BANANA PANTS!

If Zantac didn't work its time to step it up to a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like Prevacid which is over the counter but will be cheaper if you can get a prescription. I had horrible reflux prior to surgery and have had absolutely none since! My doc said my hiatal hernia was pretty big so I think that is the reason the reflux is so much better now that the hernia is repaired. Call your doc and get some Prevacid! Sent from my iPhone using VST

It is just your metabolism adjusting - no worries. You might even have a day when the scale goes up a pound. Remember to always look at the big picture! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm a 17th-er too! Down 21 lbs since week prior to surgery (253 day of and 241 today)! I'm on an every-other-day schedule as far as how I'm feeling. One day great, the next kinda blah. I think I'm over doing the activity and under medicating the pain. Today is a more down day and right side pain is about a level 7 constant so I just took pain meds. Treating myself tonight to egg drop soup and so excited about it. Looking forward to a nice candlelight service later in the evening and my boyfriend will have to have my helping of the body, but I'm pretty sure God will understand! Overall - once I made it through the first few days things seem to be going well. No regrets, only excitement for more of this great adventure! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Good morning 17th-ers! This thread made me so happy this morning because you all said almost exactly what I have been feeling in one way or another since surgery. I actually like the shake (blended with ice and a scoop of sugar free hot chocolate) which is a surprise to me. For me though walking around DC last night to look at the White House Christmas Tree was a hard moment. We passed by all the restaurants and bars that I once spent so much time in. I had a little pity party but was picked up by all the beautiful lights and the thoughts that the next time I go to many of these places I will be a lot slimmer. I found that I focused a lot more on what was around me rather than thinking about what to eat next and that was good. The other thing that has helped is encouraging others not to hide their food from me. My whole family is in Texas for Christmas and have been sending me pictures that have been oddly absent of any food or drink - very unlike my family. I told my sister to send normal pics with good and all and explained that it made me feel more normal and that although I appreciated their thoughtfulness, I was missing the merriment this year - much of which is surrounded by food and drink - and I want pictures if it, dammit!!! She got the message and my phone lit up with hilarious pictures last night. Anyway - cheers to all of us! Have a great day all! Sent from my iPhone using VST

First of all- WHAT A GAME TODAY!!!!! I hope it took your mind off of your tummy for awhile today! Glad to hear you are doing well. I'm lucky in that I am full liquids after day 1 and the Soups really help. I suggest for anyone living with a less supportive person - have them read the research. I was a non-believer for a long time until I actually read the weight loss studies. I think this helped my family come around too. I'm lucky to have a great boyfriend (of 15 years - it works). He saw me through my diagnosis of MS, and was a trooper through this adventure as well. Anyway - congrats on making it through. Hang in there! Sent from my iPhone using VST

To be honest, I think the weight loss goal pre op is a bit of a joke. I understand losing 5-10 lbs week before to shrink the liver. That's important and not too hard to do one week prior. However I wish the insurance companies put more emphasis on the psych aspect of the surgery and behavior modification- as that is what most people really need. Of course there are special circumstances, but they don't make people who are getting knee replacements lose weight or prove they are going to exercise after surgery before allowing them treatment. Again, it's important to prepare and part if that is getting the liquids ready for post op and all that, but the stress of having to lose would have probably given me high blood pressure! I'd be interested to see some research on this. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I hope your husband is doing well. I can tell you that the support from my significant other has been invaluable to me since I was sleeved 12/17. I think going through MS together has certainly helped but he still struggles to see me in pain. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I remember the pre-op psych assessment (mine was mostly a joke and waste of money) had one good nugget of info - watch out for others who will take your weak moment and need for support and use it against you. Sort of sounds like what happened to you. I agree with all the others (especially the punchers - hehehe). We cannot control how others react or act, but we can control what we do and say. Sounds like you are going to learn from this and be the bigger (emotionally) person - we all need someone to be the bigger person and it sounds like now is your time. Best of luck to you and your mom on this adventure!

Call your doctor! Aside from immediately post-op (like in the hospital), most leaks occur in the first 3-6 weeks following surgery and you are right in that area. It's easy for them to check it out and any doctor would prefer a false alarm than an unattended leak! IF the pain is new - you need to go in.

Agree with all above! Day 3 is the worst! Keep doing deep breathing - brace your stomach with a pillow in case you cough. That was a big help for me. Also - if you can do any walking then DO IT! That really helped me. Keep sipping and don't worry about calories or protein for a day or so - wait until you feel a little better in a day or two. I was also sleeved on the 17th and feel so much better today and each day. One note - don't over do the exercise like I did yesterday. I almost had a break down at the mall - it was too much on too few calories and not enough pain medication. Lesson learned!

