Valentina

Welcome to "The Boards", friend. You certainly have walked a twisted and complicated path so far. Ask any questions. Express your concerns/opinions There probably will be a member on this site that has experienced whatever you questions about. But: Please know ahead of time that is what we are offering to you. We can certainly offer our support. We can share with you our personal experiences. We can share our thoughts and opinions. We can not and certainly should not ever offer medical advice. Mostly, personally speaking I want to tell you that I am here and I am always willing to listen. Again, Welcome, Friend.

Could your throat problem stem from stomach acid eroding the lining of your throat?--GERD There is a study out now that is connecting long term use of PPIs to kidney disease. Maybe there's a connection to your problem as well. I will follow your thread to see what others have to offer. I believe some interesting research might be in order. In the meantime, feel better, Friend.

Many WLS folks head into surgery not having had caffeine for quite some time. Caffeine withdrawal can spark a migraine. It is always better to know going in if a patient will probably suffer caffeine withdrawal , therefore a migraine. There are meds that can be ordered to have ready ---before the migraine has time to settle in. Migraines are no fun on a good day. Waking up after WLS with one is torturous and unnecessary.

The post-op leak test--drinking toxic waste slug--is just one of the bumps in the WLS journey. There will be many more, "put your big girl/boy panties/briefs on" moments. The toxic slug is god awful, but since I wasn't allowed to leave until I did it---I did it. It's one of those, "just do it" things. Then, afterwards you get to share your horror leak test stories with all of the new newbies. It reminds me of going to a baby shower and all of the women exchanging "if you think YOUR labor and delivery was difficult, let me tell you about my labor and delivery. I really should be in the Guinnes.s Book of Records. My delivery was soooooo painful, soooo bloody, soooo everything". It's like a right of passage. Good luck --seriously. The leak test is not lethal, but at that moment it certainly will seem so. You can do it. You know it. Be sure to post about your experience, so we all can compare yours with ours!

I've drawn my own labs many times. Doing it the first time was a learning experience, but it was still a better option than letting someone stick me a 3rd or 4th time when she/he is already flustered. Years ago, I taught dog obedience classes at our local BOCES every Wednesday. That just happened to be the same day as the nursing students needed to practice and pass their blood draw skills. I had no problem volunteering. I came home looking like I had just waded through a school of piranhas! I still believe that if one is going to draw blood, one needs to practice on a real person----not a life size doll that has artificial veins that don't jump, flinch, cry or pull back. I actually learned a great deal of technique from an educational video. --And I had to review every six months. With your attitude, common sense (not to be assumed these days), and determination , you will be a fabulous success . You sound to me, like the bulletin board of what is needed to be 100% successful. You got this. I look forward to following your joyful journey.

I always say (I'm old so I can say such things ), "you get two sticks. After that I will draw my own blood for you." And I have. My suggestion? Have any blood draws drawn by anesthia personnel. They truly are wizards when it comes to drawing blood and/or starting IVs.

You got this, friend. And if you find that you aren't feeling like you think you should, don't settle. Keep searching until you find the right "mix" for you. I am impressed my your determination. You'll get there. I know it.

--And you WILL post on your progress, right?? --AND not give up until you are truly satisfied with how you feel, right?? I'll be waiting.

There is a reason why most surgeons do their best work while their patients are "asleep". Surgeons (if only in their own minds) seem to be in an upper class all onto themselves. Maybe that mindset keeps their emotions "aloof" so they don't get emotionally attached. Maybe it is "I have your life in my hands----you know---like God " attitude. That been said, I have to turn your question around onto you, Alex. "Why would you ever allow anyone to cut into you and alter the body that God gave you if you did not trust him 100%???" Surely something to ponder.

You're hurting. For that I am sooo sorry. It doesn't matter who did what to whom. You are hurting. Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself time to wrap your head and heart around your new life. It takes time---sometimes a great deal of time to mourn the loss of a marriage. Time doesn't always "heal" those wounds that cut so deeply. One can only hope to "calm" the hurt--leaving nothing in its place but a scar. It's the scars of such painful times that prove we were brave enough to give love a chance with an open heart. Just because your spouse did not honor his vows, does not dishonor you in any way. Your integrity is intact. Integrity is what should keep your head held high, shoulders straight and your dreams of finding love again shining bright. Until you are ready to love again, be kind to yourself. Learn to love yourself. Be your own best friend. Life and love will circle around and scoop you up again. I promise.

