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Domika03

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Blog Entries posted by Domika03

  1. Domika03

    Staff Lunch & Dinner

    By Domika03,

    So, I've had 2 staff lunches this week, and have done pretty well overall. I had tomato bisque soup the other day, and pea & barley soup today. I'm not sure either was very filling because I didn't eat a lot, but I didnt want to take a chance & eat something that would make me uncomfortable, or God forbid, stuck
     
    The pea & barley seems to have given me a little gas in my stomach. Yes, I've been passing gas for a few hours now. Not every single minute, but you know...often.... Is this normal?. So lady like, I know...LOL.. I wonder if anyone else has trouble with gas after they eat?
     
    For dinner, I'm having 1/4 cup of pollo adobo with just a "tiny" bit of rice. I don't want the wild rice to fill me, so I'm keeping it to a very bare mimimum. I'm actually using a tea cup plate, and eating VVVEEERRRYYYY slowly because this is my first real piece of a harder food. And yes, I hope I've learned my lesson, and am chewing, chewing, chewing. I don't want another one of those horrid stuck episdoes.
  2. Domika03
    And yes, I said episodeS...
     
    I got my 2nd fill yesterday, 2 1/2 cc's, and things were OK. I stuck with liquids last night, no problems.
     
    I had egg beaters for breakfast (maybe 2 - 2 1/2 oz) and, oh my gosh. let's just say they weren't as tasty the 2nd time. yes, slimy, yucky stuff came out... a few times... Mind you, this is at work...and in the garbage can at my desk. Thankfully, I'm not loud.
     
    Sooo, I played it safe & had some yogurt a few hours later because my stomach was growling at me. That went down OK.
     
    Several hours later, I was still hungry because I didn't really have much in the way of protein, so I tried to have a Southbeach PB protein snack, which I've had in the past. Holy 2ND stuck episode people!!! Hey, you'd be proud as I made it to the ladies room this time. I know, impressive.
     
    WTH! Obviously, here it is dinner time, and I'm afraid to eat anything. But, I know I need to suck down some protein in the very least. I don't want to read into this & think that I might need an unfill yet. The NP that did my 2nd fill yesterday said that she called this the OH CRAP fill because I'd be able to tell the difference from the 1st fill (which I couldn't notice). Um, yea!
     
    I'm going to journal what I eat tomorrow & see how things go. It could be that I ate too fast & didn't chew the eggs, or the PB snack enough. I have been known to inhale food in the past, so I'll be mindful of that. The other thing is that maybe I also need to space my food intake further out... wait longer to eat the next snack or meal. I'm going to keep an eye on this before I panic.
     
    I hope the newbies learn from this, in a good way. CHEW CHEW CHEW (no, apparently I didn't learn from my 1st stuck episode a week ago)..
     
    "Honey, where's my protein drink!"
     
    xoxo everyone!
  3. Domika03
    Follow up to my first fill yesterday....
     
    As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, apparently my band is 14cc, a large one. It even sounds embarrassing, geez.
     
    Oh my gosh, so last night, I was supposed to eat only soft foods...which I mostly did. Key word people: MOSTLY! I made myself a nice flounder with herbs and a little cottage cheese on the side. Good, right? Well, I made chicken parm for the family & wanted to taste a tiny piece. BIG MISTAKE!!! I took a tiny frigin' piece, like not even 1/2 of your pinky size,thought I had chewed it up well, and the damn thing was just STUCK. Pardon my french, but holy ****, that was soo not pleasant. I didn't feel nauseous or get sick, but the middle of my breast bone hurt for a good 30-45 minutes, maybe more. I walked a little around the house & just used the heating pad. Yes, eventually it passed, but I was soooo NOT happy.
     
    Needs to say, I was afraid to eat anything today. I was trying to feel it out & figure out if & when I was full. Not sure I like this learning curve!
  4. Domika03

    1St Fill Today

    By Domika03,

    So, I had my 1st fill today after my Nutrition class. Can I just say "ouch!" Yea, it smarted a little when the needle went in, and I did say "OUCH!". The Nurse says "aw, come on (jokingly)," and I said "yea, seriously OUCH." Oh, it wasn't painful or anything like that, but it did kinda pinch. I even felt something weird when she first started injecting the saline. She said some people can feel it, others can't. This was about 2 hours ago, and my port site is a little sore, but it doesn't hurt.
     
