Domika03

Oh my gosh, thankfully you were in the garage & not driving or somewhere out side of your home. Keep us posted & feel better!!!

It's hard to believe that I had my surgery a week ago today. I feel like I've come so far from that day. I am in my 2nd day of eating, and I use the word "eating" quite loosely. As mentioned in my last post, I'm limited to things like 3-4 tablespoons of cream of wheat (w a teaspoon of SF jelly jam), mashed potatoes w/ a teaspoon of melted cheese, cream of mushroom soup w/ a teaspoon of melted cheese), and greek yogurt w/ a teaspoon of SF jelly jam, I still find it mind-boggling that these foods basically fill me up. Of course, my goal is work work my way up so that I'm getting more protein in my system. I saw that Slim Fast low carb shakes (4 oz) were also available as an option. I've never tried them so not sure what they taste like. I personally like Pure Protein shakes by Costco but didn't see that as an option so I guess I'll hold off on those for now. While I am on PTO this week, I stopped by the office for an internal job interview. There's a new position available that I'm interested in, and the person conducting the interview flew in from CA for the day only. Couldn't miss my chance to give it a shot. Anyway, I drove (with hubby in tow), went up & down the stairs like 4 or 5 times (in search of a conference room), did the interview , stopped by to visit Mom then went home. Doesn't sound like much, but guess what? I was totally exhausted this afternoon. Wow, no energy. This tells me that I need to really try to up my protein some how. I believe my current protein goal is around 25, but I'm not quite making it there. Definitely something I need to work on!

Thanks everyone!

Trust me, we've all experienced nervousness & anxiety to some extent prior to surgery. I definitely felt anxiety a few days before, the night before & the morning of. I was getting my band removed & replaced by the sleeve. I just stayed focused on what my goals were with this decision. It's a personal choice that only you can decide is the the right one. It sounds like you're ready, just have the jitters. You'll be fine. Try to plan ahead so you can make this journey successful. I bet you'll do just fine!! Good luck!

You're eating all of this at weeks 3 & 4 as a gastric sleeve patient? Just checking because I'm not even on purees yet & am at week 2.

I think it all depends on how far you are on your recovery.

Hi there, I was banded August 17, 2012 & lost about 90 pounds with it. I wound up with a partially slipped band 3 or 4 times last year. As a result of severe pain in Dec., we decided to have it removed & replaced with the gastric sleeve on Jan 16th (last week). My insurance will more than likely NOT cover the sleeve & so I've been told it could run me $15K with everything. With my hubby being unemployed for 7 months now, we won't be able to pay more than $50 a month & that's stretching it. But, that's OK. My pre-sleeve weight was 156 & my current weight is around 147 right now. I suspect that my weight will go down as I go through this new, and stricter food plan. It's an adjustment to say the least, but I'm staying focused & positive that it will all work out. Good luck through your journey. Keep us posted. I would love to "talk" to others in my same position.

I ATE REAL FOOD! I ATE REAL FOOD! I ATE REAL FOOD! Yes, just a tad bit excited! I do, however, wonder how you stop yourself from eating a little more? My notes say 2 tablespoons, but I had 3 tablespoons of the cream of wheat & eventually SF vanilla pudding & now the best mashed potatoes I've ever had! My tummy seems to growl when I'm done. It doesn't hurt, but it's either pissed at me or wanting more. Just finished eating the mashed potatoes (probably a good 15 minutes whereas breakfast was more like 10ish) because, while I made them creamy, I know they're heavier, and I don't want to screw myself. I have to admit it's hard to look at the batch of mashed potatoes I made & not want to stick my face in it. I'm so used to "just having another little taste!" But, I understand, especially now during the very early stages of recovery, that I must do it slowly. Hum, I see my side bugs me a little bit. Not sure of that's my stomach saying ok, you're full or just the standard surgery discomfort. Either way, not going to eat anymore.

