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Everything posted by Rena's got this
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Confessions of the newly sleeved
Rena's got this replied to Rena's got this's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
No, my surgeon didn't give me any special instructions on changing my behaviors due to a hiatial hernia repair. From what I understand he put a few stitches into the hole where my esophagus goes through the diaphragm and into the stomach in order to tighten up that hole so my stomach wouldn't bulge up into my chest. I watched a video on youtube just to make sure I understood what he was saying. It was fascinating. As to exercise...I am just walking. I stretch a bit and today I actually felt up to doing some leg lifts and such. I can't do squats because of bad knees. If you are concerned about weightlifting or other strenuous exercise, then definitely run that concern by your surgeon and ask him how long before you can start working out again. -
Confessions of the newly sleeved
Rena's got this replied to Rena's got this's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Again, thanks everyone for helping me get back on the straight and narrow. It just took some straight talk to make me realize just what I was doing. Back to the yogurt, refried Beans and Protein drinks for me. I'm so glad that I didn't mess anything up....probably because I chewed everything to a pulp before swallowing, but I shouldn't have let that hangry head hunger monster take control. Now...I have something really good to share!! I contacted Premier Protein customer support because I had some shakes that were clumpy and didn't expire until June 2014. I just wanted to be sure they were safe to drink. They were so very nice! They assured me that because of the high protein level in their shakes, that sometimes clumps happen, but they are completely safe to drink. They said they would send me a replacement pack in the mail. Well.....that replacement pack came today. It wasn't a 4 pack like I expected, but one of those 18 packs like you can get at Sams Club!!! Not a bad Monday at all!! -
Confessions of the newly sleeved
Rena's got this replied to Rena's got this's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Beautiful....I read your other post about how difficult your recovery was from your surgery. I feel for you and hope things get better for you quickly. My main worry with the surgery was that I'd be nauseated and vomiting with it. Before my surgery, I had an extreme gag reflex...even brushing my teeth could bring on a bout of gagging. When I had this surgery, I also had a hiatial hernia repaired. I can't say enough good things about my surgeon and his team. I haven't had any nausea or gagging, hardly any pain and no heartburn. If I didn't have the restriction and the five surgical scars in my belly, I'd kind of wonder if I had the surgery at all. I'm probably just extremely lucky. If I had such a difficult experience like you did, I'd be very worried about every bite I put in my mouth. Thanks everyone for the replies. I am going to be more careful. I just have to learn to tame that head hunger beast. -
Esophageal spasms
Rena's got this replied to dc2beslim's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I didn't have anything like that. It almost sounds like gas from the operation got stuck up there with nowhere to go, but I'm sure your doc has thought about that. Wouldn't want to second guess him or her. I got lucky, mine was relatively painless, no gas pains or anything. Some of my incisions were sore for about a week, but that was it. -
Esophageal spasms
Rena's got this replied to dc2beslim's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Can you describe them? I have something that I would call a half of a hiccup. Not a hiccup at all, not a burp, but a feeling that it could really hurt if it was a full ...half. I don't need meds for them, and only have them if I try to drink too many sips of Water or liquids. I'm on pureed foods now and am trying not to overfill my smaller tummy. -
Travel & Protein Shakes
Rena's got this replied to UKHEIDI's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I love the Premier Protein chocolate shakes. They were my go-to Protein Drink pre-op, and I find that I still love them post-op. With 30 grams of protein per 11 oz (325ML) you can't go wrong. I recently bought some that were a little bit clumpy even though the expiration date was July 2014, so I called the company. They said that some degree of being clumpy was ok due to the high amount of protein in them and that they were still good to drink, but they sent me a new four-pack free anyway. I drank the clumpy ones... just had to shake them a little more to get them a bit more smooth. I bought a big tub of the Syntrax nectar Roadside Lemonade, and found that I don't really care for it. I'll probably use it by adding some lemonade flavored Crystal Lite packets to them. -
Mechanical Soft Foods
Rena's got this replied to Zoumommy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I got some canned crab meat and added some fat free cream cheese and a little salt to it. Can't eat a whole lot of it just yet, but it sure is yummy, and I made sure I mashed it up really good. I may be pushing things, as I am two days away from going from the full liquids to a pureed diet, but I haven't had any problems so far with runny cheese grits and cream of wheat, so I decided to try this as well...at least it has more Protein than grits! -
Trial run of preop diet?
Rena's got this replied to nepagirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
How long is your pre-op diet? Don't feel alone, we've all had to go through it, or are going to have to go through it. Most of us anyway. I've been through it, had the surgery, and am still on full liquids until Tuesday when I graduate to pureed foods. After the surgery, the wanting is still there, but for me at least, the hunger is not. That makes it so much easier to let my tummy heal before I give in to eating what I'd like to eat. -
Since much is required, does the sleeve just *help*?
