Babysteppin

Thanks for responding you guys. I've had GERD for many years, although the bile reflux is certainly a new thing for me \ It's weird, because it doesn't feel acidic or like heartburn at all. It's just all bile. That's it. It happens when I'm in bed, but then other times it happens when I'm even sitting up and haven't eaten anything recently. Weird. Sorry to hear about the things going on for you right now Soocalchic. I really hope the EGD helps figure things out. I saw my surgeon today, and she didn't seem overly concerned...although if it keeps happening for another week she said she'll put me on a medication called Reglan. Me being a worry wort, I just wanna skip straight ahead to getting an EGD to take a look in there!!

Hi there. I'm only 11 days post op, but today I've been experiencing reflux of what I'm assuming is bile. I get pressure in my lower esophagus/chest, and then the bile just slides up in mouthfuls. (Sorry, gross!!). I'm due to have my 1st post op visit soon, but wanted to see if anyone else out there has had this happen? Is it a sign of anything serious??

OMG I love this. Hahaa! Good to find you here too! There's not a whole lot of New Englanders on here. For me, I feel like all the anxiety before the surgery was worse than the surgery itself!! You will be so relieved once it's done. The first few days aren't "great"...but they're doable. You'll be surprised by how strong you really are, and how you'll naturally step up to the challenge. But after that, I can honestly say it gets better with each day! Sipping does become your full time job while in recovery...but I just come on here to pass the time as I sip! lol

Glad you're well! I cannot wait to start soft foods either!!! So sick of sweet shakes! We're almost there though. I had my surgery at Mt Auburn by Dr. Kim. Really great staff there also. The actual wt mgmt center is in Waltham, so that's good for all my f/u appts. Great to hear that WH is going great for you. I'll have to tell my sis!

The way I figure, we should plan on going to the doctor, support groups, and nutritionist for the long haul. Even though it seems redundant at times, it's vital to our long term success!

Hi Steph! That's great! I live in Winchester, and I had my surgery on 4/22 also. Small world. How's it going for you so far? The first few days were rough for me, but I seem to be feeling a bit better each day. For now the biggest challenge is getting enough liquids and Protein in. It's like a full time job! Btw, my sister is thinking about going to Winchester Hospital for VSG. Do you like the team there? I hope you're doing well, and it's good to hear from a local!

LOL. I'd read it!

I'm right there with ya, Sarah!! My surgery is also on Mon, and a whole barrage of thoughts/doubts/fears are running through my mind - especially about life after the surgery. Right now I'm just trying to remind myself of the lengthy process to get to this point: the research, the questions, the appointments, more questions.... Ultimately I know that I didn't impulsively make this choice, nor did I make an uneducated decision. It's helping to remind myself of that....yet I think it's only natural that we're still scared sh**less!!! You're not alone. Best to you

This seems harsh and passive agressive to me. (Not what VST is supposed to be about.) In my opinion, why post at all if it's not constructive? Better to just leave it alone and move on to a different topic that you can add value to.

YESS!! They got him! And he's alive!! I hope we'll have the opportunity at some point to find out why he and his brother did what they did. Huuuge sigh of relief across MA in the meantime!

Got a text at 6am saying that work is closed, and to "stay inside until further notice". Never have I flown outta bed so fast at 6am! Such an eerie, tense scene here right now. The city is shut down, including many surrounding suburbs. Everywhere is on lockdown...they say over 1 million people are staying inside their homes/work right now. I know of a few VSG'ers who are supposed to be coming home from the hospital or have family visit, but can't because no one can go in or out. I graduated with the critically wounded transit officer...sat next to him in 3rd grade...heck, he's having surgery right now at the same hospital I'll be having mine on Monday! Way too close to home...way too close to everyone's home. *Prayers*

Hey Adeltaflower! Wow, super exciting! Mine is on 4/22, and I can't wait. I too am more nervous about the 'after' part of the surgery. I've been logging on to VST a lot to read everyone's stories, and I recently joined a wonderful April Sleevers group on Facebook! If any April folks are interested in being added, just private msg VST user: curvymama (Khloe) with your email address, and she'll add you! Best of luck this week

Yay, Letty1!! Almost there now. I feel like it's a long journey, and then BOOM! Surgery time all of the sudden!

I had surgery once before, and I had the same exact reaction as far as my monthly bill coming on suddenly...stopping...then going on for over a month. My doctor said it was likely a combo of physical trauma and hormonal shifts from having been operated on, and also partially because my body was reacting to the anesthesia (that's what had initially brought it on). I'd still check on it with your doctor, but at least you can know it's not unheard of! Hang in there

My problem was that I stopped smoking them 10yrs ago and gained 50lbs! Apparently nicotine is the answer. Yeah...that's it...the 'answer'.

Hahaa! Boy, they sure have!

I almost feel like a person's 'weekly' weight loss/gain isn't a true indicator of how well or how poorly things are really going. I've had various NUT's tell me that before too. Really, our bodies fluctuate so much in their Water balance, muscle activity, etc throughout any given week, that it's not best to even try to compare it to last week's final weight. It's almost better to only weigh in 1x month...or every other week even. Easier said than done though! I wanna know NOW!! Hope this idea helps, or at least is comforting for when you see numbers from one week to the next that you weren't expecting.

Awesome, congrats! I'm on 4/22 too!

I know...it's a tough one! I've started brewing my coffee using half "high test octane", and half decaf. But I haven't made the switch over to ALL decaf grounds yet of course. *gulp*

WebMD knows it all I guess.

Cool, thanks! I don't see it as an option on my 'edit profile' page for some reason though. [Womp woommp]

My NUT told me that I should plan on avoiding caffeinated coffee for the first 6months to a year. The caffeine can lead to dehydration when you're early out, because it's a diuretic and it's challenging to get enough fluids in to compensate for the water loss. The caffeine can also be an irritant to your sleeve while it's still trying to heal, and while the swelling is still there. But my NUT said after that, there shouldn't be a problem with incorporating it back in. In the meantime, decaf will have to do I guess.

Welcome Jennifer! This site is wonderful. I hope you'll find it as helpful and supportive as I do! People are totally open and honest, willing to share, and help each other out which is rare to find.

Actually...I've even used it to make a Thai peanut chicken dish!

It's a jar of powdered Peanut Butter. Basically they grind peanuts, and dehydrate it into a powder form. They drain off like 80% of the oils and fat in the process so it's better for the waistline. You just add Water to it to make a spread...or you can blend it into stuff or bake with it. It's pretty good!