Suzie

Hello everyone, I am 7 weeks out and I know exactly how you feel. I did a few things to help me out. Acid Reflux- I was initially on prevacid 24 hr right after surgery, but around week 4-5 it just wasnt cutting it anymore. I was prescribed Omneprazole generic, 20 mg, twice a day. I pop open the capsule and put it on some applesauce 30-45mins before Breakfast and dinner. It works great as long as I keep it on a regular schedule. Low Energy- I have been on Flinstones chewable Vitamins since post-op. I was still tired of course. I went to my primary care doctor and requested a B-12 Vitamin shot. It was the best thing I ever did! after a few hours I had an instant energy kick and I have been feeling like my old self again. Also, it will help with the hair loss down the road, and it definitely helped with my dry skin issue... i had terrible dry skin! Tightness in chest- I asked my PCP why I have tightness in chest. Main reason is when the surgeon performs the sleeve, the stomach is no longer in its original "J" shape. The surgeon straightens out the pouch and this creates a lot of pressure in the esophagus. essentially, drink slower/smaller sips, eat smaller bites (i ALWAYS use baby spoons/forks, no matter what the food!) DO NOT eat and drink at the same time, this is a recipe for vomiting. 30/30 rule, no drinking 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after. And, I always eat things that are saucy or juicy. Lesson learned: (I once ate 4 mcdonalds french fries and they all got stuck right in my chest. I took one sip of my crystal light and I instantly regurgitated the mushy fries.) If you are around your period- I saw a MAJOR difference when I had my period, I couldn't even eat applesauce! EVERYTHING was getting stuck in my throat! I go to a therapist who sees exclusively patients who have weight loss surgery done, she confirmed that women on their period have a tough time since there is a lot of swelling. So i'm guaranteed a week of barely eating every month... The fluids are definitely going to be a problem... I try to trick myself any way I can... crystal light, tea, milk and tea, coffee, apple juice... any flavored low-cal- non carbonated- liquid I can get my hands on, fruit smoothies. and if you still take normal size gulps, try holding half of the amount in your mouth while swallowing the other half. I normally do this because it helps bring the liquid to body temperature before I drink it anyway (sorry if this sounds a bit yucky!) Well hope this helps! And try to find yourself a medical professional who can help you... My surgeon was great, but his office staff are terrible at addressing post-op concerns. So I have been seeing my PCP and consulting my therapist who treats weight loss surgery patients. between both I have a great team on my side. Suzie

I totally agree with you! I am having my VSG done this Monday and am super nervous. I am not nervous about the surgery, but how this procedure is going to change my life. I think most people can agree that the surgery is the easy part... the hardest part is life after :-)

I am January 31st, Monday... but I am considering myself a Feb gal.. yay!

What an awesome Valentines day present! :-)