shanda7182

I love hungry girl, I became a fan of hers when I was doing weight watchers! She recommends good products as well. Thanks Vegas, I had forgotten all about her!

Hi Carolyn, Yes, I would wait a while- at least until you are totally pain free and at least a month out. I was about a month out when my incisions were no longer "tender". lol I didnt get clearance from my doctor to wear it, I mean its not any tighter than that abdominal binder they sent me home with. lol But gosh, I tell you that Ardyss Body Magic does WONDERS! It makes my stomach look flat and it improves your posture, its almost unreal, I hear it was invented by a chiropractor or something like that! I am thinking about selling it one day, I am convinced that much by this! Its a great thing to wear in the interim (I eventually want a tummy tuck).

Hi, Dispell your fear! I was NEVER in that amount of pain after VSG as to where I could not perform any of my "daily functions or routines." I was somewhat sore but not merely as much as you'd think. I was sent home with liquid hydrocodone, just in case, I was in a lot of pain, I took it once or twice just for should for my shoulder (gas) pain but that was it, after that I just took liquid tylenol. Hope this helps!

Welcome to VST.com! Congrats on your weight loss, I know you feel awesome! I would just like to add that the body magic Ardyss is a GOD SEND to anyone who wants to make their shape looks smoother, waist smaller! I cannot say that enough, it makes me look like 2 sizes smaller! I wore a "little black dress" last weekend and it looked great (with the body magic on, of course)! Im only about 6 weeks out and I cannot wait to be at my goal! Keep us posted, us newbies like to hear from veterans!

Yep, I would just see what the doc says. The H1N1 vaccine is relatively new, so me personally am afraid to take it. I am a nurse and I do take the seasonal flu shot but I feel comfortable with it because its well researched, etc. But the H1N1, I dont know anything about that shot.....

Glad you are back, see TOLD you it wasnt THAT BAD! lol- if we all only knew that right? Well, rest up!

Okay, hopefully, its a simple explanation. P.S. I like your jack o lantern avatar!

Carolyn, I hope everything is okay, I would seek medical advice Immediately for a workup, its better to be safe than sorry, you know. I dont mean to scare you but I like to be on the safe side. Also, if there is a clot there, walking may make the situation worse by dislodging the clot and having it travel to the lungs via the veins. Please keep us posted! How long has the numbness been going on? Out of curiosity.

Yes, after days 3-4 I FELT GREAT (but everyone is different keep in mind)! I started exercising not really to "burn calories" but to get mobile and decrease the risk of clots. It would be beneficial for you to walk now, (if you are pre-op- to help to strengthen your lungs and prepare for surgery, that is always a good thing)!

For everyone's FYI purposes regarding clots: There are two most popular places that people develop clots after surgery: legs (DVT) and lungs (PE, pulomary embolus). Usually, the clot in the lungs originated from the leg. Here are a few signs/symptoms for everyone for FYI purpose of a blood clot to the leg, also known as DVT or Deep Vein Thrombosis. Symptoms occur in the affected leg when a clot obstructs blood flow and causes inflammation. Symptoms may include the following: Swelling Gradual onset of pain Redness Warmth to the touch Worsening leg pain when bending the foot Leg cramps, especially at night Bluish or whitish discoloration of skin However, almost 30%-50% of individuals with deep vein thrombosis do not experience symptoms from the condition. (Hence, the development of a PE or pulmonary embolus). Retrieved October 21, 2009 from www.emedicinehealth.com

Carolyn, Not all doctors give blood thinners but I did receive some post op--me being a nurse I felt more comfortable having some on board. Directly after surgery, our bodies tend to go in "defense" mode and it believes that its being harmed, hence the development of blood clots to prevent hemorrhage or bleeding to death. Even though, I received a blood thinner, when I got home I walked around my living room every 2 hours and I started exercising (brisk walking) around day 4 or so. Just keep walking, never sit for long periods without moving around (that causes stagnant blood, which causes the blood to aggregate (stick together). Also, Drink plenty of fluids. DEHYDRATION increases the risk of blood clots as well, because the less Water we drink our blood is "stickier" which causes the blood to adhere to one another- which assist in the development of clots. The more Fluid we have, blood tends to just pass through our bodies without much turbulence. Sorry for the Pathophysiology class, I was just trying to explain the best way I could.:001_wub: Hope this helps.

Okalani, sorry, to hear about your friend. That is very tragic. I dont know if there is an exact "stop" date that you can stop worrying about clots but from personal experience (a nurse). I have seen them weeks after the procedure (like 8 weeks or so = 2months). That does not mean that the risk isnt longer or this is typical, I havent really seen that happen that much far out from that date. Of course it depends on the patient's risk factors (smoker, previous history of clots, lab work, mobility status (bed bound vs mobile), etc. So there are A LOT of factors that go into a persons risk of developing a clot. That is why I started exercising (brisk walking, etc) directly after having the VSG. That was one of my main concerns. I hope this helps.

I have seen Jagator post on ObesityHelp this past week. I dont remember all the details but she had another situation, I will just leave like that and let her tell the details but she is doing better from her post. I believe I saw this post about 3-4 days ago, so at least she's well.