    Oh, I found out my band size is a 14. Holy large band, Batman. Yea, I guess it's one of the bigger size bands :ph34r: (embarrassed a little), and I guess she filled me with 5 1/2 or 5 cc's (great, now I can't remember). I'm kinda feeling 'full' right now, but I haven't eaten anything. They said fluids this afternoon, and soft foods for dinner. Then tomorrow, normal foods. I have an appointment for 2 weeks from today to see if I need a 2nd fill by then. They said I can cancel if I feel I don't need it, and schedule an apt for 4 weeks out. I guess we'll see how the next few weeks go.
     
    So, I'm off....
  5. Domika03

    1 Month To The Day

    By Domika03,

    So, here I am, 1 month to the day since I had surgery.
     
    It's been quite the ride, and I'm a bit.....frustrated, still. The only real weight I've lost was during my first week on liquids. I'm still not understanding how I can eat 1/4 of what I used to eat, and still not lose any more weight. It just doesn't make sense to me.
     
    I have an apt for my first fill this Wednesday, the 19th. I know they'll make the band tigher, but what I don't understand, is how that will help me lose weight. I'm going to be eating less than now, so how will this make me lose weight where I couldn't the last few weeks? What's the difference, eating even less?
     
    I met someone this weekend that had the sleeve done last week. After talking to her, I wonder if I should have gone with that procedure instead I know, too late now. I hate being discouraged because that's doesn't help my journey. I'm having doubts on everything I'm doing and eating now.
     
    My surgeon only had us do liquids for a few days, then very soft food (purees and such) then select soft foods. I've been pretty much eating cottage cheese, yogurt, PB, homemade soups, and turkey chili. Well, I have another nutrition class before my fill, so I'll ask questions & see what's going on. I'm sure that I'm not getting as much protein as I should be either, but I don't think that's the issue?
     
    Quite the negative Nelly here today. Could be because I have a cold, and am feeling a little run down. The good news is that I'm already on my 4th bottle of water I feel so thirsty...
     
    I'll post again after my fill along with notes I take from the Nutritionist. It's gotta get better than this, and.... I'm sure it will...in time! :-)
  6. Domika03

    Hallelujah

    By Domika03,

    I am happy to report that after 2 weeks of absolutely NO weight lost, I finally went down 2.2. pds. I was honestly getting quite frustrated with myself, and reviewing everything I was eating. Hopefully, it will continue to go down slowly but surely.
     
    Ahhh,,, finally a small sign of relief
  7. Domika03

    Hanging In There

    By Domika03,

    Here I am almost 3 weeks post-op, and I haven't lost anything in the last 2 weeks! Actually, I managed to gain a pound from the original 15 pds I lost in the first week (which was a bunch of water weight). I'm really trying not to get discouraged, but it's hard. My food intake is so much smaller than what it used to be. It just doesn't make sense to me.
     
    I have a shake now as a meal, which has 30 grams of protein, and then eat an oz of protein every few hours. Nothing bad.. no wait, I lie. I did have some mini cinammon graham crackers the other day. I know, I know, but I was stressing, and was upset. Anyway, I'm over the crackers crap now.
     
    I don't have a caloric amount to eat per day, as of yet (that I know of). I believe my focus is still getting in all the protein, and to get that walking in everyday. My first fill isn't until Sept 19th, and I wonder what that could possibly do to make a difference. Is it going to make me eat less? Well. I'm already eating less, a lot less! So, what's that first fill going to do that I'm not already doing....
     
    Again, I say, ARGH!!!
  8. Domika03
    Tell me... why is it so damn easy to fall on to negative thoughts?
     
    You may have seen some of my posts lately where I've been totally stagnant, not losing 1 single oz. I find it amazing that I lost 15 pds my first week, which I understand was basically water weight. But, I started soft foods this last week, and have lost nothing. I know my body is in recovery / heeling mode, and it needs time to adjust. But, come on. I'm barely eating a full 4 - 5 oz a day of protein, and not one little oz came off. Actually, a few oz came back on?
     
    I'm trying to stay postive as I understand this is, afterall. a journey. Lord knows this weight didn't come on in a single week, although 30 pds did come on easily in a 3 -4 month time frame. Of course, I'm not giving up. I'm just dissappointed not to see an oz go down. I'm staying focused on eating small portions (1 oz meals every few hours), and drinking. I'm positive I'm not getting enough protein in, so I need to work on that. I don't know why, but it's always a struggle for me. I also feel that I'm not having enough... BM's... I think I'm going to add fiber to my small meals. I do use Miralax in my water to ensure that things stay, shall we say, smooth... but I know I'm not "going enough."
     
