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3 day post op catch-up

Ok, I was sleeved on Friday, and didn't really feel like blogging in the hospital, so I will try to include as many details as I can here. Friday, March 8 - wife drove me to the hospital at 6 am. Nurses brought me in to empty my bladder, get changed into the gow, sign some paperwork, and get the IV started. I kissed my wife, and got wheeled into the OR at around 7:30. The next thing I can remember is the nurses calling out my name trying to wake me up in the recovery room. I opened my eyes and saw a clock on the wall said 11:30. I was struggling to determine if I was dreaming or if it was real. I started trying to determine if I was in any pain, and noticed it was hard to take a deep breath. They wheeled me up to my room about a half hour later. I was so tired, and all I wanted to do was sleep. They gave me a button to push for Morphine, and told me to use it as often as I needed. The morphine made me nauseous whenever I would use it, only temporarily, but enough to make me not want to use it too much. I had some belly pain, but mostly what I would describe as "tightness" in the belly. Worse than the belly was the gas pain I felt in my chest, and a pain in my left shoulder which I am reading now was also from the gas. The doctor repaired a fairly large hiatal hernia while he was in there, so I think that compounded the chest pain and gas pain. Sleeping at night was hard - basically every hour was 45 minutes of sleeping and 15 minutes of being awake. I used the morphine about once an hour throughout the night, just to get some sleep. Also, another thing that was hard was the cotton mouth. I wasn't able to drink anything at all for the first 24 hours, but was able to swab the inside of my mouth with water. It helped some, but was annoying. The first day was pretty much Hell, and I was praying that it would all be worth it.   Saturday, March 9 - I awoke in the morning, and was told that the doctor would be in at some point to do an X-ray to make sure there was no leakage. One thing I forgot to mention about Friday was that they would give me a heparin shot every 8 hours or so, and that would continue for the whole hospital stay. The doctor showed up, and they brought me down in a wheelchair to do the X-ray. I had to stand there and drink a few sips of barium solution, the first fluid I had drank in about 36 hours. Doctor said everything looked great, no leaks, and the hiatal hernia looked like it was healing nicely. I got back to my room, and was given a 'food' tray, clear liquid bariatric diet. I tried to get some liquid in, but it was very hard. They disconnected the morphine, and switched me to Tylenol with codeine in pill form, which had to be crushed and put into liquid. It was so bitter and hard to drink. I only ended up taking 2 doses, and haven't taken any pain medication since 6:45 Saturday night. Overall, it was a much better day than day 1. I got up to walk and to urinate a few times, and it did help with the gas pain. Sleep on Saturday night was much better than Friday night. I was still a bit uncomfortable, especially the constant burping and the pain in my left shoulder. It was hard to stay on my back all night, but slept pretty good, only waking up one time to urinate and I walked the length of the hall a couple times while I was up.   Sunday, March 10 - was told I would probably be going home, which is what I was expecting. Felt even better than on Saturday. A lot of waiting, just wanting to go home. Around 11 am I realized that they had never brought me a breakfast tray. It was daylight savings, so the clock on the wall still said 10. I mentioned it to my nurse, and she couldn't believe it. She asked if I wanted them to send something now, or just wait until lunch. I had been sipping on water, and said I could just wait until lunch. They brought the lunch trays up, and mine wasn't included there either. The nurse had to call and have a tray sent up. They ended up sending a tray of clear liquid diet food, not clear liquid BARIATRIC diet food, which means that some of the things had sugar. Luckily, the only thing I was really interested in was the chicken broth, which was on both diets. This was the only issue I had with the entire hospital stay. The nurses were great. Probably around 1 pm, the doctor came to remove my Jackson Pratt drain, which was probably the most unpleasant second of the entire thing. He counted to 3 and yanked it out. I let out an audible yell, which is unusual for me. It wasn't so much that it hurt, but felt very strange. I'm not even sure I could describe it to someone who hasn't been through it, but I've replayed it in my mind several times since, feeling the same feeling again each time. I was released, and went home, it was good to be home.   I will try to add more later, just wanted to get these thoughts down before I forgot them.

BigDaddyJoe

BigDaddyJoe

 

He does not understand.....

