Search the Community

Wow, that's so scary!! I'm glad you are ok now. I had H. Pylori too, and I was prescribed a PrevPack for it. It was basically Prevacid plus 2 antibiotics (amoxycillin and clarithromyacin). Some annoying side effects (yeast infection, sorry if that's TMI) but nothing dangerous!

I just re-read my last message to see where I left off and it brought it all back and I'm giggling again. I want to be clear that I mean NO disrespect to anyone that was part of my adventure...I'm definately NOT an elitest who thinks that Americans have it all right...but it is my point of reference you know? I would do this all again in a heartbeat! Let me again assure anyone thinking of going to Dr. Kelly and or this facility. The methods and the practical equipment (i.e., my mospital bed...) were all pristinely clean. Housekeeping came through twice a day and my every need was attended to. They may not have the 'polish' of an American hospital, but they also were much more personable than most medical facilities I've ever had to deal with...and that's not saying I've had bad service or treatment stateside, it's just different. OK...here we go: I was having the most incredible deep sleep when I was suddenly annoyed by someone gently slapping my cheek, "Susanna, Susanna! Wake up..." I immediately was aware of pain in my upper left quadrant. "OWWWWWW" I said, a little irritated by the interrupting to my sleep. Things are a little fuzzy to recall...sort of still sleeping I seem to remember being wheeled through the double doors and seeing my dad. I believe I said something like, "Hey, that's my dad everybody." Yes...there is a reason I no longer drink. I am an absolute fool when intoxicated. Somehow I got onto my mospital bed...I don't recall this at all but by Saturday, I had little bruises that undoubtedly came from fingers in my biceps. I'm guessing I didn't scooch my fat butt over but was hefted. I'd rather not think about this too much. hahahaha OK...I was all snuggly warm covered in heated blankets and compression stockings! OH I forgot to tell you about those. I've never had to wear them before. It was quite funny to have poor Dilynn struggle to get them on me. She is a kick. By the time she got the sausage sleeved (excuse the punn...) we were both laughing hard. Also, she was the one who told me I had to take my undies off just before my ride to the O.R. In my defense, I was very worried about my period. I am a VERY heavy flower on day 2. It was truly freaking me out. I can't even imagine having to ask for help with tampax every hour. OK, sorry. TMI to the max (yes, I'm an 80's gal). So I threw a little tantrum and Dilynn went toe-to-toe with me. She was tough. When it was clear I wasn't going to win, I poked my tongue out at her. Universal language wins again!!! She responded in kind and we both ended up laughing like idiots. I removed my panties. OK...now I'm never going to talk about that again. Something was put in my I.V. but for the next 20 minutes (truthfully, I have no idea how long it was...could have been 10 for all I know) I was pretty sure I was either giving birth to an alien through my chest or I was having a heart attack. I must have missed the post on the forum that described the incredible pressure. Reaching deep, my lamaze breathing came in handy and I was moaning for a while. It was indeed more painful in an "extreme discomfort" sort of way...not like OMG I just cut off my finger...but like the worst rolling, wave-like contractions you've ever had, but in your chest! I am one of the unfortunate ones who had it travel to my shoulder. That's not a first for me, I had experienced the same thing after a C-section...so that part, while very painful, did not take me by surprise. I slept on and off for the rest of the day and through the night. I did manage to get up about 4pm that afternoon and start walking the halls. It helped considerably with the "gas" pressure and gave me minor relief in my shoulder. I think I walked 3 times that evening. I woke up at 3 a.m. and was able to get out of bed fairly easily. By now I had burped a couple of times and the big event the nurses were interested in was whether or not I "pass gas". I had a party of 1 in my private bathroom as I did indeed 'pass gass' that sounded a lot like what the 'final trump' may sound like when Jesus returns! heeeheee I'm sure I woke my Canadian neighbors. God did indeed have my back as my period had come to almost a no-flow...whether it was due to trama or what, I'm taking it as a personal favor from the Lord. Friday morning arrived and I was instructed to shower and given a fresh tent-gown. Dilynn changed my dressings, poked out her tongue at me and went about her business. Throughout the day, I had a visit from Trish and Dr. Kelly. Trish arranged for one of the hospital workers to take my dad down the road for some Arroz Con Pollo...and I spent the day walking, watching TV...chatting with some of the lovely patients from the Oasis Hospital. Oasis is primarily a Cancer treatment facility and they lease the one wing to florence Systems. They share the cafeteria which is more like a small buffet of fresh food...all organic and I believe primarily vegetarian. My dad gives it 2 thumbs up. Every 6 hours (I think it was 6 hours) I was given something for pain in my I.V. I protested weakly once saying I had no pain, and I asked what the other syringe held. It was for 'gas'. I explained I didn't have much and didn't need anything for pain. I only said that the first time...because the stuff for gas, made all the latent gas in my system all move at once. HOLY COW, I think I suggested that they come in and give the pain meds about 10 minutes earlier....I came to dread that visit. But each visit resulted in less intense bouts and it wasn't like they were listening to me. I want to say that took place for 24 hours post-op. I'm not sure. I was anxious to leave because I wasn't truly resting. You know how it is when you are not in your own bed and there is a lot of activity going on. Strange noises all night from the races out front, the bass pumping from the club across the street. It seemed to drag on and on...but I think that had a lot to do with coming in the night before surgery. 