Joiebean

slippers with backs and the grippers on the bottom. My second thing would be a comfy robe to throw over your shoulders for your walks.

I had the sleeve and yes, my doctor uses a drain for a week post surgery. His reasoning was that if you are going to get a leak, more often it happens in that first week and why not leave the drain in place to ensure a first line of defense in case that does happen. That way, instead of being an immediate emergency, the drain can collect any leak and they don't have to rush you into surgery so fast. They have a little more time to plan what the best course of action is. It's really easy to maintain it and the only part that sucks is when they take it out. It doesn't hurt so much as it will be the absolutely strangest feeling ever. Like wanting to throw up, pass out and get the wind knocked out of you at the same time. As for work, I took off 2 weeks, but ended up needing an extra 1/2 week. I went back to work on Thursday, which was nice to start getting back into the swing of it and then have the weekend to rest again.

This was the same for me as well. However I threw up the nasty tasting stuff afterwards, but I think that had more to do with being allergic to the morphine they were giving me through IV. My test was done the morning after my surgery while still int he hospital.

I had sleep apnea before surgery. My insurance made me go through the ringer and see every possible doc (and the surgeon insisted on this too) including the pulmunary doc. He had me do a sleep study and they determined I had sleep apnea and then did a second sleep study with the CPAP machine so they could get the correct settings. I had mild sleep apnea though. The doc only required me to use it while on pain meds because the pain meds can relax your muscles, i.e. throat, and make it worse. I found the machine actually useful during that time, but after it, it just got in my way. I stopped using it now (6 weeks out) and am discussing with the pulmunary doc about stopping it all together. He said that with weight loss, the sleep apnea would probably go away all together and I have lost 33 lbs so far. So we'll see. But if they want you to get tested, just go for it. Its not hard and you just sleep in a sleep center and they do everything else. Then you just bring the machine to the hospital with you.

My recommendation is to not overprepare. I know this seems counter intuitive, but I got a whole bunch of stuff on the lists before my surgery and then while at the hospital only used my robe and slippers and the nurses took care of the rest. And they wouldn't let me use GasX Strips. Walk walk walk after surgery. That's the best way to get the gas out. I'm out six weeks out now and one thing that many people have mentioned and I agree with is that your tastes may completely change or something you already bought won't agree with your stomach. Do you have someone that will be home with you for the first couple days? That's really helpful. Especially if you find something that works well on your stomach and then they can go get you more if you need it. I ended up throwing so much stuff out. And I spent a bunch of money on Protein drinks that were okay, but I couldn't stand after surgery. What I recommend for the hospital is just a comfy, long robe and slippers with the grippers on the bottom. Comfy PJ's that you could wear home. For home afterwords: Baby bowls and baby spoons (sounds silly it helps you take small bites of whatever you are eating. Really useful) Rubbermaid small drink containers (the clear ones that show the ounces on the side.) That helps you that you are getting enough fluids. Water (if you have a well like me and don't want to drink the faucet water) One or two cups of greek yogurt (vanilla) sugar free popsicles for when you just can't drink. Anti bacterial, hypoallergenic soap to clean your incisions. One serving size blender (like hamilton or something. They have them for $12 at Walmart) it helps mix your Protein powder when you are ready. Liquid children's tylenol That was pretty much all I used for the two weeks post op. I also used crystal light cause I couldn't stomach plain water, but that was just me. Follow the plan your doctor gives you and stay comfortable.

What you did was make the best out of a bad situation. So you took a couple bites of ice cream...its not going to 'do you in' and it got this guy off your back. You know what you're supposed to do and you left when you were able. That sound pretty strong to me. I've been embarressed about saying I had surgery, but have found that, with people like that guy, if you say it really bluntly (something with a little twist that makes them a little uncomfortable too) and put the ball in their court, they shut up. People seem uncomfortable with that conversation. lol....so make them just as uncomfortable back. I know it sounds mean, but hey, a girl's gotta do what she's gotta do. Its not fair for him...or anyone...to put you in a spot like that.

Congratulations!! EVERY nsv counts!! Hooray!

Pookey...I noticed his weight gain too and especially the sweaty, pasty part. It was amazing. I was reading an interview with Anthony Bourdain and he was even amazed at what Adam was doing. He also mentioned that the travel network made Adam sign all these health wavers because he was obviously going to be unhealthy from it. Have you noticed he isn't doing it anymore and now just 'coaching' others on how to beat an eating challenge?

That's awesome!!! Congratulations! Keep it going sista !!

