HEARTONMYSLEEVE

I am only one and a half weeks post-op but I do have hypothyroidism. So I can't give you staggering results as proof it doesn't matter but I have already lost 14.5 pounds. I asked that same question on here before I had surgery and I spoke with my surgeon about it and everyone agreed it shouldn't matter as long as you have your thyroid under control with medication. Have you had your TSH checked lately? Are your numbers in the normal range? As long as you are actively being treated it shouldn't make a difference. Good luck to you!

My doctor did prescribe an acid reducer. It is over the counter pepcid 20mg. I have been taking it everyday. I haven't skipped once but I am still getting reflux. It hasn't been unbearable until last night. My stomach started gurgling and my throat started burning. It was awful. It lasted for about an hour. I ended up taking another pepcid that night. He said to take one a day but I needed the acid to go down and I didn't know if we could have tums or rolaids so I took it. I think I want to switch antacids. I don't think the pepcid is working for me. Did pepcid work for anyone else? What over the counter option would be better? Any ideas are welcome I don't want to go through this again. Thanks

STCYT, I am doing ok. Thanks so much for asking. I am feeling a bit better just getting back into the routine of things but not much has changed with my tummy. I still am having pains with eating and drinking but I think it is starting to let up. I am having a horrible time getting enough Fluid and Protein. I have pretty much given up on Protein drinks for now and just try and eat greek yogurt that has 15 grams protein per cup because it goes down easier. Other than that sugar free pudding and hot tea has been my savoir. I also know that this is way too much information but since I have seen on many other post that no one else seems to have a problem talking about these things so I am going to go for it. So I have read how so many people are constipated in the first few months and I have had the exact opposite of this problem if you get my drift. It has been awful and I just wanted to know if anyone else felt this way or if I am just different? Other than all of that I am ok I guess. I wish things were easier but I am getting by. I am definitely at least in better spirits than when I first posted and that is probably half the battle really. I know it will get easier I just wish it would be soon!

Thanks everyone for the kind words. I am feeling a little better today. I think going to work helped me keep my mind off things. I needed an outlet. However, I think I kind of overdid it a bit. I am a rad tech so I work with patients on my feet all day, so am a little sore but nothing terrible. I did go into this expecting to be a little depressed but it was definitely more than I anticipated. I think I am a little sadder than most on a regular day. Its just kind of me. I definitely wasn't expecting these stomach spasms. I didn't hear too many people mention them before surgery. I was expecting to have some nausea which I didn't really have that much of thank goodness. But these spasms are kicking my ass. They are starting to get better I think but for the first week it was so hard to get anything down it hurt so bad. Warm liquids are definitely better than cold. Cold is torture for me right now. I even have them when I am not drinking or eating which is kind of weird. But I am on the mend i think. BJEAN, I am only a week out so don't take everything I say to heart. This is all new to me right now and I am still learning how to deal with all my equipment. As for the nausea I am sure everyone is different but nausea has not been a problem for me to be honest. I was sent home with two nausea medications phenergan suppositories and zofran pills. Both seemed to do the trick. I can actually say I have not thrown up once which is awesome because the spasms are all I can take. The spasms are my issue. I don't know how else the explain the spasms other than anyone who has ever had gallbladder pain from stones would recognize the pain. Its like a sharp cramping under your ribs. Smooth muscle spasms i.e stomach, gallbladder, intestines are just painful. The spasms are very reminiscent of gallbladder pain for me. I should have seen them coming. This is not the first time I have had stomach spasms I get them often in response to medications that don't agree with me like narcotics. I thought at first that the narcotics were causing the spasms but when I stopped taking the pain meds they didn't go away in fact they got worse because I wasn't taking any pain meds. haha. Anyway don't be scared I am sure in a couple weeks I will be singing the surgeries praises. I am just sensitive still. But on positive note I have lost 13 pounds in 7 days so I can tell you it works. Tiffanyismajor, Thanks for your concern. I don't need a replacement stomach yet. haha. I think i will make it with this one eventually. I am looking forward to watching your experiences as they come. As for more time off like I said earlier I think going to work was the best thing for me. I needed to keep my mind busy. I really appreciate everyone's thoughts and advice. It really did help to know others had these kinds of pains after their surgeries. I heard so much about nausea and vomiting and not much about spasms before the surgery I thought I was kind of alone. I know it won't last forever. I am looking forward to being my normal self again and am back in better spirits today thanks to all your kind words and getting off my ass and going to work. Thank everyone!

Sorry it has been a whole week since my surgery and I haven't really checked in. It really stinks for me to say but this was harder than I thought it would be. I guess I didn't expect to react so badly to the surgery. I still get stomach spasms every time something enters my mouth. I am not getting down any protein and definitely not enough fluids. I am trying but it is easier to just not eat or drink anything. The past few days I have been pretty depressed. It seems to be a combination of not being able to do the right things post-op and not really feeling like myself. I don't want to say I regret it yet because I don't think I am there yet but I am starting to feel like I want my stomach back so I can eat something again. I am going back to work tomorrow so I hope being busy will keep my mind off things. Anyway, thanks for listening. I am sure I will get out of this funk eventually.

