LizInTexas

I'm a month out, and although I haven't jumped back onto the happy bus again (yet !), my palate has gone completely off the rails for everything else so I'm thinking blabber... er, uh... happy juice won't taste worth a flip either. I'm SO hoping that this will change. Nothing tastes good after surgery

Oh, and that hungry feeling is just your stomach saying "okay, what the heck !" I find myself having to make myself eat... Must avoid starvation mode or the body will hold a super tight grip on every single fat cell !

I also had to stay an additional night (3 total) because of extreme nausea and it was totally the best thing to do ! Take all the IV fluids they will give you because that will sustain you after you get home until you can consume it yourself. I found the nausea got much better after they took that wonderful PCA pump(morphine button !) Hang in there, it does get lots better !!! I'm just a month out and I can tell you, at least for me, getting the fluids in is still a challenge. Welcome to the losers bench

My surgeon was Dr. Hugh Babineau in Tyler, Tx. I researched and researched before deciding on him. He's the Chief of Bariatrics at his hospital, which is a Center of Excellence, his staff is awsome, and I've had zero complaints or complications. He was a 3 hour drive from me but SO worth it. His cash price is $11995.00.

I'm 48 and was self pay also. You have youth on your side so the skin thing may not be too bad. In any case, plastics can be done for way less that 20k if you look in the right places (ie. not in the States). Concentrate on losing the weight and getting healthy first and worry about looking in the mirror second. Being healthy, IMO, is far more important in the long run than how you look. I started my "plastics" fund the day of my surgery ! If I need it, I'll have it. If I don't, I'll be taking a nice vacation as my new thin, healthy, happy, confident self so it's a win/win either way.

I was 9/18 and am down 22 last time I checked (a couple days ago). I'm just now getting to the point that I can tolerate solid foods, not getting all my water or protein most days, but coming close. Have been walking and using hand weights, but not much exercise other than that. Thinking about a Y membership for the winter months. Yall are doing great !!!

Hi Ladies... I so totally understand the "ready to cancel" panic ! I'm just under a month out and I can tell you that I very well might have bolted off the gurney, glamorous backless gown flying in the wind, had they not given me that first "happy" shot. The "what if's" nearly drove me insane, but now I'm so glad that I didn't run screaming "don't touch me" !!! Was it easy ? No. Was it scary as hell ? Yes. Has it been a hard adjustment ? Yeah. Could I have lost almost a pound a day without this surgery ? No No No. Hang in there. All of the statistics are on your side. Have faith in your surgeon and go in thinking positive, healing, healthy thoughts ! It really does make a difference in your recovery.

I use Isopure chocolate, vanilla, and unflavored. If the smell of protein is a bit much for you, try only using one scoop. It's still 25 gms. of protein mixed with only 8 ounces of liquid (water or milk or whatever you like). I tweek the chocolate with about a tsp. of coco powder, I mix the vanilla with some milk, greek yogurt, a splash of vanilla extract, and frozen mixed berries. Also, Isopure RTD Alpine Punch mixed with one 25 cent package of fruit punch koolaid, a little water to your own tastes, and 2-3 scoops of unflavored Isopure makes AWSOME fruit punch flavored ice pops ! I can get past a little taste issue for the benefits of 50g of protein in ONE shake.

I, too, was served coffee the day following my surgery and have been drinking it ever since... Both decaf and regular...

I checked them out... Too many carbs for too little protein IMHO.

I'm having the same trouble. Having a terrible time sleeping at night which makes for a terrible time staying awake during the day ! Pre-surgery, I was a great sleeper, so I'm wondering what is causing this.

Okay, I've made it to 12 days post op and according to my surgeon's post op eating plan I should be having no problems with soft foods. It also states that "by the end of week 3 post op,"you should be eating what everyone else is eating", as in, a normal diet. The reality is that I'm having a very difficult time just getting in 64 ounces of fluid and protein shakes have become repulsive (it's that foamy texture with a funky smell thing) so I know I'm not getting my protein in. I've tried malt o'meal (remember it tasting much better when I was a kid), tomato soup, potato soup, tuna salad that has been food processed to within an inch of being tuna salad soup, refried beans and string cheese. Everything that is a fluid seems to go down okay, but if there is the slightest bulk of any kind, it gets stuck and the foaming at the mouth begins (ie. slimes and pain). I went to the store today and took two teeny, tiny little taster bites of shaved deli meat. Chewed until the clerk thought I had some sort of neurological disorder, and within 5 minutes, the saliva faucet, runny nose, and nausea was very much an issue (as in I almost didn't make it without barfing). SO, my question is... how long was it until you were able to manage something other than smooth liquid nourishment ??? Is there some "magic switch" that just flips one day ??? Sadly, the depression and doubt has started to creep in. I fear that I may have done something to myself voluntarily that will prevent me from ever enjoying any kind of meal again and it's really starting to become a big concern. I'm weepy alot and I keep trying to tell myself that everything will be okay, but it's getting harder and harder to believe ! Please chime in with any and all advice or words of wisdom !

Had surgery 9/18. They brought me a cup of decaf on my tray 9/20. Doc asked why I didn't drink it and I told him I only do coffee with cream, so he cleared me for some non dairy creamer also. Said I could have either decaf or regular once I was home, but not to go crazy on it. Tasted great in the hospital, but now that I'm a week out, it doesn't taste good anymore ! I poured a half a cup out today. It was just bleh... Most everything is tasting like crap now and it's really got me super frustrated !!! Someone please tell me my tastebuds are just in a rebellious mode and will go back to being good little tastebuds in the near future !!!