    Sigh and deep breath... patience...
  9. Domika03

    "real Food" Yummmm

    By Domika03,

    Post-Op Day 7
     
    Oh my gosh... I actually ate some homemade chicken soup with zuchinni, carrots and beans,, "pureed!" I don't care what anyone says, after only having liquids, the soup tasted soooo good. I think I actually had like 2 oz of it last night. My family enjoyed their meal without the puree, not sure why they didn't want to join me. Nonethelss, it felt good going down & I didn't notice any issues with it. Ahh....
     
    So, as of post-op Day 6, I had managed to lose 15 pds. Yes, I know, that's amazing. And so, I tried to prepare myself in that the weight would start slowing down once I started eating a little more normal, and walking. I started walking about 2 days ago, and to my surprise (though it shouldn't be), I haven't lost anything in 2 days : ( Yes, I know, I know. I didn't gain it all in 1 week, but I have to admit, it felt good seeing the scale go down & down each day. So, I went ahead & measured myself. Thank goodness, it looks like I lost an inch in my waist, thighs, calves & boobs. Ok, as long as it keeps going down, I will settle down...
  10. Domika03
    So, here I am getting ready to head out to my pre-op apt: EKG, lab work, and Dr apt. Tomorrow's the big day. I don't have any doubts about having the surgery, but yea, I'm a little nervous. I've read & read & read (information overload) everyone's comments about their own journey. I have an idea of what to expect, and I know it'll be tough especially in the beginning. There's no way I wan't to mess this up.
     
    Getting ready for the new me
  11. Domika03
    As most of us know, this weight loss journey takes us on quite the psychological roller coaster ride, starting from how we felt as overweight people (pre-surgery) and straight through to wherever we are now. I'm no exception.
     
    I made my original WLS decision back in 2012 because I was extremely depressed, and, quite frankly, felt disgusted (oh yes, disgusted), with the way I looked. My weight affected "every" aspect of my life (work, social, family & marriage). With that said, I was approved by my insurance to have lap band surgery in August 2012.
     
    I lost about 90 pounds with the band before I ran into complications mid to end last year, wound up having my band completed un-filled, and was left with the fear (a huge fear, I might add) of possibly gaining the weight back. So, I made the decision of doing a revision to the sleeve, not knowing if I would wind up being self-pay or insurance approved. Thankfully, some how, some way, my insurance covered my surgery even though I only weighed 156 pre-sleeve surgery (not considered obese but still somewhat over-weight).
     
    Fast forward to the present: I had my revision surgery Jan 2014 and have since lost about 18 pounds since. I weigh 138 pounds, am considered to be on maintenance, and am a size 8. Amazing, coming from a size 22+.
     
    Mind you, I love, love, LOVE clothes shopping now & wearing all these nice outfits. They feel great & fit soooo much better than they did before. So, what's my issue? Is there an issue?
     
    The last few days, I've actually been feeling 'fat." Yea, I said 'fat.' I understand I am not fat as defined in the dictionary "(of a person or animal) having a large amount of excess flesh." Nonetheless, I can't explain it. Don't get me wrong, I'd been feeling great about my recent weight loss & finally hitting (and passing) my weight loss goal weight. I can't put my finger on it, but I can't shake this feeling. Hopefully, this is just a temporary feeling. Heck, I'm sure it's temporary. I just don't understand where this is coming from all of a sudden.
     
    Anyone else feel this way?
  12. Domika03
    We had our 3rd support meeting tonight. It usually runs from 4:30pm - 6pm, but we had a bigger group & did a round table (a few minutes with each person), so we didn't get out until around 6;30pm. I enjoyed listening to everyone's story & hearing about their triumphs and struggles.
     
    During our 1st meeting back in January we decided everyone would bring at least one bariatric friendly recipe to each meeting, so 6 months down the road, they would gather all our recipes & create a little book for everyone. We put our names on each so we get credit, and they're going to have the NUT confirm nutritional the values. I happen to be the type of person that likes to cook & try new recipes as time permits, so I brought 7 or 8 recipes with me
     
    We talked about protein bars & which ones everyone liked. The winners were Quest protein bars, which also have a very high fiber content (17 grams in the White Rasberry Chocolate flavor I ate earlier) with 190 calories, and Pure Protein which averages around 200 calories but has a lower fiber content.
     
