Neanie in Texas

I had surgery 6/6/2011. I think I have done great. I have lost 15.5 pounds today. Able to get my Protein down and my total amount of Fluid. I am sick of the Protein shakes already. I am able to take the vanilla and the chicken broth protein unjury. All the other flavors are hard on my stomach. I have had times when I get emotional and cry. I have restarted my anti-depressant and am feeling some better. I am so shocked at the weight fall off that keeps me excited. I will definitely be ready to add some soft mushy food. When I take my protein, they fill me up and I do not have room for anything else. So if I eat anything else, it must be high in protein to make the difference towards my daily total. Hang in there. We are going to make it. We have come past the hard part and now the journey begins. One day at a time. Neanie

My doctor uses the On-Q Pain Ball. I did not know about it until I woke up from surgery. My nurse explained to me that it bathes the superficial tissues with pain medicine. I also had a PCA morphine pump, which I used very little. I had NO pain so I guess the two worked together and relieved me of any pain. My doctor removed the On-Q on the day that I was discharged. No problem. You do not even know that you have it. If your doctor uses it, I would ask for it. Neanie

I have to ring in also..........I am one week out. Had my sleeve last Monday, 6/6/2011. I too have felt like you. I guess we all do. I am not having any trouble getting liquids down, but the Protein is harder. Today, I had my first post-op visit and had my drain removed. I was like others and thought I was so prepared and ready for surgery and the aftermath. I too have had the rumbling and unexpected explosions of gas and diarrhea. I guess all of this is normal. Or so my doctor said it is. My husband said I am impatient. I guess I am. I will do exactly what I am asked to do because I wanted this and I will make it work. I want my health back and I want to drop the weight the way I know I will. By the way, have you noticed how many food commercials are on this blasted TV? How many billboards with food advertisements are on the roads? Just saying, no wonder everyone is overweight, all the time is spent on thinking about food. Hang in there all of you Jewels of June. We will feel better, be healthier, be skinnier and be over this hump soon. Neanie

What I was really speaking of was the fact that I was having the rumbling and more diarrhea than I thought I would. Seemed like things were running through me too fast. But that has slowed down and is much better. From the comments I have received I think that is expected for some. My doctor told me that constipation could be expected and to take MOM 2 ounces every hour until I had results. Thank goodness I did not have to do that. I have my drain removed tomorrow and a little nervous about that. Just will be glad it is gone. Getting my Fluid requirement and started on Protein about 1/2 of what is required according to my bariatric coordinator at first. It will all come together soon. Fluid, protein, feeling better. No pain. Ready to find that extra energy and get back up on my feet. Keep up the good work everyone. Stay in touch. Walk, sip, hydrate. Neanie

I have been doing great but have a lot of rumbling/bowel sounds when I drink. It sometimes sounds like an eruption in my stomach. Loud sounds. Also, I think I might be dumping after my Protein drinks. I know this is early in the game and I am just trying to roll with the punches. Just womdering if this is normal and if so I will wait for it to pass. I started full liquids this morning and had some runny oatmeal for Breakfast, apple jiuce 1 hour later and now a popsicle. I am having an issue with low blood sugar at mid day, weak feeling is this normal too. I am not diabetic. Just want to know that what I am feeling is what others have experienced. Neanies

Well, we are all in the same boat. I was sleeved on 6/6/2011. I got out of the hospital on Wednesday. Everything has gone great until today. I had a shaky spell around noon. I had had several Clear Liquids but just got shaky and then the tears started to roll......... . I hate to cry. Makes me feel out of control. Not long after that my Bariatric Coordinator called and told me to go ahead and start 1/2 of a Protein shake. I waited a little bit but just finished chicken Soup unjury Protein and it has done good. She thinks it might have been my blood sugar got too low. Not a diabetic. Other than just sipping and walking, I think I have done pretty good. No pain. Lots of rumbling in my stomach but I was told that was normal. I start full liquids tomorrow. I certainly hope it goes better than what this clear liquids have gone. I have had trouble with Gatorade, Crystal Lite Lemonade, causing my stomach to just not feel right. So I stopped those. Apple juice and Chicken broth have been my best to get me the Fluid intake that I need. Good luck to everyone. Next week, I hope we are saying that this week was not that bad. I know we will never have to go this way again. Onward and upward. Talk to you Jewels of June soon. Jeannean