Rena's got this replied to lylabelle's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had surgery Tuesday Feb 25th, and went back to work the next Monday. It was too soon, but I stuck with it, doing half days, since after 4 hours I was exhausted. I really wish I had taken more time. I never did get nauseous and didn't have much pain, but was extremely tired. Being on a liquid diet did nothing for my energy level either. -
Trial run of preop diet?
Rena's got this replied to nepagirl's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I could not do a trial run.... well, actually I thought about it, but could only do it for a little less than a day. That said, when it came time to do the pre-op diet, I didn't have any problems sticking to it, since I had a definite deadline, and pretty severe consequences if I didn't stick to it. I had a couple of food funerals just before I got started...lol. I am now 12 days post-op, and am pretty tired of the full liquid diet I'm on. Even though my stomach is much smaller and holds only a few ounces, my head tells me I want/deserve what I ate before. I don't get hungry though, so it is pretty easy to ignore that head hunger, once I drink my fill. -
Maybe i wasnt ready for this ..#vent
Rena's got this replied to lmdx0sleeved's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Beautiful Saturday morning, and I'm not up to enjoying it. I feel weak from eating so much less than I'm used to. Just plain ol' tired. Kinda have the blues too. I'm 12 days out now, and I'm so tempted to just go grab a hamburger or something. One of my incisions is still sore, but the doc says it isn't anything to worry about. I live alone except for half the week when my teen kids come to stay (joint custody), and I'm feeling like I don't have anyone to baby me. Don't really want company though, or even to talk on the phone, so what gives. ....guess I'm just hijacking this thread to throw a little pity party for myself. -
NOT ADAPTING TO PHASE 2...HELP!
Rena's got this replied to Unbesleeveable's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I tried Cream of Wheat on day 6 after surgery (Feb 25, 2014). I made it extremely liquid, using low fat milk, and I used Splenda to sweeten it. It was wonderful, and I had no problems at all with nausea. Actually, I haven't been nauseous at all with this surgery. I'm still on full liquids until next tuesday. Tonight I tried refried Beans watered down with chicken broth, with a bit of mayo, melted cheese and salt for flavor, and it was wonderful. My nutritionist said as long as it would go through a straw, it would be considered a full liquid, and I could eat it, but of course, not to use a straw. She also said to err on the side of caution if I wasn't sure whether or not I could tolerate something. -
Maybe i wasnt ready for this ..#vent
Rena's got this replied to lmdx0sleeved's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was on clear liquids for one day...until my leak test. Then they put me on full liquids. I'm supposed to be on them for two weeks, and have 6 days left before I get to move to pureed foods. I talked to my nutritionist today, and she told me I could have stuff like grits with butter, or mashed potatoes as long as they were watery enough to go through a straw (but not to use a straw). She also made a suggestion that I found wonderful....tried it tonight. It was a half a cup of refried Beans, with a little cheese, melted, and I used chicken broth to make it smooth enough to fit in a straw. I also put just a little mayo in it and a little salt. It was wonderful. She said I could also add unflavored Protein to it to boost the protein level. I can't wait until I can have stuff like scrambled eggs, but now I think I can do this. I haven't had any nausea, and not much pain, but I am a little scared right now to overdo drinking Water or eating anything over a couple of ounces. I usually take a long time to eat, even the full liquids. I've lost about 16 pounds so far, and I am feeling pretty tired at work. I think I should have taken more time off.... -
Post-op hospital stay
Rena's got this replied to KBlood's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I went in Tuesday, Feb 25th, and went home Wednesday, Feb 26th. Of course, my surgery was the first up on Tuesday, and it seemed to be over before I realized it. Seems that they had me up walking before the dizzyness of the anesthesia totally wore off, which was a little weird, but ok. I actually walked quite a bit on my own because I didn't want to stay another day. My doc put a nausea patch on me before the surgery, then afterwards put anti nausea and pain medicine in my IV every 6 hours, so I had no nausea and very little pain overall. I was surprised that they put me on full liquids the second day, but I wasn't hungry, so it didn't matter. Took chapstick, but didn't really need it. Took a small pillow which did help during walks and when I stood up from the bed. Took a bag with a few things like shampoo, hairspray, blowdryer and curling Iron, but didn't need any of that, just a toothbrush and toothpaste. Took slippers, but didn't use them...used the socks they put on me. Didn't read my kindle, didn't get on the internet, barely watched tv...just kind of vegged out and catnapped most of the time. They put these wraps on my legs that inflated and deflated every half a minute or so to help prevent blood clots. Felt like my legs were getting massaged....loved that. Over all...not a bad experience. Loved the hospital, West Georgia Health. My doc, and all the staff were the best I could have hoped for. -
February 25 anyone?
Rena's got this replied to juliansmommy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I did go back to work today, but only half a day. I felt that I could have stayed all day, but got pretty tired, so I decided to go on home. I'm feeling a bit lazy...lol. I would love to just take the rest of the week off, but getting behind at work worries me so I'll tough it out and go back tomorrow. -
February 25 anyone?