    Someone else chimed in about PB2, which I've heard of, but didn't know anything about it until tonight. I guess this is a powder peanut butter that you add a little water to.. I guess it turns into a slightly grainy peanut butter. Traditional peanut butter contains about 180 calories, while two tablespoons (approximately 12 grams) of PB2 powder, and contains just 53 calories. I hear it tastes OK, just not sure I want to try this.
    When it was my turn to speak, I talked about the fact that I've been getting really diz zy & light-headed almost on a daily basis. I thought it was an issue with my not meeting my protein requirements, which I thought was supposed to be 60-70 oz. The registered dietician asked me how much I was getting & I told her my average was probably 50ish. She said anything over 40-45 oz is perfectly acceptable. Remember, I'm on maintenance not in the beginning phase. Then she asked me about my fluid intake. I told her around 30 oz per day. It's something that I struggle with daily!
     
    B-I-N-G-O! More than likely, I'm getting dehydrated & am at high risk of having low potassium levels as well. I need to have at least 64 oz per day (actually we all do) and because I drink of 6-8 oz of chai tea (that has caffeine in it), I'm dehydrating myself more. She suggested I try 6 oz of V8 juice every day for a week. She thought that would help keep me more hydrated & boost my potassium & sodium levels. I thought V8 had a higher salt content, but she thinks my body needs it. She suggested I only do it for a week to get myself going then focus on getting those liquids in.
     
    Note to self: Gotta keep up with those required fluids to reduce potential issues with constipation AND more importantly, avoid the chance of getting hospitalized as a result of dehydration. So not worth it!
  13. Domika03
    I'll be 8 weeks post-op tomorrow, and here's what I've learned about my sleeve thus far. Note to self:

    Alas, my eyes are still (literally) bigger than my stomach!
    I should take what I think I can eat, and cut it IN HALF
    I've learned that my stomach cannot handle a lot of protein when it comes from any meat. For example, I can barely eat 2-3 oz of pork, chicken or steak (even with a sauce so it's not dry). I can, however, seem to be able to eat ground beef / turkey & pork. Hummm?!?!
    Since I'm not meeting my daily protein requirement, I think I'm going to change my focus to more dense protein (yogurts, cottage cheese, egg whites, beans, lentils, quinoa, flounder, ricotta cheese, and, of course protein drinks / bars, etc...). Protein isn't something you should take lightly. It's important to the overall success of our health. See my note below.
    I've noticed it helps me get more fluids in when I drink a 16.9 oz bottle of Propel first thing in the morning. I start drinking it on my commute to work & finish it off within 2 hours. Yes, it takes me that long. I still struggle getting in all my fluids for the day, so drinking a bottle of Propel flavored water in the morning helps me move along.
    I've never been one to eat many veggies, but I discovered that I really enjoy eating spinach. I found a spinach souffle in the freezer section that I split in 1/2 as a serving. I then cook an egg with it & have it for breakfast or lunch.

    Note to newbies: Please make sure you meet those protein & fluid requirements. If you don't, you're taking a chance of getting light-headed, and feeling faint from time to time. Yes, this happens to me more often than not. That's why I blog & talk about it; so I can keep track of what I need to do, and to help others. Weight loss is GREAT, but it's nothing if you can't stay healthy.
  14. Domika03

    Sex drive

    By Domika03,

    For some reason, especially when I was struggling with my band, I seemed to have lost my overall sex drive. I didn't crave it. I didn't look for it. I just didn't want it. Needless to say, this didn't sit well with my husband. He felt rejected when it really was "me & not him!"
     
    I even went to the Dr thinking that maybe I was starting to go through "the change." I'll be 49 in June, and have some friends that have started going through the change, so it was a possibility I guess. Long story short, my hormone levels were fine & my Dr thought that maybe I was just in a rut. We joked about having another partner (and no, not another female either). Husband chuckled.
     
    Anyway, my point is that now that the band is out, and I'm feeling better overall, my sexual appetite is back. I feel normal again. I think about sex from time to time, and I actually want it again. Needless to say, my husband is happy
  15. Domika03

