CatLady0626

On 06/20/2023 at 20:11, pamelacoa@yahoo.com said:

I had a sleeve on 6/14. I’m struggling. I guess textbook I’m doing ok- no nausea or vomiting, drinking ok and getting around. But I’m just down. I had horrible pain the first two days but that’s gone. But my stomach just hurts if I don’t sip and hurts when I do. I’m bored out of work, but no motivation to go or do anything. I’m very weak and fatigued. I don’t seem to even have joy that I’m losing weight. Idk what’s wrong with me.

This sounds exactly how I felt the whole first week after my surgery on June 2. It was so much harder emotionally, mentally, and physically than I was prepared for. I had issues with dehydration/diarrhea, incision area allergic reactions to the liquid bandage stuff they used, it was hard. You will get through it, please just keep that in the back of your mind! I started sipping a little caffeine (some coffee with my Protein shake) and it helped me feel a little more like myself. Each day I had a little more energy. Now I feel almost totally normal! It will get better, just hang in there until it does!

On 06/20/2023 at 13:42, Maggie rose said:

I got everything for the ricotta bake !!! I’m so excited how did you make it?

I mixed the ricotta, shredded Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, 2 eggs, Italian seasoning, and a scoop of unflavored Protein Powder and spread in a small baking dish (they used ramekins but I don’t have any!) and topped with smooth spaghetti sauce and a little more shredded mozzarella. Baked for like 30 minutes at 425 I think. SO GOOD.

On 06/19/2023 at 19:10, Maggie rose said:

Everyone share some stuff your eating/experiementing with/ enjoying pleaseeeee

I had surgery 6/2 so I’m in purées… I made a ricotta bake - I found the recipe on TikTok. SO good. Scratched the itch for pizza / lasagna. I’m also currently loving vanilla Greek yogurt with PB2 mixed in… nice peanut buttery treat!

06/19/2023 11:40 AM, AmandaD. said:

Has anyone’s Dr. told them how many weeks before they’re allowed to submerge incisions? 90+° here in FL & can’t wait to swim!

My program states 3 weeks or until incisions are completely healed. I had surgery June 2 and was concerned about when we go on vacation to the beach (which will be 4 weeks post op). They told me the incisions will likely be healed but that if I’m concerned I can send photos of the incisions through the online patient portal.

On 06/10/2023 at 15:03, Acrostic35 said:

I am having surgery in 8 days time and am a little concerned about what I am reading. I had planned on driving myself home - about 80 minutes drive. But it seems some people are either not able or being told not to drive? The other thing is work- I am returning to work the day after I am discharged. I could possibly put it off for a couple of days although as I am self employed I need to go.

What surgery are you having? I had gastric bypass Friday June 2 and was discharged the next day. I took one week off and plan to return to work this Monday. My issue wasn’t pain but dehydration after having diarrhea for almost 48 hours midweek. You never know how your body is going to respond after major surgery.

I do know that you are not allowed to drive within 24 hours of anesthesia, and after abdominal surgery you need to be able to quickly apply the brake to stop your vehicle (doing this would probably hurt too soon after surgery). I would plan to take at least a few days off if at all possible.

Hi everyone. Happy to hear that those of you who have had their surgeries so far are doing well. I had my RNY on Friday (June 2). Overall, I guess I am doing well.

However I am having a very bad allergic reaction to what I assume is the mastisol they used to adhere the steri-strips over the incisions. I am feeling so angry about this because I had this same reaction in April when I had my LapBand removed. In April, however, the rashes (red, raised, scaly, with tiny pustules) were contained to little ovals around the 4 incisions. At that follow up appointment - which was also the pre-op appointment for this RNY surgery - the surgeon said “it’s a mastisol allergy, we won’t use it for the RNY.” I was satisfied with this and was looking forward to surgery.

When surgery day came, I told every nurse that worked with me about the mastisol allergy. Several nurses worked together to try to figure out how to document the allergy in my medical record. When I met with the surgeon just prior to surgery, I again brought up the mastisol allergy. He said he would use a different surgical adhesive. I felt confident that this was handled.

