lollyfidy1965

I was still in-hospital at 4 days post-op (I had problems with inflammation in the lining of my sleeve). The first time I went to the Y, after getting home, was on day 9 post-op. I walked 30 minutes at 2.5mph. Yesterday I walked 40 minutes at 2.8mph. This morning, day 16, I walked 60 minutes at 2.7mph. The length and speed that I walk depends greatly on my energy level, on any given day. Some days I feel fantastic, and push a little harder. Some days (like this morning) I feel really drained, and trade time walked for speed. Listen to your body, whatever you do, and don't push yourself to the point of being wobbly! Best of luck to you!

@missmachine....I'm just curious...if you're a month out from surgery, why aren't you exercising? My surgeon's expectation is that his patient's should be walking AT LEAST 30 minutes a day, within a week of coming home from the hospital. I went to the Y 3 days after getting home (10 days post-op), and walked 2.5mph for 30 minutes. Today, 16 days post-op, I walked 2.7mph for an hour. Does your surgeon have restrictions related to exercise? (I'm truly curious, given the amazing variety of instructions I've seen talked about on this site....no two surgeon's seem to have the same guidelines!) All the best to you!

I'm 2 1/2 weeks post-op, and can honestly say I have no cravings. While I am managing to get more than the minimum required Protein and Water every day (I average about 70 grams of protein, and 80-100 oz water), I have absolutely no interest in ingesting anything. I have had no hunger, no desire for food, and "eating" (in quotes, because I'm still in the modified liquid stage) has become a chore. I suppose I should be thankful, because I know how all-consuming food (and the sensations that come with it) can be. Mostly, however, I just feel annoyed....because in 36 minutes (or whatever time frame I'm counting down) I'm going to have to drink yet another cup of high-protein something-or-other. LOL And, no...it isn't that I don't like the flavor of the high-protein products I'm using. In fact, I quite like the taste of everything I'm using. Its just the idea of putting something in my stomach...when I don't feel hungry. Its my new love-hate relationship with food. LOL

Ok...I'm in for this, my first "challenge"! My birthday is September 1st, and I had set a dream goal to be at 250 by my birthday. I'll use that same goal for this challenge. Starting weight (morning of surgery): 302.4 Current weight: 284.6 Weight to lose for challenge: 34.6 lbs We'll see how well I do! Best of luck to everyone!

The day after my surgery I was taken down for a leak test. During the test they discovered my stomach lining was so inflamed nothing could pass through....leading to extreme nausea an vomiting. My surgeon replaced my NG tube, and kept me NPO for an additional 4 days, to give time for the inflammation to resolve. When the NG tube was finally removed, I was able to easily keep down sips of water, and progressed quickly from there. I'm very grateful that my surgeon is as conservative as he is...keeping me in the hospital long enough to truly be well enough to go home. I've been amazed by some of the stories on this site....people going home after only one night in the hospital!! It seems there are a lot of programs that rush people (and their sleeves), leaving them to have experiences, and worries, like those you're having. I wish you all the best in your recovery!

I will agree...tracking everything you eat may be helpful. Its very easy to have calories sneak in, if you're not writing everything down. I'm just 2 weeks post-op, and am eating between 450 and 500 calories a day. I don't expect that to change much in the next few weeks. Another question that comes to mind....what are you doing for exercise? My surgeon is very strict about getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day, starting as soon as you get home from the hospital. I've worked back up to walking (on a treadmill) for an hour, at 2.7mph...I burn almost as many calories as I consume in a day (as crazy as that sounds!). Don't give up, whatever you do....keep trying different things, until you find the approach that works for you!!! Best of luck!

Yesterday was my 2-week anniversary, and I'm thrilled to find other folks in the Boston area who are on the same journey!! I'd love to know how everyone is doing...the challenges you've faced, and the successes you've experienced. Also....has anyone else gone through the program at Beth Israel Deaconess?? Wishing everyone great success!!

I really like the chocolate flavored Muscle Milk...either the regular formula, or the "lite" (which has no sugar). I am also a huge fan of the Unjury chicken broth flavored protein powder. Just be sure the water you're mixing it into isn't hotter than 130 degree F!! The unflavored Unjury protein powder mixes well, in both warm and cold things (again....nothing hotter than 130 degrees F), and doesn't ruin the flavor. I didn't care for the chocolate flavored Unjury powder....it was way too sweet for my current taste. One of my favorite "experiments"...two cans of Manischevitz chicken consommé, two cans of water, and one can of Campbell's cream of chicken with herbs mixed in...strain as much as you want to drink into a travel mug (to help keep it warm long enough to drink it all), and add 1/2 a scoop of Unjury unflavored protein (yields 10grams of protein). This is a very flavorful chicken "broth", with a slightly creamy consistency, low calorie, low fat, low carb, and high protein!! Best of luck to you!

