Sallyawbc

I take a sip of Mylanta, did not ask md, but it sure helped.

I can have anything that could be sipped through a straw, no lumps but no straw. I love pea soup, clam chowder, can have Dannon light and fit yogurt mixed with nonsweetened almond milk, but my stomach doesn't like yogurt yet. sugar free pudding mixed with almond milk. I'm not advancing fast my tummy is still tender.

Jane4180, I am 1 week post op and weigh more than I weighted 2 weeks before surgery, talk about depression. OK, lets look at your weight loss, 25-30# in 2 months, keep that up and it's 50# in April, 75# June, 100# in August. I think you are doing a fabulous job. Now go back to your diet instructions!!! No chocolate, Cut out as much of the carbs as you can, refried Beans is very good, have you tried pureed Soups, they fill you up. can you eat scrambled eggs, do not eat white meat, it is to dry. Use dark meat and gravy or a sauce to help it slide through. Your diet history sounds just like mine, but I know I could not lose that much weight if I were to just diet. We all lose at a different speed so sit back re-examine your food and schedule that you eat and cheer up, we are all going through the same thing and we support you 100%.

I am 5 days post surgery and all my pain is the left side. This is where my surgeon explained he stands and does all the work, pushing and prodding. I also have a very very large bruise. I only need support there when I walk. I was also instructed to take only Dulcolax if no poo in 2-3 days once I start mushy food, constipation is a "normal" side effect. Surgery site pain is also normal, nerves can remain irritated and painful for a long time so just give it more time (sorry). All surgeries are different and all people respond differently, I had a shoulder surgery many years ago that took 6 months before I could say I had no pain. Hang in there and just thing 6 months down the line, instead of () we will be )(.

healthyoutllook, You are already discouraged??? Your body is still healing on the inside and getting used to the decrease in calories and automatically going into starvation mode to protect itself. If you have ever dieted, of course you have, you know you could go a week without cheating and still not lose a pound. This isn't an instant cure, try to relax a little, drink your shakes, slowly add what you are allowed. My MD has me start the day with a cup of warm lemon Water, it soothes the stomach and helps the swelling. Please don't get in this rut, it will get better!

GET A PASSPORT!!!!!

mizznickie13, getting up and down is a real pain., I had RNY Tuesday and still have significant pain, I think it also has to do with what the MD does inside. I had scar tissue and a hiatal hernia repair and my left side is all bruised. I will not be going to the mall or walking the treadmill for a while. Pushing through the pain is great at the gym but listening to your body after surgery is so important. The stomach has to heal and that can take a month. It will get better, please be as dependent as possible. If you need help you ask for it. If you can get your own stuff, great but if you are too shaky sit down and graciously say thank you. DON'T PUSH IT.

cfergie911, I am so sorry you are alone and feeling so down. I have read that depression and mood swings are very common. Can you do what I just posted. Get on FB and e-mail, let them know you that you need a hug. I know they cannot be there but just knowing they care will help. Please call your surgeons office tomorrow and they should refer you to a therapist. Please don't feel alone, so many people do care about you. I know your in Kansas and I'm in CA but I am sending you a big hug your way, right now!!!!!!

Hi post-opers, I'm 5 days post surgery moving slowly along. Eating anything that will go through a straw but you sip it. Had sugar free Jello, blended pureed strained clam chowder, OMG, tasted so good. Found that I must stick to 1/3 cup and no more or my stomach really hurts. I also cannot sleep on my back so trying to adjust too back sleeping. I made the mistake of getting on the scale and was 12# over my pre-surgery weight, so stupid!! I was puffy and hands swollen, should have known better. I told a very small group of close friends and family that I was having surgery cause I kept waiting for it to be canceled or for me to chicken out. Today I announced everything on FB and e-mail. I received the most heart melting responses from everyone, enough to make me cry. This journey is a life long one. 2008 I had breast cancer, surgery, chemo, radiation and recovery was a pit stop which has pasted. If I can do that I can do anything. Glad to have all of you with me on our journey

Forgot to add DON'T weigh yourself. You will have a lot of IV fluids and be puffy. I weight 7 pounds more after surgery than before so don't do that!!!!!!!

