Lissa

I bought tiny bowls at Goodwill, and some small salad plates to eat from. Since the price was the same, I bought some really pretty china plates. I also used baby spoons and bought cocktail forks for my food. I didn't eat any of the baby food I bought, although it was nice knowing that it was there if I was desperate. I'm glad I only bought six jars...and I'll be giving it to a cousin who has toddlers. I WISH that I'd bought a measuring spoon that does mL's because that's how my medicine (Loritab liquid) was measured. Since I didn't have that, and couldn't do the conversion from mLs to Tablespoons, I didn't get pain meds the one night I could have really used it. I haven't even opened the bottle. Other helps, cups with measurements on them so I can keep track of how much Water I'm drinking. A garbage can close to where I normally sit. Lots of SF Jello and pops, more for the cold sensation than the taste. Instant mashed potatoes were a Godsend! I mixed them into soup broth and other liquids during my mushy stage. Oh, and I loved potted meat with my eggs for a few days during that stage as well. Canned beef stew also tasted really good during mushies. I'll confess I didn't put it in the blender, but I did chew it really well. That satisfied my craving for veggies and beef easily. One can lasted me for 5 days or so.

Some folks say that hunger pains are actually gas pain in the sleeve. Are you taking any kind of acid reducer? Once my doc switched me to Tums, I noticed that I don't have (much) hunger pangs anymore. I still sometimes get them, but it's usually when I haven't eaten anything now.

Well, I should officially be in Twoterville in a day or two!! This morning the scale shows 301.2! I'm happy dancing in anticipation...and to help lose that 1.2 pounds so I can be officially in Twoterville, of course!!

I had an IVC filter put in before surgery. Since I was also on Coumadin, I had to give myself Lovenox shots before the filter installation, through surgery date. I had the filter installed on Friday, then surgery on the next Tuesday. I was conscious for the filter installation, which worried me beforehand. My experience was that I went into the outpatient surgical center, had an IV line installed in my arm, went into the surgery room on a gurney. They shaved some hair from the groin area, then moved me to a really uncomfortable bed. I received oxygen during the procedure, along with some Versed and a pain medication. The Versed wasn't enough to make me forget the surgery, but it made me really relaxed about the whole thing. It took maybe 15 minutes to actually install the filter, then I had to lay flat for several hours, maybe 5? I also had my filter removed after my VSG was done. I love LOVE the Versed, because I was really scared going back into the OR. The doc had to use ultrasound guidance to ensure she was in the vein to remove the filter and this time I felt a little pressure. When I mentioned it to the doc, she gave me a bit more pain medication, then removed the filter. I asked to see the filter and it's somewhat acorn shaped, but made of fine filaments of wire that collapse very flat for the installation and removal procedures. Mine did catch two clots, but they didn't show me that part. I did ask if I could have the filter for a souvenier, but that wasn't allowed. My "lay flat" time after the removal was 3 hours. I "think" I felt the filter one night after surgery, but it could have been menstrual cramps instead. TMI, but I hadn't experienced those in about a year, and I did start having monthlies again after surgery. In my imagination, I thought I could tell where the filter was, but the nurse showed me the general location after the removal and it didn't match where I had felt something before. If you are fairly young, you may want to talk to the vein doctor about using a removable filter instead of a permanent one. My doc explained the risks of leaving a filter in long term to me (I'm 45) and I opted for the removable one. If you have more questions, feel free to ask. And, even with having two minor surgical procedures for the filter install/removal, I'd STILL have my VSG all over again.

