Lissa

If you woke up hurting, did you try taking a sip of Water? It's possible that you are either hungry (because the pain stopped after a couple of bites of yogurt) or that you are thirsty. I only take 3 tums a day, one after each regular meal, so I don't know if more tums are the answer. The other reason i get tummy pain is because I need to go to the bathroom. Sometimes, that is the only "clue" I get. Maybe try that? For me, the liquid diet made things much looser than I'm used to. If I were to suggest anything, and I'm not an expert or a doctor by any means, it would be to try making sure you get your 64 oz of liquids today. Sip slowly. Take your Multivitamins with your food or Protein shakes, so that the Iron in the Vitamin doesn't cause pain. You're very recently post-op, so the liquids are more important than the protein, although you should try to get the required amount of protein as well. Do the food/liquids slowly, and see if that doesn't help with the tummy pain. Oh, and if you're craving veggies, have you tried drinking some kind of juice? I wasn't allowed orange or tomato juice until I was 4 weeks out, but I did drink some 8 oz portions of juice, mixed half and half with water. Now I keep the tiny cans of low sodium V-8 in the fridge for that veggie fix. I prefer raw veggies over cooked, but that's not always possible. Also, how much are you walking? Walk as much as you possibly can, even if it's just inside your house. Moving made me feel much better and helped with the gas pain, plus it has other benefits. It helps with keeping the digestive process moving, which, in turn, helps you potty and helps you lose weight faster. The more you move, also, the less time you have to worry about small pains. Keeping myself occupied with other things took my mind off food and the "ghost pains" I had from having a filter as well. Moving more also lessens the chance of blood clots and other complications. And, of course, if you feel that the pain is getting worse, a call to your doctor's office is always an option. Maybe they know something that will help this feeling. I'm a total amateur and I'm going off what worked for me. I'd hate it if you ended up in some kind of crisis because I'm only a few weeks ahead of you on the journey. Good luck!!

Torrid, I've been taking multi-vitamins since I started the pre-op diet. I like the Centrum chewables, but there are other options out there. For pre-op and until I started solid foods again, I took two multi's a day, now I'm taking one a day. I also take sub-lingual B-12 and three chewable Tums per day now. I haven't added in the Biotin yet, but I see that in my future as well.

I have no clue about your insurance company since I was self-pay. I just wanted to say congrats to you for starting your journey while you're still young! You will be amazed at how much better you feel with the weight gone, and your life will be so much more enjoyable as a thin person. I wish I'd done something so much sooner, rather than enduring years of obesity. Good luck on your journey!!!

I only took 8 days off, mostly because I didn't want to deal with the drain and try to work. It came out at 11am on the 2nd Wednesday after surgery and I was back at work that afternoon. HOWEVER, I work for myself and travel from place to place to perform my job, which involves sitting down with people to sign legal documents. I don't have heavy lifting or a requirement to be at a desk for hours at a time. For the most part, I can get up and walk whenever I need to do so. I was lucky that I have a business partner who covered me during the crazy pre-op process and that my doctors allowed me to work my appointments around my work commitments, so I missed very little actual business. I made up for it by doing lots of telephone and email marketing while I was down...although I didn't do any during that 8 days because I was so focused on getting Water and liquid food in right after surgery.

My best friend is an ER nurse and she was my first person I talked to about surgery, even before I mentioned it to my hubby! I asked her what she thought about weight loss surgery and she assumed I was talking about a male friend of ours who is over 450 and has severe medical problems. When I told her I was asking for me, her response was priceless! "That's the best idea you've EVER had!" LOL I had already talked to one surgeon, but didn't really want to use him. My friend mentioned Dr. Domkowski (my surgeon) because she's seen how caring and compassionate he is when he comes into her hospital with his patients. So, I went to him and the rest is history. My husband's reaction was "You just need to eat less." DUH, If I could have done that, I'd have lost this weight years ago. I haven't received negative comments from anyone else, including my sons. Their support has been amazing. My youngest lives with me and has done everything he can to make food prep and day to day life simpler for me. My oldest son lives in South Carolina and I just visited him for a few days. He cooked an old family favorite for me, and was surprised at how little I can eat. He and his girlfriend were both very complimentary about how much weight I've already lost. I have no hesitation about telling other people about my surgery. I'm not ashamed at all. I always mention that this is a tool, not a quick fix and that WLS is sometimes the only solution, as it was for me. I use that Dr Oz quote about being 100 pounds overweight having the same health risks as a cancer and that no one would hesitate to operate for cancer. I was 170 pounds overweight and, despite losing 50 pounds last year on Atkins, still ended up back where I started when I got pneumonia early this year. I had also been told that I wouldn't live another year if I didn't get my weight under control. THAT is a prime motivator to get the surgery. I feel like WLS saved my life, so I guess I will be evangelizing to others about it for a long time to come.

