Slenderella

My "go-to" when I'm tired of Water is Syntrax nectar protein- Fuzzy Navel and Strawbery Kiwi are my favs. If you add 12oz Water and lots of ice they aren't quite as sweet, the added bonus is getting a Protein boost.

Pre surgery loved Crystal Light and unsweetened iced tea, but I can barely drink them now.

*UPDATE*

For all who asked:

I talked to a local malpractice attorney, he said no one legitimate would take my case. It seems if a doctor has been reckless, negligent and unprofessional, it would be best if they killed you. The problem it seems, I haven't died yet and it isn't "profitible" for them to file suit. He was really very nice and explained some of what I suspected- it would require hiring specialists to say what the doctors did was wrong which would be thousands of dollars on their end. Since I didn't lose my life, or at least a limb, the case is likely worth less than 50k and they would eat up most of it in expert testimony. How can that be? seriously? oh well, there has to be a dollar amount placed on everything and apparently this isn't worth a whole lot! His suggestion was to call the hospital and talk to their patient liason or the risk management department and complain about my stay. I replied it wasn't a hotel and I didn't need to complain, what they did was grossly negligent and almost cost me my life and my daughter her mother. I'm on the fence about trying another attorney, I don't want to hear the same thing but I also don't want a sleaze ball giving my high expectations and hopes that can't be realized.

I AM pissed, I've been hurting, I DID suffer for way too long, NO ONE listened to me, I DESERVE compensation for the misery they put me through, I want them to pay for what they did, I want everyone to know what they did. I'm petty and childish and want retribution for the wrongdoing, to feel vindicated in a courtroom, in front of a judge and jury, to be able to look at them and tell them what they did came close to ruining my life and ask who would have mothered my child had I died? To remind them the hippocratic oath says to do no harm and they failed, they harmed me, left me in pain, didn't ease my suffering, blew me off as just another fatty who didn't care enough to take care of themselves and what were they supposed to do? fix all the damage I did to my body over 40 years?

My biggest concern is for other patients seen both at the hospitals and by the doctors involved. I really don't want to ruin anyones career but I also don't want these doctors thinking that the bare minimum is good enough. We are patients, living, breathing human beings who are at the mercy of people who take one look at you or review your file and decide you're a complainer, you can't tolerate a small amount of pain, you're a drug seeker, you like the attention, you're a hypochondriac, you should just shut up and be quiet or better yet, just stay home.

I'm still not able to eat and drink enough to sustain myself but found milk and bread settle my stomach so I don't feel like i'm constantly spinning from the nausea. The problem with that has been a temporary 5 lb weight gain- sooo scary, i've lost all but a pound, back up to 301, great! Having some temporary relief has made it worth it though, I honestly hoped I would die some days because the nausea and vomiting were so bad, feeling that vomit well up from your toes and the waiting, trying to stop it from happening, worrying about the pills you took earlier and whether they were in your intestines or stuck in your pouch and would come up with the vomit, being so tired you aren't sure you'll actually live through another stomach spasm because when they start they don't stop, even if you've vomited up everything and you just lie there, with your eyes bulging out and your mouth open with your tongue pushed out and you can't slow it enough to even catch your breath. So the good news is that my PCP referred me to not 1 but 2 departments at the University where I will see a gastroenterologist and another bariatric surgeon to get some insight into the complications and hopefully a long term fix. If anyone can help, it's the University hospita,l and I am so thankful that my PCP was able to get me in there!

The blood clots in my arm have not subsided which is slightly unusual and makes me worry, alot. For anyone with hand or arm problems, it's similar to nerve issues like carpal tunnel or guyon canal compression etc.... i'm having pain, numbness and tingling just like I did before I had surgery on my hands. My arm is still swollen and i've woken up with my hand huge and cold several times this week. It feels like theres a rubber band at my anticubital that is tightening and irritating the nerves. The scary thing is that neuropathy and nerve issues can be the result of med toxicity and could be permanent. I don't believe that is the case, I think it's just from the vericose veins and the blood clots. I hope that's the scenario, but to find out either way and see if it requires surgery, I have been referred to a vascular surgeon. yay!