I took two and a half weeks off after surgery. I was still tired for the first couple days back, but you'll get back into the swing of it. I went with the hernia repair, but everyone pretty much knows I had some sort of weight loss surgery too...although the really funny thing is that no one has said anything about it to me...except once when we all went out for lunch. I told only a few people, but knowing a couple of them, I'm sure they either told others or alluded to it. I get a kick out of people's behaviors, so this is an interested little study right now. Its obvious I've lost weight and normally people would totally point it out....but now that no one is sure how to address. lol....its still a loss people!! Something to celebrate!

Wow!!! It just didn't seem to want to come. I've been wearing my size 18 jeans since surgery and today was 'jeans' day-friday at work. I put them on and I knew they were baggy, but I looked in the mirror this morning and they were ridiculous looking in the front. So I mustered all my courage and tried my 16's on and VOILA!!!! They fit...holy cow!!!! They are a little tight...but the way all jeans are when they come out of the wash....they will relax and fit fine. OMG!!!!! I can't believe it!!! I've had little moments of triumph but THIS just makes me sooooo happy. HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

You did great!!! What an accomplishment! You were able to still have a good time and manage the food thing. Way to go Peacequeen. You should be proud of yourself. It seems like it should be an easy thing, but it really isn't. We are learning a whole new approach to food on all levels.....way to go!

I heard it caffeine was dehydrating too. I've been mixing 1/2 cup decaf and a 1/2 cup regular and then adding 1 cup of unsweetened soymilk (to get the protein there.) In a roundabout way, I guess I consider the decaf hydrating and the caffeinated dehydrating...so they balance each other out. Something funny...and I'm sure this has happened to the best of us....I went to starbucks today and got a medium iced 1/2 caff coffee with soymilk. Yeah....I never thought the medium was that big before surgery....wholly cow!!! I got about 1/4 of it down and I was full. I've never saved coffee before...but its going in the fridge and I"ll drink it tomorrow. lol.....oh how things change!!

peacequeen....I totally hear you about watching other people eat now!! Just watch tonight when you go to the mexican place and they have the gigantic platters. When my friends and I went they each got the combination and from my perspective now (thinking how on earth I would get that all in my tiny stomach....let alone try to swallow it) I was astounded at how much they ate. No judgement, just amazed that I would have done that too if it wasn't for the sleeve!! I was just soooo in awe of it, I think a friend caught me staring at him...woops. Again no judgement....I was just thinking "there's no way I could swallow a bit that big...I'd choke! Or be in tremendous pain!"

It IS very frustrating and we all totally get it. Its that dreaded "I didn't go through all this to just lost 30lbs" I am just coming out of the same 3 week stall (lasted about a week and a half) so have faith in your decision and just know it'll start up again. My surgeon and doc said that I probably won't lose at the same rate I did in the beginning, but then 25 lbs in three weeks they considered losing to fast. (I didn't!! but they did) so they said that the rate I am losing now is much healthier. Its still coming off quickly, but not at 2-3 lbs a day. Just remember your body is in shock and you have to give it time to heal. Remember to take care of yourself! Good luck!

I had the hernia repair too and was just like you. On pain meds and in some serious pain for about two weeks. I took the oxycodone for awhile cause it was so uncomfortable when trying to sleep. Then transitioned to toradol, but had complications so I had to stop taking it. BUT, here's the thing, turns out I was moving around too much and the doc told me to limit it to just normal, walk around the house (i was walking a little, not much, but a little on the treadmill.) Coincidentally, I stopped walking on the treadmill AND stopped taking the pain meds at the same time and the pain went away. I really limited my activity though. The internal doc thought the pain was from the hernia repair, the surgeon thought it was from the muscle he cut....either way...it went away when I stopped moving so much. Hope this helps and hope your pain goes away.

thanks for posting this. I was starting to feel like a freak that I have lost 30 lbs and my butt, legs, feet, and face have all slimmed down, but my waist is still the same. Couldn't figure out why I was still in my 18 jeans. Although they are loose, I'm not trying for a 16 yet, cause I know they'll be tight and uncomfortable. I'm at 208 down from 239 on surgery day. I hope what everyone says is true...that after the 200 mark the sizes will start to drop. But then I guess it isn't about the size so much as it is feeling good about yourself??