Well, here I am, back from the hospital since Thursday night. The operation went well, scar tissue from ventral hernia caused a little extra surgery, and the hiatal hernia was the initial pain. Now the pain is on the left side with a huge bruise, it's the only place I need to support when I walk.. Getting in and out of the chair and bed are quite painful. I can't sleep on my side and I'm not a back sleeper. Did not have JP drain, had to wear Ted hose and pneumatic leg compressors (I love them), had a foley catheter, pulse OX, cardiac monitor, oxygen and morphine pump (loved that to.) There were a number of issues at the hospital but none interfered with my stay. Lortab is a liquid vicodin that I had the last day, It put me to sleep for 2-3 hours, wish I had some at home but was given Norco 10-325. Hard to take the pills so crushed them for 2days. Am shaky, tired, sometimes dizzy but get up to walk around the house which helps, you must remember to take a nap, you need it! I am taking full liquids without a problem as long as I recognize I am satisfied, I cannot eat until I am full. Have not had dumping just overwhelming fullness and nausea. Lots of gas and burping, very uncomfortable. VERY IMPORTANT, when you start passing gas - do not trust it. Diarrhea comes with the fart. Had pea Soup and Jello yesterday and clam chowder today, delicious!!!. For those of you worried about negative responses from friends, don't. I posted the whole thing on FB and e-mail and have had nothing but support and love back. So to all having the surgery soon It's not easy or comfortable, It's not over in a day, but take it a day at a time and we will make it together.

Continuing my recover saga. I got discharged at 5oopm yesterday, wonderful to get in the fresh air and a drive home in the rain. That pain right under the sternum is totally gone but the pain on the left side is there but getting better, have to remind myself to take the pain meds and schedule or I go to long and need more meds. Taking a shower today was heaven. Sleep pretty good getting up 3 times to pee and took meds about ever 4 hours. I wish I was sent home with the Lortabs liquid, it works so fast and I sleep for several hours after it. I am crushing the Norco and mixing it with a little liquid Tylenol and that works. I am not hungry but my stomach feels empty if that makes sense. Walking around the house for exercise, really cannot believe this has happened. I made the mistake of getting on the scale and I gained 7 pounds of water Advice to all, DON'T get on the scale yet. Good luck to all of you, someone refered to those who have had surgery as being on the other side, oh no I think I like the losers bench better.

Hi everybody, I am back home in my own night gown and bed. Had surgery Tuesday and doing pretty good today. I know everyone has questions so here goes: 1. Admission went pretty fast, but long delays between pre-op to surgery, once in surgery was put under within 2 minutes. Woke up in a lot of pain in recovery, very nice nurse, tried very hard to keep on top of the pain. Room wasn't ready for 4 hours so Rosa made sure I was warm and I get very cold after surgery. 2. first 16 hours were very painful. Had morphine pump and pushed that thing as often as I could. Got very swollen from the gas injected to keep the stomach skin lifted off the organs and the amount of IV fluids given. Both of my hands were swollen. Got up to walk around the hall ways, shaky and weak but makes you feel stronger. I had a hiatal hernia repair which is a hole in the diaphragm next to the esophagus from the stomach fat pushing on the diaphragm, so the upper abdomen was very painful, also the left side is where the surgeon stands and works the instrument so that is hurting now. I had a ventral hernia previously and the scar tissue made the entry a little harder. 3. Later in the morning felt so good, foley out, walked easier, drinking broth (how do you make broth taste bad, love chamomile tea tasted wonderful. Got cranberry juice which I hate and diet lemonade was too sweet. called kitchen and was told they were all out of other diet drinks ??!!. 4. Someone decided the floors needed to be stripped and cleaned at 9:30 at night, by 10 to 10 I was exhausted, hurting and tired and wanted to sleep, called the nurses station and asked to talk to the night hospital supervisor and was told I had to speak to the charge nurse. 45 minutes later she came in and listened to my calm but teary complaint and told be that had been complaining for weeks that this should not be done at night on a surgery floor. She gave me the number to the supervisor and was very understanding, gave me a sleep kit and believe it or not I slept about 4 hours all totaled, of course had to have my heparin shots, compression stockings, and electric leg massagers which I actually love. Need to take a break so will continue later. need a nap.

7:00am tomorrow morning!!!! I doubt if I will sleep much. Thank you all for the support, sending it right back at ya. Did prep with mag citrate, not that bad, just don't sneeze. Getting packed, trying not to over do it, I plan on being in the hospital gown and my own bathrobe and slippers. I know they get you up to walk 4 hours after surgery and even with a gown on backwards, I feel naked. Phone and Kindle, some make-up (I am vain, yes I am), my little fuzzy pillow, toothbrush, comb and that's about it. Love and hugs to all of you !

7:00 am tomorrow!!!! getting packed , prep done and wasn't that bad. Well guys, I can't believe it is actually happening. It's been a long time getting here and I will let you know as soon as I can how it went. Bought a really cute long black and white skirt that fits right under my boobs instead of my waist, have a black sweater on top, this way I don't have to worry rubbing on the incisions. Son and family sent love and kisses, have wonderful support!!! My new body awaits me. (stomach is growling!)

