jewelwithin

btw...also forgot to mention that just the anesthesia alone can cause bad nausea. Add to that the fact that the surgery was on your stomach and well, it's not a picnic at first. Best wishes to you!

PreciousCargo, what you're feeling is pretty typical. I was in the hospital 2 full days/nights and nauseated the whole time. In fact, I was so sick during the immediate post-op phase that the friend that was with me said I was cussing like a sailor! I also had a catheter for peeing until all but the last few hours of the last day. It DOES get better over time. I do think everyone's body reacts differently. I never was one to have a sensitive tummy, but even now 3 weeks out I get bouts of nausea. I just have learned to take deep breaths and rest extra when I can. I know my body is still healing inside even though on the outside I look like the same ol' me. Now if 3 or 6 months down the road I still feel like this, I'll want to chat with the doc. Just monitor yourself -- if it actually gets to vomiting or near vomiting (gagging) you may want to check in with your doc. Otherwise, take it easy and hang in there!!

Yes, I had the same thing the entire week of clear liquids, and even a couple days after when I moved to full liquids. I figured liquid in, liquid out! I also was completely worn out and sometimes lightheaded by the end of that first week. The diarrhea does go away once you move to mushies and solid food. And bit by bit your energy will return. Hang in there!

Lissa & two...thank you. A lot of good points here. I have started back up a boot camp program. I've gone only like half a dozen times but it does involve cardio AND strength training, so there may be something there. Not near TOM, but a good reminder about the fluids post-surgery. I'm sure that may be at play, too. I know my energy level still isn't back so I'm sure there's still a lot going on inside -- just because I can't see it doesn't mean my insides aren't hard at work! As for the calories, I wasn't given a daily amount. Was just told at least 70 g protein/day, carbs at about 20/meal, and limited fat. With the occasional exception of head hunger, I've basically been eating only when hungry. Actually, I just ran a report on 411Fit.com (where I track food), and it shows since I've been off all liquids my net calorie intake/day is -925, which should translate into a loss of roughly 3 1/2 pound. So I'm probably worrying for nothing. That's not that much weight, and it may not be showing up on the scale just because of the water/muscle ebbs & flows. Ok...I've talked myself out of it! :purplebananna:

Curvy & Swimmer...I'm in NC, too, also GSO. I went to Dr. Bruce, who is out of Cary but they are opening an Alamance office so I had the surgery there. LOVE doc Bruce!!

Very interesting theory! :Chevy_anim:

I told myself I wasn't going to pay attention much to month one, because I've heard there's still a lot going on with healing, etc., that may affect things. But now I've got to admit, I'm concerned. I lost 10 pounds during the first week of the liquid diet -- no surprise -- but haven't lost anything since. I was sleeved on 12/29/11. I've been tracking food by the bite, and have averaged roughly 1,100 calories a day. I have been doing my best to keep Protein up and carbs low, but haven't always hit the mark there. My question: Shouldn't calories per day, amount spent exercising, etc., work the same way after surgery? I understand WHY the high protein/low carb diet works, just as it would PRE-surgery. But if I've been averaging 1,100 calories a day for more than two weeks I would have thought I'd have least lost 4-5 pounds!! Has anyone's doc given them the idea that weight loss WON'T happen if you don't go low carb??? If so, why?? Why wouldn't reduced calories and increased exercise work the same way after the sleeve as it would before (well, when I was able to stick to a reduced calorie diet that is!! ; )

Thanks everyone! I am taking it easy, trying my best to chew, chew, chew, and stopping anything my sleeve doesn't seem to like. I am just hoping that the pain part will eventually go away. It's not constant. But when it does come, boy oh boy!!

Welcome home! And continued steady progress to you!! :biggrin5:

I am in the same boat and very worried because I go back to work next week. I'm between a rock & a hard place because I'm self-employed and cannot afford to take any more time off. I'm just saying a prayer and talking to my kids (12 & 13) about things I may need more help with. Otherwise, when it comes to things like house cleaning and running here, there & everywhere, I'm just going to have to let a few things slide. On top of that today and yesterday I have had terrible nausea. Today it came with heartburn. And today the ondansetron didn't help a bit. I'll be calling my doc on all this.

I hear a lot of folks saying they get this with certain foods. I get it most of the time. I can feel the food "hit" my stomach, and if it doesn't like it I get pain. I'm curious what all of you experience? Does the pain last, or is it more at first during the healing phase?

Looks like my last post didn't stick with the server issues the site was having. I had said that your workout regimen puts me to shame! That's awesome that you're doing all that -- I be the weight is falling off! So far made it to boot camp class on W. Then only 1/2 class on Thur. Woke up really, really nauseated and it got worse during class. Soooo...I walked for 20 minutes in the late afternoon to make up for it. I'm off to class again this morning. How are things going for you??