I was sleeved yesterday. I am feeling a lot better than I thought I would. Just sore in the tummy. Yesterday was rest/sleep day. By mid afternoon, I was up walking in the hall. Walked all the way around the hall this morning at 3:00 a.m. I got rid of some extra stuff including the NG tube. That was not bad but was glad to get rid of it. I get to go home in the morning. I am ready. Sipping apple juice and ice chips. No nausea or vomiting. This is suppose to get better everyday and I feel very fortunate/blessed to have had it as easy as I have. I have a 2 1/2 hour ride tomorrow and that might be a little rough, but I will be home and will rest then. Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers during this time. Keep is up. Neanie

My surgery is less than 24 hours away. I will be sleeved at 7:30 a.m. 6/6/11. I am ready. Have not really enjoyed the pre-op diet but toerable. Been a little emotional this morning. Had to love my grandbabies and see them when I get back. Just a little weepy when my 3 year old angel said I love you Maw Maw. That made the Water works start. I will be fine. Been a journey and will continue this journey until I am at my goal weight or less. Prayers, hugs, best wishes to all other sleevers this week. See you on the other side. Neanie

I also have to have a NG tube until after the swallow test the morning after surgery. I have never had one and probably dread it more than anything. I am an RN and have put in a many but never had one. Just know that you can stand anything for a few hours. I have heard that is keeps you from getting nauseated because it sucks out all that stuff in your stomach. You can do it. I am going to. Many people ahead of us had done it and we can too. My surgery is tomorrow 6/6/11. Good luck, hugs and prayers for you. Neanie

Mine is tomorrow, June 6th with Dr. Hamn in Plano, TX.\ Hugs and best wishes and prayers to all. Talk to you on the losers bench!!!!!

My date is June 6th. I have to do a 3 day full liquid diet. So mine will start on Friday. I am super excited but a little anxious about the initial thing. I am an RN but very anxious about the hospital part. Just know too much I guess. Will be glad to be on the other side. I am a Jewel of June. Wishing everyone good outcomes and ready to start that downward spiral of weight loss. Hugs, best wishes and Prayers to all of my fellow June sleevers. Neanie

Hey, my surgery date is June 6th also. I too am having some anxiety just about the surgery itself. I know I have made the right decision. I think it is normal to be nervous. I cannot believe after all the time spent waiting through the pre-op red tape that it is just one week away. I had my pre-op testing this week and meet with my surgeon on Thursday. Then, I will be ready to get this done. I want to be a Jewel of June also. Keep in touch. Prayers and hugs to all of you Neanie

I am scheduled for surgery on June 6th. I am anxious but thrilled all at the same time. I have researched and this website has been a life saver. I have my pre-op tests on Wednesday May 25th. Pre-op appt. with Dr. on June 1st. Then have a three day full liquid diet and surgery Monday June 6th. I am really excited getting to this point and ready to be on the other side of surgery even though that is when the really challenge starts. I know I will be fine as soon as I can get home and get started. Good luck and God bless everyone that is having surgery in the next few weeks. Prayers for us all. Keep in touch. Neanie

Angelah, I just watched your YouTube. Very good. Also, I just found out we are using the same Dr. I am scheduled for June 6th. It will be here before I know it. I will be anxious to watch your progress since you will be 3 weeks ahead of me. I wish you luck and best wishes. I am sure you will do wonderful. Keep us posted and I will friend you so I can keep up. Please do the same so that we can keep in touch. Prayers with you. Neanies

Absolutely loved the videos. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. Sorry you are having some problems getting stuff in. I am sure you will keep trying and you will win that battle. I am scheduled for surgery on June 6th and I will be conscious of your videos and know that I too might have problems and will know it is normal. As I have been told, it gets better everyday. Hang in there and you will win this journey. One day at a time. Neanies

Starry, I want you around when after I have my surgery. I am scheduled for June 6th. I too think Tiffykins is the scholar about this stuff. Too bad she learned most of it from trial and error. She went through a lot and so thankful she shares her experience with us. BUT, you speak my language and tell it like it is. That is what I need also. Someone that will listen to me and tell me how it is. So don't get lost and I will go to your profile and friend you and try to stay in touch. Thanks, Neanie

I received my call this morning from my surgeon's office. My file was sent to CIGNA on Wednesday of this week. Approval received this morning. I cannot believe it. I am excited but also NOW it is reality. My surgery is set for June 6th. Just a month away. Thanks to everyone for your comments, prayers, wishes, and hugs during this time. Keep up, we aren't there yet. Cannot wait to be on the other side of surgery. Ready to move on. Any suggestions or words of wisdom, are always welcome. Neanie

