grateful-1

I think you are pretty normal, Day 4 I was cussing at myself saying what the hell did you do this for? I was able to drink Water cold water, but needed to take zofran to keep it down. Also had to take meds for the pain every 4 hours (Tylenol and Ibuprofen). Did this for 6 days then was able to stop. I had to eat lite vanilla greek yogurt 2-3 oz, every two hours to keep my stomach filled or the pain was unbelievable. It slides down well and you can barely feel it. I do not know where you live but the lite Kroger brand has 16 grams of protein.I would put a half a scoop of vanilla Protein Powder into my 3 oz of yogurt and that would give me 18 grams of Protein a serving,90 calories, maybe 6- 8 spoonfulls.
The headache was incredibly bad, went on for 6 days.Then stopped has not come back.
I would drink 2 0z a water and hour, stop for a half hour eat, stop for a half hour drink for an hour then stop for a half hour, then eat, ...you get the picture. I hated it I felt like it was a full time job.
After day 8 things started to turn around for me.I hope they will for you too.I was able to drink more and the pain in my abdomen stopped, the gas I was having stopped killing me and life was so much better. Except for the fatigue. I learned to listen to my body if it said sleep I did, and I think recovery was improved by sleep. I also started walking at day 6. 10 mins to start now 2.5 weeks out 30-40 mins a day. I did 3 hours of walking one day, but paid a price got nauseated, and sweaty. Way too much at 2 weeks.
I am 62 and this surgery was way harder than the one I had at 42. But at 2.5 weeks post surgery I am feeling hopeful that this time I will lose weight and keep it off. I hope you will understand that this hard time you are having will pass and you will feel better soon. Just one day at a time. Start walking even if only for 5 mins to begin it seemed to really help me, and sleep when you can, even with little cat naps between eating and drinking, sleep is the great restorer of health.Feel better soon.

It won't be long before you are feeling better. Recovery is different for everyone. I felt decent after about a week. I felt pretty great after 2 weeks but was still a little tired. I'm six weeks out now and my energy has come back. My mental breakdown came a week post-op. I started having regrets because I was still on liquids and missed food. I cried most of the day that day. However, by the next day I got over it and just kept reminding myself that it was only temporary and reminding myself the reason why I had this surgery. For me, everything changed when I got to the pureed food stage. I didn't feel deprived because I was at least able to eat food again. I haven't felt deprived or had any regrets since. You're going to be fine. Just remember that "this too shall pass".

Just sharing my various thoughts through this journey:
1. Psych: Yesterday was a challenging day. Was an emotional roller coaster including lots of self-doubt and realization of physical limitations. I had two negative moments during the day where it was hard to keep my emotions in check. Ultimately, ended the evening with a positive mindset but this part of my new life is much more difficult than I anticipated.
2. Hydration: really, really, really hard. I didn't get to the 60oz the doctor instructed me to ingest. Because the sleeve is still extremely swollen, you have to take micro sips and its hard. It hurts a lot and physically hard to maintain. I woke up with a headache today which I assume is because I am starting to be dehydrated. Going to do my best to increase today. Just really hard.
3. Protein: for me, nearly impossible to get even close to 40-60g. It took me several hours to put down a Protein drink. I barely got in 7oz which clearly doesn't get me close to the Protein recommendation. Will try and get 40 today. That also would knock out 16oz of liquid. I worry about this...don't want to be malnourished and start losing my hair.
4. Pain: obviously my abdominal incisions and trauma continue to hurt...swelling finally starting subside externally but clearly still very pronounced internally with the sleeve. I'm still taking the pain meds a few times a day.
5. Recovery: I have been shocked how much more its going to take. I'm 43 and wasn't in terrible shape at 270lbs...and this has been really hard. I really believed I'd be up and close to normal in a few days. Not so. Everyone is different but the recovery is slow and you can't rush it.
Today is about goals for me: 60oz of liquid and at least 40g of protein. If I fail, I fail. One step and one day at a time.
Thanks to everyone here for your support. It's a great community.

I think I'll have a nice cup of chicken broth mixed with a dose of chicken flavored Unjury...YUMMY!!!

I dont really get hungry perse. I feel 'empty'. So I just make sure by looking at the clock to eat a couple of ounces of Protein every 2 - 3 hours while drinking in between. It will seem like a chore at the beginning but now its a habit. Some days it feels like I ate SO much because I had 4 or 5 little meals and then I end up breaking thru a stall. Go figure.

Premier Protein tastes good . I don't taste the Protein at all and no aftertaste. I've had the chocolate and the vanilla. Both are good, but I like the chocolate a little more, but the vanilla seems a little thinner if you like the thinner consistency. 3 more days until surgery. I really can't believe it!

Thank you. Energy wise I feel great. I have tons of energy. Before surgery all I wanted to do is lay down n take naps. Now I just wanna move and do things. This surgery has changed my life.

Follow YOUR doctor's pre and post op plans to the letter. Don't be swayed by what others are doing on this sight. I found when I turn that part off, I do better. For example, some will have liquid only pre-op diets, others don't (I didn't). Some will be on liquids/protein shakes only for 1 week and then graduate, others don't. Listen to what your doc/clinic instructs you to do and stick with it. I have followed my instructions to a T and lost 19 lbs. before surgery and 8 lbs. post (including the extra weight I gained immediately after surgery from bloating and fluids). Don't 2nd guess it, just do it. Take all supplements they recommend and drink a TON of Water. Be prepared for exhaustion for a while. I'm just shy of 2 weeks post op, have 0 pain anymore but I'm so tired it's unbelievable. I allow myself to nap (which is very hard for me). You can do this!! Once you are through surgery it will be a blur and you can focus on the real work ahead.

