check it out? Maybe you could even email them a picture of it and have them tell you something from that? Just a thought. Ice is always good for swelling but don't do it for more than 15 minutes my doc said...also I did have swelling but it went away. Is the site red, itchy...what's it look like? Do you think it looks infected....or does it just seem to be sticking out there?

I had to do this multiple choice written test which they sent me the week before so I could complete it and bring it with me. Then the interview lasted like 15 minutes, really low key. I had prepared myself for a full on shrink session, it felt more like taking of a medical history. Straightforward and nothing to stress over.

Hospital gown....If you are on your period...like I was they will give you net panties and a pad...it works. Basically you get back to the pre op prep area and they have you get undressed, put on a gown, weigh you, do a pregnancy test (pee in a cup) then they hook up your IV, give you a shot of heparin which you can't even feel really if the nurse is skilled, then they let you put on the socks, they put the leg massagers on you, you talk with all the docs and then eventually they wheel you into the surgery room where they have you scootch onto the op table, put the pulse ox thingy on your finger, tell you you are gonna have a party and if you are like me you are OUT...I didn't even hear them ask me any questions at all...next thing I was waking up. Once I woke up I had to pee, they got me another pad and net panties and from there it was upper GI, and lots of walking, visits from various nurses, physical therapist etc then on my way home about 4 hrs later.

Keep up on your protein....those shakes may not be the best tasting thing in the world but they really help stabalize your blood sugar!

Prtien baby...seriously ...only thing that cuts down the hunger. Muscle Milk rocks....try it...get the vanilla creme because the chocolate is a poor imitation of a true chocolate taste....and the vanilla perhaps you could even add flavors to. 22 g of protein per 14 oz shake....easy to get in enough that way.

(((HUGS))) You know, you are the only person who knows what is right for you. Your boyfriends comment about lainess is just plain bull. He obviously has NO IDEA how difficult and painful it is to be in your body and deal with the extra weight it's more of a disability than laziness so don't let that cut into your soul and stop you. As far as getting less calories and energy level goes...while you are healing HELL YES you will be slowed down....of course you will...but once you figure out how to get in enough Protein and nutrition on the liquid phase you will have more energy than you know what to do with! Please don't listen to other peoples fears, you will have enough of them on your own as you go through this process. His issues are his....most likely (knowing a little about how mu husband thinks) he was sitting with you in the seminar and heard something about how some patients experience a lower energy level during recovery and he turned off his ears at that point and started running in his brain something like...oh great that's not gonna help...she will never be able to exercise etc.....and whil his brain was doing all of that he completely missed the part where they say after your body adjusts you will have more energy and start feeling healthier every single day. I honestly feel like I am waking up from a food coma...I have more energy, I sleep better even though I still cant sleep on my left side or tummy, I don't even need as much sleep at night, I am waking up before my alarm excited to start my day because I have hope and something to look forward to every single day. Don't let anyone else persuade you one way or another. You are the one who will live with the choice one way or another. If you decided, YOU can do it. Now...go throw some TP at your BF and tell him to clean up his crappy attitude.

Read my blog for more info...but here is my experience in a nutshell. My doc didn't require a full on pre op diet, just no fast food etc....so that part I can't help with too much but I can tell you that you could get some of the Muscle Milk brand Protein shakes, the are 240 calories but 23 grams of protein and they are filling and really help a LOT with physical hunger, they also have lots of Vitamins etc so that is also helpful. I personally have found that if I get in less than 40 grams of protein I am TIRED like you would not beleive...like I gave wrong change at work, had to put my head down and rest...and it's a DESK job! So...seriously take in the protein my favorite peotein rich foods are yogurt and cottage cheese...cottage cheese being the highest. The Protein Shakes really pack it in though so keep that in mind. I like the vanilla creme flavor better than the chocolate because I KNOW what good chocolate tastes like...and that aint it....lol. Going back to work....well my surgery was on Tuesday and my first day back to work was the following tuesday. I honestly wish I had taken one more day off but I had caught a cold also and was feeling crappy again. I did find that it took a week before I could get myself on a normal eating schedule and about a week and a half to get bored with the liquids I had chosen up to that point. I can not stress variety enough. Seriously...the K20 protien Water drink mixes ROCKS they taste just like a crystal light but has almost as much protein as a glass of milk at 5 grams for a 16 oz glass of water. Pink lemonade hit the spot too because all of the sugar free stuff made me feel like I was on sugar overload and I was a sweet junkie! I am just totally getting sick of the sweet taste of everything. I know for a fact that if I had been better about gettig my protein in those first few days at work I would not have been so tired and perhaps might not have had the major emotional hunger issue that I had on Wednesday...but I beat that craving into submission and moved on in my own way. I don't think it matters if you tell everyone. If you really want to hide it you can. Things to be aware of...you can't bend over that first week. I am day 12 post op and can for a few seconds at a time but it really hurts. I am no longer hacving to take anything for pain, not even ibuprofen, but it is really hard to bend over still and I can't lay on my tummy. My husband is sick of the pillow volcano that I sleep in to keep me from rolling onto my tummy or left side...lol. But in all honesty it has been a great experience. I think you will do fine to just take a week off....or surgeryday through the end of the week. If you have the time and can take a couple extra days you will be mostly normal again by the time you go back....so I think you can hide it just fine. You can always say you worked out hard as a reason for moving slowly and being tired and the protein shakes are a popular "diet" so ...easy enough. Just remember protein protein protein...that is where your energy comes from! Good luck...it's goona be awesome!