Mera, Like you, I had the surgery more to help my health than to change how I look, although I'm LOVING the positive changes in my body! I have/had sleep apnea, pneumonia, pulmonary embolisms (emboli?), rheumatoid arthritis, pre-diabetes, asthma, etc. My RA has improved to the point that walking is my new favorite activity and my sleep apnea is improving rapidly as well. When i lost 20 more pounds, my doc has promised me a new sleep study that should remove the Bi-Pap from my bedside. It takes time to adjust to the changes the Sleeve requires. My sleeve is so picky that I named him (no woman would tell me I can't have chocolate or milk), so Rex...who can't bea T-Rex since he's been down-sized, is now running my life. Like you, I worried that I wasn't getting in enough nutrients to keep me going, but my labs are great so far. I take a daily chewable multi-Vitamin, along with sublingual B-12 and Calcium in the form of three Tums a day. The Tums were ordered by my pulmonoligist and approved by my batriatric surgeon. By eating my Protein first, then making good veggie choices, along with my Vitamins, my labs report that I AM getting the nutrients I need. I know of at least one person here who is pregnant after VSG (Tiffykins) and her OB is happy with her progress and seems to be predicting a healthy baby. IMO, if a woman can have a healthy baby after VSG, then we can certainly maintain our health after VSG! You have lost a lot of weight very quickly after surgery! I hope that means that your co-morbidities are resolving themselves as well. Needing less medication is a plus as well, since most medications have side effects that aren't positive. Like you, I didn't think I had a self-esteem problem, but I like the improvements I'm seeing in my body and my mind as I lose weight. Those add up to enhanced self-esteem and make me wonder how much of my self-esteem before was bravado. I still have a loooong, long way to go to get to my goal, but I feel better every day and I hope that you have the same experience.

I had worst- case scenario dreams before surgery. Mine were so bad that I spent some time writing down all the things I was worried about, then I did what I could to prepare for anything that might happen. I re-did my Will and estate planning documents, wrote love letters to my kids (both adults), talked to family and friends who are important to me. Then I made myself stop worrying. For me, it was surreal going into surgery. I kept thinking that I wasn't really going to do this. I was still thinking it when I was being given the gas to knock me out. I remember telling the nurse goodbye and then waking up and going "What?!" The nurse immediately came over and started talking to me. THAT was when I realized I had really done this...and that I'd had surgery, but wasn't stuck taking a baby home from the hospital! LOL

Good luck with your surgery! You will be amazed at how much your life will change once you have this tool in place to help with the weight loss!! When I was still several weeks out, I was nowhere near as calm as you are. All of the what-ifs were churning around in my head and my gut and I was a total mess. You sound great compared to me. If you do hit that point, just remember all the reasons you are doing this. Someone here mentioned that they made a list of their reasons and that helped them get through the last minute doubting stage. I wish I had done that. Here's looking forward to seeing you on the loser's bench!!

When my doc told me BEFORE surgery that I would have to walk AFTER surgery, I thought he was a nut job!! However, I walked from the surgery bed to my hospital bed (about 3 feet) immediately after surgery and I've continued to walk as much as I can each day. For the first few days at home, I walked up and down the hallway in the house, partially because I had to go potty and partially because I needed to walk. After a few days, I volunteered for dog-walking duty. My dog is 18 years old, so she's not pulling or wanting to walk long distances. After I got used to walking her, I started walking around the small D at the end of my building, from my hallway to the closest end, a few times a day. I was astounded that at two weeks out I could walk the big D from my door, around the building to the farthest hallway and to my door again. At three weeks out, I walked around the lake in our apartment complex, and I try to do that walk at least 3 times a week now. The first couple of times were rough, but it's getting easier. Now, at 7 weeks out, I can go into Walmart or Sams and walk around without needing to stop for a break every few minutes. I astounded my son a few days ago by bringing in groceries, making multiple trips. I even got a comment from a gal where I sometimes work. I was going back and forth between where my customers were signing docs and the copier/fax machine and she said to me "Look at you go! You're whipping back and forth like it's no big deal!" Before, when I did the same tasks there, apparently I moved like a snail, although I didn't realize it. I've been adding in the stationary bike a couple of times a week and I'm excited to walk longer distances and move more quickly. I FEEL so much better than before. But, just baby steps are what is required. A little walk here and there will soon add up to longer distances and better health. I hope that you soon feel as great after your surgery as I do!!!

I do deli and sliced meats a lot these days. If I know I'll be out around lunchtime, I'll put a couple of roll-ups of sliced meat and cheese in my bento box (with its own freezer container) and that will hold me until dinner time. Since I love cucumbers, I'll add a couple of slices of that to the box for my "crackers". I usually don't eat it all at one time because I feel full very quickly.

