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3-day Update: I'm feeling a bit better everyday. - I'm off the liquid pain meds as I don't seem to need them. I also don't seem to need the nausea or antacid meds. - The gas pains these last few days have been the most challenging. Every burp and fart is celebrated. And walking around definitely helps to relieve those. - I still have a tightness in my chest though. I've been putting it down to gas pain but I'm not sure anymore so I'll be ringing the doctor today to check. - I had some leakage from one of the incision sites (on my sternum) yesterday (no signs of an infection though) - my husband and I were able to get dressings and alcohols wipes from CVS and redid the covering, which is looking better now. - I sleep on my side or my back with a pillow against my tummy. Partly to protect myself from any unexpected movement at night and partly for support as the belly button incision still 'pulls' a bit. - Yesterday I experience spasms of the stomach, but I've been given pills for that which I took every 4 hours. I also read some advice on here which said a warmer temperature might help, which it definitely did. - I haven't been able to get much Protein in last few days and I'll start again today as I'm feeling a bit more myself. But need to remember to sip very very slowly. - Finally, I haven't had a BM since surgery so last night I picked up some liquid Colace per advice from an RN from the hospital that rang to check up on me. She said Milk of Magnesia should be the last resort as it's a bit more aggressive on the gut. I'll update again in a few days. Good luck all. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@ Those pills were awful. I was on them for a little while. What a horror show. @@goplay94123 When he wants to go for drinks, get bottle Water or coffee. You don't have to drink alcohol when you meet someone for drinks. I think it is better to not drink as a female on a date, so you can stay alert.

@@Kaze @@Shrinkinqtpi I am a huge peppermint oil fan. I use it for everything from adding it to my shampoo, using it for migraines, placing a few drops in my Water, and it even helps me relax enough at night to go to sleep. Unfortunately I'm out and my order won't be here till next week. ???? I've tried both eucalyptus and lemon tonight, but they just aren't working. Did get some relief from the ginger ale and mint tea, also when all else fails.....I start "huffing" alcohol swabs. Oddly enough in a pinch it works. Hopefully my dr(s) can give me a little insight in the morning. Have a good night all!!

I won't comment on your particular therapist -- don't know at all what she knows or doesn't know about WLS. But be warned that WLS doesn't fix binge-eating. That may seem counterintuitive -- after all, the sleeve is a much smaller stomach, so how could anyone binge eat post-op? Trust me, you could. Yes, you'll probably lose a significant amount of weight post-op. But as your stomach heals and the early, temporary strong restriction eases and a year or longer out when you can eat more than a cup of food at a meal, you will find just how many calories you can put away. Post-op, you can always graze (nibble on throughout the day) "slider foods" (highly processed foods with little nutrition in them that don't require much stomach digestion (ice cream, sweets, chips, crackers, dips, etc.). Those foods and high-calorie drinks -- like sodas, sweet tea, high-cal coffee drinks, sugary alcoholic drinks -- will pack the pounds back on. There's an old saying around here -- they operate on your stomach, not your brain. Yes, you could have the surgery. But keep your therapist (or find a new one) and work on your brain, too.

Two months out I started walking an hour a day, lifted as much as I could to maximize my muscle mass knowing I was going to lose some in the first few months. I weaned myself off of alcohol and caffeine (I started that process a month out). Three weeks out I tried out the foods I was going to eat in the first month, had them in stock before I left. Two weeks before, I started practicing slow eating at lunch. Tried about 6 different Protein powders to find the one I liked. I worked through https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0 to get my mind right. And every-time I would get second thoughts I would read: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/195065-you-know-you-lost-weight-when/ But months before sending in my deposit I watched every video I could on worst case outcomes. I analyzed what they were doing wrong and figured out in my mind was I willing to take that risk. The vast majority of the failures were people who tried to keep eating chips and Twinkies or were emotional basket cases. After seeing that, I started watching people who succeeded and built a program to imitate their success.