Oh I can help here!! The first restaurant that I went to was a mexican restaurant and the folks on here gave me some great ideas. Order off the a la carte menu. Usually mexican restaurants have these. I got one cheese enchilada and a side of refried Beans. Went down perfectly and was enough food. I also had a couple chips and salsa, but it wasn't as satisfying as it used to be. Given your history, I'd avoid the celebratory margarita. Alcohol and sugar...bad mix on the sleeve (at least for me.) If your stomach can tolerate meat yet, you could try a chicken enchilada. And you probably want to stay away from the fried stuff. Regarding other restaurants. I used to be embarressed about not eating, and I too have a hard time asking to order off the kids menu or a half portion (I even have a card from my surgeon to present to the waiter/ress that says I had weight loss surgery and would can't eat the normal portion, but I haven't had the guts to use it.) I typically order something lite, eat what I can, and then just ask for a container to go (even if you aren't going to eat it later. Saves having to answer questions.) The hardest places I find to eat at are the bars that my husband and I used to swing by on the way home for an easy dinner. They have NOTHING that I can eat yet nor am I going to drink....so we really have just cut those places out. I guess that's just one change that we have made. My husband has been really supportive and hasn't asked me to go to any restaurants where I can't get anything to eat. But if he really wanted to go there, I would and then just make the best out of it. I always keep a small, lunch size cooler bag with me too with sleeve friendly Snacks, so if I do know I'm going to be in that kind of situation, I can eat ahead of time and then just order a cup of Soup or something to be social. Sorry for the long post, but I've been trying to figure this one out too. I hope this helps.

So I know this is unrelated to VSG (well I guess sort of because I was buying veggies for my new eating plan) but I wanted to let you all know so this doesn't happen to you. I happened to be at Walmart last night which I never go to for various reasons, but was stuck because they were the last place to stop before my house. I needed a red bell pepper to cook vegetarian chili and when I got it home and started to cut it open, it was infested with black bugs!!! It was absolutely disgusting. I threw the rest of the produce I bought away. That has never happened to me from any other grocery store, farmers market, etc. so be careful with your future produce purchases from Walmart, if you do shop there. I don't know if the same crop goes to various Walmart stores. Yuck! Yuck! Yuck!!

I'm so frustrated today. I can't get anything down today except liquids. I tried the tiniest bit of soft food and it hurts. Trying a shake now and its sorta okay, but still a little sore. Not sure if this is normal. I know that the amount you can eat and what your stomach likes differs...but I haven't had a day where I just CAN"T get anything down. Any advice besides staying hydrated (which I'm trying to do.) Oh and yesterday I ate rice for the first time. Not a lot, just a few tiny little bites. Not sure if that has anything to do with it. And I've been super constipated too and took ducolax this morning. Went appliance shopping yesterday and almost passed out in the middle of Lowe's. Not sure what's going on.

So I'm a bit hormonal at the moment and had a little PMS binge last night. However....what's kinda funny..before surgery my binge would have been at least 1/2 gallon of ice cream (over the course of the night...oh who are we kidding...lol) but last night I had a shrimp and a half, four tostitos with salsa verde and babybel light cheese...all of which I needed to get in anyway (except for the tostitos.) This morning, being as hormonal as I am right now, I almost started crying I was so thankful for the sleeve. I had to collect myself before my husband noticed, lol. Anyone had any of these moments?

Congratulations!! You're on your way. The first couple days, you really want to focus on staying hydrated. Make sure to get those 64oz down, otherwise you may get really nauseous. The protein shakes will go down better, but just remember your body just had major surgery so don't push it too much. My docs kept telling me to take it easy and apparently my 'easy' wasn't 'easy' enough. lol. You sound really upbeat and enthusiastic which is fantastic!! Keep it up! and keep posting your progress, concerns, frustrations and successes!!

Well, my experience wasn't typical. I woke up throwing up because turns out I am allergic to morphine. But after that all got straightened out, I was actually really comfortable while I was in the hospital and while I recouped at home. Only pain I really had was when I was getting up or lying down (using stomach muscles.) I also had a hernia repair. I did have a wicked stomach cramp on my left side from pulling the muscle they cut during surgery. So just take recovery slow and don't try to do too much too fast. Keep on posting and CONGRATS!!!!

SF popsicles too. And the CVS brand of shake is my favorite.

The months of prep depend on yuor insurance company and the doc. A lot of people have to go through a 3-6 month diet plan first. My insurance company/doc didn't require that, but the insurance company did make me go through a lot of tests, and a psych evaluation. Mostly to cover their butts, HOWEVER, they test so many things that you certainely come out on the other end knowing EVERYTHING there is to now about your health and body. Regarding the bowel movements (BM) a lot of people, including me (however I'm only a month out from surgery) go back and forth between the big D to constipation. The doc said its normal as your body heals from surgery. I'm not sure about long term though.