I've been out to eat several times since surgery and have never had anyone sit and stare at me. I've had a few waitresses ask if the food was okay, and one manager, but we mostly go places that we have gone to before. Red Lobs*ter charged me SIX dollars for a serving of mashed taters right after surgery, so I won't be taking my business there again. Sonn*y's BBQ, otoh, lets me order from the kids menu, which is great. I can't even eat a whole kids meal of ribs, which is three ribs, one side and a bread. I eat my ribs, order a veggie and eat a few bites and leave the bread on the plate. I'm lucky (I think) because I have a 21 year old son who eats most of my leftovers. These days, I often ask him what he feels like eating later when I order a restaurant meal since I know I'll only eat a few bites. Last night, I ordered salmon with mashed potatoes (the best choice on this restaurant's menu, since they do tons of deep fried veggies), and I had a salad bar. I made a salad of edamame, sunflowers seeds, cheese, chopped eggs and a tiny bit of lettuce with dressing on the side. After I ate my salad, I ate a few pieces of raw broccoli and about an ounce of my salmon. So, someone here will have a lovely lunch today of salmon and mashed taters. If that someone is me, the taters will stay in the box and I'll eat the salmon with another veg.

Ladies, You are both about to do the best thing EVER for yourselves. I am 7 weeks out from surgery (Aug 30, 2011) and I've lost 50 pounds. I have more energy than I've had in years and my co-morbidities are slowly resolving themselves. I feel like a whole new person. And, I was one who was convinced I wouldn't survive surgery! This will make it so much easier to lose the weight and will help you overcome health problems! I wish you both luck!!!

Good luck to you! I hope you can get the surgery before you develop more co-morbidities. I was like you, had lost 50 lbs last year, then one round of pneumonia and blood clots put it all back, plus a few pounds. UGH! I understand that you are definitely a candidate. My business partner is 4'11 and weighs 98 pounds (literally), which still leaves her about 5 pounds heavy for her body size. Even if you have to jump through the hoops for your insurance/doctor, it will go quickly and soon you'll be on the loser's bench.

I did a two week pre-op diet, and it was pretty much the same as yours. I was allowed clear liquids, protein shakes, and SF drinks. By the time I started back on mushy foods and solids, I was OVER sweet stuff. I've had some SF popsicles since surgery, but no real sugar. I can't handle the taste of sweets because I got burnt out on it between the shakes and the SF crystal light and protein water. They say it's to shrink your liver, but I think it's aversion therapy as well. I have NO desire for sweets and I was definitely a sugar eater before.

The diarrhea is probably because you are doing nothing but drinking right now. I wouldn't let it worry you unless it seems like you are outputting more than you are inputting. If so, a call to your doc might be in order. As for Protein shakes and drinking Water, do what you can, but remember that your tummies are still VERY tender. It will take a while for them to quit swelling and to allow more food/liquid down the hatch. My doc tells his patients to worry more about getting the water in (small sips!) for the first week or so, then to add in protein as you can tolerate it. He also has his patients take two chewable Vitamins a day until we are back on solids. I just started solids this week, so I'm really feeling the effects of the stomach being smaller. I have to really work to remind my eyes that my stomach can't handle what they think they want. Rex (my tummy) is VERY particular about what he will tolerate right now and how much of anything goes into me. I haven't had anything come back up, but it's been a close call a couple of times. Rex also is not very tolerant of anything even mildly spicy right now. I'm hoping that will ease up as I heal so that I can once again enjoy a nacho or two with jalapenos. Tiffykins gives me hope that I will eventually be able to eat mexican food again, even if it is in greatly reduced quantities.

For all the South Florida Sleevers, I'm working on starting a support group in St Lucie County. So far, I've got about 4 people besides me who are interested. My closest group (that I know of) is in Sebastian and I can't always get there. If anyone else is interested, just post on here or send me a PM. In other news, I'm finally breaking my stall!! I've dropped 3 lbs, including the two I've been bouncing on for the last two weeks. I did a bit of experimenting, adding food, subtracting food, adding carbs, etc. to get this stall to break. I've really tried hard to not worry about it and just let things happen since it was my 3 week stall from surgery. However, I did compare my first after-surgery picture to myself this morning and I can see that things have tightened up somewhat. Since that pic is nude, I will NOT be posting it here! LOL I will try to take a pic in the next couple of days and post it for you all. Even I can see what a difference 43 pounds makes!!!

