lsereno

Hi Jim, I took my hydrocodone pain meds full strength for the first eight days or so. Everyone has different pain levels. Your pain will diminish with time! And I have taken it really slow getting back to full-time activities. I'm not even driving yet. IMO, it's better to take it slow and nip the pain in the bud. Everyone's journey is a little different. Lynda

Thanks! I saw someone post that they took a 2 -hr bike ride just three weeks out, so I thought I better step it up a little! Before VSG, I worked out 5 days a week: 3 days 30 min strength training with a trainer and twice a week walking 3-4 miles with my walking group and biking about a mile. I plan to return to working with my trainer in a couple of weeks. She is on vacation till then. I will be walking with my group again this week. Not sure I can keep up, but I'm gonna try! Lynda

Oops! Just saw the request for goals for this week: Work out every day. Monday: Ride bike 2-3 miles, walk 1 mile with hubby. Tuesday: Walk 3-4 miles with my walking group. Wednesday: Follow along with Sit and Be Fit class that I recorded from PBS. Thursday: Walk 3-4 miles with my walking group. Friday: Follow along with Sit and Be Fit class that I recorded from PBS. Ride bike 2-3 miles, walk 1 mile with hubby. Saturday: Day off! Sunday: Longer bike ride with friends. I see the Dr. Wed for my first post-op. Lynda

Today, I rode my bike 2 miles over level ground. First time I've been on it since the sleeve (May 17). Not much gym rat activity, but I'm on my way back! Lynda

Don't rely just on this thread. Look through the posts on this board along with the pre and post surgery boards and the general surgery board. Everything that happened to me after surgery was described by someone else on this board, so I wasn't really surprised. I knew: Lots of people have hiatal hernias that are repaired when the VSG is done. When I woke up from surgery, I found out I did too. Some surgeons leave the catheter in the first day to make sure there are no leaks (they watch for blood in the urine). Mine did. The pain meds work for most people, so they are not in a lot of pain after they wake up from surgery. They worked for me too. Many people get diarrhea and it goes away on its own in a couple of weeks. I got diarrhea, but I checked with my Dr. anyway, just to be safe. Most people can't sleep in their normal sleep positions for a week or two. I got some extra pillows and propped myself up to sleep like I was in the hospital bed still. (Big pillows under my upper back and head and smaller one under my knees.) Many people more emotional and cry easily. So I wasn't surprised when I burst into tears over something silly twice in the first week after surgery. And I've tried to go easy on my loving husband, who is my favorite punching bag when I'm upset. Most people have a hard time getting the fluids in the first few days. I followed a tip from several fellow-posters and used a small one-ounce medicine cup with a timer to make sure I got in an ounce every 15 minutes. Although there are unpleasant things after surgery, it's really helped knowing that I've had an average or better recovery. And one thing I've learned: even those with horrid complications get better. That helped me pre-surgery when I was afraid of what might go wrong. Looking through the boards, I found even those with leaks eventually get better. I had a regular IV. From what I've read, most others have regular IVs too. Best wishes on your journey! Lynda

The first few days are the toughest. Everyone post-op has been there, or some variation of there. Walking really helps to shake the gas out. Did your doctor prescribe an anti-acid (PPI). If not, call and ask for one. Your most important goal is to stay hydrated. So get your fluids in first, then worry about Protein. I used a one-ounce medicine cup, a measuring cup, and a timer to get my fluids in the first couple of days. Fill the measuring cup so you don't have to hop up and down. Then use it as a pitcher to fill your medicine cup every 15 minutes. Set the timer so you are reminded when your next 15 minutes begins. For protein, I found that I tolerate the

I gained 14 lbs. Water weight in the hospital. I was back to my pre-surgery weight about 8 days out. Now, 11 days out I am down 6 lbs. I only had two incidents with nausea, both lasted less than a minute and I didn't throw up. However, my stomach has had loud rumbles, cramping, and diarrhea since about 2 days out. The last few days, within 1/2 hr of eating, I get crampy gas and then go to the restroom. Once I poop, it's all good again for a few hours. I know food doesn't go through our systems that fast, so I'm not sure what's up. I've found I feel better with the

