CrazyJaney

One last thought and then I'll hush (promise). I agree that to erase the stigma of WLS is a noble cause and one I hope to see happen in my lifetime. I've been a nurse for a very, very long time. I've seen the devastating effects of lifelong obesity and immobility. This is about health so much more than it is about beauty. And we are a society focused on beauty. It won't become acceptable as long as it's seen as a quick fix or as a means to take a selfie in a bikini. The medical community at large is ignorant about WLS. It's still seen as a "last ditch effort" after FAILURE. we are a long way (sad to say) from people seeing this like a gall bladder surgery. The more success we have as a community, the larger the community grows, the less the stigma will be. But we have a ways to go. And there is no harm in telling people. By no means do I advocate keeping it a secret from everyone. It's hard - support is needed. But don't put it in everyone's face everyday and make it the only thing they see about you. The coworker I mentioned before no longer works with us. But anytime her name is brought up at the nurses station, it's quickly followed by the words weight loss or surgery because everyone DOES associate her with surgery. I want to be seen for the person I am, big or small. I want to be judged for the work I do, not how much weight I've lost. If I encourage someone by being successful (and I'm too early in this journey to do that) then fine, great, excellent. But this is for ME and my health (and my children since they need their mom). I do not want to field questions about goals, food, pounds lost, with people who I KNOW like to gossip. If you don't work with anyone or know someone like that - you're lucky! People should do what they think is best for them. We should not TELL others what they should or should not do regarding telling others. I think the OP has heard us loud and clear - DONT LET OTHERS GET YOU DOWN! Okay, I'm done! Who'd a thought this post would go all rouge! Personally, I can't wait to see how great you look in the dress and hear about how wonderful of a time YOU had at the wedding!

Man, you dudes are clueless - and I say that in the nicest way possible!

To those who think you should sing the praises of WLS from the highest mountain, did you ever think people get tired of hearing ALL about it? I don't care what others do but think about how others perceive you. I had a coworker get a RNY about 8 years ago. She went on and on and on and on about it for months! People were so sick of hearing about it. She didn't have a lot of family so maybe she needed people to listen. But trust me, it was TMI! And why do you think they put HIPPA laws into action? It's called privacy and it's a basic rite in healthcare. For those of us who work in healthcare, we are a snarky bunch. I choose to not cause a general distraction and keep them occupied with gossip. My closet inner circle knows. I have zero intention of answering questions about my weight or listening to acquaintances opinions on WLS. Give her a break for not telling people! It's her damn rite! I think many have misread the OP comments that this isn't a best friend anymore. You don't have to take out a sign on the interstate telling everyone nor is everyone entitled to a full disclosure about your life just because you were friends once. Lordy! This thread sure brought out some opinions!

Mine is getting better after 4 days of nystatin. Still have a fuzzy toungue.

I'm back to work today. Fatigued as all get out. Wish me luck. I think I've officially entered starvation mode. No weight loss today which is the first since surgery 11 days ago. How many calories a day is everyone managing?

You got a double whammy being cold with living in Detroit! I'm in TN now but I've had empathy for all my fam and friends up there this winter. You sure it's not a fever though? I'm cold but I can usually get ok with enough layers. I love my hot shower more than ever now!

5 days since surgery still unable to get all my fluids in and there in no way I can drink my Protein fully but am working toward more each day, still no pain and no more nausea, just can't wait for drain to be removed,enjoying losing weight

I was still struggling at 5 days. It's still a struggle but closer each day. Day 11 and I am close to 60. Still hard.

So why is it so many nurses end up 'like this'? Rhetorical or not.

We help others, not ourselves? From here on out, I'm just as important a priority as anyone else in my life. Done putting me last.

