sirensiren

Thanks to the beautiful work of Dr. Kelly. at 2 weeks my incisions are nearly invisible, yay! But....those surgery site lumps are pretty prominent. Anyone been given any tips to help break them up or flatten them? I assume time will just help, but I know in the case of cosmetic surgeries where the tissue is hard and traumatized from surgery, massage is encouraged once soreness goes away. Thoughts?

Thank you! I didn't realize that I wouldn't really feel restriction until I was on solid protein- each day Im able to take bigger an bigger sips of Fluid, and this naturally makes me feel like my stomach is capable of holding more than it actually will be when it comes to solids. I am trying to be positive and realize that normal healthy weight loss truly is around 2 lbs a week, and maybe on the bright side it's best for my system and skin to not lose massive amounts all at once.

I've only lost 2 lbs since surgery and it's been 2 weeks, I don't get "full" from my Protein shakes unless I make them really thick (more powder, less water), anyone else experience this? I've been completely by-the-book on my instructions- no messing up! But..as the days wear on, I have more actual physical hunger. I imagine this is part of recovery, but I'm fearful it will lead to things being difficult in the long-term. I'm disappointed that though I'm following instructions I'm experiencing this very slow weight loss. I am hoping the future does not entail me forcing myself to not graze though my stomach wants to.

Bump...no one?

My dr has a strict "clears the first week" rule, and says not to worry about Protein until day10 (tomorrow for me! I've never been so excited to have a Protein shake ) I suspect it may be the sugar. I've managed to get 40 oz of Water a day (not quite enough!) I imagine some of the skim milk and veggie juice is helping too.

After my pre-op diet of low carb low calorie, I lost 10 pounds (yay!)...then came th clear fluids, mostly consisting of Gatorade, and the 10 pounds just stayed there... Fast forward: I'm 7 days post-surgery, still living on basically Gatorade and broth, and still no weight loss (this is 10 days of staying at this weight). So I switched it up, no more Gatorade, did pure vegetable (no sugars) juice instead, skim milk (I'm allowed now), and the only sugar I get is in my chewable Vitamin. I'm still at this stall.... One theory my friend proposed is that the extreme low calorie, all sugar diet of Gatorade sent my metabolism into "starvation mode", and it was keeping the weight on due to the sugar. Thoughts? I know that there a lot of people that stall right in the beginning, what do you guys think? I'm just 3 days in to my no sugar liquid adjustment, and we shall see how it goes- still at a stall 3 days in. :/

I just spoke to me one of his coordinators at A Lighter Me and she told me Dr. Kelly was moving to a better, more supportive hospital within 30 days. I do not know which one, but I can imagine he is not too excited about patients being harassed moments prior to surgery, after they've travelled all this way and had their heart set on this life changing surgery with him. She (the coordinator from ALM) apologized, but it's not their fault or Dr. Kelly's. I was an exact 30 BMI when Dr. Kelly did my surgery (I've actually only lost a pound in these first 10 days ...) and he happily did my surgery.

He told me this as well in person. I think perhaps she no longer works for him personally, but is still a coordinator for him as well as other doctors? Just like Alighterme and other patient coordinators who are more like agents. I was introduced to Sara (in person) as his new personal coordinator.

I'm having this too! Just over one week one and 1 pound lost! Grrr! BUT...keep in mind, you metabolism slows down to accommodate a deficit in calories, when you're on fluids on your pre-op diet and then continuing on them our first week after surgery, you're getting very few calories. Protein plays a huge factor too.

A Lighter Me has been GREAT- my surgery has come and gone, and I received a lovely e-mail from Linda (whom wasn't even my personal coordinator) following up, and apologizing for any confusion on which hotel we had (everything went smooth, no complaints!). In the end, it's all about your surgeon, but it's great to have your questions answered thoroughly and promptly on your journey, and rather than waiting for one person to call me back- they all return calls for each other at A Lighter Me. I met Dr. Kelly's new coordinator Sara (I believe that's her name) who seemed quite sweet the night after my surgery, she along with Dr. Kelly and his wife dropped off my medication at my hotel. I believe she is his personal "there in person" coordinator, which some may find more comforting as she works more directly with him. I never felt like Sandy at A Lighter Me was ill equipped because she was asking my questions to Dr. Kelly via a phone vs. in person, and they certainly do more than just "take your deposit"- I had my every concern addressed promptly, even silly questions like "is red Jell-O OK?".

I ultimately had the surgery at my 30 BMI- Dr. Kelly was supportive and willing to do my surgery every step of the way, it was the woman who represented florence Hospital/Oasis of Hope that came in 10 minutes prior to surgery to coldly tell me "I do not authorize this surgery". I had my surgery. It saddens me that someone could do this, and this person is also talking to terminal cancer patients (it's primarily a cancer treatment hospital). Dr. Kelly is great, no problems! I am apparently allergic to the antibiotic I'm on, but that's no fault of his.

All encouraging and great things to hear! Europe does have a different culture around alcohol, my parents believed that if a wine was very high quality, it was perfectly fine to serve a 12 year old! In the states that's child abuse. I intend to cautiouslyreintroduce wine at week 6 or so, I don't think alcohol is great on a fresh healing stomach so better to wait til I'm on solids.

