Yippppeeee! So glad I found this forum.

[shellbell65 1]

Hello all - my name is Michele. I had my sleeve surgery December 19. Ate ( a few bites), stomach/throat making it's usual urgle, burgle, gassy sounds and wanted to make sure it was normal. Googled "gastric sleeve air trapped" and I landed on this website.

Anyway, what a roller coaster this has been. So I knew I needed my gallbladder out and that I needed to take my health more seriously. I decided to research weight loss surgery options in early December after many failed diets. Figured if they had to go in to take out the gallbladder, maybe I'd just have both done at the same time. Attended an informational meeting on December 8. I already knew my insurance would not cover WLS and I would have to pay for it by myself, but on the positive side, I wouldn't have to jump through the 12 million hoops they make you go through. After the informational meeting, I met with the surgeon, told him I wanted to proceed and asked if it could be done around xmas as I planned to be off for two weeks anyway. It was tentatively set for Dec 28.

The following Monday (Dec 10) I get a call and they tell me they can't do the 28th, but they could do the 19th. OMG. That's like next week. OMG. But I said OK. Went in for preop testing the 17th and had the surgery the 19th. Had basically one day to prepare. Mentally, physically, emotionally.

Do I regret it? NO! I am feeling hopeful about my future for the first time in a very very very long time. I am down 24 lbs in 11 days. I'm feeling like crap right now but each day gets better.

But word of caution to smokers.....

I lied to my surgeon and said I was a non-smoker (I know - bad girl). I was pretty sure they would not do the surgery if I told them I was a smoker. Thankfully, my pulmonary functions have not been seriously compromised (yet) so those preop tests did not reveal my smoking. But recovery has been harder because of it. I was in the hospital an extra day because of my breathing. Pulse ox readings were very low. I have to make a conscious effort to breath deeply to raise it. Hurts like hell to cough. Still feeling light headed. So when the doc says quit smoking, don't BS yourself, thinking you'll be fine. This is the time to quit.

[Ms skinniness 3,003]

CONGRATS on your success! Keep up the good work. Did the hospital give you a breathing apparetis to use to take deep breaths. Most patients have to use one after surgery to get their lungs clear.

[kczar 166]

Welcome to the board! Congratulations on your quick progress to the sleeve. Make sure to go through all the sections here because there is a huge wealth of knowledge that can help you with your journey. Keep us posted on your progress.

[kitkat 76]

Hi! Welcome this a great site and very helpful for all kinds of infromation! You got sleeved on the 19 and you are eating? I got sleeved on the 18 and I am still on liquid until Tuesday when I can start blended food. My biggest problem is that I am getting bored of soup!

You got through the process really quickly! And you are doing so well! I am down 33 lbs since the pre op diet and only 92 to go

Good Luck and keep up the good work!

[shellbell65 1]

I am primarily still on liquid/pureed, but tried a scrambled egg yesterday and today. I'm struggling to get my Protein in and tired of the Protein drinks already. It's unreal that you can take just a few bites/sips and be full. Not liking the sensation that food is stuck in my throat if I try to eat any more than that.

I find myself doing a lot of pacing to release the air bubbles.

I have a couple of extra incision sites from the gallbladder removal. But in general, how long does it take before you can bend over at the waist comfortably?

[kitkat 76]

I cant bend at the waist yet. I am still sore and have a big bruise where they took my stomach out. I tired some blended bean Soup today and it did not work. Lots of chest pain so I only got one spoon full in. Back to shakes for the rest of the day!

Cream of Rice worked well I just added cinnimon and a littel butter. Two bites and I was full.

[Sadlers1999 169]

1st- glad you are motivated to stop smoking. Was talking with my cousin about his dad (my uncle) who died of a blood clot post surgery...A doctor told him that even though his dad hadn't smoked in over 25 years, the damage he did in the past probably contributed to that fatal blood clot. So you can't stop too soon.

2nd- re: bending - I was sleeved on 17th and I can bend okay. I don't push it, but I am not in any pain.