I know the alcohol is not good this early I actually kind of ordered it without thinking. I have had such an easy time with surgery and no pain etc.... that I can forget the limitations

I wouldn't have done anything different. What I did worked just right for me.....avoided those no-no foods, exceeded Protein and Fluid goals, learned to eat just until satisfied, not full, established new eating habits and a regular Vitamin schedule. I never did measure or track my food (besides protein and water) because I knew I would never keep it up. No sense trying to implement a plan I would not stick to. Instead, I just taught myself to eyeball my portions and learned the limits of what would let me lose vs maintain vs gain. That turned into a new lifestyle I can easily maintain. Likewise, I knew I would not keep up with an excercise program so I never bothered with that either. Basically, I would start doing now whatever you think you will be able to do forever and be very mindful of what foods you need to consume to lose weight vs foods that could cause weight stalls/gains in the future. Also make sure you have a plan in place for dealing with stressful events in your life. Those seem to be the trigger point for when many people start to regain weight. For me, seeing a therapist and getting on antidepressants was what I needed to help me cope since I refused to use food and alcohol as a crutch like I'd always done in the past.

sugar free gums and candies have sugar alcohols in them and cause gas and also they tend to do the opposite of taking away the craving. They cause you to want to eat. I can see it not being a problem 1+ years out when you are well established though. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@VSGAnn2014 Your initial comments were fine. The Oak Park OP said she's "depressed," and since that depression, is drinking more beer, ingesting more calories in beer than in food. Liking beer doesn't make one an alcoholic; regularly/frequently turning to it in depression, etc., warrants contemplation. To consider AA...legitimate query, if one is truly open to exploring all reasons and all possible remedies for the weight gain. [Ann, hope you're hubby is progressing well.]

So in response to the original post (I skipped over the 10 in the middle where someone was mean or got their feelings hurt or whatever we're fighting about today), I would have to minimally disagree. Yes, listen to your surgeons, however if it's something I've noticed, everywhere has different directions which means that what one person told may not be the same degree of correct as another and it is instead a surgeon preference. For example, straws. Some surgeons, generally old school ones, tell you not to use them. More recently educated surgeons understand that for some people straws are the only way they can get all of their fluids in and using straws doesn't actually hurt you. Sometimes people get a bit of a stomach ache, but mostly, you're fine. So...if your surgeon says don't use straws, sometimes it's ok to ignore them. Next, soda and other bubbly non-alcoholic beverages. Once your stomach is healed this is not going to hurt you. Your stomach is not a closed system, so if you get a little bit of gas, you burp, problem solved. It isn't going to blow up your stomach! They tell you to not drink soda because it's easier to say that so people don't drink regular soda and drink all their calories. Physically diet soda is not going to kill you for any reasons that it won't kill you if you never had the surgery. Next, doing stuff that makes you feel like crap...if your Vitamins make you barf, after you have healed, you don't need to take the expensive bariatric kind and in fact, if you play around with your supplements until you find something that works for you, this is fine. Next...protein. If you do not get your bajillion grams in a day, you are really going to be fine. Some people are obsessive about protein- I never was. I am almost 3 years post-op, I had full labs done two weeks ago, and my numbers are all perfect. I eat like a normal person, not a Protein junky who has to hit a certain number everyday. So, while I would agree that you should follow the rules, not everyone has the same rules, which creates questions. Also, not all surgeons are always right with everything. These are just people like us and if you are educated, you do your research, and you think you might not agree with your surgeon...guess what, it is totally cool to not follow some of their directions on something that has been validated with evidence based practice as being an acceptable deviation from their rules. Don't be an idiot, but don't be a sheep either. Surgeons are not God, despite the fact that some of them think they are, and you are not a child, and as such, if you don't happen to agree with or do everything exactly as you are told and you can support that decision with research and efficacy of practice, then good for you.

After surgery I will continue my usage as well it's a self medication and I'm not seeing any harm in MJ it's not the same as tabacco and alcohol and it is true that not everyone gets the munchies and for those who do get the munchies it's because you smoke before you eat....you have to eat before you smoke so your tummy can be already satisfied all you should need is a tall cold glass of Water but everybody is different so just do what works for you Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Alcohol can cause bleeding this early out. In addition, it can cause dehydration (which is already a risk after WLS). Please be careful.

@@jintycb Good grief, I am not even talking about you. I am talking about the 200 questions a week about Alcohol, drug use, pizza, ice cream, crackers, not losing 10 pounds a week, stretched my pouch/sleeve at 6 weeks and all the other assorted stupid questions that people ask every week. You know, the ones you made this rant to complain about. Anyone that has been around here for over a year can definitely notice a huge influx and change in the types of questions asked.

Drinking alcohol so early out is a risk to your stomach that is healing inside your body. Tissues are in a delicate state.