I had a busier day today. Did a few things around the house, and a little grocery shopping. I feel a little run down & the left side of my side / back hurts a little too (close to where my incision is, where the band was removed). Tomorrow I can start eating soft foods (not pureed). Only 2 tablespoons, and I think only 3 - 5 times for the day. I suppose it's better than sipping clear liquids. Basically,I'm looking at cream of wheat, low fat or FF smooth yogurt, creamy based soups, mashed potatoes made with milk & 1 tablespoon of melted cheese (oh, I can't wait for that), and SF puddings,,, a few more things but that's the gist of it. Hum, what to have for breakfast..... I can smell the little itty bitty bit of cream of wheat already... wonder if I can add a tad bit of nutmeg or cinnamon. It's not spicy or full of sugar so I hope so...

I start Week 2 on Wednesday, so I'm right behind you. I was revised from lap band surgery to the sleeve last Thursday so this is a little more extreme than I am accustomed to. But, I do hear that the starving mode does subside. The trigger that tells us we're starving was removed during the gastric sleeve. Starts with the letter G & I can't think of it. I believe any "cravings" we might have is more psychological more than anything. Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids (that should help), and be careful when you start week 2. Our stomach's are still healing & we have to introduce foods back in slowly, and as they tell us. Hang in there!

I didn't wake up with a headache today so that's always good. I'm not sleeping very well as I'm still on the recliner. I may try the bed tonight. I briefly attempted it yesterday for a nap & it wasn't happening. I'm still sore but it's early in the day & I haven't walked around too much. I plan on taking a shower (as I do every day). Might actually blow dry my hair today. I washed it yesterday but had NO energy to blow dry it. Suffice to say, I had a great hair day yesterday I understand the importance of walking so I'm going to take a short shopping trip with my daughter to Game Stop. Well, let's hope it's a short trip. I'll probably write again today to talk more about how I feel. For those that know, no bm's for me yet. I've always had a little issue with that prior to surgery so why be different now. I am talking a stool softner once a day just to be safe. I have flax seed but you can't really add that to clear liquids without it being nasty so I may buy some miralax or benefiber as suggested by lots of people on line here. Be back a little later. Have a great Monday! *** It's about 5pm now. The nurse from my Dr's office called me to check & see how things were going. She said it sounded like things were progressing normally. She didn't seemed very concerned over my "bm" issue saying that it can easily take 3-7 days, especially since I'm on liquids. But, that I should focus on increasing my liquid intake, adding a stool softner & trying benefiber. Aside from that, she said its normal for my left side to hurt as that is where the band was removed & where my stomach is positioned. She'd be concerned if I said my right side hurt. Oh, she did say my low grade fever sounded like it was related to being dehydrated. She says the goal is 64 oz per day but that I should at least shoot for 32 while on clear liquids. I asked that the NUT call me as I had a few protein shake related questions. She thinks I'm ready to start Week 2 on Wednesday (instead of Thursday) based on what I told her. While I remember thinking (pre-surgery), "oh wow, 2 tablespoons of food 5 times a day sounds like starvation,' I now think that's a feast & I can't wait to very sloooowly take my first bite of cream of wheat, instant oatmeal, creamy soups or mashed potatoes!!!! I'm not sure what to try first but I thought cream of wheat might be a safe start. I think I read I can also try yogurt but I'm partially lactose intolerant so I may just hold off until I know what I can handle. Last thing I want is gas pain. I may actually log into my work computer tomorrow for an hour or so just to check in on things. I don't want to sit & spend hours in front of my work computer yet, but I would like to see whats up. I have a co-worker coming to visit me after work today. Hope I don't scare her away, LOL. My follow is scheduled for Feb 14th..... and so, my journey continues...

Thanks so much for the advice everyone. I know it's a sensitive subject so I do appreciate it.

Had a tough time sleeping last night. I think it's because I've been sleeping on the recliner & my back and neck were bothering me. Woke up with a horrible headache that actually brought me to tears. I took tylenol & had a cold wet cloth on my head & temple. Thankfully, it finally went away. It could also be a combination on not being able to eat anything nutritious at this point. The good news is that the gas pain has pretty much subsided. I've been trying to walk around the house as best as possible. I think I'm getting hungry but know I can't eat with my stomach still swollen & all. I'm also a bit concerned about constipation & when I'll be able to 'go' again. I haven't heard from anyone in this situation. I know it's a delicate subject but I would love to get some feedback. Would appreciate any advice... So, all in all, I'm feeling better each day. Slow to walk around but getting around better. Once day at a time!

