nursehr80

What is your average calorie intake on a daily basis? I am just outside of 8 mos post op. I had some post op complications and had to have back surgery unexpectedly in December. So, I am just starting on my fitness pal and exercise is limited to walking at the moment. I have had steady weight loss since surgery - but now that I am recovered from my rough 2013 - need to get serious about what is going in my body. My intake today was 900 calories. (Sorry for the repost - didn't want to miss anyone)

What is your average calorie intake on a daily basis? I am just outside of 8 mos post op. I had some post op complications and had to have back surgery unexpectedly in December. So, I am just starting on my fitness pal and exercise is limited to walking at the moment. I have had steady weight loss since surgery - but now that I am recovered from my rough 2013 - need to get serious about what is going in my body. My intake today was 900 calories.

I did everything through HR and under short term disability. This way I was protected for 12 weeks and my manager couldn't go against anything HR said. My suggestion is to ask for more time, and then if you are feeling better, go back early. Even though the decreased income was hard, I was so thankful for the time off that I had.

I was out 7 weeks, but had some mild complications - dehydration and my sleeve was too tight and I couldn't advance my diet. I had 3 egd's with stretching/ dilation. I went back ft and feel like my normal self now. I may have been able to return at week 5 if I didn't struggle getting enough in. Maybe consider going back half shifts for the first week back. The pain is nothing - it is the exhaustion, nausea, and staying nourished that is most hard. You have to make time to eat and drink all shift long. My exhaustion and weakness was the worst though.

I too am having a VERY difficult time. I am one month post-op and have been living with regret since day one. Mostly regret of going through with the surgery having doubts of even going through with it. I know it's done and I change it' date=' but am struggling everyday to get through it. I CANNOT stomach any Protein Shakes, therefore am worried about getting in all my Protein. Also struggling to get all my fluids in.. But working on it. I dont want to lose my hair!!!! Spent a day in the ER for dehydration and low Iron which have felt that way since the day of surgery. My BMI was 38... Just wish I would of tried harder. Now I realize how much better my life was.. I was athletic and now I can't even take a shower without having to lay down after. I so afraid to go back to work next week because my lack of energy.. Im a Sports Therapist and pray I can do my job without passing out or breaking down crying. I just want my life back. Im sorry for the negativity folks, just trying to reach out and know i am not alone and that IT WILL GET BETTER...

God Bless you all.[/quote']

I felt exactly the same way! I promise it does get better and your energy/strength will return. I took longer than most to recover. I had to lay down from exhaustion from showers. I was feeling more normal by week 6 and by week 9, I started working with my personal trainer and doing exercise I did prior to surgery. I still can't tolerate the protein shakes. I haven't lost any hair yet and hoping not to. I supplement with Greek yogurt, skim milk, cottage cheese, beef hot dog cut in to teeny bites, and string cheese. This, my daily Vitamins, and sipping on only Water through the day help. To help with Fluid, I snacked on chicken broth, full sugar Popsicles, sugar free kool aid, any Soup broth, and the Topicana Trop 50 juices - in the orange juice section. I have found alternative Protein Drinks that are not "protein shakes". they don't have a ton of protein - but help. Look in the produce section or organic section for either the Bolthouse farm drinks or the protein drinks by Naked. They are higher in calorie, but I drink half and the other half later. They taste good - like juice, chocolate milk, or a iced Cappuccino, and are all natural. Promise it gets better - and it took me a long time to see the light.

If you can try not to get any sun on the scars for the first year it'll help a lot w/ the color of the scars. I work w/surgeons & its their little hint. The scar silicone sheets can help if your scar is raised. Mederma helps w/ pigmentation.

Also just the act of rubbing the area helps w/ healing. So lotion ' date=' vit e doesnt significantly matter the vigiorous rubbing helps oxygenate the skin, the blood flow increases there as a result & warmth from hands& friction helps too.

allons-y[/quote']

Thanks for these tips!

Thanks everyone!

Any ideas on how long it takes for your scars to fully disappear? I have been using Mederma for 8 weeks straight and I notice improvement - but it is slow going. Will they ever turn white or go away?

I am 9 weeks out and have no signs of thinning or Hair loss. My hair seems to actually be stronger than normal. My surgeon said to expect it to start either last week or this one - and nothing. Did anyone not experience hair loss the first 3 mos?

Thank You All For Your Encouragement......It Really Does Help Me Feel Like Things Will Get Better. Right Now I Think My Biggest Struggle Is Feeling Thirsty And Not Being Able To Satisfy The Thirst. I "Sip Sip Sip" As Much As Possible' date=' But Its Really Not Satisfying, In Fact Its More Of A Tease. I've Tried Popsicles, But Really They Make Me More Thirsty. Any Ideas? Those That Are Further Out From Surgery, Have You Found That You ARe Able To Drink Enough To Quench Your Thirst, How Long Did It Take To Get To That Point? Again Thanks For All The Feedback I Really Appreciate It![/quote']

I am able to drink much larger sips now. I am able to drink the way I did prior to surgery at 8 weeks out. Try crushed or shaved plain ice with a spoon. I loved that when I was in the hospital because the ice lingers. Also my surgeon said I could use a camelbak Water bottle with a straw - as the Water stays in the straw and you aren't sucking a straw full of air and then water. I can sip on that much easier. I promise the drinking gets better.