My surgeon's approach to the post-op diet progression is very conservative, and based on a desire to allow the sleeve sufficient time to completely heal, to allow time for the internal inflammation to resolve, and to avoid the possibility of stretching the new "baby tummy". He won't discharge a patient until they're able to tolerate "full, modified liquids"...all clear liquids, as well as things with a smooth, pudding-like consistency, strained soups, etc. I'm expecting to be on "full, modified liquids" a total of 4-5 weeks (3 1/2 weeks to go), then on pureed/soft foods another 4 weeks. Only after both those stages will I begin to reintroduce "solid" foods...one item each day. I respect my surgeon's opinion and experience, and have learned to be content with the things I can have. (I've gotten pretty good at combining soups, along with unflavored protein powder, and ending up with very tasty, low-fat, low-sugar "meals"!) The only directions I was given, outside of the things included in this particular diet stage, is that my "food" choices should be low-fat, and low-sugar. The low-sugar guideline is pretty straight forward....no more than 8grams of sugar per 100 calories. For example, the regular formula Muscle Milk has 5 grams of sugar in a 180 calorie serving....that's perfectly acceptable, according to my guidelines. Wishing everyone great success!!

There is such a stigma related to having any form of weight loss surgery...and I think that's a shame. It keeps many people from doing something that can, literally, save their lives. In the hopes of doing something positive (in regards to that stigma), I have been completely open and honest about my decision to have surgery. I've had many unplanned conversations with people...both friends, and strangers...and have found great support from completely unexpected directions. I don't give a moments thought to negative comments...they simply aren't worth my notice. I have this amazing opportunity to educate people....about the lifesaving possibilities associated with this procedure....speaking out helps to reinforce my own motivation to succeed, and helps to build my self-confidence. Ultimately, this journey belongs to each of us, individually. Do what feels comfortable to you....and don't feel guilty about your decision, in comparison to anyone else's. Best wishes to everyone!

Its difficult to respond to this post without becoming emotional...because I, too, can relate. Each of us has played a particular role in the lives of others around us. It may be hurtful to hear this, but these wonderful, life-long friendships may not have been as fully sincere as we thought. Many people, thick or thin, are extremely insecure about their physical appearance. In my experience, many insecure thin people keep "fat friends" around in order to feel better about themselves, and to "look" better (to others looking in), in comparison to the heavier person sitting next to them. It may not even be a conscious thing on their part...I think, in many ways, its simple human nature...as hurtful as it might be, to those of us on the other side of the coin. As hard as it may be, the only healthy thing to do is to refocus on those TRUE friends who are loving and supporting you...cheering you on, as you conquer the Goliath in your life...the excess weight you've been dragging around with you. Don't let petty jealousy, and another's insecurity, pull you down. They simply aren't worth the energy you're going to expend worrying and hurting over them. Much love and encouragement to all!!

NSAIDs are an absolute no-no after gastric surgery. While I was in the hospital, following my surgery, I had a roommate who was in recovering from her THIRD experience with a marginal ulcer....the result of having taken 2 Advil!! Tylenol is fine, but all NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, etc) are a quick ticket to a GI bleed, the ER, and additional surgery to repair. If your doctor tells you otherwise, get a second opinion before you take any more. Best of health to you!

My nutritionist would say "protein protein protein"!! Make sure you're getting plenty of protein...60-80 grams every day. Not only is protein critical for the healing process, and to ensure your body doesn't start burning muscle tissue, but it is critical to maintaining the health of your hair. Best wishes!

I'll be two weeks post-op tomorrow, and I'm doing remarkably well. I do have a little discomfort around my incisions, but not bad enough to take something for it. (I've not used any of the Roxicet prescribed for me, and have only taken Tylenol once, the first day I was home from the hospital.) I've been walking on a treadmill every day since last Thursday, and am back up to walking an hour straight. I'm increasing my speed a little every day...today I was at 2.4 mph. I've discovered that if I drink 8 oz of Muscle Milk prior to walking, and 8 oz more immediately following my walk, I don't get wobbly. Having enough Protein on-board really does make a difference for me! (Oh yeah...and I drink between 12 and 16 oz of Water while I'm walking....hydrate hydrate hydrate!!) I've not had any issues with my diet, really....except that I have very little desire to eat (well, drink...I'm still on modified liquids). I've been able to get between 70 and 80 grams of protein every day, and am pushing water (or other non-protein liquids) heavily...80-100 ounces/day. I'm experiencing a pretty strong negative feeling, regarding food...I'm not sure if its a form of mourning, or what, but I'm working through it, hoping it'll get better, when I'm actually able to put real food in my mouth again. As for my weight loss, I have been truly amazed! I've lost 16.4 pounds since the morning of my surgery!! I know it won't always be this easy, or this dramatic, but I'm going to work it for all its worth!! I have absolutely no regrets, and am looking forward to my first follow-up appointment, on July 11th! Wishing everyone a speedy recovery, and a wonderfully healthy new life!