That is a question for your nutritionist/bariatric team. BUT: I would think ----NO Crackers are just too tempting with too many carbs with very little benefit. I am five years out and still treat crackers --especially Cheetos!---like the plague! Really though, give your team a call. They will be able to guide you on your specific plan.

Fingers crossed and candles lit. Let us know WHEN you get are enjoying you new cocktail---straight up!

Why not go ahead and have a good cry? You've earned it. Relish it. Then: Put your think'n cap on. Get more professional opinions. If your doctor is stumped this time, seek another. It's not being disloyal. It's enlightenment. And don't give up until you feel better. There is a "cocktail" out there somewhere for you as the unique individual you are. You just have be assertive and insistent long enough until you find it. Don't give up on yourself, my friend. There is a path out of the "med change/weight gain quagmire that you find yourself bogged down in now. You just have to find the correct "GPS" setting to get you on that "right path". Keep posting. Keep calling. Keep asking. The answer is out there. You'll find it. I know you will.

Effexor has been an oldie but a goodie for many years. Were you having difficulties with it? I'm thinking if Effexor was becoming ineffective than why not a "booster" instead of a "replacement"? Just a thought...

I'm here and I'm listening, but I'm NOT hearing anything about a "plan B". Whatcha got????

Under five? I wouldn't "tell" them anything. Too much information would only frighten them. I would "answer" any and all of their questions as they arise. I would answer those questions honestly and factually without getting into too much detail. "Daddy doesn't feel too well right now". "No jumping monkeys on Daddy right now". The doctors fixed Daddy's tummy, so Daddy will feel much better soon." "Who wants a popsicle?"

Ladies, you all just had a major surgery. We all talk about how wonder WLS is, and how we are all going to fee soooo happy and healthy that we forget sometimes that we just had a surgeon cut into our bodies, take out a major portion of a vital organ or rearrange our innards. Yes, you will feel better-----soon, but not right away. Usually one's body is finally fully awake from the anesthia around day 3/4. That is when you feel like you just got run over by a bus. What to do? Stop bemoaning your aches and pains. Yes, it hurts. Yes the pain is real. Yes, it will ease. Take a deep breath and remember the magnitude of the surgery you just had. Do NOT give yourself unreachable goal or expectations for the first week. Now: Put your big girl/boy panties/briefs on and DO WHAT YOU KNOW YOU HAVE TO DO!!! You HAVE to get your fluids in. You HAVE to walk. You HAVE to rest. Start working on getting your Protein in. The protein and everything else will fall into place next week . We are here to support you in anyway we can. We really do care. WLS is NOT easy. BUT, each and every one of you can do this. I know it. I promise you. I'm looking forward to following each of your SUCCESSFUL and joyful journeys. NOW: Get your minds wrapped around your WLS journey and------take one step forward----followed by another-----and another------and... I'm

My hospital gave all of the bariatric patients a "huggy bear" to hold against their abdomen . Nice idea. I took: chap stick cell phone and charger tooth brush/paste my most feminine robe and slippers so I felt "purdy". my favorite lotion so I didn't "smell like hospital" my rosary--can't hurt

If I use milk or almond milk with my Protein shake, I gag. They are way too thick and slimy. Now I use Quest Protein Powder, some ice cubes and diet soda (flattened). It lightens up the shake, making it yummy, yummy, yummy. Sometimes I will add some fresh frozen fruit.

I use Quest Protein powder and Quest protein bars. Walmart is now selling Quest products. GNC sells sample packs of all of the Quest protein shakes. That way you can try several before investing in a tub. Good luck.

The bond between surgeon and patient is sacrosanct. However, it works both ways. If you expect and want your surgeon to be truthful and knowledgeable with you and have your surgery to be a complete success, then YOU have to be 100% honest with her/him. Tell him everything that you ate/drank that you know you should not have. That is how it works. Take responsibility for your actions as you expect your surgeon to do when operating on your body. All will be as it is meant to be. Following your program to the "T" now shows commitment and dedication for the post op life changes to come. I believe in you and your successful choices. Please post back and let us know how you are doing. I'm rooting for YOU.

I had my gallbladder out three years after my sleeve surgery. That is why I mentioned it. WLS can raise havoc with gallbladders as well as our kidneys. Take care of yourself, friend. Feel better.