I had the same problem but mine was associated with bad pain. Every test came back clear and was fine but my doctor did blood work and I got pancreatitis. Which they don't know how because I don't have a gallbladder and I don't drink alcohol. Could have them test for that, if you are having pain. Mine got worse when I moved to the pureé/ solid stage. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience! I sincerely wish you the very best results in addressing your regain. I'm truly sorry if my questions offended you. I certainly don't think everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. I certainly don't know if you are an alcoholic. You said you're taking in more calories daily via beer than through the food you eat and that you are having a hard time cutting out the beer. You offered as context your struggles with depression after a physical injury. And since transfer addictions are real dangers for WLS patients post-op, I asked whether you thought AA or therapy could be helpful. You sound very determined to regain your health and to lose the weight you've gained. Again, I wish for you great success in achieving your goals. It might be even worth it to explore OA (OA.org). Many of us use food the way Alcoholic's use alcohol.

Yeah actually having issues with food smells. Apart of changing our lifestyle had to realize how much tasting while cooking I was doing. Packing on the calories. My stepmom came to stay after surgery she cooked for herself and opened a bottle of wine. Thought I was going to die from the smell of wine in her glass. Kind of like after a hangover when you smell alcohol. Anyway life goes on. See surgeon tomorrow should be on soft foods. Hope you are well. Sent from my LGLS990 using the BariatricPal App

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience! I sincerely wish you the very best results in addressing your regain. I'm truly sorry if my questions offended you. I certainly don't think everyone who drinks is an alcoholic. I certainly don't know if you are an alcoholic. You said you're taking in more calories daily via beer than through the food you eat and that you are having a hard time cutting out the beer. You offered as context your struggles with depression after a physical injury. And since transfer addictions are real dangers for WLS patients post-op, I asked whether you thought AA or therapy could be helpful. You sound very determined to regain your health and to lose the weight you've gained. Again, I wish for you great success in achieving your goals.

Hmm, well, I'm not sure why you assume that someone who drinks is an alcoholic. I'm fairly certain and confident that I am not, so AA would not really be much help. As for therapy, sure, I've been in therapy my entire adult life. I'm a big fan of therapy, but again, as I said in my OP, I know what I should do, but doing it is tough, I'm looking for others in the same boat, not for people who want to pathologize what is simply the human experience!

I think I spit Water out of my nose while reading the OP! Love the rant and especially the funny that you brought with it. I do think many many people have sub par medical support. It just isn't the same for everyone leaving many unanswered questions. This is the place that people come and that's great. It seems you can always vett out those that simply don't want to listen to their medical professionals. They are usually the folks drinking alcohol soon after surgery or going right back to old crappy behaviors.

I hope you don't take this brief post as "preaching." Have you also considered: * Alcoholics Anonymous? * Therapy? If not, what are your thoughts about these resources?

I have been reading thru these forums for over six months now, and I'm finally posting my own thread! I have been overweight my whole life. I have non-alcoholic Liver Disease that consists of Fatty Liver & several hepatic adenomas, PCOS, Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Resistance, Leukocytosis, Infertility, Severe GERD, IBS, Chronic unspecified inflammation in the body, the list really goes on and on. On top of my own co-morbidities, I have a very very strong family history of Heart Disease & Diabetes. I thought about pursuing Bariatric Surgery a couple years back, but after doing research, I talked myself out of it because I didn't want to have to wait ANOTHER 18-24 months to conceive. Well, after 6 months of fertility therapy & horrible side effects, I decided I needed to stop and reassess the situation. I went thru all my requirements, and submitted my Pre-Auth to insurance in March '16, to be denied 2 weeks later due to lack of support from my PCP. My Primary is very "old fashioned", and doesn't believe in "Non-Traditional Weight Loss", so I was left hanging & she would not right up a letter of medical necessity or provide documentation that I have been actively trying to lose weight for the past umteen years. So, I ended up going to my Bariatric Center & just doing another 3 months of NUT appointments to add on to everything I already had to HOPEFULLY achieve requirements while by-passing my PCP. My appeal was submitted June 10th, and I was getting multiple responses for "Wait time" from my insurance. One person said it was the standard 7-10 days, and then another said that an appeal isn't the same thing as a pre-auth, and they are allowed 30 days. At this point, my lab work is getting worse; liver is getting worse; retaining ridiculous amounts of fluid; CRP is thru the roof; in ER with sky-high WBC; I just need this done! Just got word from my insurance today that my denial has been overturned and I have been APPROVED! Going thru these threads for 6 months, I never understood why people cried when getting the approval. I now understand... Something that seemed so unobtainable the last few months is finally real. It's my Holy Grail honestly.... I woke up today just having an awful morning & that 1 phone call just turned my day upside down. My golden birthday is 1 week from today (27 on June 27th), and this by far is the best present ever! Now, to just wait on a date! So many happy tears in my cubicle today! -Brooke

