lsereno

I took my pain meds for the first 8 days. Last couple of days, I didn't take as much, but I still needed them. I slept propped with pillows to make my bed like a hospital bed for the first couple of weeks. After that, I could sleep on my side. After week 3, I could sleep on my stomach again. For the first couple of weeks, I wore a nightie with no undies unless i was going outside. My tummy felt sore and I didn't want anything around it. I wore stretchy pants. til week 4, then I was back in my jeans (the ones I had squirreled away from a previous weight loss!!!). For the first three weeks I had a sore feeling in the lower left quadrant of my tummy, like someone slugged me. Then one day I woke up and it was gone!! Lynda

Congrats! I'm so happy for you. I'm hoping to be following in your footsteps as the weight comes off over the next couple of months. And to lose the cholesterol med too. Go Sleeve!! Lynda

I gained 14 lbs. from IV fluids. It took 8 days to come off, but when it did, I had a rockin few days of weight loss. Rub some lotion into your poor skin -- it's stretched!! Lynda

Happy Birthday Meggie! Hope you day was fantabulous! From the looks of your profile pic, you really know how to Celebrate :-) Here's to a great year and looking forward to seeing you at goal weight before your birthday next year!! I'm glad you enjoyed the popcorn! I'm just a few days behind you, so you are almost always my bellwether, although our pre and post-op diets are very different. I've been mostly compliant on my diet, but I did discover that chocolate chips Cookies go down just fine. I baked some for my FIL last week and ate one small one per day for three days running. Thank goodness I didn't have access to them anyomre on day 4!! Lynda

I used a one ounce medicine cup and an 8 oz. measuring cup as my "pitcher" so I didn't have to get up and down all the time. I watched the clock. Every 15 minutes I was awake, I finished 1 oz. of Water. With the swelling of my tummy, I could only take tiny sips, but I just kept taking them. Everyone is different! I prefer liquids cold or hot-not room temperature. And I couldn't stand the artificially sweetened and flavored Jello and Popsicles. I drank water and chicken broth the first day home from the hospital then I added milk (had to switch to soy milk because I developed lactose intolerance) the next day. The chicken flavored

Yes, it's across the street from the Palo Alto Medical Group. The meetings are two hours: 6-8. The group leader is a Kaiser staffer. The first hour is for pre and post ops. Generally during this hour, post-ops answer questions from pre-ops. There is a lot of good info for recent post-ops too. The second hour is for post-ops. Leader asks if anyone needs support and we discuss. Last couple of meetings we've had a homework question that we work on for a couple of minutes and then discuss. This week it was planning for change: come up with one change you want to make, important reasons to make the change, steps to make the change, ways others can help, how to tell plan is working, and what might prevent success. Then everyone discusses what they wrote. There are several regular attendees who have the sleeve. I like that the group is large so you can hear a lot of people's opinions and stories. One regular attendee is 5 years out (he had RNY). They meet the second and fourth Friday of the month, 6-8. Lynda

Hi all, I'll be at tonight's WLS Support Group at Kaiser Fremont from 6-8 p.m. I'd love to see some fellow VSTers there. The meeting is free and is open to all. It's in the Niles Building on the Kaiser Fremont campus at 39400 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont CA 94538. The Support Group meets in a Conference Room in the Niles East building (campus map at http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/facilities/region/gsaa/area_master/locations_directions/FRE-CM.jsp) Lynda

Congrats!!!! I second the idea of getting stuff you like in 2 sizes: one that's snug now and one size down and only buying two of any one clothing type except shirts and undies. I am just now at the size I managed to diet to before I started gaining again and decided to have surgery, so I haven't had to buy much yet except new bras (bought two that fit and two that are too small when Macy's had the buy two get two free sale), new workout pants, and a couple of shirts. Lynda

Congrats Kelly! Onderland and never leaving it again!!!!! Just a few more pounds and you'll be able to join the group for less than 30 lbs. to goal!! I'm so happy for you. Lynda