You are doing great! Sounds like you are well on your way to a healthy, quick recovery. I think you will find a little more energy every day. Thanks for sharing your progress with us. I'm sending healing thoughts your way! Lynda

When I realized that I would be overweight for the rest of my (shortened) life if I didn't do something else. I tried hypnosis, Weight Watchers, and hiring a personal trainer. I learned lots of good, healthy, eating habits, but I could not achieve meaningful and permanent weight loss. I wanted to live into my 70s. Look around: there's not too many morbidly obese 70+ year olds. Lynda

Walking outdoors. The combination of sunshine, fresh air, and exercise helps me every time. Even if it's just around the block. I like the idea of dividing the work up so you have a chunk each day. Use a timer: Set times for time-outs for yourself, time to work on papers, time for kids, etc. (Thanks to Flylady, http://www.flylady.com for that one!) Download a short relaxation meditation and listen to it at least once a day. Kaiser has them for free online at: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/ Keep your eye on the goal: You will enjoy the new job/make more money, you and the hubby will enjoy life more when you are both healthier in a few months. Buy yourself a non-food reward. Instead of a few dollars on fast food or Snacks, buy a new lipstick, lotion, hair clip, or pretty knick-knack. Enjoy it! Best wishes to you and your family during this busy, eventful time! Lynda

I'm with Kaiser NorCal and went through Fremont kaiser for my VSG. At Kaiser Fremont, we follow a balanced diet of 1200 calories a day from Orientation till the day before surgery. We also start taking a Vitamin regimen, give up caffeinated drinks and sodas, and begin an exercise program. I cheated on my diet about once a week. For example, one week I had homemade popcorn and two shots of tequila. I lost steadily because I exercise 5 days a week (that wasn't new for me, that was left over from my previous weight loss attempts-one habit that stuck). I think it's very helpful to have this restricted, healthful diet because: You get used to eating less before you are REALLY eating less. You give up caffeine before you are forced to. I have to admit I was several weeks into the program before I gave up my coffee, but I'm so glad I did because right after surgery it is hard enough to get the basic items down so you won't have coffee and it would totally suck to have caffeine withdrawals at the same time that everything else is hitting you. You can test out Protein drinks, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and other healthy foods, looking for brands/flavors you like better. Your body has more than a couple of weeks to build up a good nutritional base and shrink your liver. I just had my sleeve on the 17th and I'm feeling good. Today is my first day spending all day in stretchy pants and without any pain medication. I enjoyed 1/2 c. greek yogurt for Breakfast, a choco-Protein shake with lactaid milk mid-morning, and 1/2 cup cottage cheese for lunch. Best wishes on your journey! Keep us posted -- we are all rooting for you! Lynda

Congrats! I'm one day behind you. I'm glad you are feeling better. Onward to our two week surgiversary!

Hi all, I have posted the last couple of days because I have begun feeling better and I've been running around doing stuff! For those who missed my earlier messages, I was sleeved Tuesday, May 17. Came home on Wednesday and got diarrhea on Thursday. On Friday, I called the Dr. just to check about the diarrhea and the nurse cut back my food to Water and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein. Other than the diarrhea, I've done very well. No nausea and I've gotten the required fluids and protein each day. Yesterday (Monday) I checked back with the Dr's and the nurse advanced me to full fluids and recommended adding one new food at a time. Yahoo! She explained that the first thing they try is cutting back to just one Fluid and one protein because they have found that helps some people. The Dr. called yesterday afternoon and told me not to worry. He said about 1 in 20 get diarrhea after the operation, and they are not sure why, but that it normally clears up in a week or two. He said in some cases it is a bad bacteria, but that if it were, the diarrhea would get progressively worse, cause a lot of cramps, and smell. I'm not having those issues thank goodness! So, after that call yesterday I had greek yogurt at Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Today, I had greek yogurt for breakfast and cottage cheese for lunch. I can eat 1/2 cup. It takes about 20 minutes. I feel so much better! Today, I have only taken 1/2 dose pain medicine late this a.m. I did some volunteer work from home, went to the Walmart, and then went to a committee meeting. I haven't had a nap all day and I feel great!!! I've lost almost all the water weight I gained from the IV in the hospital. I've got about 4 more lbs. to go to weigh what I weighed the morning of surgery. My stomach now has an embarrassingly loud rumble, but I hope that does away in a few weeks. Onward and upward into week 2!