I took Lovenox as well and it didn't affect my menstrual cycle. HOWEVER, I have had very irregular periods for the last year or two, probably because I was too heavy for my body to allow me to have regular cycles. With the 40 lbs I've dropped since starting the liquid diet, I had a period for the first time in 8 months (sorry if any guys are reading). It lasted 10 days, where mine are usually 4 days. I'm hoping this means I'll have a regular cycle now. As for the poo issue, I was 4 days out before I had a bm and I've gone from very loose to more normal as I've moved into the mushy and puree stages. Today is day 1 of regular diet, so I'm not sure how that will translate.

I was sleeved Aug 30 as well, and I'm still on pureed foods as well. I'll admit that I'm no longer running scrambled eggs through the magic bullet, though. I just take tiny bites and mush them till they are applesauce consistency. I tried Eggface's Ricotta Bake and it is YUMMY! I was SO hungry for something different. I also bought some canned beef stew and just mush it up with my fork, then eat it very slowly...bean with bacon Soup is good as well. All of my incisions (6 of them) are pretty well healed by now. My drain hole is the only one that even still has a scab, and I've been putting a bit of triple antibiotic ointment on it when it itches. I'd say you should see your doc if your belly button incision is still leaking that much. Although, I had my tubal ligation years ago through my belly button and it took a long time to heal. I think it's because the belly button stays moist. Some guaze in my belly button helped me keep the area dry, but talk to your doc before you do that. I'm not sure what your plan says, but mine allows SF Jello and SF popsicles, which allows me to change up what I'm eating, plus lets me feel like I've had a treat. I'm OVER Protein shakes, so I've been working to get my protein in other places. I add a little Protein powder to other things, usually unflavored powder to Soups or the ricotta bake. I don't add a full serving, but about half a scoop in my soup or my scrambled egg isn't too bad. Also, not sure about your plan again, but I'm drinking only Water or decaf tea. I am so tired of crystal light, although I'll probably do a protein water today because I am needing it's anti-constipation benefits right now. Your puree stage should be over October 4, if I'm calculating mine right. Yesterday started my 4th week out from surgery and October 4 will start the 5th week out, so 4 full weeks of purees will be over then by my calculations. Am I wrong? I'm planning to start introducting solid foods next Tuesday, probably with some grilled chicken and yogurt dressing.

You could try placing a band-aid over the incision when you have to be dressed. My bra rubbed one of my incisions badly until I placed some gauze over the incision. I have an allergy to latex so I avoid band-aids for me. I also had good luck with putting a little triple antibiotic ointment on the incisions. I'm nearly 4 weeks post-op and still have one incision from my drain that hasn't healed completely. It's looking good, though, with the ointment on it once a day.

So, six weeks ago, I had a tough time walking from the parking lot to my apartment. I've been steadily walking the "little D" from my hallway to the close end of my building, then adding in laps to the "big D" from the farther hallway to the end of my building. I've been okay at that, but my goal was to be able to walk to the mailbox without dying. LOL This morning, I not only walked to the mailbox, I walked all the way around the lake in the middle of our complex! I know it's probably an eighth or a quarter of a mile, so not a big distance, but I'm so proud of myself that I had to post it!! So far, I've lost 40 pounds and I've dropped one pants size. My butt is getting smaller (according to how my pants are fitting), so I'm working my sleeve.