Tada! I'm at 199.9 this morning! It's about 5 weeks out from surgery. I've lost 22 lbs from my day before surgery weight and 54 lbs. from my nearly all-time high weight in February when I began the pre-op diet. 1/5 of my weight GONE in 4 months!!!! I've been expecting onderland, but it was still a shock to see that 1 at the beginning of the numbers. I'be only been under 200 once before during this millennial, century. last two decades, and it was a brief visit. Within days, I popped back, up in the 200s. The next twenty pounds will bring me to a weight I haven't seen in nearly twenty years and will deposit me firmly in the land of the overweight, not obese. I think that 20 pounds will be when I can really wrap my head around the fact that this time things are going to different and the weight will stay off. I'm still afraid it will pile back on. I alternate fearing I will be stuck eating low-fat lunch-meat and greek yogurt for the rest of my life, with no room for a veg or piece of fruit and fearing that my stomach is not small enough and I will be 220+ again before I know what hit me. I'm going to Celebrate onderland by buying some new workout pants and heading back to the gym on Friday with my trainer. I realize hooking up with a trainer may not sound like much of a celebration to some, but it's a real splurge for me. I'm counting on her help to speed my weight loss and maintain muscle mass to minimize the deflated balloon look as much as possible. I hired a trainer about three years ago because I knew I needed help losing weight and staying fit. I never lost much with the trainer, but I did get more fit and could feel the difference. I can't wait to experience being a healthy size and fit. It's been so long I can't remember how it felt!!! Next stop: Overweight, not obese!! Last time I got there was around 1999 and I used hypnosis. Lynda

I feel for you! Most people take more time off work than you did. Can you negotiate shorter days or maybe take one day off per week for the next couple of weeks so it's not the full five day-forty hour load? I have found that standing and giving my tummy some uncrunched space helps when it starts feeling cranky. Also, I rinse my mouth with mouthwash or even just Water if it has a funky taste. I get a lump feeling sometimes but I haven't equated it with acid reflux. I had heartburn when I was pregnant many moons ago and that felt like a fire in my chest. The lump thing feels like I've eaten too much even though I may not have eaten anything. I think when I get overtired my stomach rebels and maybe swells a little more and that is the feeling. However, I really don't know if that is it or not. Be sure you are getting your water in. If you do that, most good things follow. Just try to make it through the next couple of weeks. I'm a little over a month out and I feel so much better that it's hard to remember just how crappy I felt the first two weeks. Lynda

I'm confident if the feeling of constant hunger subsided I'd be much more likely to succeed on a long term scale. You cannot count on not being hungry after the operation. While many lose their appetite, others are just as hungry as ever. Please search on "hungry" and "hunger." As for your BMI, there are others with lower BMIs who have had the operation. I think that is more a personal decision. Lynda

Thanks for the tips!! I have a few options now so I'll just wait and see how bad it gets. Right now I am enjoying my still thick hair while it lasts. Lynda

My heartetw was in the 50s the first week. It's back to normal now. Lynda

Congrats! We were sleeved the same day! I'm glad you are doing well. Enjoy the shirt - you have earned it!! Lynda

Hi all, I'm one month out today. What a difference a month makes! I'm 20.8 lbs down and pain free. I'm drinking and eating with big-girl utensils, cups, and plates. I'm exercising almost every day and needing fewer naps. I am so happy I had the operation, but I am really looking forward to being a few more months out, with more lost weight under my belt and a little less swelling in my tummy. I am soooo tired of eating, drinking, and taking my supplements, but I am slogging through to maintain my health. I'm getting more than 60 grams of Protein and 64 ounces of Water per day and averaging 450-550 calories per day. I take all the recommended supplements, except I often forget my mid-day Calcium. I'm not exercising enough, but plan to return to workouts with my trainer next week, which will get me to 5 days per week. I'm eating about 1.5-2 oz. of protein per meal. I've been sticking with high protein cheeses, poultry, fish, and shellfish. I love fruit and veggies, and I squeeze in 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup per day. Mostly melons, strawberries, green Beans and zucchini. After some early diarrhea I don't use any milk products that are not fermented. That means I'm avoiding cottage cheese and non-fat cheeses that have added whey and milk solids. I tolerate greek yogurt and reduced fat string cheese well. I'm drinking one Protein shake each evening, mixed with 1 cup plain, unsweetened soy milk. I haven't eaten much of other foods I see others having because the protein is not as high as other foods. For example potted meats, refried beans, Peanut Butter, and tofu. Here's a typical day for me now: Get up around 6. Start drinking water. Tuesday and Thursday: Walk with walking group. (Next week I will be with trainer Monday, Wed, and Fri) 9:00: Eat some greek yogurt and a bit of fruit, take supplements. 9:30-1: Putz around, try to get some exercise in doing housework or walking. 12-1: Eat 1.5-2 oz. protein such as lowfat string cheese and 97% fat free ham, chicken thigh meat, or ground turkey. Sometimes I have a saltine cracker too. 2-3: If I've been busy I usually need a mid-afternoon nap. 5-7: Eat dinner of 1.5-2 oz. protein, such as shrimp, scallops, chicken along with another bite or two of fruit or vegetables. Take evening supplements. 9:10: Drink protein shake and take last glass of water to bed with me. July 17 and two month anniversary here I come!! Lynda