I kind of felt like I was in suspended animation, waiting for the "rest of my life" to start. Now that I've had surgery and am back on solid foods, it just feels like normal day to day stuff, mostly. I "have to" eat so many grams of Protein, "have to" drink so much Water, just like I have to breathe, shower, get dressed and work. And, for me, the scale is a daily part of my life, too. I'm not obsessing over it, just checking where I'm at today. That will probably taper off as I drop lower, but be prepared for that. I wish you luck and joy on your journey. Once the surgery is over, enjoy the process of losing weight, getting smaller, and being able to exercise more. I'm loving the new strength and abilities I have and you will too!

I stalled at 3 weeks as well. And stayed there for two weeks of bouncing up and down on the same darn 3 pounds. I added in carbs, eating baked crackers and Peanut Butter. I also upped my Water consumption a bit from 64 oz to 80 oz a day. There was another TMI reason for the upped water consumption, too. After two weeks, I suddenly dropped 7 pounds in two days, so I think that all helped. Mostly, I just made myself not worry about the stall. It doesn't help and anxiety makes me want to eat.

Shae, Quite honestly, it took the switch to the Tums to make me able to tell the difference between hunger and gas pains. I would have sworn I did NOT have gas pains before that switch. Now, I actually know that it's hunger because it stops as soon as I take my few bites of food. I'm learning how to tell when I am satisfied right now. I never could have done that before, mostly because I had no clue what full felt like. When I first had surgery, nearly two months ago, I thought I was having gas pains when I was really over-filling my sleeve with Water or food. I did lots of walking that didn't seem to help the pain. It finally dawned on me one day when I was walking and drinking from a bottle of water at the same time. A real DUH moment for me! The only advice I can offer is to work on feeding yourself enough food that you aren't hungry anymore, without getting to a point where it's painful. That's one of the reasons we are supposed to eat slowly. It helps us to stop before we get to pain. It's a head game for me. I take a bite, put down my utensil, chew 32 times, swallow, then take a look round the room, or make a comment to my dining companion if I have one. Once I've done all of that, THEN I start all over again. One of the recommendations from the nurse at the doc's office is to mentally pre-portion the food I plan to eat, then eat no more than that. I'm still working on that one, because my eyes are really way bigger than my stomach. My eyes may think I can eat a 4-6 oz portion of salmon, but my tummy usually stops at 2 oz. Today I ordered a small chili from Wendy's and could only manage about half of it. I walked into the hospital from the far end of the parking lot, and still felt comfortably full after an hour visit with my cousin and her new baby boy. The rest of the chili now resides in my garbage can, but my mind initially told me that I could eat the whole thing. I'm still fill now, but I will probably have a baby cheese just before bed with my Vitamin. Good luck. You WILL be able to tell the difference soon. This whole journey is a learning process and lots of us experience different things. So, your mileage may vary on all of the above.

Well, I'm almost two months post op now, and I still adore Dr. D and his staff!! My appointments have always been fairly quick to get in and he takes his time for all your questions. I truthfully still don't know if I should hug him, kiss his feet, or just bow down and say "I'm not worthy!" He keeps telling me that I don't have to do any of that, but I literally feel that he saved my life. Went to the support group meeting last night in Sebastian and it had been canceled last minute. Those of us who were there decided to have our own meeting, and it was great! We got to really talk about our experiences and ask questions that might be considered TMI if the psychologist was there. I really enjoyed the group of folks that I have met at these meetings and I make every effort to get to them.

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

When you break into the 200's after being in the 300's? I know from the 200's to 100's is Onederland.

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.

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.