I had visit #6 with my PCP yesterday. He faxed the paperwork to the surgeon. They sent into CIGNA today. Now we wait to get an answer. The coordinator said she thought we would get an answer pretty quickly as my file was so complete. I certainly hope so. Although, this will make it official. Up to now it has been waiting and research, now this makes it reality. A little nervous just about the whole surgery thing, but ready to be on the other side. Will keep you posted as soon as I get word back from CIGNA. Sure hope it is the word I want. Thanks for all of your support and prayers. Together we can get through this. Neanie

I also have Cigna and will complete my six month supervised physician visits on Monday. It really has gone by fast. My weight has fluctuated during this time and have not lost a lot of weight. I still have stuck with a so-called diet and exercise as much as I can, restricted by arthritis in the knees. I was ready to set a date for surgery in January when I found out about the six month visits. Boy was I shocked, I had contacted the insurance company and they never said anything about the 6 months of monthly visits. But, what can you do but do it. With all of this said, I am hoping to have surgery in June. Very much ready. I have researched until I feel very much ready. Have trialed Protein shakes and Vitamins and think I have found some that I can tolerate. I have my list of things to ask the surgeon on my next visit, my list of things to take to the hospital, have been approved the time off work. Now tell me if I have missed something, I am someone that has to have all the facts and what to expect before surgery. I want to be prepared. No surprises. Please, your comments are requested and appreciated if you have anything that surprised you about the whole process. We learn from experience of others. Hoping to be on the losing bench soon. Neanie

Hang in there. I will be sleeved on June 6th tentatively and have the same feelings. I will be so glad to be on the other side of surgery. I have my last PCP weight loss visit (#6) on 5/2/2011. Everything else is done. We all have to stick together to encourage and support each other. Thanks for posting. So happy for you that everything is falling into place. God will make a way. He hears our prayers and knows the desires of our heart. Neanie

I am using Dr. Steven Hamn in Plano. He is part of a Center of Excellence and so far I am very well pleased. My surgery is planned for June 6th. Good luck and at least check him out. Neanie

Good Luck!! Congratulations. Sip, Walk, Pray. Wishing you a speedy recovery and no complications. Take care. Neanie

As a good patient, I have started trying Protein shakes and chewable Vitamins to see which ones I can tolerate. I can tolerate them okay but the taste is tooooooooo sweeeeet. Why do they put so much sweet taste in them? I know that everyone talks about their taste changing after surgery but I cannot imagine it would change to where you would want everything that sweet. I have tried the unjury chocolate shake and tastes pretty good but tooo sweet. Celebration vitamins and they are too sweet. Any suggestions? Any reply will be appreciated. I want to try these to find one that is really good but concerned that I will not be able to handle that sweetie taste. How much does your taste change and which direction? I do not want to vomit and afraid this sweet stuff will cause that to happen. Help with suggestions. Hoping to be sleeved in June. Neanie

Here I am having gone through all the requirements for surgery and then the insurance company wants 6 months of documented weight loss supervision by my PCP. I got over that. Now while waiting, my blood pressure wants to be uncontrolled. MY PCP has added another BP medicine and it still is not coming down like he wanted it to. The biggest problem is the BP and medication is making me feel so bad. I just have two more monthly visits before my paperwork can be turned into my insurance company for approval. I hate this. I wanted to have surgery to improve my health. Now waiting is making it worse. Not to mention that the arthritis in my knees and shoulders is worse. I am not able to exercise as much as I would like. Just trying to bide my time until May so I can get a surgery date. So worried that they might not let me have surgery due to my BP. We have it down to the 140's/70's with two medications. My PCP said we will do what we have to do to get through surgery and then start getting off meds then. Has anyone else had this happen with their BP? I am still far out from surgery (HOPING FOR FOR A JUNE 13, SURGERY DATE). Help, I am getting worried, sad, feel bad, want to waltz into surgery, not crawl. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Encouragement needed also. I am ready mentally for this surgery and want my sleeve so bad. I just want to get there without any bad health outcomes. Thanks for your input. Neanie in Texas

Thanks so much for your reply. I am really looking forward to being on the other side of this journey without high BP and no joint pain. It is really hard to imagine. All of your comments that state your outcomes really make this journey a little bit easier to get through. I can hardly wait. I am doing this surgery to have good health. I am committed to doing whatever I am told to do in order to lose the weight and get my health back. It helps to hear that someone had issues as bad or greater then your own and they are doing so well after surgery. I am determined I will make it. Just cannot get her fast enough. Neanie