Foxbins

No NG tube...they're taking out most of your stomach, why would you have a NG tube?

I am four weeks out today and have lost 20 lbs. I lost 17 lbs. in 17 days and then it has been coming off so s-l-o-w-l-y. I started at the gym this week swimming and doing some weights so I hope that will help. From the previous posts it sounds like it is normal for some of us to lose slower. I have the metabolism of a lizard in winter anyway but I just keep telling myself that it is impossible not to lose on 600 calories a day.

In my opinion, you don't just need a VSG surgeon, you need a surgeon who has done a significant number of revisions. I know my surgeon has done a number of revisions but he is in Mexico and you would have to self-pay. Maybe search the Band to Sleeve Revision forum for names?

I wore granny panties home, no panties while in the hospital. I was worried my bra might rub the incision between my breasts so I was prepared to ask the nurses for a couple of gauze pads and some tape but I didn't need to, the bra band was above the incision. I second the heating pad, used it a lot and it helped. Oh, and slip-on slippers and slip-on shoes, you won't want to bend over much.

I ate some salmon that didn't agree with me AT ALL and full-out vomited. I was surprised, I didn't think I had enough stomach left for the upward contractions to occur, but they sure did.

I have had both versions as well and the new ones are thicker and taste less chocolatey. I can't drink them straight anymore, have to pour them over 2 cups of ice to get them diluted and thinner. I think I'll call and complain, too. I don't care if they send me anything, I just want them to bring the old formula back.

I'm no physician, but I think we need more because we are burning fat and the chemical reaction requires more Water than we used to drink. We also need more to flush out the waste products from the fat-burning (ketones) and to help the little residue from our low-cal diets in our diets from hardening in the bowel. Edited to say that I asked my NUT today and her answer was the same as the above PLUS that our stomachs are so small now that if we become dehydrated we can't get in enough fluids quickly enough to replace what was lost. She said that presurgery stomachs could hold a quart of Fluid and now maybe 4 oz.. I said that fluids go right through my stomach but she insisted that we have to avoid dehydration because we can't replace fluids as we could pre-surgery.

Hi, Kris-- We are a week apart and I have lost 19 lbs, so like you I feel like I am losing slowly, not like some people who lose 75 lbs in two months...However, it's 19 lbs that isn't coming back and I have never lost 19 lbs in 3 weeks before. I have not cheated, my carbs are below 50 each day, and I am getting at least 60 gms of protein and 60 oz. of Water in each day. I think metabolisms are just different between people. As long as the scale is trending down, I am okay. Who knows, in six months I might be at goal! With you!

McCormack makes an anise extract. I have also seen anise tea. Try on Amazon. You all are an inspiration to me!

I am normally a back sleeper so I had no discomfort lying down. Getting up, however, required a waist twist that hurt for a week or so. I found that if I pushed myself up with my arms and then swung my legs over the bedside I sort of slithered out and on to my feet. I have seen a number of people here sleeping in recliners because they are easier. Congratulations on your surgery!

I have no restriction with fluids. I think about it as pouring Water through a straw--it just runs right through. Helps a lot in keeping hydrated!

I do not eat white carbs (anything made with white flour, rice or potatoes) anymore because I can't fit them in my stomach. My doc said protein first and if I eat the protein, in the room I have left I mostly want some green veggies or some fruit. Also white carbs are high in calories and I can't afford them. I think the people who are eating bread and carbs are mostly at maintenance and have learned what works for them, or have discovered that in order to lose they need more carbs than us ketosis folks. As far as fibrous vegetables go, I love asparagus but only eat the tips now. I never cared for artichokes or celery by themselves (too much like "diet food") but put celery in my chicken or tuna salad. I eat oatmeal, no problem. Crackers and chips are trigger foods for me and besides being white carbs I just don't eat them. It's a small step from a cracker to a cookie for me and I'd rather not start down that slippery slope.

Five incisions, one IV.

My doctor wanted me to do it 10X each morning and night for two weeks. This is because sometimes the instruments push on your lung and collapse it a little during surgery and the spirometer helps you to fully inflate your lungs, prevents secretions from pooling in the bottom and causing pneumonia. It takes less than 3 minutes a day and I was happy to do it for the two weeks. I am not a smoker.

I started vitamins on day 10 post-op, and began calcium and B-12 day 14. I'm not taking iron as I am post-menopausal and will wait to see what the 3 month labs say.

I am two weeks out and burping slightly less than I did even a few days ago. Sip, burp, sip, burp. I figure the shortest way for the air to get out is up, so up it comes. It's getting better, though. I am hoping to be able to be in polite company in another few weeks (or learn to burp silently...)

I wasn't dizzy and I had no pain. It was a little uncomfortable sitting due to my abdomen full of gas, but no biggie.

Do not worry--stick to your diet and in a few days you should see a big drop. I had about 3 lbs extra fluid in me from the IVs as well, and if you had a rough time your body is going to hold onto whatever it needs in order to heal. I bet by next week you are down at least 8 lbs. I have lost 15 lbs in 12 days and five of those days I didn't do anything. Stick with it!

I am a week post-op and on liquids (clear and thin). A sip of water---wait a few seconds---burp! The same thing happens with boullion, protein shakes, gatorade, etc. I had a hernia before surgery that made me burp about 20 times a day unrelated to eating but it was repaired. I cannot go out in polite company and burp after every sip. These are not soft, ladylike "urps," these are like a linebacker-eating-corndogs-and-drinking-beer belches. When will they go away?

Call them and ask. My insurance said they would cover emergency treatment (like if I had a leak) and that was what I was concerned about since I had surgery in Mexico. My PCP has also been supportive and agreed to do the 3 month follow-up blood work and upper GI.

I am 8 days postop. The bloating goes away pretty soon, I am not bloated now and haven't been for a few days now. Do you have any pain meds to take before bed? Could you get some liquid Tylenol? My incisions also hurt a bit at night, it helped that I sleep mostly on my back but if I turned on my side it hurt too much to stay there very long. Now, I can sleep on my right side just fine and my left if I put a pillow there as a prop. Do not worry, this part goes away pretty fast. Keep hydrated and you will be feeling better very soon.

I used my horseshoe-shaped travel pillow. I think anything firm held against your stomach would help. I don't think there's any sense in buying something you will never use again.

I am with you in spirit, Kris, and a week behind you (surgery 1/13.) Soft food is a few weeks away and I am sick of liquid already. I have found that sugarfree gum helps my need to chew. One stick in the evening (and I chew the heck out of it) and I am better. Good luck!

I am 6 days post-op and I thought I was hungry, too yesterday and the day before. My tummy was rumbling and felt empty. But today, nada! I am not hungry at all! I think it took a couple of days for my Prevacid to kick in. Are you taking anything to control stomach acid?

I am 6 days out and my shoulder still hurts too. Mine isn't related to eating/drinking, it just hurts all the time. Getting better each day, though.