I get what you are feeling TOTALLY! The closer I got to surgery the more scared I got...am I going through all of this and spending all of this for nothing? The answer is NO. I need assistance, something I CAN BELEIVE IN. This battle for me is such a mental thing. If it wasn't...if I was good at paying attnetion only to physical hunger to feed myself I would not be so fat....and I would have good days or weeks where I could be gung ho and stick to anything including exercise and proper nutrition...and then something would happen, I would get off track and blow it....severe cycle...a pattern for me. My hunger would actually make me sick if I tried to ignore it. Now...just 12 days post op, I am not hungry at all. It has been really different. I no longer get sick from not eating. The physical sensation of hunger just isn't there...at all...perhaps not everyone is that way right out of the gate but so far I am. I have been 12 days and I have lost 12 pounds in that time. It's crazy to watch my body healing it'self. It's not perfect. I have had my first battles with emotional hunger a couple of days ago and I can see that once I am not adhereing to a liquid diet my family could easily sabotage me with their pizza and del taco nights. (read my blog for a full on wah fest at my emotional hunger...link in signature) but once I distract myself...watch a movie or play my guitar and stop thinking about it for a while and allow my Protein shake to do it's job then I am over it and it is much better. I think I am going to call a therapist next week and start something up there because I want to deal with this emotional hunger thing before I let it give me an excuse to fail. Hang in there. Only you can tell if this surgery is right for you, but here you are...doing the research, starting the work it takes to get to surgery, and just know that it is totally normal to have doubts afterall it is a drastic solution that will change your life forever. In the end it was the changing forever part that really worried me, and now I am looking SO forward to eating real food...I already have my first meal all planned out...lemon pepper grilled mahi mahi and green Beans.....OMG I can almost taste it now...drool. You will do great. Just keep pluggin away and the 2 months will go by before you know it!

So I am 1 week post op today and am on liquids for 2 more weeks. I am not hungry at ALL and know I need to eat when I get weak or dizzy...so, my question is...is 500-600 calories too little, just right, for this phase? I am counting them because I can't be accountable for everything I put in my mouth if I don't and it's good practice for later...plus I have been doing it for a while anyway. Any suggestions? I am eating basically 1/2 cup of creame of whatever Soup, yogurt, cottage cheese, tea, Protein shakes...occasionally coffee so I am following the list the doc gave me...I just am not in the habit of making myself eat when I am not hungry. I started to a little bit when I realize the first few days I was only getting 300 calories and would get dizzy whenever I stood up. 600 seems to be helping with energy but should I add more on purpose or just enjoy the lack of appetite for now?

I have BCBS of AZ...I din't have to have an essay, but they do have specific requirements, best idea like the prev poster said is to call and find out what the requirements are, most likely it is records, medical history type records provingobesity for 5 yrs, letter from your primary doctor recommending surgery, proof of other requirements like psych eval and nutrition classes, and I personally had to submit hand written notes proving I attended an "info seminar". It was about a 2 month process to get all the paperwork in order etc. That said, I do beleive that you SHOULD write an essay or at least a list of your current health complications from obesity, your future risks, reasons you want to do this...because as you do lose and as you go through the process it will help to remind you why you are doing this. It is pretty common to start doubting your decision as you go along the closer it gets to becoming reality. Good luck to you! I wish you every happiness no matter what you decide.

...and dont forget you are WORTH the effort.

And keep in mind that our calories required to maintin the weight go down with every pound we lose so it bears a recalculation from time to time and also shows why weight loss slows if we are still eating that 1000 calories you lose 40 lbs and suddenly your calorie requirements to maintain are less than they were before.

OK, my seriously vest adice having been where you are a few days ago....DON"T skip the pain meds...you will feel ok for awhile but once the hospital drugs are out of your system there will be pain and lots of it if you don't take anything! TRUST me...it's much harder to get rid of pain than prevent it from coming on too strong....so....rest, plenty of pillows, don't lie flat because it hurts like a b-witch to get back up and take those pain meds on the schedule round the clock! Keep Water by the bed and walk whenever you can to get that gas pain out! Congratulations!