3 nights in a mospital bed with a 5" thick mattress is not conduscive to beauty sleep. I'm going to skip ahead to my release. Trish came bearing gifts of various flavored Gatorade and Jello. She is very lovely and very happy to see to your every need. Between the two of them, I couldn't have asked for more. They even arranged for a recliner to be brought to my room on the Friday so I could sit comfortably! Finally, Dr. Kelly arrived to do the dasterdly deed of pulling the drain. This had become the source of my only discomfort. It felt like constant pressure and restricted me from taking a full breath. On his command, I took a deep breath and he pulled it all in one smooth move. It didn't really 'hurt' but it was definately an uncomfortable moment. Think of it as pulling the bandaid off quick. Anyway, instant relief!! The pain in my shoulder and the discomfort in my left upper quadrant all left immediately. WOOHOO We talked for a while. The plan was that Dr. Kelly would not be able to accompany me over to Angeles Hospital for my big "Swallow Test" because he was speaking at Congress. (I believe it was more of a conference on Bariatric Surgery and he was one of the main attractions). He had arranged for his son, Sammy to pick us up, go with us for the Swallow Test and then deliver us to the Lucerna Hotel. As promised, Sammy arrived and he had my "prescriptions" in hand. I was given a packet of Facelit, which is penicilen. I was given something for nausea and something for pain. I have yet to open either the nausea or pain meds. After a harrowingly bumpy ride to town, we arrived at Angles Hospital. What a spectacle of wealth and technology. This place was palacial. White marble floors and walls in the lobby...just beautiful. It could have been the decadent lobby of a very nice hotel!! Now, here is where it got sort of weird for me. Sammy didn't speak a lot of English. I was taken to a desk where he spoke with a woman...I got the distinct impression that she was not thrilled to see me. I cannot put my finger on it, but the entire staff was very judgmental and condescending. I'm sure it would have been different if Dr. Kelly was with me, but perhaps not. After the fact, my dad and I both had a mutual assessment. It was a if they were paid to look the other way while I was ushered in for an un-official visit to use their advanced imaging equipment. I really don't care what they think...but it's part of the story. I was asked to write my name and birthdate on a little piece of paper that she had literally torn from some lined notebook. We were seated in an offshoot waiting room with some other people and Sammy disappeared behind one of the doors. He returned in minutes and tersely commanded us to, "Come!" We quickly followed down another hallway, past large impressive rooms that contained state of the art equipment. I recognized an MRI among other assorted devices. Finally we arrived at what seemed like the end of the maze, an attendent met us and took me into the very spacious room where there was this HUGE X-ray tablet suspended from the ceiling. When I say huge, I mean it was probably 10 feet tall and 7' feet wide with a ledge on the bottom (suspended about 8" above the floor). He gestured until I understood that I was to stand on the ledge with my back against the tablet. My feet didn't exactly fit and my 'butt' clearance is slightly more than was provided, so it was a little bit of a joke to see me balancing up there, I'm sure. Sammy brought in a clear plastic cup holding about 4-6 ounces of some clear liquid. He put it in the cup holder (i'm not sure what other features the tablet had...but it did have a cup holder!). Both of them disappeared behind a large window and an anterior room...I vaguely heard the command to "drink!" Well, being a good little rule follower, I took a sip. I heard the sound of the xray...and then I heard "drink!" So, I took another sip. I was following the "sip, sip, sip" rule. VERY important for us sleevers!!! Well...unbeknownst to me, I was totally frustrating the tech who was taking it out on Sammy. Sammy, who doesn't have a large English vocabulary was at a loss as how to communicate to me. My dad was with them and seemed to gather that there was some sort of problem. He and Sammy played charades and my dad realized that I couldn't really hear them and I didn't know what they wanted. He took the bull by the horns and yelled, "they want you to drink half of it in a big gulp". I argued, asking if they knew I just had been sleeved and that this stuff tasted like CRAPOLA? Clearly I was distressed because I actually thought they might understand that word, crapola. So. we started again and I swallowed half of what was left...."click/buzz" "click/buzz" went the xray machine. "Again!" I shuddered and downed the rest. I had to breath through the next minutes as I don't think anything as disgusting as that liquid had EVER past my lips before. It was like drinking liquid hairspray or something. Even now, just thinking about it I am shuddering.

