Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the OCC

[back2barb78 890]

Ooh I forgot. I've been able to bend over with no problem since yesterday and my steri-strips fell off of my JP drain site. I thought it would be a huge hole site but it isn't! Little marks just like the rest of them. My other incisions are doing well- they hardened a little bit but still look good. Really thin lines. The one at the bra line is really undetectable but still a little tender so I'm still using my sports bras.

One more thing that may be TMI-keep MOM handy. I thought I had accomplished something by having my second BM since surgery (my first was a milk of magnesia miracle), so much so I shared what I felt was about to happen with the BF who was less than impressed. Well, I was calling on sweet baby Jesus to help me it was so bad. I will officially be taking MOM every 2-3 days.

Edited October 24, 2013 by back2barb78

[MouseOnTheMile 186]

Back2barb, just a question, how useful did you find the Abd binder? Did it make a big difference?

[back2barb78 890]

Back2barb' date=' just a question, how useful did you find the Abd binder? Did it make a big difference?[/quote']

 

On Amazon. I would say it made a difference when I went out and about, however I wouldn't waste money on it if you don't have a larger abdomen. Also I felt better so fast I only used it about a week and I didn't go out much.

 

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[slvrsax 301]

Back2Barb, your posts are so helpful!! I have a couple of questions. One is about the Vitamins. Do you think the Enspira vitamins are better than doubling up on my regular vitamins? I compared labels on both but I have a hard time swallowing big pills, are they really big? Right now I take the One a Day petites. Love it because they are small! The other is about the pre and post op diet. I am really nervous about 5 solid weeks of liquids. I'm worried I won't have the energy to get through my day to day activities. How has your energy level been? My job isn't very physical but still worried about this. I'm taking off a solid week and working half days for week two. I figure I can count on hunger during the pre-op diet and my poor family will just have to deal with my crankiness, but how your hunger been post op?

I hate being hungry! Can ya tell?

 

Sherri

[back2barb78 890]

Back2Barb' date=' your posts are so helpful!! I have a couple of questions. One is about the Vitamins. Do you think the Enspira vitamins are better than doubling up on my regular vitamins? I compared labels on both but I have a hard time swallowing big pills, are they really big? Right now I take the One a Day petites. Love it because they are small! The other is about the pre and post op diet. I am really nervous about 5 solid weeks of liquids. I'm worried I won't have the energy to get through my day to day activities. How has your energy level been? My job isn't very physical but still worried about this. I'm taking off a solid week and working half days for week two. I figure I can count on hunger during the pre-op diet and my poor family will just have to deal with my crankiness, but how your hunger been post op? I hate being hungry! Can ya tell? <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> Sherri[/quote']

 

1) Vitamins- Preop I was taking 2 flinstone chewable vitamins with Iron daily in addition to some other vitamins. When I got to the OCC the NUT spoke to me about taking the Enspira Vitamins but I told her they were sold out at the time I was ordering my shakes. Now let me say this- I was happy they were sold out as this was the perfect excuse for me not to take them- I can't swallow pills! I was going to buy the chewable Unjury bariatric vitamins but compared the Flinstones and there was not much difference in ingredients. Then Dr Ortiz asked me about taking my vitamins preop and tried to hide being perturbed with the Flinstone Vitamin regimen- so I got the Enspira while there since the NUT told me they don't change the taste of the shakes which they don't because of the taste of the shake to begin with. They are those typical capsules you can open. If I were you I would compare labels and see how they match up and not waste the product I've already bought. I don't know if other OCCers are taking them, but they do have other ingredients that aren't in any other bariatric vitamin I've seen. With that being said, I have no idea how I'm going to take it without the shake. I put one in some applesauce yesterday to take it and it was a mess that I promptly tossed. I might have to get Unjury chewables anyway because it's better than taking nothing since I can't swallow it and I can't take the powder and chug a bunch of OJ to get it down (what I normally did with pills). I'll post a pic of the capsule in my hand so you can see exactly how big it is.

 

2) Energy pre/postop- Preop I had tried replacing some meals with Protein Shakes especially since I was trying many different products out (none of them Enspira shakes preop). My reasoning was so my body didn't rebel so much in the actual preop period so that's what I did mixed with my food funerals I did find that in the first few days my stomach was upset about the situation-growling and protesting. But a few days in it was ok. I must say that as far as energy level I may not be the best person to judge as I was working 6 12hour shifts a week up until the Friday before surgery. I was exhausted anyway. I really didn't notice a difference but I was too busy at work to notice too.

