fit2Bme2014

My surgery was Wednesday, April 2nd. I'm amazed at how well I am doing. I'm sitting here, on my bed, just chilling cause you know, I just had major abdominal surgery and probably shouldn't be up doing my normal things. Lol! All silliness aside, my heart goes out to those of you who haven't had such an easy time. Please be kind to yourselves and get well soon. Several of you have asked if I would talk about my experience having the VSG surgery. Here it goes: The ninth day before surgery, I started a modified liquid diet (2 shakes & 1 low-calorie frozen entrée) for five days. The two days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet (with a magnesium citrate chaser to 'clean me out'). 4/2 Wednesday - Surgery Day. I couldn't have anything by mouth, not even ice chips. Before surgery a nurse put a Transderm Scōp® patch (Scopolamine) behind my ear to help prevent nausea. During surgery my doctor found a small hiatal hernia which she fixed. When the surgery was completed she did a 'leak' test. Everything went well, and I was transferred to recovery and then to my room where my family was waiting for me. Once I was back in my room, I was told that they would have me up and walking within four hours. I couldn't have anything by mouth until the next day when I would have another leak test. My mouth and throat were so dry; I honestly think that might've been the worst part. About four hours later the nurse and aid came in to get me up for a walk. Though I was uncomfortable, mostly because of the JP drain, I didn't require any assistance getting up and ended up walking to the end of the hall causing my nurse and several others to remark, "wow! What a good job! We never see "these" patients do that." Yeah, "these" patients. Smh Through the night they would poke and prod me with needles. One of the test was a blood sugar. Though I have never had an issue with blood sugar, my numbers were above 120 two times. Interestingly, this is quite normal for patients who just gone through surgery. Their protocol for bariatric patients is, if the blood sugar is over hundred, they are given insulin. So when the second test came in high, I was given insulin. Their reasoning is, you heal better and have less chance of infection when your numbers are below 100. 4/3 Thursday - The next morning I was taken to radiology for another leak test. I had to drink yellow colored contrast so that they could watch where liquid went after I swallowed it. I asked the tech if my doctor was there and how soon she be reading report, because I was so thirsty. The radiologist, behind the partition, called out to me and said everything looked great. About an hour later I was started on clear liquids. My first meal consisted of: chamomile tea, broth, and cherry Jell-O. Along with my meal came a measured medicine cup. And, I was told to drink 15 mL every 15 minutes and track it on the form provided. I could tolerate everything except the Jell-O. I had a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia infusion pump) which was removed once the IV in my hand infiltrated the next day. At that point I started receiving Roxicet which is a liquid Percocet. I continued to get up either on my own or when it was suggested and each time, walked a little further. One of my nurse remarked she was very impressed because again, "'these' patients need continual prodding to get up." I ran a low-grade fever of about 100.4 throughout my stay. It was normal the day was released. 4/4 Friday - that morning I was instructed to drink 30 mL every 15 minutes and track it. My release was dependent on whether or not I could self-hydrate enough. I was able to take a shower on my own and dress in pajamas that I had brought from home. I continued to take walks every few hours. I was released that afternoon. Yay!! The entire time in the hospital, I had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain was easily controlled with medication; I should mention the pain specifically related to the JP drain was pretty startling at times. 4/5 First full day home. I started phase 2 diet which consists of smooth foods, purées and 60-80g of protein in a liquid supplement. My surgeon requires her patients to walk 30 minutes each day, even if it's in increments. So, I went to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and walked the store for 30 minutes. By the end I was pretty wiped out. I've had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain has been easily controlled with the Roxicet. I feel weak, especially when I forget that I've had surgery and overdo it. Several times I've felt shaky and/or dizzy. My muscles feel a bit noodily. I've been able to handle all of my self-care and meals without help, i'm just slower than normal. I was also sent home with a prescription for the Scōp® patch and a sublingual anti-nausea medication; if you have a tendency toward nausea, I suggest you talk to Dr. about these meds. I'm still a bit swollen but not as much as my first day home. Oh! The gas pains. They're pretty sporadic and only last 10 to 60 seconds, but boy oh boy do they smart!! I know this is pretty long; I hope that it's helped somebody out there. If you have any questions, feel free to post them below or send me a private message.