I've found the question of alcohol consumption and vsg posed before on here, but most of the responses were lectures on empty calories or "I don't even like alcohol since the sleeve"- good for you! But I'm not interested in hearing from non-drinkers or about the empty calories. I have dinner with my European family every week, and wine is a huge part of it. Can your stomach tolerate alcohol on the sleeve? Is it painful? When in your journey (how many weeks) were you ok to have alcohol? I have no intention of abusing alcohol, but I would like to have a glass of red wine with my dinner once or twice a week, and occasionally have a vodka martini when I'm out. I do not enjoy sweets or soda, alcohol is my only empty calorie thing I want to enjoy. I don't mean to sound hostile about people that proudly have not had a drop of alcohol since VSG, I think it's great to abstain from something that can become easily unhealthy. However, I want to have some answers about alcohol and VSG!

I feel the same way! I unfortunately have had a nasssty allergic reaction to the surgical glue, so most of my pain right now is my skin trying to recover. I've had 0 problems tolerating liquids, and I try to drink small sips at a time- sometimes I likely drink more than I should and still have virtually no discomfort. I can't wait to get on my protein!

I've noticed this too! It stands to reason, if you're only intaking liquids you're system is not going to produce anything else but liquids. I am hoping in the next few days I can have a tablespoon or so of raw egg white for Protein, I'm rather low energy, I made my first lightly caffeinated drink today (green tea) so I hope that will help a bit. I am really happy I feel as good as I do! The sharp pains seem to be something others have complained of, and been fine. I am not going to worry myself unless they get worse (they are getting better) or star to be coupled with other problems that are signs of a real issue. I think sometimes just letting the process "happen" and honoring that your body is going to do a few weird things after a procedure like this is probably better for healing than worrying every time something odd happens.

To hear this is SOOOO calming, thank you- I was fearful, but I realize they aren't horrible or coupled with any other effects that are concerning, so I'm fine. I think the fact that we know that our stomachs are delicate during these first weeks is a big part of what may cause random pains or feelings too.

I know certain drugs can trigger ulcers or be irritating to the stomach, but has anyone been forbidden to take certain supplements or medications that would be an issue long-term? There are none on my list from my surgeon, but I would hate to get a headache and take the wrong thing, or be prescribed something that would be an issue.

Raw egg whites are only a tad bit thicker than Water, and are an amazing source of protein- many body builders drink liters of them a day. So I'm wondering if anyone knows if that would likely be a problem as a Protein source that is "liquid"? Is it just not brought up much because people find raw egg whites gross? I would think in terms of nutrition this would be MUCH more bioavailable than a processed Protein powder. Thoughts, experiences? Anyone add raw egg white to their shakes?

Thanks Getinmybelly, it looks like everything turned out pretty normal after your ultrasound? How are you now? I'm fearful it could be from lifting too much. I made the (likely foolish) choice to bring my feeble mother as a traveling companion, and I'm the most able bodied person on this trip. When I won't help her with her bags she gets upset, even knowing I'm supposed to avoid lifting more than 10 lbs. Dr. Kelly called me and told me if I don't have a fever not to panic, but to call back if it gets worse.

I've already sent my surgeon an email about it, but I figure it helps to see if others have experienced this as well. I'm 4 days post op. My stomach seems to be having sharp sudden pains, sometimes one happens every hour, sometimes they happen every minute for 5 minutes- super random. Is this part of the healing process? I'm trying not to panic. Please don't respond telling me to call 9-11, I know only a dr. can truly diagnose this, I'm just trying to see if others have experienced this. I am 2 hours and a national border from my MD.

Same experience! Dr. Kelly is letting me leave today (1 day early) because I asked to, to see my husband. He and his wife visited me personally with instructions and prescriptions, I was really happy to see them and hear I looked to be doing so well. The Lucerna is OK, our room (just our room) lost power 4 times, and the problem eventually just stopped. It's in a very nice part of Tijuana, you can walk to a lot of shops from here. I could think of nicer places for sure. They understood the post-op diet though, I ordered broth and they really brought me broth, with a few lime wedges to squeeze. I had a great experience with my coordinator (Sandy), but I think people get way to involved with concerns over who is there coordinator. When it all comes down, it's your surgeons face and surgical team looking at you as you go under, it's him doing the work, and it's his nurses and medical staff that will take care of your medical issues in your recovery. The front line person who you talk to before you go to Mexico may provide some emotional comfort, but your decision should be based on the qualifications and authentic reviews of your surgical team.

I have to tell you, there is some truth to the suspicions behind florence hospital not allowing "low BMI" patients. Just 10 minutes prior to surgery a female dr. I had never met came in and coldly told me "we will not approve this surgery for you, you cannot have surgery here", as my tears came down (I've had this scheduled since august, sold my car, and scheduled my whole year around it!) she actually said "why dont you just get liposuction?"....isn't that sort of like telling a person with skin cancer to go buy concealor? :0 Needless to say, I was outraged, but dr. Kelly faught for me and I had my surgery. Apparently this happens to a lot of patients under 40 bmi at Florence Hospital. Dr. Kelly and staff are AMAZING. I do not know who the female dr. with short curly auburn hair is, but her cold treatment of me was really disturbing.

Congrats! I was sleeved by dr. Kelly the same day as you, the staff was attentive and dr Kelly is a DREAM! His bedside manner was perfect, and he was with me every step. I met his new coordinator just now at the Lucerna, along with his wife. He was so sweet and comforting, and his nurses were great. I have a major complaint about a dr. with the florence hospital, but I'm saving that for another post.

Thanks for the responses! Though everyone has said "yes yes it's gas" around the hospital, I always wonder if they're just trying to get me to quiet down The feeling is unsettling as well, because it feels a lot like hunger. Things are getting slowly better!

I am 1 day post op and I've been having severe pain in my chest and rib cage, I have been told it's gas pain but I just want to check in. Did everyone else experience this?