Hi Meggie, Congrats on the weight loss!! Glad you are doing well and your energy level is increasing. Your husband sounds like a real sweetie! Somehow I got my day count wrong. Today (Monday), it has been one week since I was sleeved last Tuesday. I'm looking forward to talking with the Dr. and getting advanced to something besides Water and

Hi Melva, After I met all my insurance requirements (Kaiser) I had to wait about 3 /12 weeks to hear from them with a surgery date. It is SO HARD to wait. For me, I spent a little time almost every day doing something to get ready. I bought the food items I needed post-surgery that were non-perishable and rounded up kitchen stuff I had at home that I would need for food prep. I bought just a can or bottle or two of each thing in case I didn't like them after surgery. I also bought stuff for hospital/recovery and got my clothes/house ready. It kept me busy and I was glad to have stuff done when they finally did call. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you for a quick call from them. In the meantime, here's my lists of stuff I bought or gathered: Food Prep: Bought: Small strainer for canned cream Soup Canned cream Soups sugar-free flavored drinks, such as Snapple Decaf tea (I like Sleepy Time - so soothing!) Protein powder Gathered: Serving tray to hold food prep items Food scale Measuring cup with pour spout Small bowls that hold about 1/4-1/2 cup Stick blender Blender Demitasse cup and saucer and spoon Shot glasses Timer Hospital/Recovery: Bought: Nightgown Slippers Travel size lotion Lip balm New books Gathered: Small travel bag and smaller toiletry bag Stretchy pants, comfy shoes and loose top for ride to hospital and home ( I wound up riding home in gown, robe, and slippers) Serving tray to hold items on bed for first couple of days. Kleenex Makeup remover face wipes (used these to clean face in hospital after surgery) Travel sized toothpaste Comb Robe Free Relaxing Surgery healing podcasts by Kaiser: https://members.kaiserpermanente.org/redirects/listen/ Updated Netflix movie queue and recorded movies on the DVR. Clothing/Home Prep: Bought: Stocked up on toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, and makeup Gathered: Moved stuff around that I might need but not be able to move or get to after surgery. For example, I moved my stretchy pants from the bottom drawer to a higher one in case i couldn't bend over for a few days. And I brought in my Easter party stuff early. Cleaned out seasonal clothes that will be too big when season returns. Washed and moved clothes that are "only a little too small" to a shopping bag and spare closet rack Washed blankets and throws and spring cleaned closets, bathroom, kitchen cupboards Paid bills as soon as they came in so bills were caught up and wouldn't be overdue if I got a quick surgery date when they called

Welcome to the Losers Bench! And I'm glad you are feeling well. I had surgery Tuesday and overall I feel good too. There are a lot of us this week. It will be fun to have so many of us who were sleeved at the same time. One tip: I used a timer to get my fluids in the first couple of days at home. One ounce every 15 minutes. The nutritionist sent me home with some one ounce cups, but in case you don't have those, 2/3 of a shot glass is one ounce. I poured 8 ounces in a liquid measuring cup with spout and then refilled my one-ounce cup. That way you can lay around a bit and still get your fluids. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! Lynda

Hi all, Yes, Meggie's right: the Dr. put me back on clears (only plain Water and the unjury chicken Protein powder) about 72 hours after surgery because I got diarrhea about 48 hours after surgery. Returning to clears has not improved the issue so far. I made it through 6 hours with only Tylenol, but returned to the liquid pain med at the next dose. The Tylenol seemed to work at first, but as the six hours wore on, I had a noticeable ache and burn in my tummy. I had hoped to be able to go to Tylenol in case the medicine is causing the issue. In my heart, I think my tummy is just adjusting to the new us and the diarrhea will disappear in a few days no matter what I do. But I am going to follow Dr's orders for this weekend and see what he has to say on Monday. Lynda

