Lissa

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.

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!

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.

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!!

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!

For the first week or two I had shoulder pain when I'd get full. At first I chalked it up to gas pain and walked, walked, walked trying to alleviate that pain. A few days in, I was wondering why on earth I was having so much shoulder pain when I'd stop to drink water while walking, then it clicked. Now, I actually have a full feeling when I eat. I try not to get there, in the interests of not doing something that Rex (my sleeve) won't like.

Good luck to both of you! I know nothing about VSG through the military, but thought I'd welcome you to the forums!

I have RA in my hips and knees, which was one of my reasons for getting sleeved. I've lost 35 pounds so far, but I'm now having an unusual (I think) problem. When I lie on my left side at night, my hip aches. It feels like there is no padding there for my hip bones, but believe me, there's still PLENTY of padding on that side! Anyone else have this problem? Did it resolve on it's own or is this just an age thing (I'm 45) and not really related to VSG?

Congrats on being on the loser's bench!! Hopefully, the chest pain will resolve itself quickly. Good luck with getting out today, and you're doing a great job!

Ellie, May I chime in on the dying issue? I was CONVINCED I wouldn't make it through surgery, but I also knew that the co-morbidities I had were going to kill me. My doctors told me so. Basically, I was healthy until May when I contracted pneumonia. I was hospitalized three times in less than two months and, in spite of losing 50 pounds last year on Atkins, I came () that close to dying. The pneumonia was followed my a mega blood clot, and that clot shot out two pulmonary embolisms. Those are scary because there is NO treatment when one bursts and the odds are that it will kill immediately. I was lucky that neither of mine burst. Other health problems quickly followed. When I decided to have the surgery, I went through a few days of "what if", then I made a list of what I was scared of, and made myself do what I could to handle them. I made a new Will, Living Will, Health Care Surrogate, etc. I talked to my family, including my adult kids, and let them know that I loved them, but this was a risk I had to take for my own life. I had to try to save my life, even if I died trying. My first words when I woke up from surgery were "Really?" I couldn't believe it. I gambled and won the lottery. This surgery will literally save my life and I have already been taken off of one med. I'm hoping to drop the others as I'm able to exercise. Oh, and having this surgery meant I had to actually have THREE surgeries. I had a removable filter installed to prevent a clot from moving around and that filter will be removed next week. I still think it's worth the risks. Good luck with your decision. But, know that eventually you will have some co-morbidities from being obese. It's much easier to have the surgery before you get to that point. Before the first two surgeries, I had to give myself twice daily injections of lovenox. It's extremely expensive and it leaves big bruises whereever you inject it. That alone makes me wish I'd had the surgery years ago. Now, I have tons more energy and I feel like getting up and moving around. My house has never been this clean!

I had chronic swelling in my feet and ankles before surgery, so that was the first place I really noticed. My best friend says she can see it in my face and butt already...and I notice that I'm not "waddling" anymore. I walk with long strides like normal people do! I'm two weeks and two days post op.

lob1999, I know NOTHING about the duodenal switch (unless it's another name for RNY). I imagine there are probably message boards for those folks as well... and I would look for blogs by real people. I agree with you about the other post, but feel that I must believe until proven wrong. I cannot imagine someone having that negative an experience and not already beating on their surgeon's door. But, everyone does things differently. Good luck. Please let us know what you decide, whatever it may be.

I paid $12,500 in Sebastian, FL. I love my surgeon and the hospital!!

OMG, Luvinit! You look fantastic! Just the glow in your face is amazing to see!! Even better is the dress you are wearing in the second picture. One of the gals who attends my WLS Support group has a dress that is very similar to that one and has offered it to me when she's shrinks out of it! It's my mental "goal" to be able to wear that dress, which she says is a size 16! I am working hard to get there, still in about a 22/24, but its' amazing to see it on someone else...and in a smaller size! Woo Hoo!!! You've done an incredible job and you look amazing!!!

