biggriz

That is awesome Mike! I totally get the whole forgetting how awful the first few days were (the same way that us ladies have more than one child!) I'm feeling sooooo much better this week. Besides the lower left incision hurting like crazy sometimes. Have you been exercising? I've had some issues in that department due to family issues and the lack of babysitters... I told my dear hubby I'm not allowed to PUSH the stroller! LOL.. But starting next Monday things will be better and I'll be walking every evening like I planned in the beginning.... Congrats again!!!

Hey Wendy,

That's funny you mention that lower left incision, that one is sore on me too a little. I haven't been doing anything specific for exercise yet. Just getting out and walking and trying to stay moving. My plan is to keep walking and go from there. I don't think I'll start an exercise program for several weeks. I think you're on track with your plan for next Monday. Take your time and do it at your speed!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the nice comments!!!

Today was a good day, I got up and felt good! I did have some allergy symptoms for the first time since the surgery I kinda hoped the surgery somehow cured me of that but no such luck!!! Went to the doctor and I was down 13 pounds on their scale! I'll take it.

Doctor said I was doing fine and everything was going as scheduled. He was pleased with my loss and everything I was drinking. I was cleared to go back to work next week with a lifting restriction and everything should be great. I even asked if I could start cutting the grass and working around the yard and he said go for it unless I feel pain then stop,

So, I came home and cut the yard and washed the front siding and and enjoyed the day outside for a few hours. Then I was exhausted and came in and took a nap!!!! Fortunately the kids were at their Aunts today so I could do that!!!

For all of those who are about to be sleeved or just got sleeved, just know that it gets easier. It may take a little longer than me or you may be up and running in no time at all but life returns to normal and time marches on!

Take Care,

Mike

Thanks biggriz - I just got home and was going to post it late, but I didn't have to!

Good luck to those getting their sleeves today!

We tried to keep it alive while you were out but lets just say - glad your back!!!!!

I picked up some raspberry Isopure at the Vitamin shoppe today. Haven't tried it yet but put a couple in the fridge. What a great way to get half your Protein and Fluid intake in one bottle.

Well......I tried this stuff and there is NO way I could drink it. It's not for me!!!! Initially the taste is good but there is one heck of an aftertaste that is something I can't deal with!!!!

I bet you'll be just fine!!!!

The good news is you're almost there!! You've made it and will be on to the next part of your journey soon. Good luck tomorrow!

Well it looks like we have 5 people getting sleeved tomorrow!!!!!

Seeing how Nancy is in the hospital, I'll take over her usual duties of posting well wishes and prayers to those who are next up!!!

You guys will all do great!!!!

Well, tomorrow is my 1 week follow up already!!! Man how time flies! Today was my best day by far. I was able to get all my fluids in without an issue and feel really good. Almost all my pain and gas are gone and I am beginning to feel normal. Looking back at it, the surgery and the first few days are already starting to become a blurr, I guess that's a good thing, the bodies way of moving forward.

Usually I don't get excited to go to the doctor but I can't wait for tomorrow! I'm down about 14 pounds since the day of surgery on my home scale so I want to see what it says there.

Hope everyone is doing good,

Mike

I bought some grape and orange Isopure online at Amazon, qualified for free shipping and the nectar in the lemonade flavor I think is really good. I am already experimenting and finding out what I like before my surgery. The nectar I mixed with sugar free Jello (the powder you make yourself) so I will have Protein Jello when I need it.

I am done with my food funerals and have been off my diet mtn dew now 2 whole days. I really miss my best friend.

Glad that you all are doing well....it is very encouraging to us that are following you.

Hey boots,

Glad to hear your getting yourself prepared mentally!!! The time before surgery is for us to prepare and it sounds like you're doing it right. I can relate to the pop issue. I used to drink about 1-2 pots of coffee a day and 3-5 Diet Cokes. The month before surgery I spent reducing those down and switching to caffeine free. Haven't had a drink of pop in 6 days now and could careless. The last 3 days I've had a Decaf coffee in the morning and really enjoyed it. Seems to open me up some.

Take Care,

Mike

I picked up some raspberry Isopure at the Vitamin Shoppe today. Haven't tried it yet but put a couple in the fridge. What a great way to get half your Protein and Fluid intake in one bottle.

Good luck to everyone of you tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am confident you will get through it just fine and will join the rest of us on the other side!! Saying Prayers for each of you now!!

Update us when you can

Mine was LaRosa's Ravioli, Penne chicken Alfredo, Spaghetti & Meatballs. Not all at the same time, but spread over a few days. I really loved LaRosa's - but no more.

Nancy,

You just made me HUNGRY!!!!!!

Hahaha - just kidding, Pasta was one of my arch enemies in the food world.

I was able to hit my Protein targets during Week 1 Clear Liquids thanks to Isopure and Protein bullets. A 20 oz bottle of Isopure has 40 grams protein and most of the flavors are drinkable. Punch is pretty good. I also drank one 3.8 oz New Whey bullet per day worth 42 grams. Those have kind a disturbing viscosity and a funny taste. If I had it to do over again, I would just double up on the Isopure. Now that I'm in Week 2 full liquids, I can get protein from shakes. Getting in all the fluids is tough. I'm not coming close to 64 oz yet but managing to keep ahead of dehydration. I feel great except for the biggest incision which is still sore and bruised.

That's good to hear! I think I will try the Isopure drinks tomorrow. I've been cleared for full liquids but getting the shakes down has been a challenge. I've heard others talk about Isopure and how easy they are. I was considering adding Protein powder to my Gatorade and trying to drink it that way. The thinner drinks seem a lot easier to get down at this point.

Glad you're doing good!

