1-4-Many

Because I had a 2 for 1 (actually 3 for 1 but that's another story) surgery, I had to have one of those nasty rubber hose drains. I had to redress it each day and I was starting to get worried as it started looking awful, especially compared to the other 4 incisions. But I have no fever or nausea and am able to keep things down so I just decided to ride it out. So I had my follow up today and they thought the big incision looked great, so much so that they removed the drain, added a few new stitches, re-dressed the incision and sent me on my way. Sort of funny how something so gross to me made them smile. So if anyone else needs a drain (and you probably will if you have anything else done at the same time) don't worry about it. It was stapled and stitched in place but aside from a minor twinge or two, I would have never known what he was going when he was removing it. I was laying pretty flat on the table so the DD mountain range between him and me kept me from having to actually see what the was working on! Surgery one week ago today and feeling a bit stronger each day. Getting all hopeful that this wasn't a stupid bad decision after all.

No problem with the peeing. But this has definitely shown me what a huge drinker I was pre-sleeve. I was constantly having to go. Now, even tho I am getting Fluid in pretty darned well, I feel like I never have to pee. But what you describe about yourself is what I expected for me, to feel and appear bloated. But I'm not at all. I can wear my rings fine, shoes are actually a bit loose. It's odd. But my follow up is tomorrow so I'll just see what he says. Who knows what my body is doing . I'm pretty sure parts of it think it's been tortured.

I would take a wire mesh strainer. In the event you stop somewhere that a creamed type soup is an option, having a strainer would make that a possible full liquid food choice for you. The soup must be strained to removed any pieces. Just ask for a second bowl and strain the soup over the bowl. If you are like me, it's not real relevant. I'm 1 week out from surgery and my lunch was 2 table spoons of thinned cream of wheat. And I was doing good to get that down. On full liquids I don't think you will have any fast food choices really. Even yogurt, at least according to my NUT, needs to be thinned with skim milk during the first 21 days. Good luck on your surgery and the trip.

I would hate to have done this sick. But I asked as I often get colds when I dramatically change my diet. They said that if it was just a cold -- no infection, no fever -- and I was okay with having it, they would not cancel on me. (Which was sort of funny since they ultimately canceled on me twice for other reasons) Luckily you have some time so that if it is just a cold, you can recover. Unfortunately, if it's more, you might not be so lucky.

So exciting to go shopping in summer and not end the trip with my head soaked with sweat.

I'm freezing. Absolutely freezing. I can't get warm. I definitely did this at the right time of the year for me. I have a strong suspicion this will be an air conditioning free summer for me. I knew this would happen but I wasn't expecting it in the first week. Brrrrrrrrrrrr

Way too sweet for me. And it does seem thick. This is a difficult window for those like me who do not like chocolate or sweet. I bought too many of these protein drinks thinking they would be just dandy for the next month. I was not prepared for the level of sweet. Uck. I'm just counting the days to mushy.

I've done quite a bit of research on issues like this because the discrepancies between programs drives me nuts. This is one that, based on what I learned about the digestive system, makes sense. For me personally I will still occasionally chew a piece of gum if I want it but I do not want it to become a major habit. The following link gives a fantastic explanation of the stomach's digestion process by a poster named Firehorse. When you chew, you start the ball rolling on the creation of acid. I don't want that to happen as I do not want to create an environment for acid reflux. But I think that as long as you pay attention to your body's reaction and stop if it appears to bother you, it wouldn't be that dangerous. I have never, in my adult life, swallowed a piece of gum. But you can bet that if I ever will, it will happen now! http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/803844

I wanna know more about the soup. What is the brand? Sounds like something I'd like to add to my menu's as a part of my goal is to learn new foods and expand my sometimes limited foods. I'm 6 days out and barely able to process Water. I can get about 2 ounces of "food" down and then it sounds like my stomach is a boiler. Oh well, at least the puking has stopped. (Hunting that positive spin! Not easy to find when your head is in a bucket several times a day!)

