How Were You 2 Weeks Out?

[butter-fly 17]

Hello Sleeve Friends,

Exactly 2 weeks post op I will be driving 10 hours to get together with close family and friends for my mother's memorial service. I'm wondering what I should anticipate in terms of pain/discomfort? Will I still have a bloated belly 2 weeks out? Will I have any noticable weight loss by then?

What was your experience 2 weeks out?

[cmaloney 151]

First, my condolences on your loss. Your belly will go down significantly. I was back to work in 2 weeks & family & friends told me how noticeably flatter my belly looked.

[COsleeveDude 273]

Sorry for your loss.

I would suggest you plan time to stop, get out of the car and walk around for 5-10 minutes every couple of hours. That will help with any discomfort and reduce the risk of any potential post-surgical blood clots.

You will probably have some noticeable weight loss by then, anywhere from 5-20+ lbs, depending. But, maybe not enough to have to field a ton of inquiries about what you've been doing if you don't feel like it.

[Pinky Green 260]

I am 10 days out and lost 12 pound pre-op and have already lost 7 more pounds since surgery. My doctor approved me for driving as soon as I wasn't taking pain meds and I had surgery on a Wed., went home on Friday and was driving around (off pain meds) by Monday or Tuesday.

I have a manual transmission car and I am short and previously, it took quite a bit of effort to get my left foot far down to start the car. Pre-op I was able to move my seat a couple of notches forward and driving was much easier. Post-op, I had to put the seat back again, but about 3 days later I was able to move it forward again.

My daughter says she can already tell I've lost weight and my boyfriend who lives with me noticed - if someone who sees you all the time notices - you know that it's noticeable because people who see you all the time see the changes so gradually.

[Susie in Lima 320]

As far as what you eat, you will probably need to plan ahead in order to have your liquids/meals available for you, because it might be a little difficult to get what you need on the road.

[butter-fly 17]

Thanks, everyone! So helpful!!

[Pinky Green 260]

You can get 1% milk at McDonalds and any place that has a bar has Tomato juice as does Denny's. If you have been cleared for soft foods yet you can get oatmeal and eggs at Denny's also - be sure and request that your eggs be cooked without extra oil.