Thanks everyone. Today hasn't been all that great. I was supposed to have a barium swallow study done this morning. I spent the majority of the night in the bathroom dealing with the effects of Milk Of Magnesia....not fun. Anyway, I was incredibly weak and sick this morning. My nurse gave me zofran IV and sent me off for my test. I knew I was in trouble when I was shaking in the wheelchair being wheeled to radiology. I kept feeling like I was going to pass out. So they get me in the Rad. dept, get everything all ready for the test...tell me to come stand on this little platform thing...Still telling them I feel very weak. They hurried up and lowered the thing over my chest and then I started feeling like I couldn't breathe, heart racing, scared to death because I felt like I was going to yak and faint all at the same time. At this point I hadn't even had the lovely stuff to drink. I felt the thing I was standing on start to go back. When the doc heard me he immediately started adjusting the table so that I was laying down..but it freaked me out!!! I just KNEW I was going down. They got in me in a laying position and I started feeling a bit better, though crazy nauseous. They decided to send me back to my room and I don't remember the rest. I woke up back in my bed and feeling extremely drained. I really don't know what happened.....I do know my body was exhausted from the Milk of Mag...literally on the toliet every few minutes for HOURS yesterday...and since I've already shared TMI.....PERIOD FROM HELL. They are going to repeat the test tomorrow. I hope it goes well. Tonight I felt ok enough to get a shower and go for a short walk down the hall and back. I'm ready to go home and passing this test will get me out of here.

My fingers have slimmed down some - not much. I really notice my face has slimmed down a lot! Which is a good thing. No change in the upper arms - aka bat wings. Boobies have shrunk a lil = uber bad thing LOL Tummy - definitely looks flatter but has developed an ugly FUPA roll.. TMI I know.. :cry_smile: Butt - all but gone LMAO Thighs - still thick as all get out!! Overall - I don't where the 30 lbs was lost at LOL Just staying positive! That's all we can do! Hugs!!

I just spent 6 days in the hospital for low potassium. When I was released I was able to drink all of my required water. Protein shakes have been difficult for me. When I was released I was able to get 4oz in over an hour 3 times a day. Today I feel horrible. My legs are cramping again (sign of low potassium) and I'm dizzy and weak when I stand up. TMI I also started today, so I'm sure that isn't helping. I'm still able to meet my water goals, but over the past 3 days I doubt I've gotten in more than 3 oz of protein shakes in a day. I tried greek yogurt last night and was barely able to get a teaspoon in. I really feel like this is NOT good for my body. BTW My surgery was June 16th. I'm supposed to see my doc in the morning. I was sent home with a PICC Line in case I had problems ( I have no more IV sites left) and I'm so afraid I'm going to have to go back into the hospital. I must say, this is not my idea of how I thought my recovery would go. Any suggestions are welcome.