Melissa and Dallas Mom, I used a sports bra when I had to wear one. Luckily, I had three that were so old and worn out I probably wasn't getting any support from them, but they made me feel like I had a bra on anyway. I tucked my little drain bottle into the center of the bra. Walk, walk, walk, walk, walk, I can't say it enough. I live in an apartment and kept walking the "Little D", from my hallway to the closest end of my building. Even if I could only manage one lap, I walked it...and having a dog who needs to go out really helped, too. I was so proud of myself the day I walked the "Big D", around the end of the building to the farthest hallway and back to my door, the first time after surgery! LOL Even the little bits of walking I did seemed to help a ton with the gas pain in my shoulders and upper back. I'm also seeing more definition in my legs already, so it pays off quickly! I've been lucky, too, that I haven't experienced the chronic fatigue or depression that others have noted. As a matter of fact, a friend told me yesterday that I am "glowing" because I'm so happy. I know that I feel much better already, at just two weeks post-op. I haven't felt this good or had this much energy in years!

TwoSteps, I don't think you're a failure at all! As a matter of fact, I think you're doing great! 81 lbs gone is no small potatoes!! I'm really glad that you posted about the pouch test because I've been wondering what it was. The link was great to have for MY future aresenal. I'm grateful that you posted about your struggle because I'm in the honeymoon period (less than two weeks post-op) and, of course, weight is dropping quickly. However, it's good to see that folks do have struggles and how to overcome those difficulties. It makes me keep my eye on the goal of weight loss. I have 170 lbs to lose, and I KNOW I'll be using all this great information as I work to get to goal. BTW, Lil Miss Diva, I am STUNNED at your transformation! You were where I am, and seeing your weight chart and pictures re-motivates me every time! I may never hit your size, but you give me hope that I will make my goal!

lob1999, I suggest that you do your research by reading the forums both here and at the Lap Band message boards (there are several). There are also TONS of bloggers who've had the lap band and post about their experiences. I have about 100 of them bookmarked and checked them daily while I was researching. MY conclusion was that the lap banders had a really high incidence of slippage, erosion and general failure to lose the weight they wanted to lose, whereas those who had VSG seemed to lose a significantly higher percentage of their weight. I had one shot (self-pay) and wanted to make sure I got what I wanted out of the surgery, especially since I was doing it more for health than vanity, like most people. IMO, there are a lot of people who have had band to sleeve revisions because of complications. I just didn't want to do two surgeries and I really didn't want to have to be constantly going to the doctor for a "fill" or an "unfill". I was sleeved on Aug 30 and I'm (so far) content with my decision. Disclaimer: I had several co-morbidities and a death sentence hanging over my head: "Lose weight or you'll be dead in a year." Seeking Health, I STRONGLY suggest you talk to your surgeon and/or your PCP. Your experience sounds atypical of anyone I have met or seen who has had VSG. I cannot imagine the hell you go through with your GI difficulties. It sounds like something is really wrong and you most assuredly need some kind of intervention. I can't imagine living with the side effects you are experiencing. Please post again once you've seen your doctor and let us know that they were able to help you. You're in my prayers. The only person I've heard of who has problems is the sister in law of a friend, but hers are self-inflicted because she is not compliant with either drinking Water or ensuring that she gets enough Protein daily. That lady is in the hospital regularly with malnutrition and dehydration issues. She's a great motivator for me to keep plugging away at the liquids and protein on a daily basis. Every time I see her, I note her pallor and she looks bad, almost emaciated.

Good luck to you! My Sister in Law had a Roux n Y at 17 years old and she's 30+ now. Her experience was very good and she managed fine through 2 pregnancies. Right now she has a little extra weight, but nothing like how morbidly obese she was when she had the surgery. I don't know if I'd pull out of school unless you are one of the few people who have major pain afterwards. Your school should be able to accomodate you in a similar fashion to how they deal with students with diabetes. You'll need permission to carry a Water bottle even during class and to possibly have an extra few minutes between classes so that you can eat. You're probably gonna have to carry a lunch box, but I'm carrying one to work each day without a problem. So my suggestion is to wait until after the surgery to decide whether to pull out of school or not. I applaud you for doing something about your weight now, rather than waiting until you are an adult and have major problems then. Again, good luck!!