Postop I did notice a difference. Week one I was like this is a piece of cake! Walking and shopping... and shopping and shopping! Then after a week and a half I hit a wall where I was tired. People could eat around me because I wasn't hungry, but at this point even though I still wasn't hungry I was annoyed by people mentioning food. I laid in bed for 2 days and barely drank my shakes and my Water. Then I started to mix my shakes and take a sip and was disgusted- then everything smelled bad. I was a mess (this was about 4 days ago). I could feel myself getting weak so I made a trip to the grocery store to change it up- SF like Jello and broccoli cream Soup got me through 2 more days. I had to start purées a day early so call me a cheater I have not noticed hunger yet- I have to make myself eat. Instead of rumbling to signal hunger now my tummy does the opposite. Anything that hits it, Tummykins protests like the dog when someone rings the doorbell- then after a short while it's ok. I'm especially "noisy" with the food I noticed- very burpy. dinner last night I ate a turkey meatball and tasted the tablespoon of mash potato with gravy I had. It was a plate a one year old would scoff at but I didn't even get close to finishing it. I had to heat it 3 times. I will say even just these few ounces of food make me feel SO much better. It wasn't hard preop because of my schedule, but week 2-2.5 postop was hard.

 

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[back2barb78 890]

The Enspira Vitamin

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[raven123 97]

I take the Enspira Vitamins too. I have had no trouble swallowing them from about a week and a half after surgery.

I have been a little worried that I was able to eat too much. I can eat a whole gee with no problem.

Today I found my limit. After the egg at lunch I tried to eat some greek yogurt. after 2 bites I was very uncomfortable.

I had to get up and walk around the house for a few minutes. I found it again at dinner when I ate about a quarter cup of refried Beans. One more spoonful and it was too much. I'm glad the sleeve works.

[thenewme@32 40]

I'm seriously considering not going to OCC at this point. Don't know that it's a good fit for me. I've asked Lori since Aug 22nd to Skype with Dr Ortiz and have gotten nothing but sorries and he's busies. I asked her to call me but I got no call nothing but emails. I don't want to cancel my surgery' date=' but if I can't even talk to him before surgery, what will they do if I have complications? Disappointed right now.

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Last year november I did my surgery at the occ. I met dr Ortiz and he was there to ans all my questions even tho I was scared to ask much questions. Before and after. He also told me not be scared. And checked back on me thru my stay. Maria was also a beautiful nurse!

[back2barb78 890]

I take the Enspira Vitamins too. I have had no trouble swallowing them from about a week and a half after surgery. I have been a little worried that I was able to eat too much. I can eat a whole gee with no problem. Today I found my limit. After the egg at lunch I tried to eat some greek yogurt. after 2 bites I was very uncomfortable. I had to get up and walk around the house for a few minutes. I found it again at dinner when I ate about a quarter cup of refried Beans. One more spoonful and it was too much. I'm glad the sleeve works.

 

Raven you are doing so well. You are so much braver than me. I'm eating an ounce at a time. I'm so scared to vomit! Maybe I should be measuring instead of weighing. BTW , the papers say do one ounce servings but I missed how many servings daily. I looked at both handouts but didn't see it. Are you feeling hunger at all?

 

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[back2barb78 890]

Last year november I did my surgery at the OCC. I met dr Ortiz and he was there to ans all my questions even tho I was scared to ask much questions. Before and after. He also told me not be scared. And checked back on me thru my stay. Maria was also a beautiful nurse!

Newme, I had my surgery Oct. 7 and everything went well. Thank you so much for the support and kind words !

Since you're a year out, how are you? How has it been for you over this years time? Did you do your EGD?

 

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Edited October 25, 2013 by back2barb78

[ringo4 38]

OK. So this might not be the right place for this post. But, see - I've been following along with you guys for awhile and I honestly feel like you're a bunch of sisters to me. Even though I rarely (if at all) chime in. I just wanted to tell you guys what's going on with me - if for no other reason than to get emotional support.

 

I'm scheduled for November 1st at the OCC. I'm nervous, but I'm also excited. The past few weeks doing pre-op diet have been ridiculously hard (food is my drug of choice, see below). My BMI is pretty low (33), so I don't technically have to lose a ton of weight - but my food addiction has been on overdrive and well, now here I am a week to go before my surgery and I've GAINED weight and haven't even remotely started doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Theres a reason for this behavior though....

 

I should also mention that a few weeks ago my 17-year old nephew, with whom I am very close died suddenly in a tragic way. My ex-husband, who I was sorta trying to rekindle with has chosen now (of all times) to turn back into a drunk and abandon me and my kids. I have no parents (only 36) and it's just me and my sister - who has been a crumbling mess. She is living with me now... and her fiancee and their baby. As if that weren't enough stress on me, I've missed a lot of work because of this death and now I am trying to get caught up before my trip.

 

I could've cancelled or postponed. But I didn't. I didn't because I NEED THIS. I realize that stress level wise and eating wise this is a bad time in my life to do this. Logistically, I have two young boys that I have to figure out what to do with while I'm gone and I'm missing even MORE work. But you don't understand how incredibly long I've researched and saved and looked at message boards related to this surgery. I feel like this is my time. I NEED to do this. Plus, I feel like the time alone away from all this will be the best thing for me.

 

Can anyone relate to this? Am I totally screwing myself up by not trying to cancel this? I mean, don't get me wrong - I'm NOT cancelling at this point. I just wanted to get some input on my pre-op eating being off the hook... input on my stress level and what my post-op will look like. And maybe just a few positive insights on feeling better about my anxiety levels. Thanks, guys.

