NWgirl

I heard a heating pad does wonders for the shoulder pain. I have been drinking peppermint tea because I saw some posters on the board say that their recovery nurses highly recommended it. I also bought one of those mini-pillowpets to hold against my stomach when getting up or sitting down- the pressure seems to help my belly. I have also been walking often. Just keep your head up, it will get better.

Have you got your paperwork from the surgeon's office yet?

I don't have any words of encouragement because you are so far ahead of me, but just remember the amazing work you have done! You will get to where you want to be, maybe not on the timeline you had hoped, but in time Keep your chin up!

Yeah, I'm not in too much pain, but my body doesn't seem to be asking for much in the way of foods. I can tell I'm a little parched because my mouth is dry, but my tummy is full already so I don't want to over due the water.

I must have been spacey when I wrote to you, my surgery was yesterday, the 20th! I am wishing you well with your surgery!!! What time do you have to be there tomorrow?

I also found some Greek yogurt frozen bars at Costco. I bought them, but have yet to try them.

I get the same brand, but from costco. Mine are 18 packs for $24 ish. They are easy for on the go and don't taste terrible. I did get the idea from another blogger to add sugar free syrup coffee mix in them if you start to get burned out on the chocolate taste. I had literally almost finished two cases before surgery, so I experimented with the SF syrup and it was a nice change of pace. I have also bought the Body Fortress Protein powder blends from Walmart.com. I will be using these as well so I don't get too bored of one flavor.

You should look up nectar protein, it is supposed to be fruit juice-esque. I also know Walmart sells protein shots, which are supposed to be fruity too. Have you tried either of these?

I ended up taking two naps after I got home yesterday. I had only slept about 4 hours the night before surgery, and so I was really tired going in. I then took my first dose ever of oxycodone after my first nap and it kind of kicked me in the butt. I feel relatively normal today, just having very minimal gas things in my tummy and soreness in the port area. Nothing too bad though Are you feeling better today Brandi? I am sending my best wishes.

I am also taking 5000 mg of biotin. Figure better safe than sorry.

I am actually feeling pretty good. I have been able to get my Protein shake in and drink about 10 oz of Water. I have some minimal gas pains that seem to go away with walking or burping. I will be taking a shower in a few to finish getting the iodine off my belly. I tried to wipe off most yesterday, but did not feel like a shower then. My port area is good too, just sore getting up and down, as well as turning when I am sitting. I am actually surprised I am feeling so good, since I have read that others feel like hell after.

I tried a few baby bites of jello yesterday and wasn't feeling it. I had a SF pudding last night, and that was much easier.

I tried to do the sugar free jello yesterday and something about it was wrong. Today the shake went down well and I definitely am full, maybe a little overfull, but am also feeling a little bloaty, so it may just be that. I think it's time to get up and walk around to help relieve some of the pressure. I'm about halfway through my first 20oz water too. Are you feeling better today?

I love my birth control because it keeps everything regular, and am definitely not ready for kids at this point. Need to make sure I'm on something that is going to work!!! My gynecologist is in surgery today, but I should receive a call back from her telling me if she has heard it is not affective after WLS. If it isn't, I will need something else.

If I were in your situation, I would not worry about the money, because it is just money and there should be no guilt. I don't have children yet, but know how important it is to be there for those you love. You can always make more money, but the damage done to your body with extra weight will shorten or end your life prematurely. I'm sure your husband and children think you are worth more than any vacation. Please, do this not only for yourself, but know that your children and husband will have you for many years to come.

I am calling my gynecologist ASAP today to ask about that!

I am also able to get down an 11 oz Protein drink and just had surgery yesterday. I am full from it, but am not having any problems drinking. I am making sure not to gulp anything though, just in case. I guess it just goes to show how different everyone can be. I guess it also depends on if the surgeon puts anything in the band at surgery. My surgery only removes the primer air and replaces it with saline, nothing extra. Maybe that's why?

I have also heard some people recommend pineapple juice. I bought one of those little six can packs just in case

My practice gave me a complete list for groups all across Oregon, so I am assuming there are some groups that wouldn't mind. I hope you find one soon

Be careful of losing weight prior to your initial weigh-in if you are on the verge of 40 BMI. I actually had to gain about 10lb to be at the minimum with no comorbidities (although I had high blood pressure and high cholesterol, I didn't take meds for them and the practice thought that could be an issue). When I got the green light that is was okay to lose weight again, I did.

My surgeon was well aware that I take the Costco generic for Zyrtec, and did not say anything about it. I was just told no meds other than thyroid the morning of surgery.

Your body will get used to the extra water. I had been making sure to drink 100+ ounces a day for the last month leading up to surgery, so my potty breaks are relatively normal. I am positive the gas pains for me only comes after I've eaten. It's like the food wants to go down, and the gas wants to come up, and the only way of relieving without vomiting is to burp. I haven't got nauseous yet this morning, but did just finish my first protein shake. Hope your recovery continues smoothly!

You are not a failure. Sure, maybe you have slipped up and eaten some things that aren't exactly kosher for this way of life, but you also shouldn't discount the fact that you have gone through a life changing procedure and that maybe your head will take a little longer to catch up with your body. Make sure to get enough protein/fiber to keep you full. If you are not hungry, don't eat. Don't let head hunger trick you either.

Mine is on my right side. If I press lightly, I can feel the edge of the port.

I would think any support is better than no support. If you can't find a support group for banded folks, I would go to the OA meetings. Make sure to call any local practices and ask if they have any support groups that someone can attend, even if they were not banded at the practice.