My nut wanted me to go ahead and start using protein shakes now to get use to it. My husband and I made one and shared it this evening. He said boy would not be bad with some sugar.....I just looked at him in disbelief and said I can not have it with sugar. O he says well get some vanilla and add some strawberries to it...I replied it will be a while after surgery before I can have starberries again. He is supportive, but he has no idea.

CherylA

CherylA

 

Subs

MISSING SUBWAY TODAY. I used to go to subway 3 times a week. I would kill for an italian BMT on italian herbs and cheese bread. I hope these cravings go away. I don't want to fight this battle my whole life.   Anybody ever have a sub post-op? What month?

melissa130

melissa130

 

ALMOST 10 MONTHS 107 LBS DOWN- PICS

I can not believe how fast time is moving!!!! Just two months shy of a year! 107 lbs down and happy with it. I am able to eat more and that's a little scary!! I make sure I eat my protein first. Lunch is usually a grilled chicken breast with lettuce, grapes, and strawberries. I still measure my food because I worry about over eating.   My work load is kinda heavy at this time, so I am lucky if I go the gym once a week I feel so guilty about that! That's why I stay on top of my food intake. On a typical day I usually intake: 2 Isopure protein shakes( 100 gr protein), 64 oz of water, two eggs in the morning, grilled chicken for lunch, Atkins bar for snack, and Chili for supper.   I should confess now :Last week I ate three Oreo cookies, and last Friday I ate a bag of M&Ms!!! LORD HELP ME!! I hope this is not going to become a habit because I refuse to undo all my hard work!   HIGHEST WEIGHT: 348 LBS TODAY'S WEIGHT: 241 LBS :wub:

LaBelle509

LaBelle509

 

Am I Hungry or Am I Hungary?

I'm actually fairly certain that I'm not a nation in central Eastern Europe, but beyond that, things start to get fuzzy. While I was off the bandwagon, I forgot all the rules about listening to my body and my band to determine what was hunger and what was head hunger. Actually, it would be more correct to say that I ignored all those rules, and now that I'm trying to pay attention again, I think my skills have rusted.   I'm not sure I was ever very good at really distinguishing between head hunger and real hunger, but at the moment, making that distinction seems harder than ever. Maybe it's because I was a slacker for so long, or maybe it's because during the coming ten days, making the distinction is going to be the difference between getting an additional fill at my next appointment and not getting one. I think the pressure is getting to me. I'm back on solids today and trying to tell how long one of my small meals is really lasting me, and I'm having trouble deciding. I know the only thing to do is to track my calories, get all my protein and keep at it, but that isn't actually helping my confusion.   For now, I think I'll just eat my meals and wait for my stomach to growl and know that does mean I'm hungry.   And maybe I'll learn what a soft stop is before I hit my 10 year bandiversary. :-)

morelgirl

morelgirl

 

Perspective

I've been down the last month or so because my weight didn't seem to be moving. I was following the doctors orders, doing what I was suppose to, but the scales were not moving. Then last week all of a sudden I came to realize geez my pants are falling down, my shirt feels bigger. The scales weren't moving, but the inches were. I purchase some summer shorts and capri's in 14's and 12's - holy cow, WOW!! A XL in the ladies section is to big, I need a large.   Yesterday the hubs and I went to the mall to finish getting what we needed to our Florida vacation in a few weeks. I tried on a new pair of flip flops and was standing in the mirror looking at them. It took a second for it to register I was looking at my leg- OMG- it's not huge. I look nice. I am sliming down all over. When heading to the store I was tell the hubs- last year at this time I was poured into my 20/22 capri's and wearing a 2XL shirt; yesterday I had on a pair of 14 shorts that are loose in the waist and a size large ladies t-shirt.   Wow- this has worked, I did it. I have lost weight. I feel good.   At the start of this journey I said I would be happy to get to a size 12/14, well I am here. But, now I am thinking a 8/10 would be nice. Me in an 8/10 WOW- what a thought. I never imagined that could happen and I could still eat good food.   I don't feel like I am being deprived or eating rabbit food. I eat the same things I have always loved, just less of it. I don't feel like I am missing out on anything. The only thing I could totally go for that I really should avoid is a slice of Cheesecake Factory Red Velvet Cheesecake. Most likely I will get one for my anniversary (we got engaged there), but I will likely eat it over a few days vs at one time or share it with the hub.   So for anyone reading this just starting out or hasn't been banded yet, good news, you can loose weight and still eat good food. It's possible to have it all!!!   Today I am on top of the world!!