The day after surgery, I began feeling an itchiness across my belly where most of the incisions are. They had the abdominal binder on me most of the time so I really couldn’t see my belly until I came home. But by that evening (Saturday) I noticed the same red, raised rash around all of the incisions. On Monday, the rash was now widespread over my belly, extending several inches beyond the incisions. It is extremely itchy and has progressed with some tiny pustules already (back in April, the tiny pustules didn’t happen until over a week after surgery).

I read the operative report in my online patient portal and sure enough, the last line states “mastisol and steri-strips applied.” I can not believe this.

I called the clinic yesterday and the nurse said “it’s going to get worse.” She said to take Benadryl and use anti-itch cream but to avoid the incisions. This has been taking the edge off a bit but not nearly enough for me to be comfortable.

I think reactions like this are pretty rare, so I’m not trying to scare anyone. I’m just feeling so very, very frustrated right now to have to deal with this on top of the usual post-op stuff of trying to stay hydrated, etc.

Hi guys. I had my bypass yesterday. The pain is tolerable and it is especially nice to have this abdominal binder on. Hope it’s not TMI but I have been having trouble urinating. They actually had to straight cath me last night because I was retaining too much urine. I am still retaining but urinating enough that they were okay with sending me home. So now I’m home and trying to stay hydrated.
They told me sometimes this happens and the bladder is the last thing to wake up. Hope it really wakes up soon.

Today is the day for me! 8 days of liquids and I’m down 10 lbs. Mostly Water weight I’m sure, but I’ll take it! I am feeling very confident and proud going into surgery today, because I did not cheat at all during the liquids, even over the long holiday weekend. Can’t believe I was able to do that.

Best wishes for any other June 2 friends and continued healing vibes for our June 1 friends :-)

On 06/02/2023 at 06:28, sharonwg said:

Hi guys. Just had a wash unaided and I can stoop down and come back up unaided (I know this because I stoop when getting things from my overnight bag 😊). I’ve no appetite at all for anything but do need to get more fluids in. I’m not in any pain but the incisions feel a little tender (though no need for painkillers). Just keeping you guys updated xx

This is all great news, I’m happy to hear things are going well for you so far! Very encouraging for me also as today is my day :) How long is the stay in hospital for you?

05/31/2023 08:58 PM, sharonwg said:

Cat lady - did you say you too are having a bypass?

Yes! On June 2 :)

15 minutes ago, Carla Ogwin said:

During the day it's ok because no one is here the hard part is when they come home, they eating pizza, or wings, so I just go to my room until they are done then I'll drink my broth or Jello or something. Hang in there.

Yes, I agree!! My husband is still eating all the same stuff, bringing McDonalds in the house, candy for himself. I wish he had a little more consideration...

15 minutes ago, Carla Ogwin said:

During the day it's ok because no one is here the hard part is when they come home, they eating pizza, or wings, so I just go to my room until they are done then I'll drink my broth or Jello or something. Hang in there.

Yes, I agree!! My husband is still eating all the same stuff, bringing McDonalds in the house, candy for himself. I wish he had a little more consideration...

15 minutes ago, starbrightx said:

Guys I am on day 3 of liquid diet and I really don't want to do anything because I don't wanna be around food or by the kitchen. And I just feel like how am I gonna survive 2 weeks of this. Any advice?

I felt (feel) the same way. I'm lucky in that I only have 8 days of liquid before surgery (I'm scheduled for this Friday). I've found a few things helpful in getting through this liquid diet:

• Stay busy with non-food things. I went to work, cleaned our bathrooms, did outside yard work, went shopping / window browsing...
• Make a schedule of your liquids for the day. Like 8am: coffee with Protein Shake, 9am flavored water, 10am sugar free jell-o, 11am broth, etc.... It helps me to have "something" to look forward to and ensure I am drinking enough.
• If you have a family that you typically cook for, ask for help from someone else to do the cooking, or have easy foods. My kids ate some easy convenience food this week; the less time I am in the kitchen, the better.
• Constantly sip on something. Chew gum if you can. I have found these to be good distractions at times.

