FatToPhat

Hi Bizzy,I live in Idaho and had the Plication done in Salt Lake City which is about a 6 hour drive from where we live. I had the surgery on Monday and was discharged in the am the next day. I intended to stay another night in SLC in a hotel in case I had any complications or just didn't feel good enough to drive, but I didn't feel too bad, so we drove back to Idaho the day of discharge. It helped to be able to stop every couple of hours to walk and stretch my legs, which would be difficult on a flight. I thought I would feel better after surgery, but I have to admit I didn't feel very good the day of surgery and for a couple of days after. My mouth was very dry and pasty, my throat was sore from the intubation and endoflip, my stomach was cramping, the incisional areas hurt, and it hurt to take even the smallest sip of water, etc. But! I have definitely felt better each day and now the "good" outweighs the "bad" as far as how I feel every day. I haven't been hungry at all until this morning when I woke up and thought "I'm really hungry"! but I had about 4 oz of a protein shake and that was enough to fill me up. I havent been able to eat/drink more than about 4 oz at a time before my stomach starts hurting which I think is the sign that it is full. It's hard to distinguish the sensations right now. I have had some gas pain throughout my stomach and to my shoulders that hasn't been very pleasant, but I've been following everyone's advice of "walk, walk, walk" and it seems to be helping. I am on a full liquid diet for 2 weeks post op then it switches to mushies for 2 weeks, then I can have solids. So, my typical day is a little bit of hot tea in the morning, about 4 oz of a protein shake for breakfast, sipping on green tea or crystal light until lunch which is 4 oz of blended cream of chicken soup, then more sipping, maybe some broth in the afternoon, then for dinner, another 4 oz of a cream soup, then more sipping. I have been trying to fit in another protein shake in the evening, as well. We just bought some unflavored protein powder to add to the soup so I can get in more protein. I have had only a couple of episodes of reflux but it has been very minor. I told my husband last night that, if this lack of hunger and feeling full quickly is the norm, then I think this is going to work! Also, before the surgery I was very anxious about "letting go" of all the yummy food I used to be able to eat. Right now I have absolutely no desire for those foods. Every once in a while I'll watch a food commercial and think that looks really good, but the appetite just isn't there right now, which is nice.I know this is a tough decision to make. I spent a LONG time trying to decide, also. It's still scary, but I feel so far that it is the right decision. I wish I could have lost it on my own, too, but I couldn't and now I'm having lots of problems related to my weight. As they say, this is just a tool. You are still doing all the work. The tool just helps to reduce the "Troll" in my stomach that makes me want to eat all the time! I wish you the best in whatever you decide. I hope this info helps.

Although the part of the stomach that produces ghrelin, the "hunger" hormone, still exists with the plication, the production of ghrelin is "turned off" by pressure to the sides of the stomach and "turned on" when the stomach is empty. In other words, when the stomach is full, which it would be with small amounts of food with the plication also, the ghrelin production is turned off anyway. I had the plication on 3/7, so am only 5 days post op. So far I am impressed with how quickly I get full and that I have no appetite or hunger. I choose it because I was concerned about the higher risks post op of the sleeve. I have heard, however, that, although the weight loss with the plication is supposed to be very similar to the sleeve, that the sleeve tends to cause a slightly higher weight loss overall. But, it's all in what you put into it! Good luck with your decision.

That is amazing!! You look great! Isn't amazing what just 50 lbs can do in the way we feel?

That's awesome! Keep up the good work!

I know you wont get this until you are back, but I'm wishing you an event free surgery tomorrow! Mine went well, no complications! You're going to do fine! Looking forward to hearing all about it!

Well, I'm back home from having the plication yesterday. Today I'm feeling much better, although still crummy. Yesterday was uncomfortable with dry, pasty mouth, very sore throat, tender tummy, and pain in my stomach with even the smallest ice chip. Today I'm up and around a lot more, still tender and having to take it easy with just sips...no gulps! I had strained cream of chicken soup for dinner tonight and it was delicious! Trying to make sure I'm doing the walking and the incentive spirometer like I'm supposed to! I'm concerned I might have some phebitis at my IV site, but I'm watching it. Took a shower, now headed to bed. Hopefully tomorrow I will feel even better!

Thanks everyone for your support! I'm back from surgery and feeling better. I kept the mantra with me of "Walk and Sip, Walk and Sip" and that kept me going!

Well, we are headed to Salt Lake tomorrow where I am scheduled to have the Plication surgery on Monday morning. Nervous, but excited to finally get it done and start my new healthier life. Wish me luck!

Thanks for the encouragement. I did find that it got easier, although today I started feeling "sick" so I ate some chicken noodle soup. I figured it was mostly broth, right? But I did feel immensely better and I don't think I did myself any harm. I'm down 9 lbs so far with the preop diet. I noticed that your surgery is the same day as mine! Best of luck to us both!

