Looking Ahead

How exciting !! Congratulations ~ Better start practicing your sipping

Rachel, so happy for you. You are doing great girl. I know the feeling about crying when you get on the scales and it has went down again. Love seeing your blogs on You Tube. Today was my first day back to work. I had about 4 people look me up and down but didn't say anything...I just smiled inside and 3 asked if I was losing weight. I was hesitant about telling people about the surgery but found myself wanting to tell them today and did. I was able to wear clothes that were too little for me when I left work 2 weeks ago. I felt like I looked nice today and stood a little taller. :wub: Still having alot of pain in my left side but today seemed to be a little better. I think being at work and having my mind on something other than the pain helped too. I also had on a girdle style tank top on under my shirt which helped the pain tremendously. Looking forward to more mornings of lower numbers. Take care everyone and keep posting updates !! Hugs angie

I went through the same fears. My only question at the support group prior to surgery is what's the chances of dieing on the table. This is a legit concern. My surgery went so fast. I remember going into surgery and seems like 5 minutes, I woke up in recovery. Its good you are worried, it means you have researched and know there are risks with anything. I couldn't sleep for three days prior to the surgery I was so worried. Turns out it was for nothing. Take a deep breath. Remember why you are doing this and try to relax. You may talk to your doctor or his nurse to help calm your fears. Saying a prayer for you tonight.

How much were you able to drink/take in the first few weeks?

So, I've been thinking of what I'll enjoy I have never done or will enjoy more but my mind keeps going to my "bucket list". Seems as though its changed. So, here's mine...whats yours? 1. Meet Kenny Chesney 2. Dance on a Beach :wub: 3. Fly on a plane 4. Wear shorts in public without embarrassment :ph34r: 5. Get back into church (able to wear pretty dresses and comfortable shoes) 6. Go on a road trip with no destination 7. Sing Karaoke with a friend. That's as far as I've gotten so far. Looking forward to all of them. All are within reach

I need some liquid protein ideas. I hate shakes and don't want anything sweet. Don't want o buy protein in a can at the store. I know that's picky but surely there's another way to get protein on the liquid stage of going into two weeks. I try some yogurt, which is fine, but after a couples tsp , I'm full. I'm averaging 5g protein -if that- a day. Any suggestions? I'm going to try and go back to work tomorrow at least for a half day since it an office job. Hopeing that being back around people and my "norm" will help my appetite.

Im one week out...how much protein are you actually able to get in a day? Im still drinking about 2 bottled waters a day and maybe 5g protein a day if that. I hate crystal lite and Im still on the liquid stage. I'm not just knock down tired but require one nap a day. Still in pain so I don't walk yet. On a scale of 1-10...its about an 7 all the time. When I drink, its only about 3 sips and I'm done for a while. I mostly only crave water which may be from the pain medicine. Is there another way to get protein in a liquid other than store bought protein drinks or vials?

I had the same crzvings for mashed potatoes n gravy. It seems like that is one of most wanted after surgery. I had my husband get me some 4 says out. One taste was all I could handle and the craving stopped. It was mire like two spoon lick tests. Lol. Like u were feeding a baby kitten. Ready for 'normal' foods.

Can you crush some of it and drink the juice for the same satisfaction of eating it?

My doctor said no NSAID's for good..

Good to hear you are doing well. Im day 9 today and just starting to have hunger thoughts. All last week when I thought I was hungry, I was really just thirsty. Take it slow on starting foods. What did you doctor say you can have week two? Amazing how each doctor is different. I'm still on liquids. Any type and try to get my carbs in.

Great Idea !! Thanks

m post op and went for one this past week. I bought a small which I didn't even make a dent in but it satisfied so much. At ours, you can buy just the ice and no flavoring too.

Looks like most of us have taken you on as the brother figure. Better hurry and get well. You got alot of shoes to fill. . Glad your wife is thre to help you through it. See ya here next week in running shoes !