I've gotten a reprieve from the terrible trips to the lab for blood draws! My insurance carrier has covered a home PT monitor to check my clotting times. It only takes a drop of blood and gives the score which I call in to the doctors office every day. It has been running high so they decreased my coumadin which means only3 pills instead of 6 every morning- I can't tell you what a relief it has been! I took some flowers to the lab tech who had been drawing my blood these last few weeks. She was my hero, she gave me tiny infant foot warmers that I would put on before I went every day so they could increase the blood flow and make it easier for them to get. She listened to everything I said about where to try a stick and avoided the veins I told her to, even though she could see them and really wanted to poke them, she believed me when I said they would blow if she got one or worse yet, roll and hide when she went to stick which causes them to poke you and then dig, dig, dig for the vein they know is there- they won't get it and you'll be miserable, eventually scar tissue forms and there won't be any more blood draws in that spot.

The greatest things through all of this have been the support, compassion and sincerety i've been met with while sharing my story. My primary doc was so open, honest and apologetic for what I went through, not even my surgeon has admitted anything went wrong but my PCP knew something wasn't right, he listened to me and fought for me. When I said I couldn't go back to my surgeon's office he personally contacted specialists and got me in to the best ones he could find. I'm much more optimistic and hopeful that someone, somewherei will figure out my issues and help me. It has to keep going up from here right? :-)

I'm so thankful that you finally feel like someone is in this fight with you! It's amazing the difference a little compassion and understanding can make when a person. Is suffering. I pray that your suffering is coming to a quick end and that your health begins to improve even more.

I wanted to offer some input on the lawsuit, I hope you don't mind. :/ I was in a really bad car accident almost 3 years ago that required 2 multi-level fusions in 14 months because my spine was not stable and my spinal cord was compressed. It was 100% the other guys fault, I was rearended at a stop light with him going 30mph. I went through years of pain, 2 surgeries, $400,000 worth of doctor bills just so I could retain the ability to walk for the rest of my life...I too wanted him to pay for my suffering and the nightmare he caused me and my family. I fought for 2.5 years to prove that he was negligent and that I was a victim of his carelessness...it was like a disease that consumed my life. I went through all of that emotional upheaval and all I wanted to hear was that he was sorry and that he accepted fault for what he did to me. That never happened, and he never accepted responsibility for what happened. Thankfully my health improved greatly after my last surgery, so eventually I was able to slam the door shut on the justice I never recieved at the hands of a careless and unremorseful man. I did get a small settlement, but my 3 attorneys and my insurance companies made out like bandits. Everyone but me profited from my nightmare.

I tell you this so you know that medical legal battles are rough, and often times the outcome is nothing like what we think is justified. Like you said, sad part is, unless you wind up dead or in a wheel chair the lawyers often make out better than their clients do.

Hopefully you find the peace and closure you need, whether or not you decide to journey down the path to litigation. My heart really goes out to you because I've been there. Sending you hugs!

nectar is made by Syntrax it is the highest quality Protein you can get. Pure whey Protein isolate, jut like unjury. nectar is thinner and has fruitier flavors though.

Exactly! I think the fact that it's thinner is why I tend to favor the nectar. To me, it's less sweet than my Unjury. I usually mix up a shake and pour it over ice...I could drink it all day.

I'm 26 days post-op and the same thing is happening to me! It takes everything I have to choke down my Unjury, and I LOVED it up until this week. Thankfully I'm still enjoying my nectar Protein.< /p>

I have always had an easy time taking pills, often being able to do so without Water, but now I have to really concentrate on swallowing it and I have to make sure I chase it with Water. Not really sure why that's changed since my throat didn't get sleeved! LOL!

There are some pills you can crush and eat with applesauce, but there are some that you can't because they are time release-check with your DR for guiadance on crushing.

As TraceyLynn advised, I take one at a time and never more than 2 per hour so that my tummy isn't working too hard to digest the meds. Find chewables and liquids when you can, otherwise just plan your meds out like you plan your meals out. Hopefully you will be able to cut back on the number of pills as your health improves.