Good Afternoon everyone,

I also am getting sleeved tomorrow, and am getting awfully nervous, and fact I think I am already nauseated. I am thinking of this as the next step in my journey, turning a new corner, planning on never looking back. I plan on taking one step at a time....forward.....slowly.....but surely......

Hey,

Good luck tomorrow!!! I can assure you that it's nothing like you think it will be. Everything leading up to the moment they put you out is the old you and when you wake up in recovery - it's like a new life has started. You will be fine and it's ok to be nervous - it's just nerves, work through them. Even if you have to calm yourself down minute to minute, that's ok. You'll get through it. Be strong because you'll need that strength on the other side when you're fighting for the new you!

And don't worry about the food and eating after the surgery, it changes you so much that you won't even want to eat the first few days and when you start eating Jello and sipping on Protein shakes it will take you half the day to get one down. When you awake in recovery, you will no longer be a slave to food - and that's a great thing!!!!

Thanks everyone! I'm in the pre-op area waiting to go! I feel good....calm & ready to roll! Hopefully I can post later. I'm on west coast time, so I should be in my room around 2ish:) Good luck to my fellow 7/11 sleevers:) See ya on the other side ...

Good Luck!!!!

I just received a phone call that my surgery time has been moved up by an hour and fifteen minutes. Now, I am to be at the hospital at 7:45 am with surgery at 9:15 am tomorrow. Woo Hoo!!!

But, the lady said, did you do your blood work? I told her I went in last Tuesday and the only bloodwork they drew was blood typing. Everything else was done on May 27 and the surgeon had told me that he wouldn't need anything else. So now, I may have to do even more blood work. Sigh...

Clear Liquids today - not happy about that - it's already screwing with my head at 8am....

Sounds like the madness has begun for you!!! Trying to mentally prepare for surgery without being able to eat is a tough day - I went through it last week and I can relate. Make yourself busy today and hope that it flies by. Hopefully the fact that you'll need a blood draw will help keep you occupied today and help you stay busy.

You can do this!!!

Prayers - Well Wishes & Support are going out to all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know exactly how you are feeling and I promise you - It's the best thing you'll every do!

Tomorrow will be ruff but it gets better by the hour - Get on the boards and let us know how it goes as soon as you're all up to it!!

I was so nervous last week it's not even funny! I assure you that it's normal and it will probably get worse. I made sure the day before surgery I had so much to get done that I didn't have time to think about it until bedtime. That night and the morning of were a mix of intense nerves and excitement.

For me it was leaving the house. I went and kissed both my little ones and got in the car and it just hit me hard. Once I got down the road a mile I was fine and never looked back. You can do it and you will be fine but you will more than likely be emotional.

I used a straw today 3 times without a problem. I will certainly be asking about it on my 1 week follow up but it seems to help a lot.

The PA told us during our pre-op teaching that if we wanted to use a straw, we could as it does help some people, while others it doesn't. They don't have a particular recommendation on it.

That's nice to hear

Hey All,

I just did some research on the topic of using a straw after WLS. Checking on this board and a few others it seems like a controversial issue. I was told at my preop appointment not to use one after surgery. With all the trouble I'm having getting the Protein shakes in, I thought I'd try to figure out why.

It appears the concern is with air, some people draw a lot of air in with a straw. I went ahead and tried one this morning with my carnation Breakfast shake and it seems to make things a lot easier. Anyone have any opinions on this? I'd love to hear what others have heard from their doctors and nutritionists.

Thanks,

Mike

I couldn't possibly make a decision on one final meal so I went for variety at a Golden Corral. There's a really good one nearby. I was so enthused about doing one last blowout dinner I fantasized about it all day. Then when it was all over, I felt really disgusted. Nothing was so good it justified that overstuffed feeling that makes you lean back the car seat then flop into bed as soon as you get home. And the guilt and shame. Oh my, the guilt and shame! Nope. It's not worth it. Actually, I'm glad I did it because now I KNOW that's not the way I want to live. The next restaurant meal I have will be a tiny little ladylike appetizer portion and I'm gonna feel so virtuous I won't be able to stand myself.

I can relate to the disgusted feeling your talking about!! We have these food funerals and as we are doing it we realize this is pathetic and the reason for all our problems in the first place. I think those feelings of disgust and failure are the feelings that help drive us through the surgery and keep us motivated on the other side!!!

On another note - how are things going for you? Any insight you can give us or new discoveries? are you able to get all your Protein and fluids in? I'm struggling with getting it all in myself.

Take Care

This was a great read - A lot of good advice and suggestions here from everyone. Thanks for the info

Hi all,

Sleeved on July 7th by Dr. Mark Pleatman in metro Detroit area. Experience was outstanding. I was self pay and my total was $11,200.00

I had several "Farewell Meals" along the way. I took my favorites and had a final night with a few of them. So very strange that I would think that way but it is what it is. For me it was pizza, Chinese, Pasta and fast food Breakfast. A few weeks ago I ordered pizza for the family, ordered myself a medium and ate the entire thing in one evening plus bread sticks - funny that now I can barely get a Protein shake down and a few weeks back I ate enough pizza for 4 people.

I think theres some value in having the farewell meal or meals, If it helps you move on then go for it and get it behind you. I think it helped me a lot mentally.

How are you feeling?!?! I'm getting mine this week!

I'm doing good. Struggling to get everything in, made my first homemade Protein shake today. I was able to sip about half of it down over an hour or so. It's really hard because I really have no appetite. Very strange for me but I'm rolling with it.

Everything is rumbling and moving inside today, lots of loud noises and gas. Hoping that all goes away soon and I get a little appetite back so I can enjoy my shakes and yogurts and such. Then again, I've only been out of surgery two days so I'm probably being a little impatient.

I'm wishing you the best of luck and want to hear all about your journey when you feel good enough to share with us.