Kime-lou

Kime-lou

 

Day 5 Post Op-Finally begining to see the light

Hello All, I was sleeved on Tuesday March 5 2013 and boy o boy has the past 5 days been rough.   Day of surgery: I was poked 6 times before a usable vein was found for my IV. On the lighter side I had a great surgeon and she assured me that everything would be fine as I drifted into lala land but when I woke up I felt like I had been run over by a train. The recovery room nurses were very attntive and kept giving me pain meds until I was comfortable. A few hours later I was up in my room not much pain but when I was finally completely coherent I was greeted with the dreadful gas pains....I truely had no idea that the das pains would hurt more then after surgery. The only thing that helped was walking around and more pain meds....this summed up day 1.   Day 2: I have not passed any gas at this point and only had little baby burps. After going down for my leak test I came back up to my room and a few minutes later I begin to have a rumbling in my stomach could this finally be the big one so that I am over this gas feeling??? WRONG! I have diarreha this went on for 3 hours...all I could think to myself is how is this possible I havent eaten anything in 2 weeks. I was later released in the evening and estatic becasue I thought to myself I will feel much better at home becasue I was home!   MAJOR MISCONCEPTION!   Day 3: The gas pain was out of this world and I am still not passing it but I am also begining to have some other pains, after reading VST I find that these are stomach spasms...at this point I can not decipher gas pain from hunger pain or either of these pains from incision pain. I began to feel like this was the worst decision of my life and all I can think about is how hungry I am and how bad I want to get out of the house even though it is snowing outside. My vision in my left eye is blurry and I dont know why. The day goes on and my gas pains get worse. I just decide to go to sleep and pray that I dont die.   4am Day 4! I log on to VST to see if anyone is having the same relentless gas pains and I find out about Gas X strips...although I know I shouldnt have I drove myself to the local Walgreens and purchased 2 packs...where had these strips been for the past 3 days what a relief and I am now begining to let the air out. I wake up and told my daughters I want out of this house and thy drove me to the mall under the premise that I would walk the perimeter of the mall to get in some excercise, I was only able to walk about 1/3 of the mall and had to sit for about 10 minutes before walking back to the car. I feel like I am losing the muscle in my calfs. We came in from the mall and I had to take a nap. I attribute the fatigue due to my lack of nutrition.   Well it is now day 5 and I am finally able to pick up my laptop and share my experience with you all. Today I feel like the page is turning, still having some stomach spasms, not much gas pain and not much cabin fever anymore. I am looking forward to tommorow because I meet back with my surgeon to have my drain removed and hopefully she will allow more variety into this very bland clear liquid phase that I am currently in. My drain today does not have much fluid in it and I stepped on the scale and for the first time in over 8 years I am under 300 pounds!!!!! Today I am feeling much better and looking forward to the rest of my journey.   I can wait to share with you all the rest of my journey.

afreeka123

afreeka123

 

New exercise regime is making me HUNGRY!

I joined the gym on monday and have been going consistently since then. It has made me extremely tired and I have finally felt my hunger again. It has definitely been a difficult past few days. I'm tired, hungry, and I think I am dehydrated.   I still have some things to work on as far as eating goes. I go too long without eating and let myself get famished. By the time I eat, I am so hungry that I kind of want to just stuff my face. Of course I can't, so what I end up doing is taking a huge bite (and then I remember and get afraid) and slowly chew and every once in awhile I will swallow. I have to work on eating every 2-3 hours. I know it isn't an excuse, but sometimes I get so busy that I don't get a chance to.   The other thing I am failing on is giving my body enough water. I get my recommended dose, but I don't think it is enough. I still feel thirsty. I haven't really been carrying around a water bottle all day which is what I think I need to do.   Oh and I definitely still need to work on my half hour before and after no drinking rule. I am getting better, but it is sooooo hard.   Well, back to the hunger. I keep feeling hungry and not quite satisfied. Except today (because I ate some chicken at chili's) I have been averaging about 600 calories...so I haven't necessarily been eating more food. I really think it is the cardio and weight lifting that is making me feel like I need more food because my belly feels full, but just doesn't feel like it is enough.   I am going to put more effort into drinking water ALL day long instead of what is convenient. I am hoping this puts a dent in things.

