Maddie

I use straws no problem. Just use caution until you find if it works for you.

I have yet to find a powder that I can stomach. I have tried 9 different RTDs. Atkin's Advantage is not bad and a good price at WalMart. But, I LOVE "Oh Yeah" protein drinks. The chocolate milkshake flavor is divine and it has 32 grams of protein with only 4 carbs in a 14 oz drink compared to Atkins which only has 15 grams of protein. They are a little pricey so, my search for a decent powder continues. If you should get Oh Yeah RTD, GNC offers 1/2 price on the 2nd case when you order 2. Don't try the Cookies N Creme flavor though it tastes like plastic, LOL.

Yep, GasX and walk as much as you can. Hope you feel better soon.

I gained 26 lbs the week of my surgery, from swelling and all the IV fluids they pumped into me. I was almost 4 weeks out before I started to lose. But then it came off really well. Everyone's bodies adjust differently after the trauma of surgery. Hang in there it will come off. Best of luck.

YAY, gratz. That's great news.

Welcome and best of luck on your journey, keep us posted.

Welcome and best of luck on getting approved.

Try shaking up your diet more, like adding some calories for a few days and then backing down, or adding more carbs for a few days. That can stimulate your metabolism. Also, if you are exercising more, you could be gaining muscle mass and since muscle weighs more than fat, try to notice if your clothes are fitting differently. Keep trying, you will find something that works.

Overpacking is pretty much a waste. You will be resting/sleeping or walking after surgery (mostly resting). With pain killers,etc. you won't do much reading of books or magazines. The main things to take are: -loose fitting comfortable clothes to wear home, as you will have some swelling and incision will be tender -chap stick, anesthesia dries your mouth and lips big time and it is a while before they let you drink -slippers or comfortable walking shoes -toothbrush/paste and mouthwash, you get a nasty taste in your mouth after surgery - GasX strips WHAT TO HAVE WHEN YOU GET HOME: - I use a magic bullet for Protein shakes and to blend foods when hitting the "mushie" phase -get samples of protein powders and Vitamins, your tastes will change after anesthesia and you may hate the flavors of protein that you like today. check out this link: http://verticalsleevetalk.com/protein-drinks-powders/1325-places-get-liquid-protein-samples.html - GasX strips -any vitamins your surgeon recommends -liquid tylenol, benedryl, or liquid form of any other OTC meds you use -talk to your PCP to get liquid form of other meds you take or see if they come in chewable form

My dr required 1 week of liquids prior to surgery. This is to help shrink your liver. The liver is moved aside during the surgery and shrinking it makes this safer.

I know several people get VGS with low BMI. You can contact Dr. Aceves' office to find out for sure. Many people have hair loss after surgery. If you take Biotin, it helps and there are special shampoos and scalp treatments that help as well. The hair gets thinner, but I have yet to hear of anyone getting bald spots or anything that bad. Having your hair styled different or using barettes, combs, etc. can help hide thinning until it grows back. It usually lasts a few months and then you will see new hairs growing back in.

I told my internist that I couldn't handle the chewables and he said that his wife (who is sleeved) takes Spring Valley Prenatal vitamins. I get them at Walmart $8 for 240. They are the 1st multi that doesn't make me burp them all day. They are about the size of a capsule but have a coating that makes them go down easy.

If you drink too fast or too much, it will back up into your esophagus and hurt. Sip a few ounces every 15 min or so. That worked for me. Then as I got further out, I could tolerate more at a time. Hope that helps.

I'm so glad you are doing better. Take care.

I'm now taking my PPI twice a day along with Reglan and Carafate 4 times a day, due to an ulcer in my esophagus. If you are still having reflux, don't ignore it, call your dr. Best of luck.

I had internal bleeding too and other complications. This slows down your progress. I felt the same way and had trouble staying hydrated. I used a kitchen timer to remind myself to take a few sips every 15 min. If you feel you are too dehydrated, go to the ER. For me, it took a long time and it may for you as well. However, don't hesitate to call your surgeon if you are worried. Hope you get better soon. hugs, Maddie

1-The discomfort you mention usually happens from eating/drinking too much or too fast. If you eat or drink too much or too fast, it can back up into your esophagus and cause discomfort/pain in the chest area. 2-Eating will feel normal except that you will always need to eat more slowly and eat smaller bites. Remember to chew, chew, chew. 3-This early on, weight can fluctuate somewhat as your body is adjusting from the trauma from surgery. Also remember that body weight can vary a few pounds due to Water weight alone which of course can vary even more during your monthly cycle. Don't worry, if you follow your surgeons plan for you, your sleeve will work for you. The most important things for you right now, are getting in your liquids and as much Protein as you can handle this soon out. Take your Vitamins and walk when you can. Things will even out for you soon, hang in there.

You should be impressed, that is wonderful. It's great you impressed hubby too. WTG girl, it only gets better!

Sometimes they cut the Vegus nerve during a gastrectomy. A Vegotomy used to be used to treat peptic ulcers. It's being tested for weitght loss along with using a band. It produces stomach acid signals to our body if we are hungry. I don't know if it's cut during VSG. I have never heard of it affecting ppl the way it has you. Have you asked your surgeon?

WTG Swift, you are doing us proud. :biggrin0:

Thank you and yesssss, it does feel GREAT!

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That is wonderful. You have had such a good outlook being a low BMIer. You had realistic expectations which I think has really helped you. Bravo!

Leaps and bounds for you. You just keep on making such great progress. WTG!

I see you have already gotten some really good advice, hang in there...it really will get easier.