back2barb78

Ellie you saying that makes me so happy because of how supportive all the "OCC vets" were of me and my nervousness preop. I just knew I had lost my mind when I sent them my deposit and wondered what the hell I was thinking going to Mexico for surgery. I started having panic attacks right after and 100% this site, these women, particularly this thread has been amazing for me and snapped me out of it and from there it was nothing but positivity until the doctor was putting me under on the table. I'm happy for you and know you will soon be losing weight so fast you won't believe it! It will be life-changing for you and your family.

Good luck to you Covatila! You'll do fine

I think your vitamins are great. I just took Flinstone vitamins with iron preop and extra iron.

Valentine's Challenge (Goal 245lbs) 1/3/14- 257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14- 252 lbs 1/24/14- 246lbs 1/31/13- 244lbs 2/7/14- 243lbs 2/14/14- 241lbs

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14-252 lbs 1/24/14-246lbs (thanks to the flu!!!) 1/31/14-244lbs (goal 245) 2/7/14-243lbs (officially 90lbs lost!!)

In!!!

Shells, I'm sad that you were doing anything to put yourself in harms way for this challenge. The point is to drink and eat so you CAN lose weight! This is just supposed to be helpful to is to track your loss and also see others be successful. No stress involved! We've all been through enough

LexFl, you have done amazing with your sleeve. So happy you are able to enjoy and do things you weren't able to do before AND rock those legs! Just booked my first cruise and I'm going to do it ALL! Congrats on your success

I mixed mine with light almond milk. I would freeze almond milk ice cubes and do half frozen half poured almond milk in my ninja blender. I could only drink it super cold because if it isn't, it's disgusting. I would also put 2 Enspira vits in it. Then I poured it in a blender bottle so I could shake it since the vitamin ends up on the bottom.

CupofJojo, I would use this time to get organized and stay busy! Organize your closet since things change so quickly postop, clean out your pantry/fridge and give food away, try out protein supplements (not too many it can get expensive). It will go by fast though and it will be surgery day before you know it. Good luck to you!

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14-252 lbs 1/24/14-246lbs (thanks to the flu!!!) 1/31/14-244lbs GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!! Sorry I love when they say that Thank you Bea!!

Sandy, I thought the same thing- how can people have leaks when there is no cutting? But there are a couple people on this site who claim near death incidents of leaks from plication (I hate to sound this way but damn near every time someone has a complication, they were rescued from death's doorstep). Don't know what's true and what isn't, but they are on here.

I definitely had some sharp pains postop on my left side but just at the incision sites which is understandable. Nothing to write home about but everyone's pain tolerance is different and so is every doctors technique doing surgery so some may have more pain than others. It was nothing liquid children's Tylenol didn't take away for and I was never given an narcotic meds postop and didn't last more than the first week for me. Just because it's nothing for one person doesn't mean it's nothing for you though so I would pay close attention to it. It should be getting better not worse obviously

You're post made me tear up Bea. So happy for you. I for once can't wait to travel and actually be comfortable!! Just booked my first cruise for May.

Valentine's Challenge 1/3/14-257 lbs 1/10/14- 255lbs 1/17/14-252 lbs 1/24/14-246lbs (Thanks to the flu!!!) 1lb from challenge goal

Yeah I haven't found any other benefit than feeling much better once I have a liter, just like when you feel better when they hydrate you when you're sick. I just work excessive hours in a work week which has in the past left me super dehydrated and in the emergency room. It is next to impossible to be at work 12+ hours a day 4-6 days a week and get enough fluids in- even moreso now. If I work 4 days in a row, inevitably I'm going to be dehydrated by the end. So to balance things out, I do that. If I didn't work the way I do, it probably wouldn't be needed. Right now the skill comes in handy

www.dealmed.com Let me say that I don't suggest anyone do this for yourself if you don't know what you're doing and are not a medical professional. I'm in NO way giving medical advice. This site is a medical supply site that anyone can purchase supplies from.

Nope. The only reason I have done IVs for many years now by the way (long before having this surgery) is strictly for hydration. As I said, this is a transitional period for me and all of us in the immediate postop period with our bodies adjusting to the changes in diet which is why some of us react differently, be it diarrhea or constipation. I have ended up on the constipation end like lots of people, but it seems to be getting better the more varied my diet is.

I do buy my own supplies on a medical site online. I would never do that at work!! I'm able to start them in myself so there's no need for anyone to do it for me. Very convenient!

You would think staying well hydrated would solve it, but it doesn't. I'm an RN, so I give myself IV hydration every week on top of my oral fluids to make sure I'm super duper hydrated and I'm still constipated. I know some people have the opposite problem. I think it's an adjustment period also. Either way I make sure I stay well hydrated orally and intravenously.

I take it when I notice I haven't gone in a while. I've been going on my own lately. I didn't have any vomiting until I was about a month out when I went back to work intermittently. Then I had a period about 2 months out where I was nauseated and sick to my stomach for about 2 weeks straight. Then randomly it all stopped and I haven't had any nausea/vomiting. It's like I turned a corner of sorts. I eat whatever sounds good. I'm not weighing things and all that complicated stuff. I found that when I was doing that I wasn't keeping anything down. I still focus on protein as much as possible but eat what will stay down. Lots of turkey meatloaf and chicken soup. I don't like my old protein shakes anymore. I mix chocolate muscle milk with a caramel Atkins protein shake most days as well. I also like Malto meal or cream of wheat with turkey sausage crumbles. I know I don't eat enough but I'm doing the best I can

I used email and Skype only.

Ahazelwo, the constipation is tear-inducing at times. You are not alone. I have to take Milk of Mag on occasion, moreso in the beginning. It's a smooth move with that. I've also taken Mirilax. I noticed if I eat more "normal" food, I have an uninduced bowel movement, but Ive gone almost 2 weeks with no BM if I only do protein and veggies sometimes.

Congrats!! It will come off MUCH quicker than you think!! It's truly amazing to be honest.

Really. I'm still only 3 months out, so maybe it will come back, but I hope not. I know I need to eat because of the weakness and lightheadedness, but that's me knowing I need to eat. I don't have the stomach growling and hunger pains that people normally have. No true hunger. I'm glad for it!