    1 month post-op check up

    By Domika03,

    I had my 1 month post-op check up this morning. I had several questions for my surgeon about my daily food & protein, and here's what I found out:
    Thankfully, I seem to be healing well
    Talked about BM's & that I seem to have to add stool softners, and MoM to help me go. Not worried as long as I'm going.
    Focus on fluids, which continues to be my major weakness
    OK to have Chai-tea again, yeah!!! I so missed this. It has caffeine in it so I had to stay away. I'm not a coffee drinker so Chai is just fine for me
    Work my way up to 60 grams of protein per day
    Work my way up to 800 calories per day, no rush
    Continue to eat 1/4 - 1/2 cup per meal. Whatever my tummy tells me I can handle. Continue to focus on protein first, but OK to add steamed veggies & fruits
    Eat only when I'm hungry. It can be 5 small meals or 3 basic meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) per day
    I can start eating breakfast type foods. For example, lean turkey crumbles with eggs or oatmeal w/ fruits
    She suggested I can add new foods but to wait a few days so if something upsets me I'll know what it is
    OK to start working out, slowly but surely. As we all know, walking is the best exercise but I can start going on my recumbent bike again. OK to add low weights, several reps. Oh, working out in a pool in also good (thought I don't have access to one).
    I can start taking my vitamins again (Multi vitamin, B complex, Biotin). No worries about adding calcium at this point. But she did order e 50,000 iu's of vitamin D once a week for 12 weeks. I had low Vit D count which I was taking vitamins for. She said this would help get it back up sooner & so mch easier to have it once a week. After that, I can have lower doses to my daily intake
    3 month blood work follow up & appointment made
    Since I had lost a descent amount of weight with the band & a little more with the sleeve, my food goal will pretty much be focused on maintenance more than anything. Wow, maintenance. That sounds great! She said I might lose another 5-10 pounds but doesn't think my body will go for more. I'm good with that
    IMPORTANT > soreness that I sometimes get on my left side that travels a little to the same area but in my lower back is due to scar tissue hitting on nerve endings. Dr said that area felt a little tougher. She said a body massage focused in that area a few times a day for a weeks and/or heat would help (hot bath, hot tub).

    Overall, a thumbs up, and I'm quite thankful for that!!
  16. Domika03

    Next food phase started

    By Domika03,

    I'm 19 days post op & am starting my next phase of food. I believe I'll be in this phase for the next 3 weeks. I started it a day earlier as I seem to be doing OK holding things down, and the nurse thought it'd be OK.
     
    Breakfast
     
    1/4 cup of Crystal Farms All Whites egg whites with 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese
     
    As it turns out, it was quite the large serving. I felt a burp, so I stopped eating figuring that was a sign from my stomach saying, "time to stop, I'm full." I probably ate 3/4 of it.
     
    Lunch
     
    2 oz of tuna fish in water w/ low fat mayo & balsamic vinegar.
     
    I almost ate the whole thing. Hard to believe that this little amount of food can be so difficult to eat. I'm not complaining though because I don't want to hurt my stomach by just 'shoving" food in my mouth!
     
    Dinner
     
    2 oz of almond crusted flounder w/lemon & melted cheese
     
    Haven't quite eaten that yet.
     
    Snack (NOT the smartest thing I've ever done):
     
    God help me, but I had 2 mini peanut butter cups today. Why? Because old habits die hard. IDK why I did it, but I enjoyed the hell out of it. Yup, need to focus on snacking on healthy things. I know better!
     
    Also, had a harder time getting my liquids in today for some reason. I worked from home today because of the snow, but it seems that I struggle with getting enough liquids in when I work from home. What's up with that?
  17. Domika03
    Day 19 post op
     
    I went back to work today, as in into the office. It was kinda nice to get out of the house after working from home all last week. It was rather uneventful. Ate my mini meals & drank about 26 oz throughout the day. Hey, that's actually pretty good for me. I had another 6 - 8 oz since being home, so that's impressive for me.
     
    I'm going to start my next phase of food tomorrow, adding 1/4 cup of protein type foods. I'm planning my food menu in my little head already.
     
    Breakfast - 1/4 egg whites (though it doesn't seem like a lot). Planning to add a little cheese (maybe feta, though i'm not sure if feta is allowed). Lunch - 1/4 cup of tuna fish w/ 1 tablespoon of low fat mayo for lunch.
    Dinner - 1/4 cup of parm crusted flounder (though that really seems like so little)
     
    Ahhh, the thought of it makes me hungry now.
     
    Just need to focus on more fluids. One day at a time...
  18. Domika03
    I'm looking forward to my 1st bariatric support group meeting tomorrow near my local Kaiser facility. It's the 1st one in that location so it'll be a first for everyone involved.
     
    I imagine there will be a combination of band / sleeve / bypass patients, and I'm curious about everyone's diet & recovery. Should be interesting! Look forward to posting about what I learned, tomorrow night.
  19. Domika03

    1 week post op

    By Domika03,

    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!
  20. Domika03
    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.
  21. Domika03

    Day 5 post op

    By Domika03,

    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...
  22. Domika03

    Day 4 post op

    By Domika03,

    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...
  23. Domika03
    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?
  24. Domika03

    Day 1 pop op / evening

    By Domika03,

    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!
  25. Domika03

    Day 1 after surgery

    By Domika03,

    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

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