I can't wait to post one of these pictures! You look beautiful and happy. Keep up the good work!

Totally normal! It takes weeks for all the different layers of skin to fully heal. I had my shoulder scoped over 6 years ago and my scars still itch sometimes.

I was sleeved August 1, and I've been up and down all week. I know I should put the scale away, but old habits are hard to break. I have a net loss for the week, but I've also had days several days that I gained. We just have to stick with the plan and we will see the scale start moving again.

On a brighter note, I had to go shopping today and buy a few shirts, because everything I have is too big! I went down a full size, WHOOO HOOO!

With each day that passes since my surgery on 8/1, I'm realizing that my life really, really, really is changing! Today i giggled at myself as I reflected on a few of the changes. Please feel free to join in!

You know you're a sleever when...

1. You look forward to eating your Gummy vitimins because it's almost like eating candy

2. You walk through the grocery store and nothing looks appealing

3. You get to the check-out at the grocery store and the only thing in your cart is Protein.< /p>

3. You can't find anything in your closet that fits and this makes you SMILE :Ds

4. You're thirsty but you can't drink because if you do you will have to wait 10 more minutes for lunch

5. You're panties don't slide down below your muffin top anymore

HAHAHA!!! What a crazy ride the last 20 days have been.

Yes I definately think it was caffine withdral headache. I am feeling SO MUCH better today. I am so excited! How did everything go for you? what was the day like? Were you sleeved early in the morning or later in the day?

Nikki,

Everything went great, the nurses and doctors at Wise Regional are great! I got to the hospital at 6:00am and I was on my way to the operating room by 8:00. All I remember was them giving me something to "relax me" as they wheeled me down the hall, then I was out like a light. LOL! I woke up and was immediately taken to my room where my hubby was waiting for me. I was up and out of the bed within an hour, then I snoozed for a few hours. I got up and walked all through the night and at really helped with the gas pains. Around 8:00 the next morning they took me for my leak test and about an hour later I was cleared to drink liquids. I had to drink 1oz every 15 min., and to be honest that was pretty uncomfortable. I had a hernia repaired, and that caused a bit of pain with swallowing the first 2 days. By the 3rd day, I could tolerate swallowing much better and I was completely off pain meds.

I am very pleased with the level of care I've recieved and the kindness that the staff at Wise Regional and Dr. Stowers' office has shown me. Good luck! Only a few more days for you!!!

My heart breaks reading your story!! I just don't understand how this can happen in this day and age. I wish there was something more that I could say to offer you advice or hope, but all I can offer are prayers. Praying you get the help you need very soon and that you and your daughter are able to weather this storm.

Sending you hugs...

Okay...i will be sleeved in 6 days. Day 2 of liquids and im not hungry...BUT...my head is freaking killing me!!!!!!!! Probably caffine withdrawl.

Can it just be Tuesday already?

Oh also, plz add me to August 21st. With Dr Stowers.

Nikki,

I was sleeved with Dr. Stowers on 8/1, you are in excellent hands!!! My experience has been excellent and I've not had any complications. Just follow his guidelines and you will go great.

The headache is probably from caffeine withdrawal. Try some Tylenol and lots of sleep.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Someone told me about unjury. What flavor are you trying. She told me about chocolate splendor. Are they gross? Its expensive!

I have unflavored, strawberry, vanilla, and the classic chocolate-vanilla is my favorite. I decided to go with Unjury because I wanted a high grade Protein, especially since that was all I could have for 3 weeks. I loved the shakes pre-op, but post op the are very "rich" and I have to really work at finishing them. They still taste great, I just get fuller quicker.

The price is less per serving than I would spend on food, so I consider it a big savings! I'm making a huge commitment to live a healthy life, so I want to give my both the best nutrition possible, to me that means buying a quality Protein Drink.

I started full liquids a few days ago and I'm having the same problem. I try to focus on liquids, and if that means I have to revert back to my nectar Protein Shakes to get some Protein in, so be it. I'm having a hard time choking down my Unjury shakes because they are so heavy. I just keep reminding myself it will get better with time.