A lot of people say this is the hardest part of this whole thing. Not sure if that's true, but literally trying to avoid the kitchen and food as much as possible has helped me. I know that is not always possible for everyone, but if it is, I'd say to just avoid and know that this is NOT forever! Good luck

Funny enough, they scheduled my EGD for the day before my liver-shrinking liquid diet was supposed to start. So I spent most of the day with no food OR Water, but after the EGD, I went to Mission BBQ for brisket and mac & cheese and cornbread

Thanks for sharing this. I'm two days away from surgery so I am glad I came across this now.

4 hours ago, Maggay08 said:

I'm down 83 lbs and so much healthier! Best decision I ever made! I'm so happy with my progress exceeeept my hair shedding/ loss will not stop 😭 please tell me it gets better?

Great work! Very inspirational, thanks for sharing. Good luck with the hair. I'm still pre-op until Friday so I have no advice on that end!

On 05/31/2023 at 12:24, Carla Ogwin said:

With the liquid diet is anyone working out or all of this weight loss is due to all liquids?

Hi Carla, I haven’t been working out during my liquid diet. Today is day 7 of liquids for me and I am down 8 lbs. I am fairly active most days with a lot of walking but nothing out of the norm during this time.

On 05/31/2023 at 11:45, sharonwg said:

Hi guys. Final day of the pre op diet today and 13lbs down. I have my bypass tomorrow - such a mixture of feelings - mostly happiness and relief. 😘

Was thinking about you with your surgery being tomorrow on the 1st! I’m right behind you with my bypass on the 2nd. Are you on only Clear Liquids today? I’m very anxious about not having my shakes tomorrow!

Good luck :)

I had my band removed in April 2023 and began to gain weight immediately. I was suddenly able to eat Breakfast again, so I did! I am having RNY in June (6 weeks after the band removal), and my surgeon was upfront that the vast majority of patients who have their bands removed will unfortunately regain at least some weight since the stomach is almost back to its pre-band state without restriction.

I was here over ten years ago during my lapband journey… now I’m back since I’m having revision to bypass. I plan on sticking around this time!

On 05/29/2023 at 12:48, Mira88 said:

Is memorial day in I’m on a liquid diet. I’m about to cry.

YES I understand fully! We had a few people over on Sunday and they had all the good cookout foods… and beer lol it was the hardest day of my liquids yet. I just tried to keep busy and had my shake and broth. It’s so hard but we can do it!! It won’t be like this forever. Stay strong!

On 05/18/2023 at 12:28, Mona19234 said:

I will have surgery June 2nd anyone else?

Hi Mona! I’m having bypass on June 2 :)

I’m so sorry to hear of your difficulties after surgery. This sounds like more than one should have to experience.

I am not a physician however I do work in healthcare. Maybe some of these symptoms can be attributed to the surgery, but perhaps you also have a gastrointestinal illness as well. You did mention flu-like symptoms, do you also have fever?

I truly hope your providers look further into your case. I’m so sorry you don’t feel heard. Best wishes.

On 05/11/2023 at 07:45, southernmomofive said:

Same! Had band since 2007. Removal in November 22. Bypass schedule for June. I gained 22 pound after band removed. Super depressing.

It’s so hard! I have gained five pounds since getting the band removed 3 weeks ago…. :( feeling very anxious. My program says they won’t do surgery if your weight on surgery day is more than when you started! I’m within 4 pounds of that and have 3 weeks to go :(

On 05/08/2023 at 12:45, sharonwg said:

Hey - Hi CatLady - im similar to you; I had a gastric band in for 17 years. It was very successful but i had to have it removed as it had slipped. Im having my bypass on 1st June - im so hoping this is just as successful. I was told this was much easier to work with than the band so fingers crossed. Good luck to all of us xx

I certainly agree and hope this is easier to work with than the band! I couldn’t eat before midday and couldn’t even take medication (pills) in the morning as they would get stuck. I’d sometimes even get stuck on thick liquids! One would think this would have led to weight loss but I just found myself compensating with less healthy choices and eating at night because I still felt so hungry.

This will be good for us, we can do it!