earthchick97

Yes, I was often having to keep on top of the office staff. I finally got in touch with one person and then just kept asking for her, trying to establish some sort of relationship with her (I'm sorry I do not remember her name). But it is all worth it and they day of surgery was pretty easy. Good luck!

Hi there - I had my sleeve done at Johns Hopkins Baview (Dr. Schwietzer) - I was sleeved on August 16th, 2011, so this August will be my 2 year anniversary! (My stats on this forum are probably outdated) - I started at 249 and currently weight 149 - I have been fortunate not to have any weight gain. Good luck on your journey!!I It will all be worth it!!

I waited two weeks. Go gett'um tiger!

Thanks for the input. I'm up in the air too - explaining what the card is and why I have it. I think I'll just assume ordering an appetizer and calling it a day

So glad to hear someone else has gone through this! I itched like crazy and I even had some red bumps and rashy looking areas on my belly. Everynight I applied over-the-counter cortizone cream and after about a week and a half post-op it cleared up. If it doesn't clear up for you, either talk to your primary or your surgeon. They can give you an Rx for some stronger stuff. Good Luck!

I've seen a few posts regarding a "Weight Loss Surgery Card" for eating out. I have never heard of this (neither my nut or surgeon said anything about it). Does anyone have one of these, and if so, how do you get one? What are they for? Do resturaunts know what they are or do you have to go through a long ordeal to explain it to them? My curiosity is peaked...any insight is appreciated.

I only have nausea every now and again, usually if I find myself eating too quickly. I too get will get hot sweats too if I eat to fast. I usually close my eyes and take really deep breaths. I've noticed however that it is easing up a bit each week. I'm sorry you are having a rough go at it. I hope it gets better!

As crazy as it sounds "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" is a great resource. It has a lot of info for those deciding on surgery, but it also walks through the surgery process, hospital stay, coming home and returning to work. It also has tons of recipes and information regarding the various stages of eating (liquid, puree, soft and full diet). I think it's a wonderful resource for anyone considering or who has had WLS. For fluid intake - I have a water bottle and keep track of the ounces consumed. Try also spicing it up with sugar free drinks, because variety helps with the montony of water only.

The time has come to return to work and today is my first day back. I was pleasantly surprised that the pair of pants I picked out to wear did not fit. They slid off of me. A great start to the day!! I wasn't sure what to expect when I got off the elevator this morning. I was surprisingly eager to come back to the office, as it is one step closer to returning to a normal life. I told a few co-workers in confidence about my surgery before I left, and I knew they would be supportive after. Most others knew I had surgery but did not know anything specific. What I was interested to see the most was what would be everyone's reaction. I have lost 30 pounds (15 pre-op, 15 post-op) so there is a noticable difference in my appearance. For the most part, the reaction was "You look good!" but nothing specific about weight loss. I was happy with that response. What is almost funny to me is the different reaction a man vs. a woman has to the news of my bariatric surgery. I knew it was time to tell my boss and team leader, both of whom are men. When I checked in the office while I was still home recovering, I told them both the reason for my surgery. Their reaction was the same "Well..Oh, Great. Ok...". In other words, they didn't know what to say. I understand that it's a sensitive subject - addressing the need for bariatric surgey would also bring up the issue of being overweight, obese, etc. Given the sensitivity of the issue, avoidance was their plan of attack. Even though they didn't know how to respond, I'm glad I told them the whole story. I was asked to go out to lunch today by coworkers to catch up. I knew this would be a big hurdle for me. I work in between Little Italy and Harbor East in the city of Baltimore. On top of the best Italian (er..carb loaded) places, we are also fortunate to have Indian, American, Mexican, Irish, etc.. You name it and I can walk to it and get it. Since I'm still on pureed foods, I knew it was not smart for me to go out to eat, even if it was for soup. Until I get back on a full diet again, I cannot tempt myself with the variety of food options available to me. I understand that I WILL eventually go out to lunch again. It's part of the journey - learning how to handle food in almost any situation, including eating out. But for now, I played it safe and stuck with my brought in lunch. When I warmed up my lunch, I could tell those who knew I had bariatric surgery was curious what I was eating (3 oz. of blended tuna steak). Many don't know what someone who has had bariatric surgery can and cannot eat. I do not mistake curiosity with being nosy or insensitive. Most people do not know someone who has had bariatric surgery, and even if they do they may have not sat down and had a meal with them. So in a way, it's important to show those who do not know much about the weight loss surgery journey what it is all about. I do not use the words "role modle for bariatric surgery" though. That would impose too much pressure on me and indicate that mistakes are not possible. We will all fall (and get back up again) during this journey. The best part of my first day back is that I can walk down the hall of my office with my head held a little higher than when I left. I still have a while to go, and more weight to lose, but I've started and I'm going in the right direction. People noticed. But more importantly I NOTICED and that's better satisfaction than a plate full of spaghetti and meatballs.