I had a low grade fever last night, 99.3 but it went away after taking some tylenol. Well, it's back again. I feel warm but no pain aside from that. Dr's office is supposed to call me tomorrow to check in. I'm pretty sure a fever of 101 is of concern but that 99 & slightly over isn't a big deal? Do my fellow sleevers agree?

It's quite the journey & you'll find how quickly the time goes by. I went from a lap band to a revision to the sleeve (only days ago). It's been quite the experience thus far, and I can't say I have any regrets. Oh, it hasn't been easy, but in the end I feel I did what I thought was right for myself. I wish you well. Keep us updated on your journey. Good luck

I'm only on day 2 after surgery, and am still dealing with the awful gas pains. I'm better this afternoon as some of the gas has made its way out, but definitely still feel bloated, big time. I'm trying to walk around the house every so often to help. I also hear & feel the gurglling but I think it's liquids when they go down. I'm still on Clear Liquids & will be for a week. Rather boring but I can't say I crave anything right now. I'm drinking because I have to, certainly not in the mood for it

Today seems a little rougher for me. I feel very achy, but I think it's the gas inside. It hurts to take deep breaths some times I've been trying to walk around the house to get things moving & I seem to be burping on & off. Trying not to take any pain meds today, if at all possible. I don't like the way they make me feel. Anyone else post band removal w/ sleeve feeling the same?

I just had my band removed yesterday with a revision to the sleeve. I'm home now. Feeling a little achy but more tired than anything. Taking liquid vicodin a few times today. Hoping I don't stay on that for too much longer. I will be on clear liquids for a week: Water, SF Jello, SF popsicles, broth, decaffeinated tea or coffee, crystal lite & a few other liquids. I was told to stay away from dairy products the first week (yogurt / milk). They told me this would help with any swelling & weaning myself to the next stage, which will be full liquids. That's when I can have low fat plain greek yogure, cream of wheat or oatmeal, smooth creamy Soups, mashed potatoes, SF pudding, slim fast low carb shakes, SF hot chocolate, low fat yogurt smoothies & low fat milk, lactaid or soy milk. . With that said, maybe it's too early for dairy products... wait a few more days, I'm blogging about my journey under MissionSlimpossible. Please feel free to follow me, give me advice or learn from my journey. thanks everyone. I appreciate the feedback from everyone!

So, I didn't get out until about 4pm. I was so ready to leave by then. Very glad to be home. I'm supposed to stay on clear liquids for 1 more week. Basically, that means water, decaffenated tea / coffee, SF jello, SF popsicles, & low sodium broths. My awesome hubby made me homemade chicken soup that we strained & put in 12 containers. Pretty sure I"m set for the week, LOL. I'm not really very hungry. Tummy feels achy, especially where the band was taken out. The Dr said that it was easy to remove my band so that made the surgery fairly easy to do. It took 2 hours. If you're sensitive, please don't read this: My last bowel movement was on Monday. I went 3 times because I had "smooth move" organic tea (tea that helps you go) the night before & again in the morning. I started taking stool softners Tues & Wed & then at the hospital this afternoon. I told my Dr I was concerned about potential major constipation because of that & since I know pain meds can constipate you. She said that during surgery she didn't see my colon full but saw more gas than anything else. She told me to go ahead & use miralex with my water the next few days if I was concerned. If you're a lap band patient, you'll know that lap band patients typically aren't as "regular" as others are. I'm feeling quite tired now as I type this because I took the liquid vicodin about 30 minutes ago. Gonna log off. I hope my journey will help others know what to expect. While we're all different, I think it's therapeudic for me & hopefully helpful to others. Good night!