Hi all, It's Day Six of me and the sleeve. Things are still "loose" even though I am drinking only Water and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken Protein. The amazing thing is I feel pretty good except for the gas and diarrhea. Instead of liquid pain med, I took two tylenol today at 9 and I'm comfortable. A little tightness on my right side, but nothing I can't live with. Keep in mind though that it's just me and my husband, so I don't have to do a thing if I don't want to and I'm still wearing a gown because it's more comfy to not have even soft elastic around my middle. Lynda

Suzette, Congrats on your healthier, happier life! I'm so glad you can keep up with your little boy and that you now have a much better chance to see him grow up and settle down. And a wedding on top of that good fortune! My advice for 21 lbs in 11 days is journal, journal, journal and work out 30-45 minutes every day. You can do it! Lynda

Thanks Meggie! I know what you mean about only 1 kind. I have purposefully stocked up on a wide variety of foods on my dietary list because I don't like to eat the same thing over and over. But I can deal for a day or two. I really hope it resolves itself and I can get back to mixing it up with abandon. It's so frustrating that each doctor's pre and post-op directions vary by such wide margins. But I'm just gonna focus on the good parts of this journey: I am getting Water down no problem and no nausea. Onward to Day Five!! Lynda

Hi all, It's day 4 of me and the sleeve. Overall I feel pretty good. I'm getting my liquids in ( I keep a log on my kitchen counter to track them) Te pain medication is working well and I have brief periods of energy where I feel pretty darn perky. I'm walking around slowly but well and I can even pick stuff up off the floor. I have a set back with loose stools and gas though. It started yesterday afternoon, about 3 hours after my first Protein drink, which I mixed with 4 oz. of fat free milk. It was my first "movement' since surgery, so I wasn't surprised it was runny. However, I went a couple more times last night. So this morning, I tried 1/4 c. fat-free greek yogurt for Breakfast and made my mid-morning Protein shake with lactaid milk. But I still hit the bathroom a few times. So I called the bariatric nurse this afternoon. She asked what I was eating and said I should stick to one kind of Protein Drink (so far I've had Isopure carb free, gold standard whey, and powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury chicken) and back off all dairy. So starting this afternoon, it's Water and unjury chicken for a couple of days. I'm not sure what caused the loose stools. I really kinda expected the nurse to say that was normal because I've seen several other people on the list with the same issue. But the nurse didn't think it was normal. In addition to the dairy, I suspect the artificial sweetener. I have always used it without a problem, but between the sugar free drinks, protein, and Jello, I've had a lot more of it than usual in the last few days. I really thought if it was lactose-intolerance I could still do greek yogurt, but who knows? Fortunately, I'm still full of fluids from surgery and I can drink at least a cup of water an hour, so probably no worries about becoming dehydrated. If I don't get the issue under control this weekend, I have to call back on Monday. She said the Dr. may want a stool sample. Yuck!!!!!!!

No way are you being a baby! Every day makes a big difference. You will probably see others posting soon who have had their surgery the same day as you. I'm just one day ahead of you. There are two or three other members who had surgery the same day as me, but I think I was the first to send a message post-op. One thing about pain: it's better to stay ahead of the curve. If you let it get bad before taking the meds it is harder to get under control. From what I can tell, most people only need the pain meds the first few days. I took a full dose this morning (3:30 a.m.), but plan to try a 1/2 dose this morning or afternoon and see how it gos. Congrats on a successful surgery and welcome to the losers bench! Lynda

I'm so sorry she is suffering! It sounds like the Dr's have a handle on things and that her leak and pain will soon be in the past and she will be on her way to a healthy life. And it's so sweet of you to post for her and share/gather information. Best wishes to both of you for a speedy resolution to her recovery issues. I am sending healing and calming thoughts to her. Lynda

New tops and jeans Sheath dresses Matching bras and panties High heels Cute flats without enough support for a 200+ person New glasses for my skinnier face New swimsuit and coverup I'm gonna wait for one year after my weight stabilizes to decide what to do about wrinkles, flab, and sag.

Wow Meggie, Congrats on the 25 lbs!! I am so glad you are doing better. I know you really struggled at the beginning. You should have heard me in the hospital after hearing about you and heparin: Heaprin, it that heparin? I don't want a big giant bruise!! Can I get it in my arm? By the way, one tip the nurse told me is not to rub the spot where you got the shot. It makes the bruising worse. Lynda