I'm game!! I have been involved on and off for the last 2 years in a "boot camp" style exercise program. I always feel great after I get over the hump and have done it for a few times. I have more energy. But then something will get in the way -- kids or I get sick, extra work hours, etc., and then one day off quickly turns into one week, then then one month, and so on. I want to be realistic -- I know things will sometimes get in the way. But I still should be able to work in at least a walk if I can't make it to the class. I see my surgeon today for my first post-op appt. I also happened to have a hiatal hernia fixed during my surgery, and thus far everything I've read indicates I shouldn't do core exercises for several weeks. I need to confirm with him what is safe and when. So my goal today is a 1/2 hour walk...how about you???

So I see from your belt that you lost about 2 people's worth! Congrats to you for facing the challenge and doing the hard work. Love it!!

They found a hiatal hernia during my pre-op workups and so I had that taken care of at the same time. I have been reading that where the HH is concerned, I'm to avoid abdominal work and workouts that exercise core muscles for weeks or even months. Can this really be true? I have participated in a boot camp program that I really love on and off for the last couple of years and she works in a lot of horizontal conditioning/training plus traditional calisthenics, both of which focus on strengthening the core. Has anyone else dealt with this?

I think Lissa hit it on the nose. If it's not working, back off for a bit and try again. I've been kind of looking at this like my pregnancies. It seemed like everyone had their "prescription" for just about every stage -- what to eat/not eat if you have morning sickness or can't sleep or get heartburn, etc. In the end I think you take the best advice but above all else listen to what your body is telling you. If it's not ready for something, it's not ready. Everyone is different. And as Lissa suggests, if it persists too much longer, then check in again with your doc.

Glad to hear things are slowly improving. And eColi?? Yikes! As if a leak wasn't enough! Wishing you all the best for a speedy, full recovery, and lots of prayers and positive thoughts headed your way.

I was sleeved on the 29th and have read a lot about the very mixed results early on. For that reason, and for my own sanity, I've just decided that this whole first month of January I don't care what I weigh. I am just trying to get used to how the sleeve feels, what it will accept/not accept, healing & regaining energy, etc. I don't know if this is possible for you or if it even makes sense for you and your situation, but above all else I'd simply say be gentle and easy with yourself. This was a big step and is/was major surgery. Try more than ever to love your body as it heals & recovers to the new "version" of you. The weight loss will come.

Are you able to do future follow ups with a different doc? What I'm thinking of here is one of my favorite definitions of "insanity": continuing to the do the same thing but expecting different results. It seems to me that's what you're up against not only with your surgeon but also his support staff. It's your body and you know what you're feeling/doing/experiencing. If your doc can't get on board with that and figure out how to alter his rigid prescribed diet in a safe way that will help you see positive results, find someone who will. It's hard enough to fight real hunger, head hunger, side effects/complications, etc., etc. You shouldn't have to fight the doc, too. All the best...

Prayers & light your way peacequeen. It sounds like you are in the best of hands and that the prognosis is very good. Another bump in the road in what is already a pretty bumpy journey certainly is the pits, but hang in there. And keep us posted!! A thought for you... If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere. ~Frank A. Clark

I am having the same problem. It is not head hunger, but actual stomach grumbling (I can tell the difference). Week 1: All Clear liquids, including the

First, congrats on your weight loss! I bet you feel like you've finally got a spring back in your step -- and the clothing shopping must be fun again! This is a tough one, but I think the best approach is an honest one. Maybe find the right time when you're out together and it's any easygoing time when the conversation is flowing freely. Bring up the subject of taking things to the next level physically, but that you're nervous. Then explain why. He'll either get it, or he won't -- but either way you'll know where he's coming from on that front. I agree with you that people who haven't struggled with weight don't get it. And I for one would want to know sooner rather than later where the guy stands.

Hi all, Just need a sanity check here. I just yesterday did my last day of Clear liquids and am SO fatigued. I feel like getting up and going to the bathroom and back is a major energy drain, and that is not like me. Called the doc 3 days ago, and nurse suggested substituting Gatorade G2 for Water to be sure it wasn't dehydration. I did. I just today started "full liquids" (what my docs says is mainly Protein drinks, tomato soup). I am hoping it's just the lack of any "real food" for a week that is making me feel this way. My big concern: I had hoped to go back to work next week but now I'm afraid that just making it from the parking lot inside the building and into my contractor area will be enough for me to want a nap. I noticed all last week that there were MANY times that I was hungry (not head hunger, but as in my stomach started grumbling). That was very disappointing to me because so many people have reported that they're not hungry at all. If I had to guess I'd say my pouch is about 3-5 oz., because that's how much clear liquid I could drink slowly in little sips before I felt full. Has anyone else experienced fatigue and/or the hunger?

Hi Lissa, This sounds great! I've gone to the blog section and tried to search for the title as well as "schelly" and am not finding it. Also custom searched by highest reviewed/viewed, etc., figuring hers would be up there with the better ones. Still nothing.... Do you by chance have the URL?

Help on this! I'm on day 4 of Clear Liquids. Have stuck to it 100%. Hunger pangs that can be satisfied with the apple juice, unjury chick broth, etc. But I'm actually starting to feel very lightheaded. I'm going to ask the doc's office this tomorrow, but to all of you: Did anyone drink a Protein drink made with milk during the first post-op week? I thought if I made one and split it up throughout the day it would help.