jodie1961

I took off a week, went back 1/2 days for the second week...developed UTI, and had some really bad constipation issues. Missed nearly all of the third week completely! Finally back full time at 4 weeks, but was tired for a while. I have a desk job, but there was a lot of stress, as I came back the only other person in the department left on maternity leave, so was on my on as well.

Roostertail2, Do you eat greek yogurt? I know it is not as much protein as the shakes, but it does have a lot and you get calcium as well. My first 3 weeks were miserable. I couldn't stomach much at all. I was so sick to my stomach I had a hard time getting anything down. Somehow stumbled on the crystal lite pink lemonade (settled my stomach). Was able to do yogurt, ate it a lot. Had to hold my breath to get the shakes down. Now 3 months out, and I can drink them, so it really changes. Try again a little later. Hang in there. It will get better.

I remember the time dragging while awaiting my revision surgery. Insurance issues, dates missed and moved. Took at least 3 months later than it should have. I feel your pain. Just keep on keeping on, it will come. I am happy that you have made a decision to better your life.

So sorry for your loss. God give you the strength, comfort and peace that you need now.

So sorry they weren't able to the RnY. But healing is a good thing, even when it isn't what we expected. Praying for a quick recovery and your next surgery as soon as possible.

I experienced a lot of the same thing after my surgery. I had diarrhea the first week,then nothing!!! CONSTIPATION!! Oh, it was horrible, nearly impacted. I also tried to go back to work too soon. I ended up dehydrated, and had a bladder infection. Soooooo after all of that (plus constant nausea) passed....I am now back to work full time. I take 2 stool softeners a day. Have been moved to soft foods and they added lettuce! I have some every day, and my bowels move pretty good now. I did not have a drain..no problems there. They are right, you could have become lactose intolerant. That does happen. Just keep sipping the water, try crystal lite for a change. The one thing that helped my nausea was and is pink lemonade crystal lite. I have no idea why, but it worked. Hang in there, you can do it, It will be behind you before you know it.

Don't do that to yourself! I gained 7 lbs from the surgery (IV Fluids,etc)...took over a week to lose that, then started to lose real weight. My weight loss is slower than some, but definitely coming off. Give yourself a break....and don't weigh but once a week. YOU CAN DO THIS! Hang in there.

I am post op about 2 weeks for a lap band removal/revision to rny gastric bypass. I have Anthem bc/bs. I had them for the original surgery in 2007. Really didn't have any trouble, once the communication was open from my Surgeon's office and Anthem. I don't recall any lifetime max on my plan, but maybe others do.

Are you on blood pressure meds? Just a thought. at my post op appointment with my surgeon at 10 days out, he actually cut my bp med down by 1/2. I couldn't believe my bp was only 100/68 ! WOW! Hoping this will give me a little bit more energy. Just make sure to let your doctor know how you are feeling, so they can look into it.

Thank you for sharing.

Tomorrow I do clear liquids....til midnight, then surgery on Tuesday! Starting to get a little anxious. So glad I have to go to work, that keeps the mind busy!! Good luck to all of this week's surgeries. And hope you all had a Happy Mother's Day!

Wow...good luck! I am one day behind you. Last day of Optifast, Clear liquids tomorrow, and surgery Tuesday morning. What time is your surgery? Mine is at 7:30 am, hoping I am able to do some walking, etc the first evening too. Not sure how that goes....hope you are able to get up and get around fast tomorrow. Update us when you are able!

jnana and Jamiep5...how are you two doing? Jnana, did you have your surgery yet? Jamiep5, are you doing your pre op diet yet? I am finishing day 5 of Optifast Protein drinks..will do Clear liquids on Monday, then surgery on Tuesday! Wow, after waiting all those months ... it feels like it is coming fast now. Praying for us all to have a better, more healthy lifestyle.

Good Luck! And Congrats on losing the weight. I know it is such an accomplishment. Looking forward to when I can be where you are today!

Way to go Tebowfan! I am so glad to hear your surgery went well. And better than you expected, that is great. I pray it will go that good for me too. Hopefully you are getting home and getting some much needed rest now. Keep us updated on your recovery!

Luckyinluv, so happy for you. It is like a weight lifted off of you just to get the insurance approval! It can happen so fast now. I finally got my approval on a Monday, went for labs on Tuesday, Friday the office called and scheduled to see surgeon on the next Friday (May 2nd)..saw him, they scheduled me for May 13th! On my 4th day of pre-op diet, and and only 4 more days of diet before Surgery day! Here's to a surgery date in the near future for you!

I am going thru Anthem bc/bs...and I noticed that my surgeons office gave me my co-pay and deductible, after they showed almost a $5000 insurance write off. They agree to do it for the lessor amount covered by insurance. I thought to myself, "Oh wow, I would hate to be self pay, they charge them more", but who knows, you cannot get a straight answer when it comes to cost in the medical field. Hang in there.

EmergingMissP were they able to do the lap band removal and the bypass in the same surgery? I see you are having some pain, hopefully it will subside soon. Just wondering, my surgeon is going to try to do both at the same time next Tuesday. Get well soon.

Thanks for sharing, and best wishes to you and your wife on this journey.

I know I am nervous for next week too, but God is good...and now you have even more people praying for you. What time is your surgery Wednesday? You too, jnana..what time? I like to do extra praying during that time specifically. Hang in there ladies! We shall overcome!!

This is a great article. Full of very useful wisdom and tools to use on our journey. Thank you for sharing and reminding us that we are not doomed to fail, as long as we get back up and try again!

Tebowfan and jnana..surgery coming up fast for you both! Good luck, and let us know how you do. Gingersnap, hope all goes well for you as well. I would like to keep in touch with you all, I am adding you as my friends. Prayers for us all.

Jamie, I am sooooo sorry you have to go through all of these struggles. I have a lap band and I am having it removed plus revising to bypass on May 13th myself. My doctor discussed changing over to sleeve at first, but I have reflux now myself and he said it wouldn't be good w/the sleeve. I know my recoup time is going to be longer because of both procedures at once. Makes me nervous. I have faith that the RNY Bypass will be the right tool for me, and I pray it will help you to feel less pain as well. The good news is at least there is something out there that will help you. I start my pre op liquid diet tomorrow. Hang in there, and I will keep in touch. Maybe we can support one another. My band is a long story, surgery was in 2007, revised 2008, still not good. I can understand some of your frustration.

Wow that is great! Thanks for sharing. Surgery on May 13th. A little nervous now, but I know it will be the right tool for me to live my life fuller and longer. I am having my band removed and a revision to RNY bybass.

My date is May 13th! I have learned so many things on this site during my journey. Thanks for sharing James. I just met with my surgeon and nutritionist yesterday, and they gave me notebook full of info and suggestions for Protein supplements, etc. One other good drink on the go is Isopure 0 Carbs. Clear fruity drinks in bottles. The Vitamin Shoppe carries and you can get on line as well...16 grams protein 8oz Fluid and 0 carbs. Good luck!