Thanks for posting! You look awesome! I'm getting my plication on 3/7. Getting nervous, but looking at your success gives me confidence!

Lisa, Congratulations! We both got through day one of the preop! Mine started today, too. Although mine is just for one week and no meal. I'm doing clear liquids and 3-4 protein shakes. I would kill for just a BITE of something! "Just keep swimming, just keep swimming...."

Ha Ha! That's funny!

Hang in there! Think of the 8 lbs you've lost already! That's 8 lbs you don't have to lose after the surgery! You're ahead of the game! Since I'm starting my preop diet tomorrow, I weighed and measured today and made my dear husband take "before" photos of me so I can visualize the loss, also. Then went to the store and bought lots of sugar free (blech!) popsicles, jello, crystal light, broth, protein drinks, etc. I've been pigging out on all my favorite foods this past week or two and feel bloated and lethargic and my skin has broken out. I think I'm ready for some healthier foods! Actually, after about 2 days of the liquid diet, I'll probably regret THAT statement!

TMI!!!

How hilarious that you made the doctor tell you his morning routine! Love it! You're going to be fine! You'll be through it with flying colors in no time! Keep us posted!

Thanks for letting us know how you're doing. Sorry you had a rough couple of days. It will only get better, though!

Well said!

Lookin' good!!! Thanks for posting!

100 lbs in 4 months???!! Awesome for you! And you look wonderful! Way to go! Thank you so much for sharing. I feel inspired already!

I found it! And look at you!!! You look awesome! And that's only halfway? Good for you! Thanks!

Yeah, that's kind of the response I got the first few times I called, too. In fact they told me that instead of attending a seminar, I could attend a webinar that they were working on getting set up in the next couple of weeks (from the time I called). I waited 3 weeks....no webinar. So, I called back and they transferred me to another person who said they were holding off on the webinar because they are in the middle of moving their office and didn't have time to work on that right now. She also told me because I was out of state that I didn't have to attend a seminar. NOW you tell me! But, I finally got a contact person and her name is Kim, if you want to ask for her directly, you might be able to get a better response. She has been more helpful.

I appologize if I have offended anyone with my rant. What set me off was actually my own fears and doubts, which I'm sure we all have. I know everyone has tried to be helpful with their information, and, as I said, they mostly have been. I wasn't just referring to comments made on this particular thread, but others I have also read. It all feels so overwhelming just trying to make the right decision for myself and when others give well meaning and intended information, good or bad, about the surgery I've chosen or others that I might have been thinking about, it just gets confusing and frustrating because it creates more doubt in me. I DO appreciate all the information. It DOES help in making this decision. I guess I was also reacting to some people's comments (not this thread alone) where others give more than just information, they "put down" certain surgeries, which makes me feel like I'm making a "bad" choice or my choice is not being respected. But, as Tiffany said, that is their opinion and they're entitled to it. So, let's move on from al that...LMom, thanks for the info about who was making that "bottom feeder" remark. That makes a lot more sense! And, I totally hear you about wanting to get the surgery done in your home state, but feeling like you have to go elsewhere. That's too bad they haven't returned your call. Makes ME wonder whether I should go with them or not! I have contacted Dr. Watkins office in the past, also, and they have been very responsive and informative. Keep me posted on how you're doing, too!

Sorry for the rant...I do feel better, though, after that! It's just hard when other people deliberately try to cast doubt about the decisions we have already made. The information from others is what we're here, seeking, and it is appreciated, but we just all need to be careful how we present things, I guess. Good luck to us all!

I have to say that, in general, since I have joined this forum, that MOSt people have been very supportive, regardless of what type of surgery someone has or is planning on having, or what their experience has been, etc. But sometimes the responses have just been negative and unnecessary! ALL of the surgeries have their drawbacks and risks AND positives. Why can't we just support eachother in whatever decision we decide??? Geez, people! We are all in the same boat! Don't you think I doubt my decision EVERY single day? Didn't YOU do that? If I change my mind against the Plication and chose the VSG or the Bypass or the Band, there will always be someone else piping in on their opinion. Don't make this decision more difficult for people! I am chosing the Plication because I don't want my stomach thrown in the trash, I don't want the malabsorption and deficiencies possible with the bypass and I don't want the erosions and slippage and constant maintenance of the band. Deal with it! I checked out some of the negative responses on Obesity Help regarding the Plication. One of the comments was that "only the bottom feeder surgeons perform it" Really? From my research, some of the BEST surgeons are choosing to do this and TEACHING others across the country to do it, as well. Let's just all be supportive, 'kay?

Good input. Thanks! Sometimes it does seem so hard to make a decision about which one to do, as they ALL seem to have pros and cons. I will check the OH website to read about those that are having trouble with the Plication.