LifetimeLoser

LifetimeLoser

 

Help I need Help

Ok my son was sick and now I can feel his cold coming on. I'm drinking hot tea with honey. but I neen to know what meds I can take. This cold will not stop me from working out.

ladybabie3

ladybabie3

 

3 days post op

Ok, I'm going to give this a try. I keep saying I like to journal but the reality is that I end up with all kinds of journals that are started but I never finish them. So maybe it's not that I like journaling...maybe I just like new journals! LOL   So on Wednesday March 6th, I was sleeved!!! I previously had a lapband in 2008 and had to have it removed in 2012 due to a profound slip. Since then I have seen 3 different surgeons and switched insurance companies but I finally ended up with my wonderful surgeon. I had to to down to San Francisco to have surgery (from Sacramento) but I'm totally glad I did. I was in great hands. I can't say enough good things about the nurses and staff and California Pacific Medical Center. This was by far my best surgery. at 6 a.m. they started my IV (painless I might add) and at 7:30 I was in the OR. My husband got to stay with me right up until I went into the OR. I got up on the table (burrrr) and started having a conversation with my PA about beating her weight loss goal before surgery, the anethesia guy says I'm going to give you something to relax you, just think about being on a beach. And that's it!! Next think I know a nurse is saying "Vicki? can you wake up a bit?" I can honestly say that I never had pain above a 5 on their little scale. Now whether that's due to my surgeons great skill, my insane pain tolerance or really good drugs I couldn't tell you. But it was relatively painless.   I spend the first day pretty groggy and in and out of it. Within a couple of hours I was out walking the halls. I did have a rough night the one night I spent in the hospital and I was very nauseous and had an episode of dry heaves. But the nurses were there with the good drugs and it passed pretty quickly.   The following morning, I was ready to go home. I was walking, peeing, farting, all the stuff the nurses like to hear. So they gave me my gourmet breakfast of chicken broth and hot tea. The PA came in and released me and I was headed home.   I have spent the last couple of days sipping everything. I have discovered that warmer liquids go down much easier, however sugar free popcicles are the bomb-diggity!! Yesterday I managed about 60 oz of liquids including one protein drink and today I'm shooting for 2 protein drinks. I have been able to go to the store with my husband and go for a walk to the park. A little bit more everyday!! The only complaints I have right now are a nasty reaction to the dermabond, and a seriously sore throat from having a tube down there.   The pictures were taken 3 days before surgery. My Heaviest weight was 281(which was about Christmas), These pics were 260. My official weight before surgery was 257 and as of this morning I'm at 254.

Vicki0618

Vicki0618

 

yawn

Feeling much better now that they fixed my kidney stone, but feeling very bored with the same food/drink options....protein shakes, water, broth, jello, pudding, yogurt...repeat. So ready for the next puree stage.

nygurl

nygurl

 

Almost 1 year!

Have been MIA for a while.I returned 1 day before moving house and have been unpacking and sorting out stuff since then.   I have lost another couple of pounds and am at 158 most days.This seems to me the perfect weight for me.I am skinny.I really look thin.Even I can see it now.No more saddle bags on legs! Stomach is flat as a pancake,boobs non exisitent even thought they hang on my knees,no butt whatsoever..lol.   Life is good and I have been eating a lot of junk and still losing weight.Am maybe not eating as much as I think.   We love love love our new house.It has a huge lap pool with a jaccuzi and a sauna.It also has a lake view.Beautiful to sit putside or run next to the lake.   I will be seeing physician next week as I need bloods done.I am so bruised it is unreal.My back also aches like mad if I stand.Can sit,lie down and even walk and be ok but not stand in one place.My eyes seems to be soing ok and thecoated toungue issues continues.I have taken stuff for thrush numerous times to no avail.   All in all life is great and I am very happy.We are taking a short seaside break in a couple of weeks so I need new bathing suite and broad shorts.The arms I cannot hide.In fact my friend told me it makes me look old,nice friend,lol!So even if I never do my boobs,legs bodylift or facelift,I will so my arms.Then no one can see that I look strange for my age..lol   Will post when blood results are in and on the 13th.        

desertmom

desertmom

 

Skin... what can we do to help our skin?