I travel about 80% for work and bought one of those baby formula contains that has three spots for a scoop of Protein powder. I think it will work out. I put the unflavored in it so i can add it to food if I have to eat out. Good luck!!

Great idea!!! I need one of those for my lunch at work.

Is anyone moving to full liquids this week?!? I started yesterday and I can tell you it's a challangeI...I'm finally full, all the time. I'm sure it will get better with time, but it's so odd to take a few bites or pudding and fell stuffed. I forgot lunch today, looked at the clock at 3 and realized it was time for Protein. I guess each step is going to require diligence on my part not to forget to take care of my tummy.

Y'all let me know how it's going with intake and how you are feeling.

Big hugs to all our August sleevers!!!

OK....so I hit a bump in the road...I'm still in the hospital. I had a pin hole leak...n had to go back in surgery Wednesday.... the day I should've went home. I am feeling a lot better n should be home by Sunday. At least it was found before I went home....out of the thousands of surgeries he has performed.. I am his first leak.

So sorry to hear that, but very glad they found it before you went home! Bless you, and here's to no more speed bumps on your road to recovery. Hugs!

HOLY MOLY, that's awesome! Keep up the good work.

So for those who have been sleeved already this month, where are you at in your liquid intake? Even with sip, sip, sipping I feel like I'm always falling a little short of the goals the clinic set for myself.

Melly,

I'm doing ok with my liquid and Protein goals. I was able to hit goal by Saturday, and have been able to each day since. Yesterday I had a bit of a meltdown, and I had to force the last nectar shake in to hit goal. I usually eat when I'm stressed, but yesterday I struggled to get anything in. Today I'm back on track, and I'm SO SO SO excited that I get to move to full liquids tomorrow. I'm going to wake up early tomorrow just so I can have a chocolate shake and some coffee!

Just keep tracking your ounces and your protein so you can see how close you are getting.

I can't wait!!! I am on day 6 of clears,and I am more than thrilled to be moving to full liquids tomorrow!!! Along with the excitement, comes the fear of adding in new foods. ;( I will be DYING to chug those Proteins shake tomorrow, but I'm going to have to take it easy.

Enjoy your retried beans!!!

Im also going to try to not obsess over the scale, but i do imagine that i will weigh once a day. Oh, and just to prove im not obsesive i did not weigh before i got in bed jnust now

My follow up is Thursday afternoon. What about you?

I am not at all gym savvy! I know just enough to get in trouble. Part of my program includes consults with a trainer, and I'm thrilled about that! My exercise plan is to do 30 minutes of walking/biking every day for the next month. After that she will put me on an exercise program and she will do body comp every 90 days to see how we need to modify my program to work on building lean muscle mass. Ive only met with her once, but she was so awesome! Do you have access to anything like that? Maybe you have a friend or family member that works out and can help you come up with a plan?

Yay, yay, YAYYY!! That's awesome, I'm so happy to hear that. Isn't it amazing the difference a day makes?

I struggled today to meet my goals, I'm going to make it, but it's been a dang battle all day long. I'm under a tremendous amount of stress right now, and I think I'm falling back on my old ways of not being able to eat when I'm stressed. I guess it works both ways, and now I will have to fight not to let that habit get in the way of meeting my goals. Ughhh! And here I thought I was only going to have to worry about emotional eating. :/

Have I weighed yet?!?!? LOL!! Honey, I only weight twice a day. I will stop that as soon as I hit my first stall, but right now it's just too much fun jumping on the scale and seeing the numbers pop up. So far I've lost 6lbs since surgery, 16 since I started my liquid diet. Are you only weighing once a week? You have some determination, because I don't think I could wait that long.

Hannah, how are you feeling today?

Nervous is normal! Praying everything goes well and that your recovery is uneventful.

Thank you so much for posting this! I'm 5 days post op and doing well, but today I woke up exhausted. I am so looking forward to being done with my liquid diet so I will have more energy. Your message was just what I needed to keep pressing on toward the goal!