Thanks all. I think it concerns me to be going to see the surgeon on Wednesday for my follow up and not have lost a single pound. And same thing here. I knew it would be difficult but I didn't know it would be so hard to drink liquid. Just Water seems to stay in my stomach forever and I had been told that it went through quickly which is why my program suggests you not drink after taking in any nutritious liquid, just as you will doing going forward on real food. So I'm surprised when I take a tiny sip of water and it sounds like a cauldron in my stomach........wondering why the heck is it all hanging around instead of just going on through. I feel like I am getting enough liquid but this experience tells me how much I drank before. I love water. And while it feels like I am drinking a lot now, I"m not compared to before. So I'm not going to the bathroom hardly any and that makes it seem as if I'm not getting enough water, even though I think I am.

I completely understand. For me, I decided to stop thinking about it. I actually had a calender and marked a day when I stopped stewing about whether or not I was going to have the surgery, but started thinking about how I would cope with having had the surgery. I started meditating, positive self talk and so on. I literally forced myself to accept that the decision had been made, as if I could not change my mind. I'm not saying that anyone else should try this, but it worked for me. You will always find people with regrets. You'll find those folks regarding other kinds of surgeries too. I know a man who had back surgery and really regrets it. But I also know a lot of people who are trilled with their back surgery results. You really can't measure your yes/no against another person's results. I had to smile at iegal's comment. During my pre-op diet days, drinking that lovely crud for the longest 9 days ever, I saw a commercial for Hometown Buffet. I've never eaten there before. I really regretted not doing that while I could have. Then I looked at their website and I saw where you can carry out a meal. And I realized I could carry out 1 meal and, what I would have normally eaten in 30 minutes in the restaurant, I could bring home and break out into 6 tiny meals over 2 days. I think that was the day and time when I knew I wasn't going to back out. I was actually looking forward to the idea of having what I want but just in smaller portions + a better life. Don't know any of this will help you. As said, it's your decision and yours alone whether it's with this date or a rescheduled date. Let us know your worries. Good luck!

When I first spoke with my surgeon I tried very hard to impress upon him that "success" is measured very differently by everyone. His program is driven toward the number on the scale. I told him twice, in a very clear and descriptive way, that if I had lost a ton of weight but was miserable -- weak, ill, life altered for the worst - - that I would not in any way consider it to be a success. This was one of the sticking points (fears) I had with him. He would absolutely make the same comment you made about "the success that you are having at the moment". I'm sorry, but this really hit me the wrong way. Yes, I know we all no longer want to be fat. But I hope most of us are here for an improvement to our health and that has to be hand in hand with the weight loss to have anything to celebrate. Just my opinion. Erin - so sorry your problems are continuing. Things will eventually get better but it stinks that you are having to take such a long way around the track. Not a lot I can offer except for you to know that I am thinking about you and wish nothing but better days ahead.

My update: I was sleeved on 4/27. Horrible nausea post op. Left the hospital having had nothing but Water and a few tea spoons of broth. Thing are gradually getting better. Probably getting in about 300 calories per day. Missing by a mile on the Protein, but doing pretty well on staying hydrated. Weighed this morning and I am up 2 pounds from the scales Wednesday morning as I left for the hospital. That's not fun to see. I understand now how this plays with the brain. I mean, what??am I going to start gaining weight when I am able to take 500 calories in per day? They've told me that any sort of risk of a dangerous episode is pretty much over on day 21 so that's all I have my sights on now. As long as I know it's just a matter of accepting this was my decision and plugging away at it, I'll be fine. But right now, it's all feeling a bit futile. Or maybe my concerns are just the nausea talking. I hate being nauseous so it might just be that big mouth that's bugging me. -- A little side note: My BF drove me around a bit yesterday. We went to McDonalds so he could get some lunch. He kept asking if it was okay or if it would bother me. I told him it really didn't bother me at all. Well he's normally a really slow eater. Yesterday he ate like he was in one of those hot dog contests. I could tell he still felt really bad sitting and eating in front of me. But it really didn't bother me in the least. I do miss salty since all of these awful Protein drinks are so very sweet. But aside from wanting to lick one of his french fries, I was fine,

My place said it was all about the liver. You are not at an extremely high weight and have lost over recent time. Since your body is in a losing mode already, they may think you just won't need it. I'd actually ask if some have to do, some don't. It would concern me to use a surgeon who does not have anyone doing a pre-diet (everyone can't be "ready" without it) but I actually would applaud a doctor who applies common sense as to whether you personally need that diet. My place has a one size fits all mentality which has always sort of tickled me about this program. If there was ever a program that should realize one size does NOT fit all, it should be this one! Go on the safe side and eat very healthy in those last 4 or 5 days. I would suggest cutting out all bad carbs, as tempting as it might be to enjoy that last sweet thing. Enjoy the type of diet you'd expect to be eating once you are sleeved and back to a typical healthy diet.