Super bowl Sunday and will be surrounded by food. Surgery Tuesday, I am allowed 4-6 oz of lean meat and green veggies. One final challenge before the big day. The scale has not budged for 3 days even though I have followed my pre-op diet, makes me want to have the chip and dip, but I won't. Tomorrow is a major house cleaning and I will get the time of my surgery. Not sleeping to good cause my brain is going in circles. Hope all Feb. surgery guys and gals are hanging in there, sending best wishes to all.

Forgot to say, I am an RN and would like to think that all medical professionals are compassionate and understanding but unfortunately I know that I know that is not true. I'm sorry you had that experience with your coworkers.

Are you taking probiotics? My nurse had us start them 2 week before surgery (mines Tuesday) and continue using them for abdominal gas because of the change in digestion. Maybe that will help????

Count down to Tuesday, positive attitude!!! Had nails done, clear polish as instructed, pedicure and hair cut. Will color tomorrow with warm honey blond to get rid of that grey. I'm preparing for this surgery like I'm going on a date?!!! In a way, it is because this will effect the rest of my life. My son gave me a gift card to Kohl's for $100.00 to be used for skinny clothes, what a guy. I usually visit him in MI in May but this year I'm delaying the trip till the fall so I can model those clothes. He is really my main incentive, all for the love of a child, which he still is at 44!

Post op hair loss is thinning similar to pregnancy about 3-6 months after the surgery. My MD suggested Biotin, coq10 and zinc but don't start till after you can take mushy food. Hair thinning does not happen to everyone. Also recommended is Bariatric Advantage powdered Vitamins that you can mix with any liquid but it is flavored (have not tried it yet) but vitamins will be required for life.

So good to here from someone with such a great recovery so soon, I'm heading in Tuesday so you make me feel better about that day. Not sure on the sleep issue but I have had numerous other surgeries and your body can respond differently after surgery and anesthesia. There are a whole bunch of drugs your body is metabolizing so give it some time. Congrats!!!!!!

PrincessErin, you can order virgin drinks that look and taste as good as having alcohol. If you are a beer drinker unfortunately carbonation is bad too. Having one normal drink will make you legally drunk so maybe that is a good thing for some people. My big issue is my diet caffeine free Pepsi, I will truly be mourning that!!!!

OK girls, my surgery is Tuesday and I have a lot of the same thoughts spinning through my head but I'm 64, 65 in April! I'm not married but I know I will have chicken wing arms and wobbly thighs and will definitely going for a tummy tuck as soon as they let me. I plan on announcing to friends and family on FB when I get home from the hospital. To calm my worries I bought new pretty night gowns, no elastic waists, for home, new robe and slippers for the hospital. I have started to give some of my fat clothes away and all those loose baggy sweats with paint stains are gone. I went to my Zumba class today for the last time for a while and watched myself in those mirrors and all doubt and fear was gone. Just the thought of seeing 1/2 of me some day is enough to give me courage and confidence that this is the right thing for me. I know people who have cancelled the day before their surgery, after working 6-9 months to get there. But we all have our personal feelings, fear and hopes. So guys, let's go for it and report back when we get home and feel up to sharing. Best wishes, hugs and happy thoughts to you all!!!!

Don't worry about the MMPI, it is required by some insurance companies, including mine. One question was "have you ever enjoyed marijuana?" The psych asked me only about that question and I told her that in CA in the 60s and 70s everybody enjoyed marijuana. She asked because of the addition potential, I passed, no problem.

HEY all, Tuesday is coming fast so today I hit costco, Walmart and CVS to get all my post-op supplements, Soups, sugar free jam (to add to Protein shakes for different flavors), sugar free pudding, Dannon yogurt and a bunch of sugar free powder flavoring for Water. Also picked up post-op meds, all in all a little expensive trip but I figure since my biggest meal is 1/4 - 1/2 cup this shopping trip will last me several weeks. By then I'll be on the "mushy" diet. I am getting so excited, have new nightgowns (no elastic waists), bathrobe and slippers for hospital, my Laurel Burch bag ready to pack. Just one more thing, I know we are all aware of the issues and problems that may occur, we have all been given the statistics. We have all had those well meaning but ignorant people tell us horror stories about so and so. Well not any more!!!!! We will have challenges, not problems. WE are STRONG!! WE will be successful. Positive thoughts going out to each and everyone facing a new life!