[back2barb78 890]

OK. So this might not be the right place for this post. But' date=' see - I've been following along with you guys for awhile and I honestly feel like you're a bunch of sisters to me. Even though I rarely (if at all) chime in. I just wanted to tell you guys what's going on with me - if for no other reason than to get emotional support. I'm scheduled for November 1st at the OCC. I'm nervous, but I'm also excited. The past few weeks doing pre-op diet have been ridiculously hard (food is my drug of choice, see below). My BMI is pretty low (33), so I don't technically have to lose a ton of weight - but my food addiction has been on overdrive and well, now here I am a week to go before my surgery and I've GAINED weight and haven't even remotely started doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Theres a reason for this behavior though.... I should also mention that a few weeks ago my 17-year old nephew, with whom I am very close died suddenly in a tragic way. My ex-husband, who I was sorta trying to rekindle with has chosen now (of all times) to turn back into a drunk and abandon me and my kids. I have no parents (only 36) and it's just me and my sister - who has been a crumbling mess. She is living with me now... and her fiancee and their baby. As if that weren't enough stress on me, I've missed a lot of work because of this death and now I am trying to get caught up before my trip. I could've cancelled or postponed. But I didn't. I didn't because I NEED THIS. I realize that stress level wise and eating wise this is a bad time in my life to do this. Logistically, I have two young boys that I have to figure out what to do with while I'm gone and I'm missing even MORE work. But you don't understand how incredibly long I've researched and saved and looked at message boards related to this surgery. I feel like this is my time. I NEED to do this. Plus, I feel like the time alone away from all this will be the best thing for me. Can anyone relate to this? Am I totally screwing myself up by not trying to cancel this? I mean, don't get me wrong - I'm NOT cancelling at this point. I just wanted to get some input on my pre-op eating being off the hook... input on my stress level and what my post-op will look like. And maybe just a few positive insights on feeling better about my anxiety levels. Thanks, guys.[/quote']

Ringo

Let me start by saying that I am so sorry for your loss and commend you for moving forward through your struggles. With that being said, your choice to move forward with this surgery at this point in your life will prove to be a pivotal moment given the circumstances- one that will show you just how strong you can be hopefully! With a small support system, you mainly have you to lean on when times get rough. You said you NEED to do this- and I believe with what you have presented us you do. You need to do something for you where you put yourself first to make your situation better for you and YOUR kids. It sounds like you are helping everyone around you-which we can probably all say we are guilty of- instead of taking care of yourself. Only you know how much you truly can handle- following the rules is important to your success. Luckily you have a low BMI (so jealous by the way) and can get back on track because you still have time-you'll be surprised how quickly the lbs come off during the preop diet. Anxiety is a serious issue- we control those feelings within ourselves. I chose after PMing back and forth with some of the ladies here to get my mind right and turn my thinking around. "I'm going to do this, everything's going to be ok, and I'm going to do good at it" was how I had to think until they put me to sleep on the table, Ringo. No other thoughts allowed! If you feel you are strong enough, do it.

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[ringo4 38]

Thanks for the kind words and condolences. I'm going to try to do all liquids for the remaining week before surgery. I hope that this will get me on the right track for the procedure. You are right - I am the person who takes care of things. We as women (and especially us - as nurses) are always on the lookout for others.... and I am doing this for me. I just worry about the afterwards... the looking after my kids and helping my sister... the doing my job and not missing too much more work, etc. But I'm going to make it work. I have to.

 

So anyway, thank you. And thank you so so much for all of your posts. They have been super super helpful and supportive. And no reason to be jealous of my BMI - honey, you are on your way!!!

[slvrsax 301]

The Enspira Vitamin

 

 

 

 

 

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OK, that is about what I pictured for the vitamin as far as the size goes. I have a few left in my bottle of one a day's, I added to my work calendar to make a decision about ordering by next month. Very helpful information!

 

I've been doing a Protein Shake in the mornings a few days a week. I bought some Quest bars, those aren't bad! I am thinking of doing high protein/low carb food plan for half of November before I start my pre-op diet.

 

Thanks for the helpful information Back2Barb and Raven, it really gives me a good idea of what to expect!

[MouseOnTheMile 186]

I'm sorry to hear about everything going on in your life Ringo, food is a crutch for most people here I think and it's totally understandable why you've had a hard time controlling yourself with so many stresses under foot.

 

I am in total agreement with Back2Barb on this one, you do need to see this through and stop putting your life on hold because of others around you. As for arrangements with your children, you're putting up your sister and her family, it's the least they can do is help out with them while you're away for a few days. Built in babysitters! Put them to work!! Haha

 

Stay strong and think about the future. All hard times give way and yield eventually to brighter tomorrows! Don't give up on this surgery or yourself. Make up for lost time and get ready to start this new chapter of your life!

Edited October 25, 2013 by MouseOnTheMile