Thats a great reference for ALL sleeve patients. Thanks Vegas!

Yes, the reason that most have not heard of lactulose is because its a drug that is used for people that have cirrhosis of the liver and it is used to remove the ammonia levels off of the brain! However, they found that it is great for constipation as well. In the U.S., Im about 99% sure its prescription only. So just keep in mind that is usually used for removing the ammonia levels. Just FYI but I heard its GREAT for constipation, never used it but as a nurse, my patients have GREAT results! If you get my drift! LOL

Yes we will ALL make it! My goal for ONDERLAND is Nov. 23rd, 2009. No particular significance, it would just be cool to be at that goal for all of the family functions before Thanksgiving and Christmas! If I make it, I might float into the place! HA HA! I can do it, if I can stay away from stalls. LOL P.S. Vegas, you are looking smokin' hot these days, chic! Keep up the good work!

Yes, Vegas, he is enjoying the changes, of course he liked me how I was before he continues to state, which is refreshing! Its glad to know that someone accepts you how you are regardless. Question for all: Have you all found that you are more social and want to participate in more activities since you have started loosing weight? I find that I am ready to go to all the get togethers as possible, why, I really dont know why. I mean I was social before but not as social as I am becoming. I really like that though, I dont feel as if im ashamed of the way I look or something like that you know. Of course, im no where NEAR where I want to be but its a nice change!

You will make it, there is no doubt. I cant wait to see your post about it! Happy Early Birthday!

Judy, I binged really bad before the procedure. The sad part is, I scheduled my surgery on May 5, 09 for September 15 09. So that was a looonnnggg time to wait for my procedure in my opinion. I did try to watch was I was eating but it was so hard, I felt that "this will be my last chance to eat a whole cheese pizza" or "let me taste those sugar Cookies just one last time." I ended up gaining about 15 lbs. Do I regret it? Heck no! I did what I had to do, lol. HOWEVER, I DID NOT cheat on pre-op and like Susan stated earlier, I still like food but it does not control me the way that it did as a pre-op. Yesterday, sadly, I forgot to eat until it was like 5 pm. I was so busy going to the hair salon, getting my make up done, taking engagement photos until it wasnt until 5pm when I started feeling a bit weak. Then it hit me, I had not eaten since around 7 pm the previous night, THAT IS A FIRST! Trust me, its not recommended to do that and that is the first time thats ever happened, IT just goes to show you how your relationship with food changes. Pre-op--I would have eaten a nice plate of pancakes (my happy food) prior to going to the hair salon. I would have gone to the vending machine for those nice big cinnamon rolls that I love (at the hair salon). I would have picked up a snack on the way to have the pics taken. Then my fiance and I would have gone to a nice restaurant directly after the photo shoot! But not this time. After the photo shoot, we did eat about 2 hours later and it was so funny because when I started trying to eat my restriction was unreal, all I could really eat was about 3 bites and I asked for a carry out. I went home & went to sleep. Today, I did much better because I was at home and was able to "schedule" my food. So your thoughts on food does change. I would however, stop drinking soda now, if you do. It will make the transition easier. I must say, I dont miss drinking carbonated beverage, I thought I would. Good Luck--Have your last hoorah, if you like, just dont gain 15 lbs like I did. I was a very, bad girl! LOL Do it in moderation and follow your preop diet!

When is your birthday Susan? If you dont mind me asking. P.S. Please don't blow:flame::welcome: LOL~ Im not making fun but I share your frustration!

Ahh.....you guys are doing great! You BOTH will get to ONDERLAND, you never know it might be this week!

Yep, these men are interesting creatures aren't they! The funny thing is I dont care for that kind of attention @ all. Some women like it, I just want to think that im HOT! LOL Maybe subconsciously, I feel hot and dont know it hence the extra attention. LOL Im glad your hubby realizes that these men are a trip, LOL:lol0:

People are starting to notice now as far as "saying things". I have noticed that people that know me but dont know about the surgery "will stare" and I can tell that they notice something they just dont say anything. Im sure its because weight is a sensitive topic and they dont want to imply that I was huge or anything, who knows. I cant wait for the WOW factor, when I look in the mirror and think that I look fabulous because thats what really matters! In reference to random guys, they have been flirting alot lately. LOL:w00t: I dont know why, I dont feel that I look any different but I was thinking about this and I believe maybe I have more confidence now. That has to be it. I mean I was at work on Friday (I work for a very large government hospital that has about 800-1000 employees and volunteers so of course I only really know the 70-100 people in my dept) So anyway, I was walking in the hallway and I swear several guys were "doing double takes" and or were "flirting". WTH? That is so funny. Im in like a size 14, so im not small or anything but this is hilarious! I think its great because guess what IM TAKEN boys! Im an engaged woman, shoulda looked when I WAS 30 + lbs bigger. LOL:thumbup1:

Thats okay Vegas, we will put our boxing gloves :svengo: on for these stalls. LOL I dont know why put im really close to ONDERLAND to and this is ridiculous. I have lost a few lbs but im skeptical to say its a loss, so I am going to weight a few days just in case that scale tilts back on up. :w00t:

Congrats! Dang, those stupid stalls. Dont they know all that we've been through to get rid of them! How dare they! LOL