I agree, things will probably go down easier than you think. You haven't had any fills yet. I had no problems keeping things down until I had had a few fills. Take your time and you should be fine. Also, even if you do get sick it's really not that bad. I get a feeling of pressure in my chest and something like nausua. I then go to the bathroom and it comes up pretty gently. There's no heaving like when you have the flu. I feel fine once it comes up. This may all be TMI sorry. Of course you don't want this to happen, but I just want you to know it's really not that bad. Congrats on your surgery!

I'm down to 172.2! Really haven't seen that in a few years. In another 5 pounds, I will be seeing weights that I haven't seen in 5 years! I'm so excited! Ok, so this is TMI area: you've been warned! I have the grossest, foulest smelling gas coming from my body. Also, I'm 5 days post op and haven't had a bowel movement since last Monday. I just started playing with mushie foods last night but before that the last food I ate was Sunday night last week. Just wondering what kind of foulness to expect...

Wow, they day time flies when you are having fun! Well, I MUST be having fun, cause today is the 3 WEEK anniversary of my surgery! It seems like the 3 weeks have just flown by, and I have to say, I feel SO much better than I did three weeks ago today!!! When I woke up from my surgery I was sore and hurting (mildly) in the area of the five ports (incisional areas). It hurt to cough or take a deep breath. I felt like I had a huge gas bubble in my stomach that I couldn't belch up, and I just wanted to sleep, but my doctor and nurses kept telling me to "get up and walk, walk, walk!" I was SO tired to boot. But today I am three weeks out, I have lost a total of 44 pounds so far (20 lbs pre-op and 24 post op) and I feel so much better. Initially I had trouble with getting enough water in. And it is still a small battle. I sip most of my waking hours, trying to get my 64 oz of water in. Some days I come close, some days I don't do so well. But this morning, I woke up at 5:00 AM (!) and was thirsty, so got up and got a ProJoe out of the fridge and drank the whole thing in just about 15-20 minutes! (ProJoe is a coffee protein drink from www.mybariatricpantry.com ). I ordered a sample pack of 12 and they came yesterday. This is the first one I have tried, and I was amazed that it was so good, and I could drink all 9.5 oz in that short of time!!! It usually takes me an hour or two to get 9 oz down. I am sure that my swelling (internal swelling that is) must be going away, allowing me to drink more fluid at a time. ProJoe also has 20 gms of protein in the 9.5 oz, which is great. I have been really struggeling with getting my protein in every day(usually without success!). I was a huge Starbucks drink fan prior to my surgery, so am looking to substitute ProJoe for Starbucks. The drink I had (Magnifico Mocha) had 110 calories in the 9.5 oz, which is about the same as a Small Starbucks Skinny Iced Carmel Macchiatio (my favorite Starbucks drink). Also have to report that I am swimming daily with my roommate. Yesterday I got up to 22 laps in the pool. (We have a pool just 1/2 block from our front door). My roommate swam every day in June, while I was home on vacation, and is up to 60 laps. Wish I was able to do that much. But am happy that I can add two laps per day! Am hoping that the swimming will help firm up my upper arms and thighs! I really want to improve my stamina and get some cardio exercise in, and hope that swimming will do that for me too! In my opening paragraph I said I feel so much better today. I neglected to say that the "Gas bubble" sensation has finally gone away. I am finally having some bowel movements (sorry if that is TMI!) without the aid of a stool softener or laxative, eating a little bit without feeling miserable; in general, everything seems to feel better "all of a sudden"! Now if I could just get my energy back (I am still tired a lot of the time) I will feel REALLY GREAT! So all you newbie VGSers out there, take heart! It seems that time does heal most things! Have a great day and GREAT weekend. I am off work this weekend, and am anxious to do something fun! Later.........

For me it was a very painful sense or urgency with violent, watery stools. TMI but just being honest. Totally not worth it. The only silver lining is that I lost about four ounces after I was done, lol. Is it sick that I weigh myself after taking a poo?