Hi guys...   As you are starting to see, I really like to find natural ways to help my body. I really don't like all the chemicals and unnatural things people put in and on their body's. Over the past few weeks before surgery I have wanted to start taking care of my skin. Mainly because I am worried about the loose skin thing after I start loosing weight. I am sure I can't escape it all, but I figure if I start now I can at least get a jump start on it. I can make it better than it might have been without the effort.   So through my research, I stumbled upon "dry skin brushing" It is said to help with ~ Removes toxins from your body ~Tighten your skin ~Help exfoliate dead skin cells ~Help with aging and half a dozen other benefits... I am adding a link to one of the main articles I found helpful.   http://www.pureinsideout.com/detox-skin-brushing.html#   I figure if I add this into my daily life of keeping my skin hydrated, taking skin helping vitamins and staying fully hydrated, maybe I can get some of the elasticity back in my skin. Give it a try or at the least look into it. I know I am going to try it. It can't hurt

Amberlydw8

Amberlydw8

 

Post op

I hope that I am adding these blogs right! Let's see I am 5 days post-op and I think I am doing okay...all except I am missing food...I have not been hungry at ALL, but I want to eat with everyone else. Just missing everything that I could eat. I didn't think that this would be a problem but it is. You have to be very strong willed I see this now. Sometimes I regret the decision that I made but I know in my heart it was the best for me. My journey has began and I plan to make the best out of! Still trying to get in my needed liquids and today I am actually getting in the needed protein. I am very pleased to have the support of my hubby, he has been so support during this entire process. I'm just praying for a safe journey. Good luck to all the sleevers and future sleevers.

Garlandfam

Garlandfam

 

Overdue

I have not utilized this in forever. I haven't ever reached my goal weight but I was happy with the weight loss, this last 2 years has been challenging for me with family issues and health issues for me. Things are finally looking up, but now what weigh has been put back on. Got a fill on 3/7/13 and I am re-energized to go again and accomplish what I never did the first time Goal weight. New journey begins today... Can't the lap band work? My doctor kept trying to talk me into the sleeve why? Keep you posted on weight loss

vanmom

vanmom

 

Lost 4 Pounds....

I only took in 620 calories yesterday..... I was worried about starvation mode but I lost weight. I'm going to try to drink 4, I was just never hungry for the 4th one yesterday. I did crash though.... I was in bed before 8. It took me a bit to fall asleep, but I could tell my body was done moving for the day. All I have planned for today is cleaning house and tanning (<----my favorite) I think I'm going to be able to survive this liquid diet, but it's only day 2, lol, we will see. I just gotta keep myself busy.

Shelleymb

Shelleymb

 

approaching 2 years out!

I can't believe I am so close to 2 years post op. It has flown by. I have been on vacation for the last week and yesterdays weigh in was mid day when I got home. This morning I was 108.2. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself. despite the trouble I had in the beginning.   SW 242 Height 4'11'' 6 month Pre-op loss (-28.6) Surgery date 8/8/11 213.4   1 month - 194.2 (- 19.2) 2 months - 180 (- 14.2) 3 months - 170.2 (- 9.8) 4 months - 164.4 (- 5.8) 5 months - 167.2 (+ 2.8) 6 months - 162.4 (-4.8) 7 months - 155.4 (-7) 8 months - 149.6 (-5.8) 9 months - 143.4 (-6.2) 10 months - 139 (-4.4) 11 months - 132.6 (-6.4) 12 months - 126.8 (-5.8) 13 months - 121.4 (-5.4) Made goal! Normal BMI! 14 months - 118 (-3.4) 15 months - 116.2 (-1.8) 16 months - 114.8 (-1.4) 17 months - 112.6 (-2.2) 18 months - 114.6 (+2) 19 months - 109 (-5.6)

MeMeMEEE

MeMeMEEE

 

From "oh" to "yeah".....