Love it! I thought about it, but forgot to ask. I think there's enough on YouTube to satisfy my curiosity.

I can see me trying to explain that at the border or better yet to TSA.

I LOVE this question! I am horror film reviewer and that was one of the first questions I asked when I scheduled my surgery. Doctor had the strangest look on his face when I asked. It. Of course he said it was not possible. But when I explained that I see some pretty twisted stuff and seeing my stomach was something I greatly wanted to do, he said he would think about it. Now something came up and this doctor wasn't able to preform the surgery and I had another one. BUT the previous one came to visit me in the hospital and he had snapped a picture with his cell phone and I got to see it. WICKED. Nothing much to look at bloody deflated pouch. But to me it was awesome.

Laying in preop. They are running an hour behind. My belly is so empty! Hope to get rolling soon.

My surgery is Friday and I'm sure I'm going through with it, but it's very scary and the unknowns really mess with my head..good luck with your surgery I'm sure you will do great

I am so happy to hear you are doing so well! Thank you for sharing! My surgery is scheduled for the 16th! I am on vacation with my family and this pre-op diet sucks! What sucks even more is not knowing if my insurance has approved my surgery yet. The last I heard was that they should have an answer by Monday. I am nervous and excited. My husband is the only one who knows I am having this surgery. It sucks not having the support I need from my family. I come on this site and read the threads looking for someone to relate to. I have my husband to talk to, but it's not the same. Thanks again for sharing your story. You give me hope and peace that everything will be just fine

So glad to hear that everything went well! May your journey be quick yet full of wonder!

Done with surgery, actually was done at 10:30 this morning:) When I woke up in the recovery room, I had some pain in only one of the five holes in my belly. I rated it a five. Got less with the pain meds. Other than that I was drowsy. Going through the day doing well. Sitting up the first time a little dizzy, walking a little nauseous Not too bad though. Gave my some Zofran, much better. Second time getting up and walking not as bad:) No gas pains yet. Feeling pretty good, much better than I thought I would. Tired though, so I'll try to post more tomorrow:)

I agree Norseman's raid that it is definately less invasive than bypass. I guess I wonder about the staples, and possible malnourishment later on. Maybe I'm just being a worry wart:)
And belunos, thank you for saying that. I researched some of the statistics, and yes, pretty bad. It was an eye operner, so thank you:)

Done with surgery, actually was done at 10:30 this morning:) When I woke up in the recovery room, I had some pain in only one of the five holes in my belly. I rated it a five. Got less with the pain meds. Other than that I was drowsy. Going through the day doing well. Sitting up the first time a little dizzy, walking a little nauseous Not too bad though. Gave my some Zofran, much better. Second time getting up and walking not as bad:) No gas pains yet. Feeling pretty good, much better than I thought I would. Tired though, so I'll try to post more tomorrow:)

Yayyy!! a few of us heading home today! Boogiebabe, yes I do have some rumbly in my tummy, but they said that's a good sign, shows everything is working in there:) Well, I am home. Was very sleepy, so took a nice long nap. Pretty weak, even picking up the mail felt kind of heavy haha:) But I know I'll get stronger each day. Liquids are still going done fine. Had a couple of sugar free icepops, very yummy! Not hungry at all which is exciting. Family eating in front of me doesn't bother me at all:) My 10 year old son greeted me in the driveway and said, Mommy, I made your bed for you. That touched my heart:) So Congratulations to all of you who just had surgery, and to those getting it soon. It is no where near as bad as I thought it would be so far. Best wishes to you all and thanks again for being there!

Oops I was also worried and sad that it had truly come to surgery and removing a perfectly healthy stomach for me to lose weight. I made a list of all of the ways my weight was limiting my life ( breathing, embarrassed, no clothes .. Etc). There was no other way out of my hell ( in my opinion on a permanent basis) for me. The first few days after surgery were tough and painful but I feel like a new person now ( I'm 6 wks post op and -31lbs) with real hope for the first time in years!! Best thing I've ever done for me! Ps . I'm not mourning food - not very hungry and I can eat what I want . If I'm dying for a bite of cheesecake I have it - not a big deal anymore and I don't feel the need to finish it or stuff myself. I feel in control. Good luck

I am going home today as well. I had a lot of issues yesterday with pain while trying to get fluids down. It was due to swelling so once they gave me some steroids it helped me get the fluids down without pain. Tons of gas pain so I'm walking as much as possible to work it out

This topic has been the most valuable to me thus far. The threads that prepare you with food, habits, what to expect after are all at our finger tips and are so helpful.
But, this thread of people that are nervous, wondering if this choice is the right one, thinking if they could still try something else was most valuable at this time.
Then I read.. Belize's post and was inspired. This post validated my decision to do surgery. I really appreciate your heartfelt response that most of us can relate to.. It put any reservations that I have at ease. Looking to be sleeved at the end of year.
Thank you!!

Grateful 1 glad to hear how well you are doing!! I had surgery same morning as you. Im getting ready to head home as well. Have had alot of gas pains too. And alot of tummy rumbling....are u having this?? I mean it rumbles out loud!! Keep us posted, glad you are doing well.