BEEN THERE!!! Actually still there some days with the depression. I am 8 weeks post op tomorrow. The exhaustion was horrible for me and I was treated for dehydration 3 times and had one hospitalization 2 weeks ago. Today I don't need naps anymore, the nausea is better, and I can drink more. I still come no where near the Protein and liquid requirements, but each day gets better. I didn't expect the recovery I had at all and thought I was all alone. I can now say it gets better - but the hardest part - just letting yourself heal. sleep when you need to and drink what you can. There were days I just did Clear Liquids and didn't even focus on protein. I did full sugar Popsicles and regular chicken broth with soggy saltines. Those helped me the most. Whatever you do - listen to your body and don't over do it. In the long run, you will not regret this. My thoughts are with you - just know you are not alone in how you are feeling. Use your support team and if you don't have a great one - see a therapist. I have to go once a week right now - despite loving my 40 lbs gone - this is a huge transition.

I am almost 4 weeks out and have been using prescription Reglan about once or twice a day. It is not for everyone, as can have some side effects. I am lucky though and have zero side effects. Only issue is you can only take for short period of time. I take it 30 min prior to eating in addition to my ppi. It helps with nausea, reflux, and promotes motility. Also - have you asked your md for an upper gi ct scan with barium? I had one last week and they saw some narrowing. I had an endoscopy with dilation this past Friday and felt an amazing difference. It was a very simple procedure, no pain, and I was there less than 2 hours. Narrowing can be a normal side effect post op. My diet changed when I left the hospital Friday and it has been amazing. Good luck in some relief!

After 3 weeks of hell... I can now confirm there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I ate all normal soft foods today after a hellacious 3 weeks. It was amazing!!!! 2 pieces of steamed shrimp and one Tomato slice with a small slice of fresh mozzarella for dinner. No pain, no nausea, no reflux, and I feel full. Just finished my 30 min wait and sipping some sugar free juice. There is hope for all of you suffering - just keep looking forward.

My mom is constantly on me about it. I wish I had a good way to measure liquids every time. I'll have some milk then some Gatorade then Water and just pour them out of a big jug not knowing exactly how much I'm talking in. I really need to start being diligent about measuring.

I used little medicine cups like that come with liquid Benadryl or cough Syrup. It should have an oz mark - 4 ounces an hour is a good goal. Also 1/2 cup measuring cup is the same as 4 oz - so you could measure out that way. Write it down on a log. My first goal was 32-40 oz per day and my surgeon was happy with me when I reached 40. I stopped focusing on the Protein and only focused on fluids and then worried about the shakes after. I also didn't focus so much on the holding liquids 30 min pre and post when doing the shakes. Once i was feeling better - i went back to the rules. If you are drinking from a Gatorade bottle and able to get half in - they are usually 20 oz bottles - so just estimate how much you get in. Be careful if the milk. Is giving you bloating or pain and just focus on clears. Popsicles and Jello will also tell you how many ounces they are. Again, others may disagree, I stopped focusing so much on sugar free. I like sugar free drinks - but not Popsicles or Jello - so I did regular ones. I'm working on some Campbell's vegetable Soup broth right now - just took out the veggies. I like the flavor of the broth.< /p>

In my experience' date=' nurses are the WORST patients, LOL.[/quote']

We are aren't we? Lol

I still get it sometimes at 3 weeks out - but the worst was during week 1 and 2. I would just pace in my bedroom, sit up in a comfortable chair, and the gas x strips also helped. The strips also helped any time I was feeling nauseated - think it is the mint flavor. When feeling bloated - if laying down - turn side to side every few minutes - this helped my gas move. Feel for you - my first 2 weeks were much harder than I expected. If you have a support person - parent or friend - talk to them about how serious this is and how much help you really need. As a nurse - I know all the things I am "supposed" to do - but I felt so bad that I got my mom to be bossy and stay on top of me with my fluids. Now at least 5 people contact me a day to make sure I am drinking. I did the broth of my favorite Soups, low sugar apple juice, Water, Popsicles with sugar because something is better than nothing, and the zero calorie SoBe waters. I still can't get in 64 oz in - but each day I get in a little bit more.

I am also nurse and agree with everyone else. I have had to be treated for dehydration twice - once with an ER visit in the last 3 weeks. Ketosis is normal at this stage. Just keep focusing on Water and staying awake as much as you can. 2 things that helped me - writing hourly goals of 4 oz on 2 32 ounce water bottles and the other - using a straw. I know the straw is a no no but I was able to get so much more in with a straw. Gas pain and bloating isn't fun - but was better than the feeling of dehydration for me.