It's not a secret that I take an antidepressant. It took me a long time to be open about that, as my family are "just snap out of it" kind of people. My brain just doesn't handle serotonin well on its own. Without an antidepressant, everything and nothing makes me cry and I can't feel joy. With it, I feel and act, like a normal person (HEY! no comments from the peanut gallery!). Last week at work was a week from hell. Patient almost dying in the parking lot, another patient having a psychotic break and calling constantly with delusions of grandeur and racing thoughts (and I got to take his calls), several interactions with the police regarding that same patient, dismissing two patients (one for combining alcohol with her meds on top of a positive drug test for pcp, another for increasing her meds on her own several times)... you name it, we went through it. I take my medications (antidepressant and vitamins) after I get to work; it's part of my morning routine at the office. With all the chaos, I forgot to take them on Thursday. Then I forgot to take them on Friday. Then I went out of town on Saturday and forgot to take them. Saturday I went to an adult, Disney-themed party. I went as Milady de Winter, the spy from The Three Musketeers that plots to kill the king of France (if you've seen Disney's version with Tim Curry, Kiefer Sutherland, Charlie Sheen, etc., it was the part played by Rebecca DeMornay). Years ago when I was doing Renaissance stuff, I made a beautiful Italian Renaissance green and gold gown, underdress, etc. So I wore that, and everything I was wearing I had made myself, with the exception of my shoes. Roughly half of the women at the party were wearing as little as possible. There was a costume contest, and I came in second, behind a girl dressed as Belle, in a very short dress with major cleavage. Think "adult Halloween costume" versus historically-accurate gown that you might see in a Renaissance painting. It left me in tears, and it shouldn't have. It was clearly a cleavage contest, as a number of people expressed in surprise to me afterwards. I have no cleavage anymore. I used to fill out the bust of this dress and then some. I was able to tighten up the bodice a bit, but still no cleavage. I couldn't believe how stupid I felt for being in tears over something like this. Something that doesn't matter. I'm usually very careful not to enter contests that are not based on skill, because I want to be judged on ability, not popularity. Just as we were leaving the party to go back to the hotel, I got a massive headache. Great. No sexy time for me. So we're laying in bed, my head is killing me, and tears are streaming down my face, and I can't even tell him why. Thankfully, he's a patient guy and he just held me. The next morning, I realized what had happened. I had no antidepressant on board, and it takes about two to three days for any changes to be noticeable, positive or negative. I still had a headache, but it was just kind of around the edges, not as bad as it had been. I was able to articulate to him what the problem was, and I got some gentle sexy time (which, if you know anything about me, is not my preferred "speed" ). So I made stupid choices and got a stupid outcome. This was not my first rodeo, and I know better. I know I have to take care of myself. Uggghhhh.

There are only a few things that are on my never again list. The most critical one is soda pop. Drinking anything while eating is a no no permanently and NSAIDs. Now keep in mind that if you have severe arthritis your Bariatric team will work with you on an NSAIDs program that will protect your pouch. I have severe arthritis in my spine and several other joints but I choose not to risk a potential ulcer. Alcohol after year 1 is fine in small amounts but realize you are drinking your calories. I have been eating raw celery once 8 weeks out, it has never bothered me. I just chop it in salads and Soups small. I use a straw everyday! It helps me drink all my liquids. You simply have to learn not to gulp. I am now 21 months post op and have tried just about everything else I once did. I just don't like things like greasy foods, sweets or heavy carb foods. I crave good quality Protein, great fruit and veggies.

@@Kindle except it varies by every anesthesiologist. My point as I said before, was ask the hospital/doctor and go by what they say. Asking random strangers on the internet isn't going to be a lot of help and is not worth having your surgery delayed. I did what my team asked and I offered my opinion on it. You yourself said you had to remove it for one surgery, not the other. Did you ask them why? I asked them why one said it was okay and the other didn't. The hospital that let me keep the polish on went into a long technical explanation about the light and how it works and why it still works even with polish and the other place was like this is how we do it. I did what was asked/expected both times. That doesn't meant I am not entitled to question it if I feel like it. I didn't come in here belittling people that enjoy having their nails done. Or telling them they would risk brain damage. Those were extremes we didn't need. This is ending up like an alcohol/pizza thread. *sigh*