I did drink protein and had pudding and applesauce. So I'm going to concentrate on water today before I worry about anything else. Amy - can't thank you enough for heating pad advice and support. Last night was hard. I tried to lay down in bed last night but bronchitis still bad and I couldn't stop coughing. TMI - I'm still getting green stuff out of my lungs despite all the antibiotics. Physician assistant writing me script for stronger pain killer so maybe I can sleep. Still chewing gas x.

LOL.... Jellyfish! I think it was chunks because I didn't chew well enough.... lesson learned!! (btw, sorry if it's TMI!)

Well, I made it through my first shift back at work. But I have to say, I was BEAT this morning! Thankfully, it wasn't a hughly busy shift, so I could pace myself, sip on my water all night, got to take a break, etc. Some nights it is so crazy that even a bathroom break is out of the question (sorry, TMI!). Only problem was, I was way to beat to swim with my roommate this morning before going to bed. I got home and told her, "sorry, I am headed straight to bed!" And I slept like I had died. So now it is back to work again tonight and tomorrow, and then I have a couple of nights off, which will be nice. When I got home this morning, I made my usual "Pit stop" at the scale on my way to bed, and was disappointed to see that I weighed the same as yesterday morning. Sort of discouraging. I walked a lot last night at work, and thought that would help in the weight loss battle. But then I know that weight loss isn't always smooth and even. I was somewhat discouraged when I got to work last night. I had told two people at work (IN CONFIDENCE!) about the upcoming weight loss surgery, and when I got to work, it seemed like EVERYONE knew I had had the surgery, that I had gone to Mexico to have it, etc. I am not sure which one of my co-workers "spilled the beans", but am sort of upset that one or both of them would tell something that I had told them in confidence, and asked them NOT to tell anyone about! I am a contract worker, and did this between contracts, so it isn't like I had to inform administration or HR about the surgery. For all they knew, I was just taking some time off between contracts. I had tons of "unsolicited" advise last night, about my diet, my weight loss, my vitamin intake, etc. There are three gals at work who have had various bariatric procedures (not sure what exact procedure) and one of them came to me to tell me how it was "the worst thing she had ever done in her life!" Now why would she tell me that? I am working hard to make a success of my surgery and post-op experience, and she tells me about her infections, her subsequent surgeries needed to "fix what the weight loss surgery did to me", etc! I mean, how depressing. I guess some people just can't let someone else be happy that things are going right! Oh well, enough complaining. Have to start getting ready for work. Hope all you pre and post op Sleevers are doing well. Talk at you more later............

I updated my YouTube this morning with 3 videos. Only 1 really applies for here and it's absolutely TMI so beware lol For those that want to watch, it's called spit and ****. I've had the worst heartburn EVER since surgery so maybe this will help out others out there and lets face it, **** happens so there you have it, the name of the video LOL xoxo's Renee`

I hope this isn't TMI but I am concerned about it...I used to be the typical lady who had to use the restroom quite frequently. Since my surgery, I noticed that my bladder has been like cast iron. I only void 2 or 3 times a day. I am getting in at least 40 to 60 oz of water and other fluids every day. Sometimes I feel thirsty and sometimes not. I have had kidney infections in the past and they never could figure out why. I don't want to hurt my self but am actually enjoying not having to take all those bathroom breaks. Any thoughts?? Thank you so much!!, Laura

I had surgery 6/27 and I was so bored at home that I went in to the office for a 1/2 day on day 5! I have had -0- complications unless you count two days of (way TMI) very loud liquid bowels that had me scared to death to go more than 15 ft from a toilet, lol. That kept me from going in on day 4 for a 1/2 day which I was kinda' planning. Desk job with 2 assistants, plus with the long holiday weekend I knew I could recover. I have no problems getting and keeping my liquids in and am successfully eating pureed and some soft foods (cottage cheese, thin shaved lunch meat) so I think maybe I am an exception to the norm. I was mentally prepared for complications, even to the point of taking out additional short term disability insurance in case of severe complications that would keep me from working for a few months. I scoured the boards and purchased everything I read that sounded helpful: gasX (never used as hospital wouldn't allow me to self-medicate) heating pad (never opened) etc. My motto was prepare for the worse, hope for the best!

I'm day 4 post-op and I suddenly have a bad upset stomach. I feel like all the liquids is going in and back out... TMI sorry but I'm wondering if anyone else has had trouble with an upset stomach right after surgery.