I have the kellogg's version in a couple of flavors. Considering I bought it at one of those stores that sells dying products, I'm guessing it wasn't a big hit. I almost gagged on the first I tried pre-surgery! It was an ice tea w/ lemon flavor. And ultra sweet. I don't like sweet and was hoping it would be an unsweet type tea. Not to be. Tomorrow I'm going to try unflavored Protein in brewed ice tea that I make. I've gotta find a way to get some more protein.

I'd call if it does not let up. I doubt it's serious. At least for me, the only real pain since leaving the hospital has been the hard coughs as a part of clearing my lungs. (They were a bit congested.) It might just be the result of so much coughing with getting a cold. I specifically asked my doctor if I should be concerned at all that coughing or sneezing could cause any harm and said no. With allergy season as I recover, I wanted to be sure. Your doctor and his staff work for you. It might be a 1 minute call that will let you stop being concerned.

Kelsey - I was the exact opposite story Even until 2 weeks before my surgery date I got one last call asking if I would go for the RNY instead. The thing was, my brother lived in Australia for a while and knew about the sleeve. As others said, it's not really "new" at all, it's only new in the sense of being covered by insurance and sort of proliferating to the US medical market. I wanted the sleeve. I waited my time out specifically because I wanted sleeved. So here's the only suggestion I have. Ask how much value it is for you to still have your stomach inside your body, cut away and non-functioning. The actual act of having it reattached and functioning again is --according to my surgeon -- more dangerous and there are few surgeons with experience. So if it becomes, especially after years, essentially ornamental, what does it accomplish. And dumping, according to my folks, frequently clears after 18 months, assuming you ever got that benefit to begin with. So you end up having to fight that little fight anyway. And many who have had RNY gain back. It's not magic either. I want you to get what's the best for you. It may be RNY or sleeve. You're doing exactly the right thing. Ask. Research. Decide. But yea for you!!! You're taking action. It's a little sideways right now, but you'll be great.

For the next 30 days you have full permission from the universe to be wasteful. If you, like I, are on full liquids you can use cream of chicken soup which you then strain with metal/wire strainer. Those bits and pieces are very dangerous at this window. The creamed soups will fill you a bit more so take them slow. (Any creamed soup, I like cream of mushroom myself. ) The brother of chicken noodle soup is much more tasty than plain broth but again, strain. Toss the noodles and bits of chicken. Very little likes me these days and I'm not even coming close to 60 grams of protein a day. But I'm getting all of my need fluid and working on the protein. I don't like sweets to begin with so the pre-mixed drinks do not agree with me either. I know it's going to be a long month before I get to mushies but it will be over before I know it. Until you get there, fear not to waste. You're setting some important ground work. Good Luck!!

What is your pre-diet? Mine was all liquid supplied by the facility and equaled 580 calories per day or something in that ballpark. If yours is like that, I agree that you have time to pull back up out of the ditch and be ready for surgery. However, some prediets are much more liberal and if that's the case, you will have to be very careful from here on out. If you are being allowed any solid food during this window it will be harder to get your body back into starving so the liver fat has been chewed up. It's true that if they go in and find a fatty liver, a lot of the surgeons will cancel you. So apart from start doing your best from this moment forward, I'd also suggest that if you know you are not hitting their target, you might want to give them a call and be honest up front. It's one thing to fail at the pre-diet but it's another thing to not be honest and keep your program aware of the difficulties you are having. You don't want them putting you under and starting the surgery to find out then that you were non-compliant. Secondly, if you postpone early, they might be able to slide someone else into the position. There are people who only need a 7 day pre-op diet and there's still time tomorrow for them to make some calls tomorrow to see if anyone would want your date. I doubt that you are the first who's failed at this. But show them the respect and honestly they deserve to work with you to help solve the issue. But again, if you are on a strict diet of very low cal and low carb, you have time to put your head down and push to the surgery day and be ready. If if you lose much more daylight, that will no longer be true.