My BMI is over 50 and I consulted with 3 different surgeons. Not one of them suggested that bypass would be better for me than sleeve...The statistics are quite clear in that sleeve is just as effective as bypass, and has fewer potential complications down the road...

No judgement from her either, but I'm one week out tomorrow and I think you're setting yourself up for big trouble. My surgeon's post op eating plan is very liberal and I'm just not ready for it. We've lost a HUGE portion of a MAJOR organ. The staple line is very long and inside the stomach is the equivalent of raw, highly tenderized meat ! I'm struggling with the food choices as well, but I didn't go through all this just to screw it up by giving in to my addiction to food, which is exactly how I got to the point of needing this surgery to begin with. There are no "do overs" this time and the consequences of "pushing it" could very easily turn into a dire situation... Food for thought...

Might want to checkout posts made by TayloL02

I personally think so, but best to check just to be sure...

I don't have anything pierced other than my ears, but was told to remove ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING that was metal. They even made me remove my toe ring ! This is because if for some reason they end up having to shock you, the metal won't weld itself into your skin since it conducts electricity. I would think plastic would be okay but best to check.

Congrats Joisey ! So glad to hear that your recovery has gone so well ! I was sleeved on the 18th and I also, am doing well. Except for a screw up with the hospital that kept me in recovery for 7 hours (yep, how ridiculous !!!), some post op sickness (which thanks to recovery room drugs I have no memory of), and that gawd awful clear stuff they make you drink for part 1 of a 2 part leak test making me want to hurl, my recovery went pretty well. Was up and walking at 1:30 in the morning and having a really hard time sipping (kept making me want to hurl). I ended up being kept a third night in the hospital because I wasn't getting enough fluid down, but as soon as I told them to take the pain pump full of morphine and STOP giving me anti nausea meds (which were keeping me so knocked out I couldn't even hold a conversation without dropping off mid sentence) I felt SO much better and was able to more than double my fluid intake in 24 hours ! Sometimes the meds make your recovery harder instead of easier ! The pain was tolerable, but you definitely know you've been cut on. I went in expecting the worst and found that I was pleasantly surprised and relieved. In all honesty, the jury is still out since it's all still so new, but I'm trying to stay positive that all will be well but keeping an eye out for any funky feelings or odd signs that something may be up. I was beyond nervous and had they not given me that little pre op nerve tonic shot when they did, I very well may have bolted out of that hospital, bare butt hanging out of the hospital gown and all ! I'm feeling very fortunate and blessed but remaining on high alert for any issues. Go in expecting the best possible outcome but still be mentally prepared for potential complications. Positive thinking isn't easy when your terrified, but it really can help your recovery. After all, the mind controls the body. My mantra, prayer, or whatever you want to call it going in was "please just let me wake up. I'll deal with whatever else comes after that". Again, CONGRATS !!!

first update since surgery, been really out of it. Walking some, drinking is rough. Nausea is epic ! Will post more soon. Just wanted to let my VST friends know that I made it to the losers bench.

Well, my bag for the hospital is ready to zip up, the car is fueled up for the 3 hour drive to the hospital, Protein laden popcicle's and broths are in the freezer, various Vitamin Water zero and crystal light in the fridge, dog sitter is all lined up to take care of my hairy children, prescription for pain meds is filled, and my nerves are officially on the razor's edge ! Been wearing my not so spiffy hospital bracelet since Friday and I'm having the expected huge OMG am I really doing this anxiety attack Told my sister in law day before yesterday (swore her to secrecy), and who do I get a call from yesterday evening ??? My mother in law ! So much for sworn secrecy... I definitely won't miss the miserable gallbladder, but I'm SO afraid I'll never be able to enjoy food again... I'm taking my little netbook computer with me so PLEASE CHIME IN !!! I'm fortunate to have 2 people going with me, but not so fortunate in that one thinks this surgery is no big deal (never had any weight issues, or any surgeries) and the other thinks anyone can lose weight if you just starve yourself, take diuretics, and do weekly colonics (like she has done for 50 years), but I love 'em anyway... I'll try to post an update Tuesday afternoon as drugs permit All prayers, good thoughts, or cyber lucky charms will be greatly appreciated !!! P.S. Also posted in September Sleevers Thread...

I'll be anxiously awaiting the responses as well... Mine hit today (18 days late mind you !) and surgery is tomorrow morning !!!

Thanks for the Cheerios Ms.Skinniness ! I remember having a pain pump years ago, and though I wasn't in all that much pain, I still enjoyed using it !!! LOL

Yes, I'm September 18th also ! And starting to really freak out !!!

Well, my bag for the hospital is ready to zip up, the car is fueled up for the 3 hour drive to the hospital, protein laden popcicle's and broths are in the freezer, various vitamin water zero and crystal light in the fridge, dog sitter is all lined up to take care of my hairy children, prescription for pain meds is filled, and my nerves are officially on the razor's edge ! Been wearing my not so spiffy hospital bracelet since Friday and I'm having the expected huge OMG am I really doing this anxiety attack Told my sister in law yesterday (swore her to secrecy), and who do I get a call from this evening ??? My mother in law ! So much for sworn secrecy... I definitely won't miss the miserable gallbladder, but I'm SO afraid I'll never be able to enjoy food again... I'm taking my little netbook computer with me so PLEASE CHIME IN !!! I'm fortunate to have 2 people going with me, but not so fortunate in that one thinks this surgery is no big deal (never had any weight issues, or any surgeries) and the other thinks anyone can lose weight if you just starve yourself, take diuretics, and do weekly colonics (like she has done for 50 years), but I love 'em anyway... I'll try to post an update Tuesday afternoon as drugs permit All prayers, good thoughts, or cyber lucky charms will be greatly appreciated !!!