I had my surgery on Tuesday April 6th. It has only been 3 and a half days so I am trying to be patient but I am just feeling awful. I am having a very hard time drinking anything. I know I need fluids but everything I drink makes my stomach spasm. It is like my stomach cramps up and doesn't want the liquid to go in so it crawls back up some and gurgles. Then I burp and hiccup all at the same time. It is quite painful. Luckily, I have not thrown anything up but it hasn't been easy forcing it down. I am taking very small sips and I have tried drinks at every temp but nothing seems to make it better. I would say that warm is definitely better than cold but not by much. I am mostly concerned that I am getting dehydrated. I have been feeling very weak. Although this could just be from the surgery. I would appreciate if anyone could give me some advice about this. I am starting to worry.

I had my surgery Tuesday afternoon and left the hospital Wednesday afternoon. So I am only two whole days post-op. I am very concerned about the stomach spasms I am having. They are pretty much constant but worse when I am drinking fluids. I have maybe had 10 ozs of fluid today and I had to force myself to get that much it hurts so badly. I am taking very small sips. I called my doctor's office and they have been less than helpful. I don't even think they listened to my message before they called me back and they won't let me talk to the doctor directly or leave a message for him to call me back. They are very rude and I am having a hard time dealing with them. Has anyone else had stomach spasms this way? Also, last night was my first night home from the hospital and I woke up this morning with a bloody nose. It wouldn't be that weird as I know some people get them all the time. However, it was very strange to me as I have never in my life even had one. I don't know what to do. I want to call back to the office and get some answers but it seems that the office nurses just have a pre-made "everything will be ok script". And it would be fine if they told me that and it were the truth but right now I feel like they are just placating me to get me off the phone. So if anyone has had either of these things happen to them please let me know so my mind can be at ease? Also, how many days do you think I can go with only ten ozs of fluid and no food? When does this issue become a more serious one? Thanks I hope you guys can help. KIM

If is official. I have been sleeved. I had surgery on Tuesday afternoon and was home Wednesday afternoon. Everything has gone fairly smooth except they almost kept me another day because I wasn't drinking enough fluids and my IV site went bad and they had to take it out. When they went to start a new one they couldn't find a usable vein, 4 people tried with a collective 10 sticks before they gave up. They even tried to find one using a portable ultrasound machine. So I look like a pin cushion. Since they couldn't get one they were going to order a picc line which I very much didn't want. So as bad as it hurt my stomach and made me nauseas I just started drinking as much as I could. I managed to get 1 and a half cups of hot decaf tea and then they let me go. Does anyone else get severe upper abdominal cramps with every sip that goes in your mouth? Doesn't matter how big the sip it still makes me cramp when it gets down to me new stomach. Its kind of awful and am hoping to goes away shortly. I also definitely have some incision pain and discomfort but they all look good with no infection or oozing. I just wish I could get more fluids in soon. I can't wait until I start losing some weight!!!!

I will be on the other side tomorrow afternoon. I am super nervous and kind of feeling sick from only having liquids today. However, I am excited and I know this is going to be the best thing I ever did. Everyone wish me luck!

It was a great day! We both had a massage, facial, and mani/pedi's. I did clear polish since I figured they would take it off in the hospital. I am very relaxed and can't wait until Tuesday. It is amazing how excited I am getting. I wish I had scheduled for Monday because I am so ready for it to be done and start my journey to a new skinny life. I am hardly even nervous anymore just very ready. I might get more nervous again when Tuesday rolls around. We will see. However, tomorrow may not be as fun as we are going to Easter dinner at my parents house and I can't actually eat anything. haha

My hubby is going with me to the spa today! I am so excited we are just about to leave. I am super nervous about my surgery on Tuesday, 3 days and counting! So Gareth has offered to buy me a spa package and one for himself as well! haha! perks of having a metrosexual husband i guess! anyway I am off for some relaxation.

I'm so sorry to hear you aren't feeling well after your surgery. I don't have any advice for you as I don't have my surgery until April 6th but I am thinking of you and hoping today is the day that you keep something down. Let us know when you start to feel better as i am positive you will soon.

It is so funny to me that everyone hates the protein drinks so much. I know people say that your taste can change after the surgery but I have been trying them to find the ones I like prior to surgery. I have tried several now and there hasn't been one yet that I just couldn't stomach. Don't get me wrong not all of them tasted great but none so bad I couldn't finish it. Some I actually liked. So far i've tried the orange creme chike brand mixed with milk, nectar caribbean cooler mixed with water (had to add extra water too sweet with packet directions), ready to drink pure protein vanilla creme and cookies and cream, and unjury both vanilla and chocolate mixed with coffee in the morning. So far my favorite was the chike orange creme and milk. I didn't really like the ready drink pure protein cookies and creme but i still was able to finish it. Maybe i am just not that picky. I find it easier if you don't smell it while you are drinking. The smell can be kind of a turn off but it really isn't that bad.