Im 8 days out. Tried to sleep on my belly last night. Im not there yet. Alot of pain when using the muscles to move. Looking forward to it though.

Thought id pop in and say thanks again for all those who have stood by me and held my hand this week. Its been an emotional one. The side pain is still there but knowing why dies help deal with it. Im ready to stand up and fight now. Rime to pick myself up. Enjoy my sleeve and let it work for me. I bought a binder today that im wearing to bed. Already can feel the differene. Going to work on getting in my protein tomorrow. Start putting on makeup and gi through my closet of 'cover up' clothes. Time yo start shining. Im still 100 lbs from my goal but down 46 of my originsl weight. Thats nothing to laugh at ! So time to stop whining and start getting better and enjoying my new improved life. Look world- no hands~~~~~

Ive had alot of complications but everyone here and my local support group say to hang in there it will be worth it in the end. I do beleive that. As with anything there is a risk and with anything we will get through it. It depends on how bad you want the prize. Knowledge is everything. You need to know the good and the bad in order to deal with it no matter the outcome. That way no matter what - you win.

Take it sliw and dont do too much too soon. The pain may kick in in a day or so. If tou hurt tell the nurse. Drink as much as you can. Come back to the group often for help and suggestions. Glad everything went ok for you.

Wow. Congrats! I can't beleive youre going camping!! I am super jealous. Makese excited to hit the two week mark . Youre doing great ~~~

I get a sizzlin feeling in the back of my throat and then it burns. I think its like acid reflux. Are you taking anything for acid reflux? When I have it I remember to take what I was sent home with

Yes it was. I don't know if its that rare for this kind of pain and complication or those who experience it just don't post alot.

Finally got out of the house for a little while. Thank God for family who will haul my butt around while I'm healing ! I went to a medical supply store and bought an abdominal binder ($20) - OMG Great Then off to the drug store to pick up the refill on pain liquid. Just made it home. Worn out but in better spirits. Only problem with the binder is trying to sit down and sitting in the recliner. But, man how it helps the pain ! It is Ridiculous that it was not prescribed at the hospital . If your dr doesn't give you one...go buy one. It is so worth so much more than I paid for it. It goes from my hips to about 4 " from my bra line. Pushes everything in and holds it. I know people mentioned it on here before but until you experience it,,,,man ~ So, guess thats my tip of the day....buy the binder ! Support group tonight. I get to get out of the house again. Tomorrow is the 4th so my family was scheduling around me which I hate. Finally convinced them DO NOT work around my food..I will work around yours. So, I'm 8 days out tomorrow. I can have eggs now. I think I'll make deviled eggs to take. Something I can have and still feel part of the get together. Looking forward to it. I've been reading "back-to-amy's" page and to read someone who had the EXACT pain calms my fears. Knowing where the pain is from makes a huge difference too. Knowing they cut muscle to get to the stomach makes so much sense on why there is so much agonizing pain and not to expect overnight relief. Now , working on getting in my Protein is another story. I bought SlimFast strawberry Protein drinks today. They look huge. I remember dieting and thinking that won't fill me up and now I wish they came in a shot glass. lol I took one out and put it in the freezer. I'll be glad when I can eat fish and shrimp again. Thats the only thing I am craving is sea food. When did you start eating seafood again? Hope everyone has a safe and painfree holiday tomorrow...post some of your recipes for the 4th. Would love some ideas for this week.

I bought Weight Watchers scales from Target. They go to 400 lbs. Glass ( pretty) and show body mass index, weight and fat %. You can save up to 4 people on it or just weigh in general. I love them. They are within one pound of my doctors scales. I paid $40 for them. Great deal!

Great ideas ~ I haven't gotten my appetite back enough to handle anything sweet. Are you having trouble keeping any of it down being sweet? Dr said I could have eggs ...I cooked them, put them on a plate...looked at them and threw them in the trash. Trying to wake up the taste buds.

happy dance ~ HAPPY DANCE~~ So happy for you !