Lorie - Whioo on your surgery date! I hope all goes well with returning to work the following Monday. Does your job require any heavy lifting? If you have an office job, you should be ok, but strength will definitely be of concern. I still find myself tiring a lot quicker now than I did before surgery. I hope with time my energy/stamina will improve. Today is my actual first day back at work (although I worked from home some last week). As for the hospital stay - I brought tons of magazines, changes of clothes, etc. which all were not necessary for me. I stayed in the hosptial gown until right before I left because of the IVs and drain that are in and frankly it is just easier. As for reading in the hospital I couldn't do it. With the pain medicine and focusing on fluids and walking I couldn't read. If you have enough energy, take a shower...it does WONDERS. If you have a long ride (or bumpy) home, consider having a pillow in the car that you can hug to help if you are in pain. Good Luck and please keep us posted on your journey!

I would ask how many nights you anticipate being in the hopsital. I was originally under the impression that I could be released after the first night, but then after surgery I stayed two nights. See what your surgeon says and if it is two nights, make sure your insurance coverage will cover a two-night hopsital stay. Some won't. You can also ask if he/she will speak with anyone in the waiting room after surgery. I think this is very important for peace of mind for loved ones anxiously waiting. Good luck and way to go on the approval!

When I bought mine, they sold out very quickly. I purchased the only color they had left - Red. I was hesitant at first, but actually LOVE it now. A little bit of color is nice

Thanks so much for everyone's advice! I will be sure to bring it up at my next NUT appointment. I appreciate the insight!

The first few days home were eventful. I came home from the hospital and was warmly welcomed by my two children and my parents. My children wanted to surprise me with flowers and a huge welcome home banner which tickled me pink. Although I was very tired, I tried very hard to act upbeat and peppy for the sake of the children. Against my better judgement I continued to take the pain medication for the first day and a half from returning home from the hospital. Although the drugs certainly took the edge off, my ability to maintain focus was limited and that feeling does not settle right with me. I asked my father to track down some liquid tylenol (No NSAIDs post-op) adult strength. Of course he came through, but it was quite difficult to get swallow the necessary amount. The following day I settled for regular strength swallowable tylenol with no problems. One of the biggest hurtles for me during this time was fluid intake. In the hospital, you almost have a security blanket with your IV, knowing that dehydration is not of serious concern when they are pumping you full of liquids 24 hours a day. Once at home, that responsibility falls on your own shoulders. I tried as hard as I could to make sure I was intaking enough fluids, although I'm sure I fell short of the required amount the first few days. My parents stayed with me and my mother made her famous homemade chicken noodle soup. Although I couldn't eat the chicken or noodles, it felt great to be included. Having similar foods as to what your family is eating makes you feel as though you are not on the outside looking in, but eating along with them (albeit much smaller amounts!). By Day 3 I was starting to feel like myself again. I was able to shower more efficiently and begin normal day to day activities. I found myself tiring a lot quicker, either from the lack of food intake or from the surgery. I am not typically a naper but during this time they were necessary. I was thankful to have a great support system during this time to help me along the way and tend to the children when I needed to rest. I had only one "breakdown" of sorts and that was when my husband and the children had Little Ceaser's Pizza and breadsticks. I told them all that during this time they could eat what they wanted as I was not able to cook dinner. I surprised myself at how much my will power was tested. Even though I knew I could not eat ANY of it, the smell of it was overpowering. Since I knew I couldn't eat it, but wanted it anways, I had a little bit of breakdown. My parents and husband were there to quickly provide me with a variety of things I COULD eat and that helped me through the storm. I have not any huge breakdowns since, but the urge is sometimes there, lingering in the shadows. I follow protocol though, either by getting up and walking around, or finding a substitute I am allowed to eat like sugar free jello. If there are any other times I'm feeling weak, I simply look in the mirror. As vain as it sounds, seeing my weight loss helps me mentally stick with it. I know my arms and face are smaller now, and that alone is a lot of motivation for me. Also my husband quite frequently tells me "You are looking so great, Babe". Those little words also provide a lot of encouragement. In a book I'm reading, a fellow bariatric says "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels". I try to remember that as well during any lows I may have. Onward and upward! I have now moved onto pureed foods. A welcomed change!