It's a lot more difficult to mindlessly snack after the sleeve, IMO. First, you need to stop drinking for 15-30 minutes before you eat, then you must wait 30 minutes after eating to drink again. If I'm going to all that trouble, then I'm putting Protein in my sleeve because that's MY issue...getting my 60g of protein per day. My biggest hurdle is waiting that 30 minutes to drink again, so I'm not wasting the time on junk. I wasn't an emotional eater, but I couldn't pass up anything sweet. If there were Cookies or candy in the house, I couldn't rest until it was gone, usually down my gullet. Now, I find that I'm not even interested in sweets except in passing as in "I bet that tastes good". I bought some fig newtons last week and have eaten exactly 3 since then. My son took care of the rest! Also, all of the liquid diet stuff seemed to be really sweet to me. I'm pretty burnt out on sweet drinks because all of the crystal light is really sweet, and most Protein shakes are chocolate or vanilla. After weeks on end of being allowed NOTHING but those few things, I'm ready for some real food. I'm still on mushies, but pureed beef stew was pretty good the other night. Good luck!

BigServ, Since you've made the decision to be sleeved, I assume you've resolved some of your issues. Remember, the surgery is just a tool. The REAL work happens between our ears. It's easy to decide to eat something we shouldn't, and it goes down easily. However, taking the easy way is what got me here. I call it sleeving my head when I'm working through some issue to find a solution that works for me and for Rex (my sleeve's name). As for advice for the liquid diet, don't let your "wants" run your "needs". You need to follow the liquid diet for many reasons, including to help shrink your liver. It's also a way of getting you used to how you'll be eating for several weeks after your sleeve. Stick to the diet and it will make recovery from surgery easier and help you get started learning how to eat and drink after surgery. For me, the liquid diet helped me kick my addiction to diet soda. I'm glad I did that during the pre-op diet instead of being forced to go through that on top of after-surgery pain. Good luck! I think you've made the right decision!!

Holly, I'm three weeks post-op and my experience has been pretty good. I was up and walking within a few hours of surgery. Although I don't remember it, my friend tells me that I insisted on walking from the surgery bed to my hospital bed because I didn't want them sliding me from one to the other. I was in some discomfort after surgery and used pain meds the first afternoon. By that night, I was refusing the meds because I didn't think the pain was that bad. Others have had different experiences, of course. My legs hurt more than my tummy because I was really working the leg muscles rather than my tummy muscles to get up and down. I got out of the hospital the next afternoon and that night I was pretty uncomfortable trying to sleep. I couldn't take my pain meds, though, because I didn't know the conversion from mLs to tablespoons, so make sure you know how much a dose of your liquid pain meds is when you go home. I had no one to call at 2am when I needed that info, so I didn't get to take my pain medication that night! After that, I didn't need any meds. Start walking now so that it's easier when you get home. You will want and need to walk a lot after surgery, both for the exercise and to help with the gas pain in your back and shoulders. Practice sipping and eating tiny bites of food, since that's what you'll be doing afterwards. Also, there are a few lists around here for what to take to the hospital. You may want to look at those and see what you need. Shop for your after-surgery food and Vitamins beforehand. I had NO desire to go in a store for groceries. Thank goodness my son doesn't mind doing that! Most importantly, follow YOUR surgeon's recommendations about what you should be eating and when. He knows best about what you should be drinking and eating and he's the one who will have to deal with any post-op issues you have. Lastly, if there is a support group, start attending now so that you have someone to call afterwards for moral support... and, of course, read, read, read here to get answers to questions that may not have occurred to you yet. Good luck!!

Kathy, My story is similar to yours, at least with the co-morbidities. I had VSG so that I can hopefully clear those up and live longer. Stick around and read with us.. and here's a little encouragement... I lost 13 pounds pre-op, and am down nearly 40 pounds at 3 weeks out. Jill and I were sleeved on the same day. I suspect that the more weight one has to lose, the faster it comes off at first. Good luck!! :0

You couldn't convince me that cleavage ain't what it used to be ... and, sister, the vixen is NOT vanishing, she's coming out with a vengeance!! You look amazing to me!!!

bigserv, I think you need to think long and hard about whether you want to have this surgery since you are having doubts. I knew I'd be giving up some things, like alcohol and sodas, but I'm gaining so much more: health, longer life (I hope) and the ability to move more freely than ever. I had serious health problems from my obesity and I see the surgery as a way to overcome those problems. Perhaps you need to do some more research. It IS possible that the sleeve isn't for you. It's a big decision and one that only you can make. I will be cheering you on no matter what decision you make. It's your life and your health, which means it's up to you. Good luck!