This topic should probably be moved to recipes, but I don't know how. Anyhow, here's my new fav shrimp recipe, altered a bit from how it appears in the June issue of Better Homes and Gardens: Grilled Chili Lime Shrimp 2 tsp finely shredded lime peel 3 Tbsp lime juice 1 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic 2 Tbsp soy sauce 3 Tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chili powder 1/2 tsp red pepper 1 Tbsp chopped cliantro 1 Tbsp honey 1 1/2 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined. Mis all ingredeints except shrimp. Get grill hot while marinading shrimp. Shrimp should not marinate more than 20 minutes or the lime juice will start to "cook" the shrimp. Put marinade and shrimp in a seal-able baggie. Rub shrimp to work in marinade and refrigerate for 10 minutes. Turn baggie over, rub shrimp again, and refrigerate 10 more minutes. Remove shrimp from marinade, thread on skewers and cook till just done over hot coals. If I'm the only one eating shrimp, I cut the marinade in half and use 6 large shrimp from costco. I two or three at lunch the next day. Lynda

I don't think one ounce will last thirty minutes, but as you progress to 2-3 oz. per meal, for sure. I take a small bite, chew for 30 seconds, and wait another 30 seconds before taking another bite. Lynda

It's 1 scoop for 20 grams of Protein. I've tried the unflavored and the chicken Soup one. Lynda

Hi all, Do you have hair extensions or did you use them while you hair was thinning or thin? I searched the forums but could only find one user who said she had them. I'm wondering how well they would work if you hair is falling out. I mean, they attach to your hair, so if it falls out, wouldn't they come out too? And I'm not sure how often they have to be touched up or the general expense. My hair is a normal thickness now, but I am only one month out. I like to plan ahead, so I'm researching hair solutions now. I know another option is a short, layered cut but my hubby hates short hair. And bless his heart, he is not picky about many things so I hate to disappoint him in this one area. Thanks in advance for your advice, Lynda

Welcome! You'll find there are many people here who had a fairly low BMI at operation time. Mine was over 40 when I was accepted in Kaiser Fremont Bariatric program but around 35 the day I had the operation (Kaiser Fremont patients follow a 1200 calorie per day diet during the pre-op period). I've had people comment on my lower weight too. I just tell them thanks! I carry my weight well, but I'm looking forward to being a healthier weight and after years of struggle, I knew I needed help to get there. Lynda

Kaiser Fremont guidelines are 400-600 calories per day during the soft food stage, which typically starts at the 2 week post-op and lasts till the 6 week post-op. Lynda

Have a backup plan in case you are one of the people who can't swallow pills. The pill crusher with a little applesauce is popular and one that my nurse recommended if I had issues. I am one of the lucky ones. I was able to take all my pills the day after surgery (except the honking big Citricals - Kaiser Fremont gave me a two week reprieve on taking them!). Lynda

I had an undiagnosed hiatal hernia that was repaired at the same time as my VS. I had no symptoms. My Dr. asked my husband if I snored (I do) and he said I would snore less now that it was repaired. It added about an hour to my surgery time. I wouldn't worry if I were you. They will fix it if they find one. I considered it a two-fer! Lynda

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