That "brick" could be gas pain. Try walking around some, at least up and down the length of the room a few times. That helped my pain, which was all in my shoulders and upper back. I didn't have "pain", more a feeling of being uncomfortably full...and drinking seemed to make that worse for the first couple of days. I just slowed down on the drinking so that I didn't get that feeling. If walking doesn't help, you may need to call your doctor's office and ask for suggestions. BTW, I found that sitting on my couch or bed was pretty uncomfortable because they were so soft, so I sat in my office chair a lot the first couple of days. For me, that really helped me keep my back straight, which seemed to lessen my discomfort.

Congrats!! It sounds like your sleeve is working for you. I can't help with the anti-nauseua med because I haven't needed that. I'm at two weeks post op and I did full liquids with cottage cheese, yogurt, SF pudding, and broth. Your doc may have given you different instructions. I was also allowed some lower sugar fruit juice (4 oz daily) mixed half and half with Water, along with SF drinks, including Special K Protein Water, which has 5g of protein. Oh, and Protein shakes galore! Your sleevie is still tender, which is why it's so hard to get stuff down. Mine kept me guessing about when I was full because I'd have shoulder pain whenever I ate or drank for a few days. Walking helped with that, tremendously. I'm still on instructions to worry about drinking more than eating, but to try to get my protein in daily. Since I can count the ounces in my Protein shake in with my liquids, that helps some with both goals. Good luck, it will get better, and quickly!!

So, one of my co-morbidities was blood clots and two pulmonary embolisms (emboli?) sitting in my lungs. Went to the pulmonologist today for a quick check up and he cleared me for the clots and the emboli, saying that they should not repeat (because they were caused by being sedentary after having pneumonia) AND, big whoop here, he took me off of coumadin!!! Between him and my surgeon, they told me that I also don't have to take lovinox injections when I go in the 20th to have my blood clot filter removed!!! So, I get to quit taking one med, and avoid taking 14 shots of a drug that leaves me bruised and hurting!! Yippee!! That, along with 33 pounds lost, made my day!!! Oh, and the pulmonologist cleared me for "any exercise the weight loss surgeon approves"!!! I'm a happy camper today. In one week, I get to start lifting weights and I can up my exercise to include the recumbent bike and the elliptical!!! I know, too many exclamation points and smiley faces, but I'm trying to convey how thrilled I am!!!

Lisa, I went into full melt-down mode about 3 weeks before my surgery. I imagined every possible bad thing that could happen and I kicked myself for letting me get to this point. Then I decided that I should take those worries and make something positive from them. So, I listed every worry on a piece of paper and made myself find a solution for them. I updated my estate planning documents, and made peace with a couple of people with whom I'd had falling outs years ago. I talked to my kids and business partner about what I wanted to happen if I didn't make it through surgery. I also took a good hard LONG look at the life I was living. I looked at the list of co-morbidities I had (sleep apnea, blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, rheumatoid arthritis, pre-diabetic, high cholesterol) and knew that I couldn't let those things keep adding up. I got pneumonia in May and that led to testing for all the other mess. I received my bi-pap two weeks before surgery. That night I sat and cried because i just couldn't see myself living with all that baggage. How do I get rid of that baggage? Most of it was weight related, so losing weight had to become the absolute priority...and fast!!! Now, I feel like I've been given a new lease on life. I have more energy already and I'm only 2 weeks post-op! The liquid diet sucks and mushies are only a little better, but soon I will be able to eat anything I want, just in smaller quantities than I'm used to eating. The bonus is that I have turned back the clock on those co-morbidities listed above. I hope to be able to eliminate the Bi-pap machine in a few months and I pray that I've dodged the diabetic bullet. I'm working the plan with this sleeve and will continue to do so. Just imagine how much better your life will be when you're a normal weight instead of obese!! Don't let fear stop you from doing the best thing ever for yourself. The pain isn't that bad and is gone quickly and a few weeks of liquids/mushie foods is a small price to pay for having a wonderful rest of your life!!