Eureka-C

I just wanted to say, I felt great on day 4 & 5, really didn't overdo it. Then on day 6 a new pain started especially in that lower left incision. I had to start taking the pain meds. I figured it was the scar tissue forming. I started gentle stretching, gentle massages, and the heating pad. After a day and a half,I dropped to having the pain med only at night. After about four more days, no more pain med and just used the heating pad for about 30 min before I fell asleep. Hope this helps.

LOL that was great. Congrats on your NSV's. Enjoy the compliments. You DO deserve them.

My surgeon said I was anemic after my surgery and gave me a Iron iv bag. He said even that would barely up my numbers. He said that I would have to take iron for months to see much change. I don't know much more than that and would love to hear what the specialist says.

I took measurements pre-op and have measured every week since. I gained two inches after surgery. I was back to pre-op inches at 2 weeks (but I think it was still swollen as I had lost 15 pounds by then). At three weeks, I am only down 1/2 in from pre-op in my belly, so I think it is still swollen. I am down two inches most everywhere else, hips, chest, legs. I had liquid bm's for the first week, then it stopped. I think my body ran out of excess Fluid from the IV. I started taking benefiber, but I don't think it is enough. I think I will add something else today. I am definitely constipated, probably due to too little fluids/fiber. Best of luck. Let us know what works. This is a daily battle for me.

How long is it taking you to eat two cups. If it is a long time, it could be that as it is liquid your stomach is emtying before you finish. I too have stayed up and down within the sme three pounds for the last 12 days. My nut agrees that it's a combination of too low calories (body is in starvation mode), and losing so fast right after the surgery, and not enough liquids. I am hoping that mushies, healing and time will fix that.

I bought too much Protein powders, the jugs are huge. If I were to do it again I would search for more samples online. I really like the nectar mixed with a crystal light to go pack. I also found that some I liked before would get too thick after sitting as it took me forever to drink them after. I liked the cytomax tangerine. It tasted like tang. Drank one bottle a day for the first two days as it was 40 g of protein and It took me all day to drink them. Each person has to find their own niche so experiment before surgery. Good luck.

I have the knots under my incision, so did my hubby after gallbladder surgery. So I think the knots are normal. I would still call the surgeon on Monday. If the pain gets worse or you start running a fever you might want to go to the ER.

Please don't quit commenting. I read over the posts several times and I didn't see anything offensive. Mouse, I hope you are okay. I personally enjoy your point of view and hope you keep coming back to offer your perspective. I take the stance "take what you like and leave the rest" when reading peoples comments.

My nut also said I should aim for 3-4 oz protein by weight per meal.

Mini-me. I am trying to not worry. I took my bottle that I drink my Protein drinks from to the nurse visit today. I have been drinking two of those. She said I need to aim for three of them a day. It takes me all day to drink two. I will just have to drink more. I am definitely not enjoying drinking. I try not to go more than 15 minutes without a drink. I think I will change it to 10 minutes. She said that I am low on fluids, but not dehydrated.

Chilo1, I saw the nurse and the nutritionist today. I was told to up my calories (good thing that I can start eating on Monday) and aim for at least 600-800 calories. Also, no I am not peeing enough. I only go twice a day and thats because of habit, not really a need to go. I added benefiber three times a day and that is helping with the other problems, but arghhhh. I am looking forward to the settling with time. Thanks for your encouragement.

At first after surgery, I was going normal. I think that my body was ridding itself of the fluids from the IV. At about 10 days out, it dropped to once a day, and so I upped my liquids - at least tried too. I am now going twice a day. I think I am still too low on liquids and that my body is retaining Fluid. I am also constipated - so I added benefiber. My body is not liking what I have done to it at all.

Do you track your food?

It gives your head body image a chance to keep up.

I have been taking a 1000mcg b12 sublingual every other day. I believe that is helping my energy.

I took my measurements pre surgery and every Sunday post surgery. I gained an inch in my stomach, lost half an inch first week and back to pre surgery size after 14 days. I am hoping this Sunday it has shrunk to less than pre surgery. I had to wear pants with elastic because of pressing on lower left incision until about day 11. I am wearing jeans for the first time today - day 18.

I have to say this is my least favorite time. I can't wait until Monday when I can eat.

Glad you are joining us. There are quite a few supportive people on here. I started the whole process in June and finally had surgery on 11/22. I am not a veteran, but will keep an eye out for your posts. Best of luck and congrats.

I was sleeved 11/22. I lost 15 pounds between then and 12/1. I have been fluctuating the same three pounds up and down for the last ten days. I am still on liquids. In addition I have been constipated, I have added benefiber 3 times a day and I think it is helping. I also think I need more fluids as my fingers feel puffy and stiff in the morning like I am retaining water, so I tried to push the fluids yesterday and got in less than 300 calories. When I try to take in more substance my calories are around 600, but then i don't get enough fluids. You can see my foods on fatsecret.com. I am just feeling sad today and could use some cheering up.

I thought to try these before surgery and had a bad reaction to the alcohol sugars which I am fairly sure caused a rapid drop in my blood sugar. I would feel lightheaded, then flushed, confused, shaky, and nauseous. They tasted great, but I am scared to try it now post surgery.

As someone in the field, I find that abhorrent. No evaluation of a person should be done without an interview, and a paper filled out questionnaire is not a substitute. The only time a test like mmpi should be given alone or without an interview is for research purposes, never to evaluate a person. As for the report, it could take up to two weeks to write a report. Longer than that on a report that simple is unusual.

I have BCBS CA ppo. I submitted for approval in June and was denied. I too appealed. I wrote a letter. It's on my blog. I think a letter backed with research and personal concerns also stating why the other surgeries are not good for you is important. Good luck. I personally found the appeal process pure hell.

I like 3,4,8,13, but I agree 8 is probably the best. Great job. I can't wait to be where you are.

I liked the cytomax brand better thn isopure. I liked the tangerine, which tasted like tang. The tropical was like mango-coconut. I got them at the vitamin shoppe. My favorite flavor in the nectar is cherry. I mix it with a crystal lite pack or a vitamin water.