Rena's got this replied to juliansmommy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Same here...I'll be going back to work tomorrow. May have to just do half days, but we'll see. -
sleeved 2/24/14
Rena's got this replied to nsabino's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was also sleeved on the 25th. Not much pain, no gas pains. The nurses gave me anti-nausea and pain medicine like clockwork every 6 hours. I wasn't nauseous at all. Now that I am home, I have noticed more pain at my incisions. I just have to be careful not to twist or bend at the waist. I'm sipping Syntrax Protein drinks and still feel I'm not getting enough liquids down. I'll just have to keep on trying. The Premier Protein chocolate drinks are still good, but they taste a little heavy to me now. I gained weight during the hospital stay. Went from 238 back up to 246. I'm thinking it was all the IV fluids they had me on, but now that I'm home, it isn't coming off as quickly. Day 4 and I'm down to 243. That is a little bit unfair I think...lol. -
February 25 anyone?
Rena's got this replied to juliansmommy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I've hears that pain and vomiting are very common. My doctor and nurses made sure I didn't have either. Before the operation they put an anti-nausea patch behind my left ear, then after the surgery, put some anti-nausea medicine into my iv every 6 hours along with a souped up anti-pain medicine. No narcotics, just a souped up Motrin. If there is anything I really hate, it is nausea and vomiting. That was my primary worry about this surgery. I've also heard that the first month after your surgery will be rough, and people will second guess their decision on having this done. After that, I've heard that people really love the sleeve. I'm in a bit of pain for bending over right now, but am sure it will stop soon. Hope you feel better soon sweetcheeks14. -
February 25 anyone?
Rena's got this replied to juliansmommy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Just got home from the hospital. I'm a bit sore, but no real pain. I was thankful that they didn't use a catheter on me. I didn't seem to have any gas pains thank goodness, and didn't take any of the narcotic pain killers they prescribed. I just want to heal as fast as I can. The West Georgia Medical Center was beautiful, and the people that waited on me treated me like a well-loved family member. Even the custodians were exceptionally pleasant. Dr. Turton was great. I couldn't have asked for better. Had a great experience, and didn't even have to go to Mexico!!! Now I have one month to go and I can start eating some of my favorite foods again, such as scrambled eggs, grits, and other soft foods. Congrats for all that have had the Sleeve this week and last week! -
How often did you call insurance?
Rena's got this replied to likemeagain's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I called twice a week until they told me I was denied. When I reapplied, I didn't call them at all, then one day I get a call from my surgeon's office telling me I was approved. Surgery date tomorrow...actually in about 7 hours from now!!! -
Pureed Question
Rena's got this replied to Zoumommy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Dang ya'll.... all this talk about food!! I can't wait until I can eat some cheese grits, pureed whatever, scrambled eggs. My pre-op diet ends in a few hours when I head for the hospital. Soooo tired of Protein drinks already! -
February 25 anyone?
Rena's got this replied to juliansmommy's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hours to go!!! I'm first one in the morning. Have to leave at 4am to get there by 5am (6am Eastern). Can't wait till its over and done with! This pre-op diet was difficult. Even today I went to a meeting and they had bite sized candy bars available. I picked up a Mounds and held it for a while before finally putting it back....argh!!!! Soon.....soon. -
Uh-Oh.....Nerves are starting to kick in a little
Rena's got this replied to Aunt GG's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am just a few hours away. Nervous, but not overly so. I plan on staying awake all night since I have to leave at 4 in the morning to arrive at the center at 5am (6am Eastern). I'll sleep when they anesthetize me...lol! All evening I have been thinking about a Sonic chicken sandwich on a Ciabatta bun...stoopid commercials! I am so happy that this is finally about to take place. Good luck to everyone undergoing this procedure...may we wake up skinnier and healthier!!!! -
Oh SandeeD I feel you! I'm in the same boat. My date is the same as yours, this coming Tuesday, and this pre-surgery diet was harder than I thought it would be. Last night I went to a baby shower and the finger food was incredible. I held out to the end and then finally gave in and had one small chicken wing and one small cheese cube. I felt really bad about cheating, but I still lost weight this morning. Total of 8 pounds lost since last Tuesday. I guess I am thankful that I only have a 7 day pre-op diet. My brother in law asked me why I was doing this. He is nice and slim, and has discipline when it comes to food. I just mumbled...for my health, and left it at that. I know he was shaking his head when he walked off. I think that is when I gave in and cheated. When will I learn not to let people affect me!
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BCBS of Al. Success stories?
Rena's got this replied to Teachingmom's topic in Insurance & Financing
Success stories? I was denied my first try with BCBS of Alabama. I appealed and was approved. My surgery is next Tuesday (Feb. 25, 2014). I didn't have a band previously. Did they say why they denied you?