I may not see it so much yet in the mirror, but I can definitely feel a difference from losing the first 21 pounds off my body. I can walk up stairs without being out of breath, I can sleep on my back without being woken up from my gasping snores. My size 18 pants fit loosely while I was wearing size 22 my blood pressure has been normal ever since. This one is TMI, but after I clean myself after using the bathroom, I am not short of breath like I just walked up a hill. I noticed I'm smiling more, and that people are smiling at me. I guess I used to not have good eye contact lol. I can walk in a mall with my energized hubby n son and not have to stop n sit for a few minutes because I'm tired, and my back hurts. So far this is just a few things I've noticed. Can't wait to keep going ! Can't wait to see what 50lbs loss will do to my body! Thanks for listening!

I haven't seen a whole lot on this topic so I thought I'd chime in... I was lactose intolerant before the surgery and I was told that wouldn't change after the surgery. The liquid stage was fine, my protein powder was lactose free and if I wanted milk, Lactaid to the rescue. But, during the Mushy stage I made some mistakes. I thought since I was eating such extremely small quantities of dairy, I would be ok. The biggest food suggestions from my NUT at this stage were cottage cheese and yogurt. Big Mistake...Big Gas...Big Diarrhea...Big TMI, sorry! It was tough to get variety and PROTEIN in without cheese and yogurt. I SOOO DID NOT want to go back to drinking so many protein shakes at this point but it was inevitable. I was weak and dizzy and probably verging on dehydration. July 4th I move on to soft foods...and just in time...I figure I can eat more meat now and get that protein in without suffering dairy. (Oh, and couldn't take lactase pills just before meals because they took up too much room in my stomach and then I couldn't eat anyway.) So, I wanted to share my short list of non-dairy protein food choices for the mushy stage...and if anyone has add'l ideas please let us know. Thanks! -pureed chicken breast, tuna, deviled ham (watch out for fat content) -scrambled eggs -refried beans, lentils, split pea soup -hummus -tofu (I couldn't bring myself to try it) -soy yogurt (I couldn't find one low in sugar, maybe you'll have better luck) -avocado (not much protein but tasty and good for moistening meat and adding calories)

So... Before I start. YES, I ate bad stuff. YES, this was my fault. YES, I fell off the wagon, AGAIN, but I'm still losing, still in control 98% of the time, and still appreciative that I put myself through this. So before I got sleeved I discovered this new dessert: French Macarons. * sigh* Long story short. They're cute little egg white Cookies sandwiched together with jam, ganache' or buttercream in the center. I think they're good... they are. I was invited to party of someone who I'm trying to impress because I'm an intern in my graduate program. I knew these fancy cookies would be a hit and a conversation starter. I eat one...an hour later, I eat another. An hour later, I eat 1.5. My tummy gets upset. Like real upset. Then I get a headache, massive friggin headache. Then I leave because my bowels were getting angry with me. WOW, violent bathroom episode (I know, TMI), I hate macarons now. So... my body said, "okay girl, you don't believe you had surgery huh?" So that's dumping.

TMI - but I had my period and let's just say they gave me a blood thinner TWICE in one day. My poor sheets had to be changed because I couldn't get up fast enough to use the bathroom in time. And this is coming from someone who is so careful when it comes to bleeding through clothes. Oh, I was mortified! But 6 weeks later, i don't care!