So, next week I have an eight hour appointment with: my surgeon, nutritionist, physical trainer (aka personal trainer), psychologist and insurance person. I get poked, proded, questioned and analized over my ability to be healthy enough to have the surgery both physically and mentally not to mention my ability to pay what my insurance won't. I am looking forward to the appointment, yet my biggest fear is the psychologist, and why I don't know. I have a pretty sound mind (even though my sense of humor is quite warped), however, most importantly I know why I am doing this. The main reason is I don't want to die, I am taking control so I live. There are other reasons too of course and some may find the vain or invalid reasons. The best way for me to describe the other reasons is to say that I am tired of being "oh Debbie". I want to be "yeah Debbie".   I need to go from "oh" to "yeah". I need to be able to walk into any clothing store that I want and not worry about if they carry my size ("oh I am sorry we don't carry that size" to "yeah we have that in your size"). I want to be able to fit into a middle seat on an airplane and not care that it is the only seat available ("oh you are in this seat" to "yeah this is your seat"). I want to be included and not feel like the an after thought ("oh we forgot to invite Debbie" to "yeah Debbie is invited"). I want to be the kinda girl men look at not because I am large but because I am beautiful ("oh my look at her" to "yeah what a beautiful woman"). These scenerio can go on and on and on and we all know it.   I know that anyone of the people that I am meeting with next week could delay or even stop my journey. There is not one person who can change my reasons for wanting to have it. With that being said I will go into each meeting with my head held up and my reasons for having the surgery an open book.   And I will not stop until I hear from each and every one of the that "yeah Debbie this is for you".

DebDUtah

DebDUtah

 

Finally had to Shop!

I have not shopped since I've had surgery because I've been sewing as I lose. But you can only sew so much. I started at a size 22/24 and I'm now 14/16 so I've sewed everything that I could and am now tired of sewing and can't take in any more material. I went to Goodwill and bought mostly size 14 skirts and a few 16's. It felt great to buy a smaller size, but since I'm not finished losing, Goodwill was a good buy. Didn't spend too much so I'm happy about that. Now to Keep Moving Forward!

tjloser

tjloser

 

I'm cleaning out my closet (literally)...

I feel like I’m going through a tiny bit of body crisis over something so small.   I’m getting rid of all my size 22 pants. EVERYTHING.   I’m bringing them down to SC to give to my grandmother to sell at a consignment shop. And I found a pair of 24 magenta jeans from Torrid, that still had their price tag on them. I remember when I bought them freshman year of college, thinking eventually I was going to be a 24 and they kind of fit at a 22. They were way too big on me when I tried them on, yet I still wanted to keep them. It was such a strange thought thinking that becoming a 24 was inevitable, even tho pre-op I was a 22 ever since I came to college. I never got to a 24.   I slipped on a few pairs of size 20 capris/dress pants with my shorts on bunched up and a tshirt tucked into them. They fit. I just can’t fathom losing almost 2 pants sizes. (I say almost 2 because most 18s don’t fit right) It doesn’t seem like a big accomplishment. I want to hold onto my 22s. I don’t want to let them go. I said to myself “Gabby they’ll fit you this summer. They might fall down but you can still wear them anyway and hike them up.”   But in actuality they won’t fit me. They don’t fit me now. And I just can’t get over that I’m going down in pants sizes. It’s been so long since I started dieting in middle school that I’ve seen actual progress.   Even at a 20/18 I feel like I have more fashion options open to me. I forgot what that felt like. And it makes me both delighted and sad. Sad because I know how hard this world can be when you don’t have all the nice clothes available to you as a fat person above a 14.   My size has been a huge part of my identity, all my life. And I’m wondering what will be left at the end of this long journey?? Will I still be the same or will I be an even bigger mess with an even bigger identity crisis than I started out with?

castiel

castiel

 

meatballs

My husband gave up meat 35 years ago for dieting-no he quit the health kick-but still no meat. Many years ago I made meatballs and turkey balls. He eats the turkey ones. My oldest son's friend ate over and I asked do you want meatballs or turkey balls? Eric, answered, I didn't know turkeys had balls. He was a senior in high school at the time. I love dumb kids.

dylanmiles23

dylanmiles23

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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