Satchel

I have been on Nexium for years. My surgeon told me that during my sleeve surgery he took care of a hiatal hernia that was causing my acid reflux and I should not have to take the Nexium any longer. However, I notice that I have a horrible acid taste in my mouth every morning which makes me nauseous. So, I am thinking about trying my Nexium again to see if that helps that. I see my doctor in a few weeks, so I will talk to him about it, too.

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Do any of you fellow sleevers wear a medical I.D. bracelet or necklace? I ran across a website the other day that had really nice bracelets and necklaces for diabetes, gastric bypass, etc. and I decided to purchase one for the gastric sleeve. It turned out really nice and engraved with the information I submitted. I thought that, yes, I would want medical professionals to know, in the case of an emergency, that I do not have a normal size stomach!

I seem to be losing a pound a day, but am slowing down.

http://www.myidentitydoctor.com/ Be sure to check out the samples of what people have written on theirs. I chose to put my first name on the front. On the back, I put my full name, then Bariatric Gastric Sleeve, then ICE (who to contact in case of emergency with phone number) and my religious affiliation. It is common, of course, to put what you are allergic to, as well. They send you a card to put more information to keep in your wallet.

Yes, I experience the same thing. I do not get enough protein each day. Can only eat 1-2 oz of anything which is not considered a "meal," but cannot get anymore down. Then it takes awhile for my stomach to feel "settled." I wish I could get more Water down, too. I am really hoping this is just a phase that will pass as time goes on.

This is the end of my 4th week and I am on pureed foods. I probably do not puree them enough, because they still feel thick and feel like they are sitting on my chest. And we aren't to drink anything to wash it down..... I have not eaten much at all either, because one pureed dish, and only an ounce or two, is all I can stomach. I have a fear of vomiting, too. My nutritionist did say to take at least 30 minutes to eat something. I did take a walk soon after outside and that helped a lot (even in 30 degree temps - refreshing to say the least). So take your time eating, and make sure you are walking each day.

I have the same issue. I brush my teeth repeatedly throughout the day to try to brush the taste from my mouth and tongue. Mine is worse in the middle of the night and morning. I have sinus issues, so that adds to it. I still do not "eat" much, and am just starting my pureed food stage, so in the morning my stomach is virtually empty and I am nauseous. Anyone with feedback for us, thanks!

What do you do with the cola syrup? Do you mix it with something? Do they make Diet Vernors syrup?

I was told by my nutritionist to stay away from carbonated beverages, but if you must drink them, to have them go flat first. The carbonation is a problem with the gastric sleeve. The gas causes your stomach to stretch like a balloon, and I understand it can be very uncomfortable and even painful. Hope this helps.

I am almost afraid to ask this, so try not to laugh, as I have just begun to do an Internet search, but since my sleeve surgery (I am beginning my 4th week out), I have not had a sensation to urinate. I will just realize that I have not gone to the restroom in awhile and try to go, with no problem at all. I am hoping this is not surgery related and that my kidneys will function as normal, including the sensation. I am praying it is nothing serious. I also start my pureed food stage today.

Yes, I did call the doctor's office as I had other questions for the nutritionist. I told her about it and she said she had never heard of such a thing. I will call my family doctor, though, and see what he has to say.

I would agree. Many people cannot look past appearances to see who you really are. You may have colleagues who have had a bit of jealousy anyway, and now with your weight loss, it makes it even more difficult for them to respond to you. Just be who you are, say thank you, and go about your business, with a smile.

I have not gotten one yet, but my nutritionist said that the doctor will give me one.

I asked the same question of my doctor, and was told that you would begin to feel pain. The causes might be drinking big gulps instead of sipping slowly, and eating things too early on.

I am two weeks out. I am looking forward to pureed foods next. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Have lost 28 pounds so far and am happy about that.

Did you substitute anything for the Protein Shakes? I have a difficult time with them and know that I am not getting the protein I need to heal. I am 2 weeks out.

It gives you something to look forward to, besides a slim body!

These are the names of the cookbooks referenced in my surgeon's "Patient's Education Booklet." 1. recipes for Life After Weight-Loss Surgery, by Margaret M. Furtado 2. Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery, by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray 3. Before and After - Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery, by Susan Maria Leach This cookbook I ran across on amazon.com when ordering the other cookbooks: 4. Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook for Dummies, by Brian K. Davidson This cookbook, I just ordered: 5. Cooking with Kaye: Methods to Meals Protein First Recipes You Will Love, by Kaye Bailey She also has a pocket diet journal on her website. She is also on Pinterest. Right now, these delicious sounding recipes are to look forward to. My husband even wants to try them. The first four books appear to use common ingredients which I like. Not sure about the 5th one, as I have not received it yet.

I am 55 and after being on 3 blood pressure medications and still could not control it, I knew I really had no choice, especially since I am going to be a new grandma in May. I purchased the book Successful Weight Loss with the Gastric Sleeve by Guillermo Alvarez, M.D. and The Sleeved Life by Pennie Nicola. Found both to be very helpful in this journey. They are both available on Kindle, as well. My concern has always been, will I be able to eat foods like people with normal stomachs!? Eating healthier and in moderation was the theme I heard most often, My surgeon provided a booklet that had websites to visit and cookbooks to try once we are able to eat solid foods. I ordered all of them! Just got them today and they look wonderful. My husband is a better cook than I and said he was willing to try out the recipes, as well. I cannot wait to try them. If you are interested, I will give you the names of the cookbooks. I, too am concerned about the flabby skin, but I hope to have it removed, when the time is right. I need to get crackin' on exercise, as well. Blessings to you in your journey.

Not having had "food" for three weeks (two pre-op and one post-op), and have three weeks left of a liquid diet, I am getting very discouraged. I know that I am not getting my 800 calories in each day, but time passes so quickly and then I realize I have not "eaten" anything for too long of a time period. I can hardly stand the shakes, drinks, yogurt, etc. I have my first post-op appointment with my doctor on Monday, so I hope to get some good advice from him. Three more weeks, though, before pureed foods. Is it okay to drink herbal teas, or green tea?

Thanks, everyone! Yes, it is amazing how each surgeon is so different. I know mine would say this is all part of the healing process. And I do agree that this is just a very brief moment in time that leads to greater rewards later. Thanks again!

Is the chewing 30 times per bite, waiting 5 minutes between each bite, a temporary thing, or as time goes on, you do not have to chew to a pureed texture?

I hope this question isn't too corny, but I am a side sleeper. Is it harmful to sleep on your side early out of surgery?

I thought about using a pillow, as well. Thank you, all, for your quick responses.