BANANA PANTS!

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 could just about say "ditto" to everything everyone else has written about their reasons and that would be my story. Here are my details: 40yrs old Registered Nurse in Northern Virginia 266 was highest weight 262 at start of pre surgery diet 250 day of surgery 12/17/12 Surgeon: Dr. Salameh at Virginia Hospital Center Surgeon/Hospital Choice: I changed both about 3 months prior to surgery because I started working at VHC and was very comfortable with their Bariatric Center of Excellence and processes. It was hard to imagine having surgery and being vulnerable to people I work with in that sense but I did a lot of research and talked to almost everyone who would be caring for me and that made all the difference. A surgery nurse told me, "surgical nurses tell no tales." This comment was huge for me - and made me so much more sure I made the right choice. Pre-op Insurance Issues: I changed jobs and insurance during my journey which was a challenge. My insurance initially denied me because although I had over 8 months of a medically supervised diet - they claimed not enough of an exercise component was included. Having been a clinical case manager myself, I know that this is just a ploy and delaying tactic used by insurance companies. So I had my surgeon do a peer-to-peer review with the medical director of my insurance (Care First Blue Cross PPO). They compromised and insurance said they would approve if I did physical therapy (I have multiple sclerosis as well so this was one of my surgeons selling points). The physical therapy (although annoying and another month delay) was the best thing that could have happened to me. I met with the physical therapist who treats bariatric patients and it was amazing. He set me up with an exercise plan - and more importantly, made me feel good about myself and the journey I am taking. He even visited me post-op and gave me another pep talk. Had I known how helpful his was I would have paid out of pocket for it. I cannot wait to follow up with him in the new year (he's also really nice to look at - I'm not gonna lie)! Surgery 12/17/12 - all went well. I had a significant haitial hernia which needed repair. Post op I had a lot of pain - that was a surprise. I thought I would be getting a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesics) and did mention in my pre-op surgery appt. that I don't do well with morphine. However post op they ordered IV morphine which didn't tough my pain. Ended up getting switched to dilaudid which I got pretty much every 2-3 hours but I would have probably done better if I could have controlled it myself. Discharge was sort of a mess. My nurse was getting an admission so she did my discharge before I was ready to go. We left all of the post op instructions in the room - luckily I am a nurse and knew what to do. I only had a few hours (maybe 2) on clears before I was discharged and only one dose of oral pain meds. Looking back - this clearly was not enough. I also could not take a deep breath - couldn't get the incentive spirometer (IS) to move at all. I probably needed another night in the hospital. First day home - was HORRIBLE! I had a terrible headache, could not get fluids in without severe pain, was taking pain meds more frequently than prescribed just to be able to breathe. Each breath hurt and stomach spasms on liquids really hurt. I was dehydrated and still could not make the IS move at all. Worse was I couldn't get to the phone in time to get the post-op call from the hospital so was unable to get my post-op instructions e-mailed to me (gonna suggest they ask for preferred phone number at discharge). A nurse friend came over and listened to my chest and was concerned that my breath sounds were extremely diminished on my left side as well as in both bases, She suggested the ER if it didn't improve. I also had a low grade fever:100.8. My second day was much better. I went to the mall for 4 hours and walked and also worked hard on the deep breathing. I coughed up a bunch of blackish/brownish crud and that helped as well. Fever down and no ER visit needed. Day 6 - things are going well. I still hurt but am down to just about 2 doses of pain meds a day. Im getting more fluids down and about 1/3 of a protein shake for breakfast and some cream of chicken soup for dinner. I've tried a few bites of pudding but got a little nauseous - so that is going to have to wait. Overall I'm extremely happy. I stopped all of my meds (except my MS disease modifying injections), and that has been pretty good. I'm very optimistic about the process. I forgot to mention the most important thing - I have an incredible boyfriend (of 15 years) who has been amazing through it all. He has cared for me and loved me unconditionally through the years, through MS, and through weightless surgery. Having this kind of support has ben the best and most important medicine. I've lost 20 lbs since my week prior to surgery diet. Im not gonna lie and say the pounds don't count - they do so very very very much - but the way I feel right now cannot be measured in pounds. I'm trying to keep that in mind when I have what I know will be a battle with the scale in the weeks to come. Cheers to you all!

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!

I had my surgery the 17th at 2 pm. Came home yesterday and I'm really struggling with the pain and getting the fluids in. Worst part is not being able to take a deep breath. I'm still taking pain meds every 4 hours which is helping some. How long does this pain usually last?

He is with Blue Point Surgical Group, right? It's a really good group and Fair Oaks hospital has this surgery process down to a science. I was with them originally but switched to Virginia Hospital Center after my insurance changed (I also started working at VHC). I went with Dr. Salemeh and am scheduled for 2pm tomorrow! I think the most important thing is to use a center if excellence.

I'm scheduled for 2pm tomorrow and am due to check in at noon. I'm nervous as well but it seems to be getting better. Good luck to all who are going in tomorrow!

Having major butterflies but so looking forward to tomorrow. Good luck to all of us making the jump tomorrow!

Wow - they thought I had Gullien Barre initially in 2006 when I was diagnosed - I had ascending paralysis. It was not fun. Teh steroids killed me with weight gain and are a major part of the reason I gained most of my weight (well steroids and immobility and stress and...). Dana - I live in Northern Virginia - right outside of Washington, DC. I need to finish up my profile and add pictures and all that stuff.

Yay - someone else out there like me! I'm actually going to be taking my interferon the night of my surgery in the hospital - that's how important it was to my neurologist that I keep taking it. They basically told me to crush all my pills the day of surgery and take with a small amt. of water. I'm leaving out the provigil that day since it is for fatigue and a little fatigue will probably be ok on the day of surgery. Also - according to my neurologist - the sleeve is the best for MS patients due to the amount of NSAID's we take (steroids, etc) which require normal gut function to break them down. The pre-op testing people who you talk to before surgery should tell you all of this but keep a list of questions so you don't have to call them back like I did to ask about bringing my own meds to the hospital.