Oh, and I agree with the suggestion of Bioetin (sp?). I love that stuff for dry mouth. But my doctor said it was a no-no. I actually regretted asking. But he said a lot of things like that product get the stomach churning without even having to be something you swallow. Just fyi, if you ask they may say no.

I used basically nothing from the bag I packed and took. I wore the same clothes home that I wore in. And the wing I was in was specifically for people with sleep apnea and each room already has one or two machines. For that question, I'd just give the facility a call. Leaving is difficult. Even with keeping my experience on the down low, I had all sorts of extra stuff to truck out (flowers, 2 stuffed animals and such. I would have been better to have taken far less. The less you take, the less you have to pack out. The one thing that was excellent was my own "duster". I bought a short sleeved duster that snapped up the front. They are checking your boo-boo's every 2 hours or so and it was very nice to be able to just unsnapp then close it back up. And it was wonderful getting out of the gowns they have which are meant for people upwards of 500 pounds. It perfectly logical, but I felt they were almost dangerous on me as I was tripping over the hems.

I'm never fast on my feet but it's too bad you wouldn't have said "you know, I've lost 19 pounds. I'm surprised you didn't notice since you seem to be the on who found it". Maybe save that for later when you're really dropping like a rock.

So I was sleeved Wednesday. I had a "mass" in my lower right side that was found during all of the sleeve testing and I also had them remove my gall bladder. So my surgery was a bit more complicated and, man oh man, did they ever knock me out. I have 4 laproscopic incisions plus a 5 inch where they had to take the gall bladder out. It was so packed with stones they could not get it out the little holes. I was put under at noon and it was about 11 pm before I knew where I was and who I was. So even as of today I'm a little loopy. Two things I wish I'd have done: Bought an oversized bra. I can't put mine on, too tight and right at the tender area. Since I want to walk outside, it bothers me to just be flopping along. Secondly, I shouldn't have taken 90% of what I took and I didn't take much at all compared to some. I never even hardly opened the bag. Probably a little TMI so if you don't want the gory details, don't read on. Biggest point of the story is that if I had not had terrible post off sickness on Thursday it would not have been a horrible thing. But let me tell you, about the 5th time I had my head over a can (I was dry heaving so hard they got me larger bucket type item so I wouldn't 'spray' -- kind of a power wash type thing. I was starting to wonder if I'd lost my mind in thinking this was a tool to help improve my life. It may surprise you but power dry heaving can shake your resolve. The doc said a lot of it was due to my surgery being much longer than a typical sleeve so don't let it bother you. I think its much easier when just being sleeved. Aside from the nausea issue, my throat was very sore. My voice is still working on coming back. But that, along with the incision pain, are minimal compared to heaving up every drop I was trying to take in. So if the pain of the surgery is holding you back in any way, don't worry about it much. They stopped my pain med Thursday morning and I've taken none since. And each day I can tell it's getting much milder. I also have 2 drains. One small I removed today and one large the doctor will removed next Thursday. So I have cleaned myself, re-bandaged, removed a drain. My next step is to give myself a shot. If I can do that, I'm over the hump and it will just be a matter of healing. I feel like such a big girl! Oh, and he said was liver was great.

You know, I've always hated those commercials where someone says "if I can you, you can do it". Let's face it, that is not always true. However,.... I was sleeved on Wednesday and if I can do it you can do it! I meditated, telling myself I would be fearless when the time to be rolled in came, I recounted all of the wonderful thing I would have later on after being healed and mostly I thought about the fact that this surgery might keep me from having to have 8 more later. So I hate to say this but as the world's biggest chicken, you can do it! Good luck,

15 pounds!!! yowsa!! That's amazing. I'm down 30+ but only 9 on this pre-diet. It actually did disappoint me. Seems like I should have lost more but I'll take it. I'm tomorrow too. Best wishes to you. I can't wait until June when we will be at our new normal and chunking away at building our new lives. Yea you!