This started after week one for me. I had a melt down on Monday night - sobbing and all. (Not like me) but each day is different. Yesterday and today have been better and tomorrow marks 3 weeks for me and I am temporarily stuck on Clear Liquids. I am craving a burger like no other. I had moments of regret - like "why did I do this to myself?" The psychologist I had to see for pre-op warned me this would happen. I have a therapist that I see and have been able to talk to her on the phone on my worst days and I plan on attending the support group at the hospital I had the surgery at. Feel your pain - but tomorrow will be a new day. putting on a new shirt today that was just a little too tight before felt good.

I get this pain now and then. I know it is near the suture in my muscle - just haven't figured out why it comes and goes - but def r side of my belly button near largest incision. Feels like a pulled or twisted muscle

I am in the Richmond area' date=' you?[/quote']

LipstickLady - I am also in Richmond. Who is your surgeon? Surgery date? I was sleeved at St. Mary's by Dr. Carmody on 6/12. Are you going to any support groups?

I can't imagine going anywhere or doing anything for at least 2 weeks post op - but that is my experience. I work from home and have not been able to restart working and I am almost 3 wks post op.

I was sleeved on June 12th, and have struggled regaining my strength each day. I am 32, starting wt 263, no other health conditions, and was able to walk a block or 1 set of stairs with no shortness of breath prior to surgery. Since being home, I have been struggling with intake of both Fluid and Protein - I'm sure you all can relate. I have been treated with fluids twice - once last week at the md office and then Saturday I could not get anything in because of nausea and was rehydrated at the ER. Yesterday I felt like a new person - it was amazing and no more nausea. I started the hour I woke up measuring out 4 oz per hour, ate some Soup with protein, and got in what I could of some shakes - but the gas and bloating threw me off in the afternoon and evening. Today, I didn't feel as great as yesterday. I started the same way off, measuring my fluids, setting goals, but have not been able to take in very much protein at all. I called my surgeon and tomorrow is my first true follow up since surgery. The nurse told me to just focus on fluids - clear today, and relieving some mild Constipation. Problem is - I am so weak that it is hard to shower, walk more than a few laps around my house, and the stairs just about knock me out. I am taking my Vitamins daily and avoiding laying down. I have drank about 30 oz of Water today. Anyone else struggle with weakness and loss of stamina this far out from surgery? I know we all recover differently - but I just wasn't expecting this for myself. Thanks for any feedback

Mine was bad last night and not moving. I paced in my room during commercials, took 2 gas x strips, some milk of mag, and a heating pad for about 20 min on my tummy at low - it was slow, but it worked miracles. Also, when laying in bed rotate from side to side rather than laying flat. I'm 12 days post op and it has not stopped yet. Today's goal - get the bowels actually moving. I was going fine until 4 days ago. I have been wobbling all around my house today to walk, drinking Water, and taking stool softeners. Nothing! Just pulled out the weapon of coffee and Miralax - so I will see. Can't wait for things to get back to normal - as normal as it can be.

I boiled a skinless chicken breast in some chicken broth and added just one tbs of cream. I take a small amount each day and purée it in the blender - best thing ever. I have also added a boiled potato and spinach and puréed as well. Taste like a chicken pot pie - but I can only get about 4 bites in so the fat and cho's are too low to be harmful. I'm a diabetic educator - so have some background in nutrition. I also found an already made shake called "Rocking Refuel" that is my savior. I buy the chocolate that is 190 calories and 30 gms of Protein per 12 oz serving. Amazing! It is made with with milk protein rather than whey so doesn't have a chalky protein taste at all. Google them for their website to find a retailer near you. They are by the chocolate milk at my grocery store. The Vanilla and strawberry are amazing as well - but lower protein and higher calories. If I'm really struggling, I will have half of one though. Haven't tried it yet, but the brand Silk that makes soy and almond milk has a new juice with protein. And last - there is a drink called Kefir - it is really just liquid yogurt. There are flavored ones and plain which you could add half a banana to for a smoothie. Kefir is gluten and lactose free - which is nice. It is usually in the organic dairy section at the grocery store. Hope this helps!

Hey,

I am a nurse as well. Please be careful to not over do it - even if you feel great in the morning. I was sleeved on 6/12/13 and felt good at the end of week one - so I went out for some errands with my mom. Bad decision! :/ I have had to get IV fluids twice since then for dehydration. First I slept too much recovering and got behind. Yesterday I had a strange day of nausea and weakness - no home treatments working and couldn't get anything in. Spent the evening in the ER last night - lol. Always nice for a nurse to explain how she can't physically be a compliant patient. I had no nausea this whole time until yesterday. Took zofran and regland to get it controlled. Phenergan knocks me out for 2 days and I need to stay up to drink. Lol! I thought after everything, I would be the one walking 30 min a day first day home. At this time, I am reduced to laps around my downstairs and pacing in my bedroom. Today I feel like a new person - but terrified of a replay of yesterday. Considering asking for an order for PT to get me going - I was 100% physically normal before surgery and am 32 yo. Also considering asking for 3 days of some bid LR infusions at home. Makes me sound wimpy - but never expected a recovery like this. From one nurse to another - take it easy and know you are not alone in feeling exhausted.