Yep day 3 and four port site ain was pretty bad for me, doc said ice, not more than 15 min at a time on the port site and keep on the schedule for the pain meds for at least the first week. Do NOT overdo it. Don't carry more than 20 pounds, don't bend over. I have a front load washer and have to get down on my knees to load it and switch clothes, it is EASY to overdo it, just rest and only do the stuff that HAS to be done and that no one can do for you. Everything can wait...they wont remember you being a superhero for washing an extra load of laundry and hurting yourself....so take care of YOU!

Each day does get easier...did a nurse call to followup with you? If not call the surgeons office and check in and tell them how you are feeling and see what they say. Are you taking tiny swallows? For me the best was on day two when I was finally able to let out the mother of all belches and things got way easier from there! Keep walking and trying to burp...one of the things that helped me (a friend told me her trick) is to lean forward (you can put a pillow on your tummy for support if it hurts) throw back your head and open your mouth...this can help release the gas trapped in the lower stomach. Hang in there it gets easier everyday. I feel almost normal today on Day 8

I think it's a tricky thing learning to listen to our bodies. I would say just measure 1/2 cup less than you eat now...then just stop even if you don't get your full feeling yet...you might find that satisfied is different from full. For me, food stops tasting good and I don't want to eat anymore...but then I am still on liquids, I have heard some people talk about soft signals as things like...a burp, a hiccup, a pain in the shoulder...stuff like that. Just try going super slow and trying to feel in between bites for a soft signal maybe. You have come so far you are doing awesome. Very inspirational Good luck finding your full signal.

Well that makes sense, but I don't currently have a large stock of protein shakes since they told me to use milk mixed with my soups, hot cocoa etc to get my protein in....so I have been doing that....maybe that is what is keeping everything kind of low cal...but I did manage 700 cals today...not too shabby. I feel a lot more energy so I think I am going to shoot for 700 as a minimum and just follow what I feel otherwise.

I know it hasn't been that long since you had a fill but you may need another if you are getting so hungry so soon...after such a short time it would be unusual for you to have hit the green zone already from what I am reading. I am sorry you are going through this. It looks to me like you really have lost a tremendous amount of weight. That must feel really good! It is hard to deal with people not understanding it and you know, you don't have to explain it to them. It's not your job. Your job is only to live your best life, focus on finding the joys in your own life and embracing that. You are probably feeling blue that you haven't lost more...(even though you are successful already) I was that way even before I had the band and my friends would ask me all the time how it was going....clearly they couldn't "see a difference" because it takes about 20 pounds before someone else can see anything on a person at 40 pounds they really start commenting. The problem comes in usually when we expect too much of ourselves. It IS important to raise the bar of expectations of ourselves but we also have to forgive ourselves for not being perfect because NO ONE IS. The fact is that people who have not battled obesity don't understand your issues and how hard it makes it for you when they are always "checking in". You could explain your feelings to them, or you could just try to relax and let it go, knowing that you are making life long changes...which means you WILL have days where you feel down despite your great choices, and some when you just make some bad choices and then you will get right back up and do better. Life is not a success only journey, we live, we learn, we do better. That is exactly what you are doing. Try taking some time to yourself to enjoy things that YOU like to do that don't involve focusing on your weight. You may be overwhelming yourself with it, just living and breathing weight loss instead of creating a new healthy life that is not so food centric. It's a thought. My heart goes out to you. We fight the very same battle and I think I do understand. I wish you all the best and every happiness.

You can take something with lots of fiber to bulk it up...like metamucil or something like that but you may want to call the doctors office and see what they recommend. I have heard and read that it is pretty common while you are on a liquid diet. I am a week out and while it's not constant it has been watery and is getting better the more soups and things that I eat.

It's frustrating because I emailed the docs office and got no response I will probably call them. But I feel pretty good except for this head cold I am coming down with. I think I may even be done with pain meds now which is awesome. 1000 calories does sound like a reasonable amount. But it is also nice to see the pounds melting off. ..but I don't want to sacrifice muscle or my health.

THe first 4 days post op I gurgled nearly nonstop...I joked on my blog that it was like tiny tigers having a growling contest in my tummy, it has settled down now...day 7 it's hardly there but when I lay down it happens a bit. Gets better the more I drink actually and warmer liquids seem to help break up some of the gas that is rumbling around.

Myfitnesspal.com has an online tracker and an android app so you can use whichever is convenient at the moment. I use the phone interface during the day and check in for notes and stuff on the computer sometimes...it is really cool and has a HUGE dtabase plus you can program it with your own recipes so I can put in...Tori's chicken taco and it will know what that means and add the right amount of protein calores and fat. It takes a little work to put in your recipes but you can also find substitues in the large database. It's simple. I love it. Lost 20 lbs before surgery just using that and keeping accountable.