I'm 6 days out from surgery and I think it is time to list my goals. I've been thinking of theses a lot since I decided to take this plunge about a year ago. Some goals are weight based (of course), but some are not. I have tried to come up with goals that are achievable and motivating at the same time. I'm ok with adjusting goals if things don't happen the way I am expecting. Also - added in some fun goals that I have no control over just for fun. I know myself and know I need a lot of little things to keep me going (especially during days when the scale doesn't move). So, here goes: Weight Goals: 1. Optimize weight loss in the first 3 months (this means following diet strictly - high protein low carb) 2. 10% BMI loss every 6 months (this will get me to goal 22 BMI by one year) Other Goals: Survive the first week! Fit into NORMAL sized clothes!! Not having to move the steering wheel up when I get in boyfriends car 10 minutes on the elliptical machine Need to buy new bras Enjoy looking in mirrors again Can wear high boots Someone who doesn't know about the surgery comments on my weight loss The day I can tuck something in The first week I exercise (on purpose for 30min x3 days) The first week I do the same as above but for 5 days I'll probably add more as I think of them. I'm actually thinking about making a weekly eating or exercise goal - but not there yet.

Definitely call the doctor about the high blood pressure. Pain can cause some elevation as can dehydration, but it shouldn't remain high. Also, you want to look at all the meds you are raking now and see if poor Fluid intake or nutrition can cause them to mess up your BP. Call the doc for sure! Sent from my iPhone using VST

I wish I had asked more specific questions about post op pain meds. I was expecting a PCA and not having one threw me for a real loop. Took a few hours to get my pain under control and that was something I thought I had straight. Now I think I just assumed due to reading here.

Hey 17th-ers! It's going well for me. I have to say that it has not been as easy as I thought. I think I focused on all the posts about how easy it was for people. Somehow I missed (or ignored) all the "first week sucks" posts. But, being almost through the first week - I'm a different person. I still have pain and struggle to even get 1/3 of a protein shake down each day, but my outlook is stupidly optimistic! I feel happy and giggly - like a little kid. Myfitness pal is great. I'm trying to get my profile correct so I can start friending on it, but putting in my weight and food has been helpful. Today I'm going to be wearing a pedometer as I brave the Christmas crowds at the mall! Cheers to all of us!

I made the decision before I went in for surgery that this was a no regrets situation. I was doing something permanent and although I knew there would be good and bad days - this is a choice that cannot be taken back. I think this has helped me with the feelings of loss that although are present, are manageable. I think that not letting myself even go there is important for me. I look at each new day as a possibility and one day more moving (no matter how fast) in the right direction. All this being said, I think it's good to talk about your feelings - good and bad. Facing them is all a part of the adventure!

I had the exact same experience! It sucked! All I was doing was sitting around trying to feel the weight fall off! It is happening now but that day 3 weight was a mistake. I should have listened to all the people who said not to weigh the first week. But, now all is well. It gets better - I'm 6 days out now and already turning into a new person.

I'm a huge fan of puréed cauliflower. I don't go into the purée phase for over a week but that is the one thing I am craving! I just over steam it, then blend in some salt and a sprinkle of extra sharp cheddar cheese (tastes good without too).

Sleeved on 12/17 and am down 15 lbs (10 in the week pre-op diet).

Hey 12/17 pals! I have a stomach spasm with about every other sip so just taking bit slow. Also have the stomach rumbles but no real feeling of hunger. I can finally take a somewhat deep breath without incredible pain. Got down about 1/3 of a protein shake today and am sipping tea regularly. Found that adding some sprinkles of sugar free hot chocolate packet really helps the flavor of the shake. Now it tastes like frozen hot chocolate and the protein taste is basically gone. Best thing so far is the optimism I feel about this process. I'm so looking forward to the future that it basically makes the pain right now not really matter. I'm just trying not to worry about the daily stuff and dream about the future!

So today was a 100% improvement for me! I've been able to space out the pain meds a bit and an getting more regular fluids down. Went to the mall and lasted a total of four hours! The deep breathing has been incredibly helpful and bracing with a pillow to cough helps too. Overall, this is what I expected. I think I probably should have stayed in the hospital one additional day due to lack of fluid intake, but I made it through! Now I'm just looking forward to less tummy pain and more regular intake. But overall - so happy!

Glad to hear I am not the only one struggling. I am guessing it is going to get progressively better each day. I actually feel pretty good walking around so trying to do that as much as possible. I never have headaches so that is another frustration too. On the good side - food is about the farthest thing from my mind!