Sister, I understand! I was a bridesmaid 5 times before I got married. It's what you do when you're in your twenties. You buy dresses you'll never wear again, sometimes for friends who don't stay friends. Your 30's will be about different things. Friends get jealous over babies (those who can't conceive can get jealous), houses (I'm do glad to have moved out of this because whose buying what kind of house and where is exhausting). I can honestly say that in my forties, my friends (and my family) are so very important. But it's truly evolved. You're on a fantastic journey. Remember: The best revenge is a life well lived! Deck yourself out in that bridesmaid dress and have THE best time at that wedding. Happiness is beautiful! I bet you will glow and steal her show!

Someone asked why you care. I won't pretend to know but I can image it feels as though she's not happy for you. And at the core of healthy relationships, friendships, partnerships is the believe that people love us and WANT to see us happy. I've have been rich beyond measure with truly good girlfriends and a handful of guy friends that have travelled through my life. I'm 45. I have 2 best girlfriends who have been rocks through my decision. They have picked up kids, babysat, helped out my husband with getting them places while I was on the mend. They wrote me inspiring texts, flowers, fixed meals for my family. They told me how much they loved me. My other 5 best girlfriends (spread out across the country but MY GIRLS nonetheless) are from elementary school. Each if them has been supportive, some more than others. I've told only a few others. Friendships evolve through your 20's, 30's and 40's. I've lost touch with many but my core - the ones who are my rock and I am theirs - I expect them to care. Some friends move to the acquaintance category and that's ok. You will grow, flourish, blossom with this. Look at your beautiful picture!!! You are ready to take on the world! You are young and have so much ahead. A word of advice - let nothing hold you back, including negative feelings or less than supportive friends.. At the core of true friendship is love. If you don't feel the love, I promise you'll find it elsewhere. Move her to the acquaintance category. Don't focus on this person. If I wanted to be mean, I'd say she sounds shallow. Maybe you have too much depth for her now. Go forth and conquer and Celebrate your success! You are beautiful!

I'm on Prevacid for ulcer prevention. And just my Vitamins.

CrazyJaney I am 12 days post op and feeling the same way..EXHAUSTED!! I told my dr and he said get used to it, it will take 3 months to get your energy back! I am also going back to work tomorrow and I know it's going to a long hard day! I will be in bed by 6 lol good luck!

Good luck to you too! I have a very flexible schedule so that will help. But I'm having near black out spells when I stand up. I'm sure I need more fluids. Anyway, good luck to both of us! I don't know how people exercise this early out. I walked around the soccer fields and shopped yesterday. Waaaaay too much. It'll all be worth it, right????

So I thought this was as good of thread to ask this since I didn't want to start another.

When does the fatigue get better?

I'm 11 days post and feeling good other than pervasive fatigue. Shaving legs, shower, hair and dressed but OMG I AM SO FREAKING EXHAUSTED! Go back to work tomorrow. Desk job, so I'll be fine. But, wow. 300-600 calories a day. Just barely reaching goals but reaching them finally. Thoughts?

I only ask here because this is probably my most favorite thread of all.

Good luck to you! A week from now, you'll be feeling like it's all a distant memory! Keep us posted!

Dr. Williams is awesome. He did my sleeve in late November. The support group at Vanderbilt meets every Wednesday I believe. I'd go if it didn't conflict with my work schedule. They are very supportive and lots of my questions are answered there. I live in Spring Hill south of you.

Dr.. Williams is awesome! I've been nothing but happy with him and clinic. I work in Franklin and I'd love to get to a meeting but it is hard with work. I only went to one meeting preop.

Maybe that is the key ---thickness. The Protein Shake was very thick. Maybe thicknesses matter? In my head I always negate super thin broth or Water, figuring they will go right through my stomach. Maybe I'm not accounting enough for them. I wish there was a rule for when to eat what. Experimenting is making me crazy, the only rule it know (I think) is that water clears your stomach within 30 minutes. I figure that is true because I was told to stop drinking 30 mins before eating. Again, just a guess. . ...again, I would love to know any "rules" you guys have come up with.