So, surgery went well. The nurses were great with pain management. I had to self medicate myself & unfortunately that meant I was awake every hour on the hour. Needless to say, I was exhausted this morning. I did a lot of walking last night because I knew how important it was. I started 2 hours after surgery & every 4 hours thereafter. I wasn't in pain or anything, just uncomfortable. They moved me to liquid vicodin this morning. I'd been having ice chips all night & it felt good. No issues with it at all. It's 10:30am & they just brought me lemonade crystal lite powder, an ounce of SF jello & what looks like an ounce of broth. Just finished up the jello. I think I can actually feel it going down. Took me about 15 minutes, doing it it slowly to make sure it goes down ok. They said the broth can take up to 30 minutes to eat, so will do that slowly. They gave me little measuring cups so I know how much an ounce is. I just took a quick shower. Didn't wash my hair since I did that yesterday before coming here. But I did put on a little makeup since I looked like a zombie, LOL. Felt good to just wash up a little. Overall, I feel like my side hurts, but I understand that's where my lap band was & that's going to be sore. I was told that they will try to get me out by 2pm. It's almost 11am now. I may blog again later, depends how I feel. I'm definitely a little achy but more tired than anything right now. They just gave me my 2nd dose of liquid vicodin. I imagine my next does will be around 2pm, perhaps right before I leave

So, I'm sitting in the hospital bed, pre-surgery, should happen in about an hour or so. IV is in, and anesthesiologistshould be here soon. Getting a wee bit anxious / nervous, but it's all good. I'm going to try to write again after the surgery. I guess it all depends how drugged up I am & if able o see what I'm doing to type easily Wish me luck,

Well, surgery is tomorrow at 1:30pm; check-in at 11:30am. I had my physical & pre-op appointments today. Everything seemed to go well. I lost 3 pounds being on liquids the last 3 days. Wonder how much I'll lose after being on liquids next week... My husband made some deeelicious homemade chicken soup. He strained some out for me so I could eat a nice healthy meal & put some in containers for the following week. Homemade broth is always better than from an envelope or cube. I've got my bag packed: pj's, robe, slippers, under-garments, comfy change of clothes for the ride home (Friday, I hope), magazine's, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, chap stick, pillow,.... I think that's about it .... Hoping I can sleep tonight. Nurse told me I could take trazadone (sleeping pill) if I needed it & my liquid vicodin if needed as well. No water after midnight tonight. That's going to be tough because I always have water (with a few squirts of Crystal Lite Strawberry Lemonade). I can swish water in my mouth so I might do that to get me through the morning. I may bring my laptop tomorrow to blog right after surgery, but I'm not sure how groggy I will feel. I guess we'll see how that goes. Wish me luck!

Hey Josh, I'm having my surgery tomorrow. I'm getting my lap band taken out & having the sleeve done. I've been doing liquids since Monday, then no Water after midnight tonight. I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit nervous, and probably moreso tomorrow, but I'm trying to focus on staying positive. I have a friend that did this in October. She's been updating me on what to expect, and I've been doing a lot of reading on here Keep in mind that every surgery has risks. This is no exception. I'm not going to focus on that, only the positive. My plan is to do what I'm told: Get up & walk around when they tell me (I believe 4 hours after the surgery). This allows our lungs to fully expand and the circulation to our legs to return to normal. Slowly sip water as much as I know I won't want it. Do my breathing exercises so my lungs expand & work as normal. Basically, what I'm saying is to focus on everything we need to do for a full recovery. There are no guarantees in life. But, we need to make the best of everything & stay focused on what we really want from life. What do you want to gain from this experience? Are you willing to do what you're told, stay focused & make it work? I'm ready, understand it won't be easy, but am hopeful (ok, confident), that it will all work out in the end. You can do it if you set your mind to it. Best of luck Josh! Take care Fran

Thanks, I also LOVE cookbooks! I'm going to check them out online...

T minus 2 days.... Wow, am I dragging ass right now & it's only 7:15pm. I've had nothing but liquids today: Crystal Lite Strawberry / Lemonade drink, SF jello, SF popsicles, and chicken broth. Mind over matter. Mind over matter. Mind over ... you get the idea... So, tomorrow I have my pre-op & physical appointments. I'm guessing they'll take my weight, blood pressure, maybe EKG & blood work?, And, of course, I'll find out how much this is really going to cost me. The lap band should be covered, but I think only at 50%, whereas the revision will hardly be covered. I'm looking at something like $12 - $15K out of pocket. At this point, I don't even care. I know I'll be paying it off for years & years, but its ok. Looking forward to a permanent healthy lifestyle.