Thanks to EVERYONE that has replied. We should keep the music from Rocky in the back of our minds.....the "theme music" for this phase of our Journey........LOL!!!!! ok.... For those not into "theme musi " it's ok..... But I know that THIS TIME..... we are going to FINALLY going to be VICTORIOUS against this long rivaled Obesity opponent!!!! Good luck Everyone!!!!! @ findingreneeagain: I have to do a liquid diet for 2 weeks pre-op. Today was my first day & OMG...... I think my kids think I've been playing a new instrument call the "Flatulant". LOL!!!! ( ok.... That was probably TMI, sorry ) hope that doesn't aggregate your pain. I hate to hear that ur still hurting. I would take advantage of the long weekend....do ABSOLUTLY NADA!!! Glad to see ur in good spirits. Your right. We must keep our eyes on the prize. @Thinkinthin LOL!!! u crack me up!!! But, "I feel ya!"..... Uve gotta do what uve gotta do!!!! All for the ultimate goal of "Healthy" even if uhave to "hide" for a few minutes. Please don't get caught!!! LOL!!! @ Cathie: my surgery is scheduled for July 14th. Are u doing a liquid diet right now? Good Luck on Tuesday!!! @ Candaceshenea: Awwhhh I hate u had this setback. Do u think that it was made worse by extra moving (like reaching above, sliding in ur chair, etc) on ur 1st day bk @ work? Sometimes the smallest of things that we normally do without a 2nd thought can set us bk. Thankfully u were able to give urself the extra time. Hang n there!! @ Penpen: Hey...... Have u been in my head? U sound like me with the "exploding stomach & blood clot" fears (among others) LOL!!!. But, ur right, I just keep reminding myself if my ultimate goal. I havent told but a few close friends & family abt me having this surgrey, so thats another added fear abt a longer recovery. I know it should be my LAST concern. So I keep reminding my self of that. @ Nancy: My job is pretty sedentary. But I will have to control how much I move around. THATS my plan. I've had a little practice with the recovery after my Hyst. I was "reminded" when I over did it. Hopefully I've learned how to gauge it.

Nechama: Looking forward to hearing from you!! Amy: Thanks for making the post-op thread! Re: fills--my surgeon has me scheduled for my first adjustment appointment on July 29, which is 23 days after my surgery. I have a 7/13 post-op checkup, too. I specifically chose a surgeon who is aggressive with fills and who has a strong after-care program including a thriving support group (which is run by the therapists who work in his office). I'm getting excited about moving into this new phase of all of our lives! And a possible TMI moment (excuse us for a moment, Stan and Kevin--this is just for the other women of the group): TOM hit this week, right in the middle of my pre-op diet, complete with food cravings and mood swings. GRRRR!!!!! As if I weren't cranky enough with this diet! (LOL!!!)

I had a cath put in so I didn't have that happen but I'm sure it was nothing to worry about......nurses have seen it ALL...which is worse, having that happen or being the one who PUTS the cath in.....hopefully THAT little bit of TMI will make you feel better!!!

no, not tmi- thanks, Cathi- that will help alot- I WILL TAKE THAT NAUSEA PRESCRIPTION! LOL... really; thanks alot! Hi there, I had my surgery at the same place, with Dr. Billings!! I am 3 weeks post-op today. The staff there are wonderful. I was worried about going home the same day, and truthfully, I wish I had been able to stay overnight as I got very sick the day I went home. However...did they give you a prescription for nausea, one pill to take at 3:00 a.m. the morning before surgery? If so, TAKE IT. I was told by a nurse during my pre-op appt. that it was optional, and since my insurance charged a higher co-pay for just the one pill, I didn't get it. Dr. Billings was not happy that I had been told that, because he said it is not optional, that I would really need it for nausea. They gave me extra nausea meds. in my IV the morning of the procedure, but it didn't help. I vomited all afternoon after I got home, and all night long. The next morning, I was very dehydrated and needed several bags of fluids. They kept me most of the day to make sure I was okay, giving me nausea & pain meds. thru the IV. They said everyone is different, but if I'd had that nausea pill, I probably wouldn't have been so sick. The liquid percocet they give you manages the pain well, as well as the valium. Take them both religiously the first few days to stay comfortable. Other people I have talked to weren't near so sick, so I don't want to freak you out or worry you. I hesitated sharing my experience since it was kind of rough the first few days. But also want to assure you that they will take good care of you, and they are only a phone call away. I had a one week post-op appt. and I was doing fine. They gave me pictures of the surgery and the piece of stomach they took out! When are you scheduled? I wish you the best!! You'll do great, I'm sure! Cathi so, i keep reading about how people spend 2 or 3 days in the hospital- if you had laprascopic vsg outpatient surgery, please chime in! i have to go in the next morning for fluids, and there is a hospital very close by if there are complications, which i'm not worried about- guess i'm more worried about pain management... no nurse at my beck and call...would appreciate your experience!