I was thinking that too. I'm not sure all the 30 minute rules apply in this stage. Fluids are now moving through normally. The thicker stuff stays with me. My instructions say when I can consume 1/4-1/2 cup to start separating drinking and eating. But m not up to that yet. Not in one sitting. I can tell the swelling has gone down because I'm not as bloated or in pain when I eat. All the rules seem to apply to eating solids or heavier purees. I'm ready to try stuff but I'm barely making goal as is. Until I eat meats, I don't see me getting to goal bc the portions are so small. I guess that's why you have to suppliment with shakes. It's a Quest to eat and get close to goal but I haven't quite figured it out yet.

Has anyone tried the Syntrax Nectar Proteins?

I use the unflavored in Soups and pudding. Not bad.

I'm 10 days post op so doing puréed (yogurt, pudding, puréed soup). I don't want to whine but I'm so damn sick of liquids!

I am struggling to determine when my stomach is full. Tonight I wound up at a Japanese Steak House for a friend's birthday. Being that today is Day 5, I ate Water and broth only. That said, I had a hard time sorting through head hunger (swearing I was hungry because there was all this delicious food in front of me) and actual hunger and being full. It was totally confusing. Then I came home to make myself a Protein Shake, because I was sure I was hungry after only having broth and water. But after two sips, my stomach felt lots of pressure and was like STOP! I think I realized I was full way too late. Have any of you guys figured this out? I would live some tips. I obviously am a colossal failure at this tonight!

Yes. I feel the same. Swallowing liquids is no longer painful but purees fill me up so fast. It feels incredibly full, pressure.

Yes. Gurgles all the time but mostly with liquids. Are you onto puréed yet? I tried refried Beans tonight and felt bad. Mixed unflavored Protein Powder in sugar free Jello - lemon flavor from a box - it was actually good. I'm so tired of liquids. Can't wait to chew!!! Argh!!!!!!

I will definitely need a TT or Panni and boobs. I had a partial vulvectomy in 2011 due to a ruptured, twisted varicose vein in my vijay jay. It was the most painful surgery. I had no idea what I was going to end up with but it's pretty bad. I contemplated plastics down there but I don't know if I could go through that again. I'm gonna just focus on weight loss for now but I can't help but read these threads. I'm 42 pounds down and hate the panni already. I'm in awe of the pics I see post plastics. It's got to feel good when all is said and done.

I put PB2 in a Nutri Bullet with a premade choc shake (pure Protein 23g), add a little ice (or a lot but then the volume is increased) and it's good. It's still liquid. My nut said it was ok. Do you have a milk allergy? Have you tried lots of types? I know the Proti shake were horrible. I wouldn't have been able to drink those. The severe fatigue and nausea could be detox from sugar and caffeine if those were prominent in your diet before? I know I was thoroughly miserable for 6 days after quitting caffeine. Felt like I had the flu - body aches, intense mental fog. I had no idea it would be so bad. I'm so sorry this is so hard. It really is worth it.

Try new shakes. Doctor them up. Try new brands. Lord, I know how you feel! Add ice and blender them so it's like a malt. Add PB2 to choc to make a Peanut Butter choc shake - those are so good!

I just got sleeved and still have 125 pounds or so to go and I ALREADY had a panni from pregnancy. It's already worse with 40 pound weight loss. I can't imagine how much worse it's gonna be. Vie already told my husband I'm having it done when I'm all done with this. It's so annoying. I'm glad it went well! How long will you be off of work?

I have been trying to try more and more foods but I feel like most of them are getting stuck..... I feel like i have pain all the time because im always "seeing" if i can eat this or that. So far I tried to eat some tuna salad and it was good the first few bites and then it hurt. I think this whole relearning how to pace and eat is harder than it sounded. I need like a shock collar..... BIZZ your eating too fast.... BIZZ you didnt chew that well enough..... BIZZ too big of a gulp of drink.... LOL im sorry i just needed to vent.... old habits die hard....

I agree!

I don't know. I'm not a seller of things - I give to Good Will so I'm clueless how consigning and eBay goes. I paid over $100, tag still on it. Make an offer.