My program recommends 4-8 oz/hour, and then increasing as you find comfortable. My understanding is that if I'm not feeling uncomfortable/nauseous, then its ok.

Make your baby tummy your most precious possession, and take great care of it. In return, you will become healthier. If you would benefit from therapy, in order to conquer the addictive behavior cycle, then find a wonderful therapist to help you through that process. In the end, you'll be happier, and better able to enjoy your new-found health without the need for the empty-calorie "fixes."

The issues raised by my surgeon (and nutritionist) is that consuming alcohol is empty calories. Our caloric intake is so limited, after surgery, that wasting (or worse, adding) calories in the form of alcohol will hinder your weight loss process. Best of luck to you with your surgery!

If it were me, I would simply take a bottle of chocolate Muscle Milk lite with me, enjoy my protein shake, and enjoy the time with my family. In fact, my spouse and I are planning to go to NYC for 4 days, and I'll still be on my full-modified liquids diet. Am I worried? Nope....I'll have protein shakes packed, and will carry shakes and water with us everywhere we go. We do what we must, in order to follow our rules. I hope your husband has an awesome birthday!

My surgeon discharged me from the hospital with instructions to start my chewable vitamin that night, and to take 2/day. No other supplements (other than liquid Zantac and Actigall) until after my first follow-up appointment (3 weeks post-op). I've not had any problems with the vitamin...Flintstones Complete.

I'm on what my surgeon calls "full modified liquids" for the next 4 weeks (give or take). That includes all CLEAR liquids (waters, jello, broths...any liquid you can see through is considered "clear"), as well as things that aren't "clear," but are liquid, or liquid-like...sugar-free puddings, protein shakes, protein powder mixes, cream soups (they may need to be strained to get any little chunks out before drinking), THIN Cream of Wheat/Rice/etc, WHIPPED cottage cheese (I have to thin this with a little sugar-free fruit juice). My instructions are to ensure I get 60-80 grams of protein (through protein shakes, powder mixes, gelatin 20, etc), then I can add non-protein items, such as pudding. I have a schedule that runs hourly (essentially), alternating between 8 ounces of water, and a "food" (protein shake, broth, pudding, etc). So far its working really well. I've been able to get more than the minimum amount of protein in, and well more than the minimum amount of water (at least 64 ounces). Hopefully your surgeon/practice has some diet guidelines they can provide to you, as well. (I went through the program at Beth Israel Deaconess, in Boston...is an amazing program, with lots of support, both pre- and post-op. Best of everything to you!

My surgeon prescribes liquid Zantac for a period to 3-4 months post-op. It doesn't taste great, but it works like a dream for me. (I had horrible reflux immediately following my surgery, due to inflammation in my stomach blocking passage of anything.) I've not had any problems with acid since starting the liquid Zantac.

I absolutely love the chocolate flavor Muscle Milk, in either the original formula, or the "light" version. I have one shake every day, usually around lunch time. I can also tell you that the Unjury chicken broth flavored protein powder (mix with 8 oz warm water) is very good, if you like chicken broth. I didn't care the Unjury chocolate protein powder...it was a bit too sweet for me. (Someone mentioned the possibility that your taste buds may change...I find sweet things are VERY sweet to me now...I much prefer "savory" flavors to sweet since my surgery.) Best of luck to you!

My one word of advice would be to be aware that your stay may be longer than one night/day. That seems remarkably optimistic to me, particularly knowing how I was feeling the day following my surgery. The average length of stay at BIDMC is 3 days...and I was in a full week, due to increased inflammation (in my stomach) following surgery. Regarding energy, a week post-op, and I'm able to get up and walk a couple times throughout the day. I can't imagine having to care for small children, though....cooking, cleaning up after, and parenting would be exhausting. I hope you're able to keep your help around for as long as you need it, and that your recovery is a quick one!!

Angie...if you have a bulb drain in, and they're "stripping" the tubing periodically, that may be the source of some of your shoulder pain. The stripping creates a vacuum against the diaphragm, which pulls on the nerves that affect the shoulder area....causing a sharp aching pain in the shoulder. I experienced this every time my tubing was stripped, and it lasted at least 20-25 minutes every time! Wishing you a quick recovery!

Like you, I'm 1 week post-op (surgery was 6-19). I have bruising around each of my incision sites, and they feel bruised if touched. My upper abdomen (where all my incisions are located) is sore, but not so bad I would use prescription meds for pain. I would give my first born to be able to sleep on my side (my back/ribs are aching from lying on my back so many nights in a row), but I'm not yet able to tolerate lying on my side. I'm managing both my protein and water intake well, but have limited other things (non-protein things like applesauce, rice pudding, etc) simply because I'm not hungry...and can't stand the idea of putting something more in my mouth. I'm down 10 pounds since the morning of my surgery, and have absolutely no regrets! Best of luck to us all!!