Thank you for the reply. I had some of those down already but not the one about the drainage tube. I want to know everything i can before surgery on the 6th.

The chart told me my medically ideal weight was 110 pounds! That seems very unrealistic to me but I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. It said the average was 131 pounds which seems more likely. It said my goal weight being 70% excess weight off would be 140 lbs but I am actually hoping for less than that more like 125 I think but I also realize that might change as I get closer and start seeing what these weights really look like on me.

The chart told me my medically ideal weight was 110 pounds! That seems very unrealistic to me but I guess I will have to wait and see what happens. It said the average was 131 pounds which seems more likely. It said my goal weight being 70% excess weight off would be 140 lbs but I am actually hoping for less than that more like 125 I think but I also realize that might change as I get closer and start seeing what these weights really look like on me.

I think I have everything set up! Finally I have a picture up and my ticker is ready to go. Only 10 days until the ticker starts moving! I am getting super excited! I can't wait for the new and improved me! I am going to put up before pictures soon too.

making sure my signature works!!

My pre-op appointment is next Thursday and I am trying to make a list of questions so as not to forget anything. I have seen a few list like this compiled on the site. Can someone post it again or rewrite it for me? I just know I need a list or else I will get in there and forget every question I had. I become completely stupid when I get nervous. Thanks everyone for your help.

I am trying to find syntrax nectar protein samples. I have found a few sites with samples but so far none of them had reasonable shipping. I will not pay more than 7 dollars for shipping on samples. That is outrageous! If anyone knows where I can get some it would be appreciated. Thanks.

I am going to try and friend everyone having their surgery soon when I get home from work today. I want us to keep each other up on progress and commiserate when needed. Look for my request soon wannalise viola cottoneye and trish.

My surgery is scheduled for April 6th as well. We should keep each other current on our progress. How exciting!!!

I have my surgery scheduled for April 6th here is Florida. However, I am starting to doubt my original position that I could not see myself having surgery in Mexico. It seems so many people on this board are satisfied with the care that they received in Mexico. From what I have been reading it would save me over half of what I am currently about to spend on this surgery. Before I go calling my surgeon's office and canceling I still have a couple more questions. Can you go by yourself and if not do the accommodations they provide include the extra person? Such as the hotel stay for the other person for the few days you are in the hospital. Also, if forbid you were to have a complication after you left Mexico and went home what do you do? Is there a plan in place if this happens? I am afraid if I get home and something happens no doctor in the USA will want to touch me unless it is emergency care in which I could wind up with hundreds of thousands in medical debt since my insurance won't pay for any care related to the surgery. As an example, Tiffy's experience with the leaks and being in the hospital for an extended amount of time. Would I have to stay in Mexico for months if this happened to me? I have the money to pay for the surgery here in the US meaning I am not borrowing anything but this is still a lot of money for me and as any thrifty person would do I am starting to weigh my options. I want to know what the risk vs. benefits are. I know if all goes well I could save a substantial amount of money but if all doesn't go well what do I stand to lose. I would love to save the money now but if there is any chance I could spend 10 times as much later I would rather stay home and spend the more money now. I would just like some advice because saving money is really important to me and I don't want to regret my decision based on money. Any advice and knowledge is much appreciated. Thanks.

I bought the unjury sample pack. I just mixed the vanilla with my morning coffee and it is pretty good. You have to wait until the coffee is not more than 130 degrees before you can add the protein powder which kind of stinks because then the coffee is just warm. I have not tried the chicken soup but I will soon. I will definitely let you know what I think.

I did not have to follow any pre-op diets as I am self pay and my BMI is not all that high but I have decided to start my own pre-op diet. I wanted to try some of the protein shakes and get used to the new post-op way of eating. Granted this is the first day but it is harder than I thought. I have never tried to drink so much water in my life. We are supposed to get between 80 and 100 ounces a day. I have had 50 so far which has made my stomach a little upset. Just to get down the 50 I had to gulp. I am not sure how I am going to get down that much after surgery only being able to sip. I am sure I will manage somehow. I have tried 2 protein shakes. Both are the Chike brand, chocolate and the orange creme. They have a few more carbs than is recommended by the nutritionist so I may not buy them again but the orange creme is rather tasty. I think the trick for the protein drinks is not to smell them. If you don't smell them they actually taste really good. I have a variety of unjury samples as well to try. I want to lose between five and ten pounds on my own before the surgery. I have heard if your metabolism is going before the surgery you weight loss can be better. Is the diet easier or harder after the surgery? Is it one of those things where it just falls into place and makes more sense after the surgery? I am scheduled for April 6th so I have a little less than I month to prepare. I just don't feel like going cold turkey into the diet. Plus, I am afraid if I don't put myself on a diet before the surgery I will end up having a million "last suppers". haha