Three days postop, first full day home and I got to start phase 2 foods. Yay, right? Not so much. According to my program, phase 2 foods are: Jell-O, applesauce, supplements, creamed soups, cream of wheat, cream of rice, pudding and purées etc. I was able to get down an ounce of applesauce and only because I had to empty my Prilosec capsule into it so I could take the medicine. I've been drinking my iso-pure zero which has 40 g of protein; beyond that, I have no idea how I'm going to get in 60 to 80 g of protein today. I was hoping to try some soup but I have no appetite. My instructions say that I should eat even if I'm not hungry. I think there's a small part of me, an irrational part, that is afraid that if I start eating I won't stop, like I have in the past. Thankfully I'm not much pain or very nauseous. I'm just very tired. What are some other phase 2 foods I can try?

I'm being released!! Other than feeling a bit weak and wonky, I feel good! Pain is controllable and nausea is very, very minimal. Gas pains, when they shift, are awful, though. Oh, and my whole body is swollen, especially my face, from all the IV fluids I received. Thanks for all the prayers and good thoughts! Hope you are all doing well. ❤️????

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'm gonna be sleeved tomorrow (April 2)!! Im excited about what my life is going to look like once I lose the weight.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I'm gonna be sleeved tomorrow!! I'm excited. Excited to get it over with. Excited about this new chapter in my life. Excited about what my life is going to look like once I lose the weight and hopefully the compulsion it's driven me to eat.

I was talking to my therapist about this yesterday. My surgery is tomorrow, and I'm very concerned that I'm going to fall into the trap I've seen many on these forums, fall into…going back to the way they used to eat, after surgery. Therapist told me something I found very interesting. He said, eat food is really a meditative process. Its the way my brain has learned to filter out all the noise and chaos and focus in, very narrowly, on one thing. Even the movement of 'fork to face' is rhythmic and meditative. Isn't that interesting. So now, I'm having to learn new techniques, teach my brain different ways to soothe and filter. I think I'm going to take up crochet again, during my recovery. That's a pretty rhythmic activity. But food can never again be used as an option for self soothing, at least not for me. And there is sorrow there, thinking about that. But, the excitement about what lays before me is so much greater. What have you taken up, in place of food?

I'm having my surgery tomorrow and wondering if there's anybody else having surgery tomorrow, April 2 as well.

Just did the Biggest Loser, CardioBlast warm-up...yes, warm-up and I'm worn out. Due to health issues, I have little balance or stamina and it's difficult to stand straight without my back/legs going out (when I go shopping, it's imperative that I use a cart, which helps me shop longer and get more walking in). It wasn't longer than 5 min. Feeling pretty low abt myself right now. I sure hope this surgery is going to be a tool I need to get my health and my life back.

I go in on April 2. Really trying not to freak out. I just keep reminding myself what my life was like before I gained weight and what my life is like now. I want my old life back, cuz this, this isn't living. ...right?

I go in on April 2. Really trying not to freak out. I just keep reminding myself what my life was like before I gained weight and what my life is like now. I want my old life back, cuz this, this isn't living.

Those of you eating jerky, how far out are you?

Everybody here sleevers? What is everybody's preop diet like? Starting Monday, for seven days, I have to be on a liquid regime which includes two shakes and one frozen entrée, then the next two days in clear liquids only, along with a bottle each day of magnesium citrate each day, and then I have surgery.

Have you tried, http://www.wellesse.com? They will send you samples and coupons and you can check their website to see where you can find the vitamins locally.

Thank you!! Hopefully more people be brave enough to post

If you were referring to my comment, what I think it says and if not, it should say... if you CANT BE NICE don't respond. I've seen an inordinate amount of bullying and belittling in these forum and it's very disconcerting.

This is for you wonderful post-op'ers. I've noticed not everyone has the same food stages after surgery. Some are on liquids for 6 weeks after, some only for a week or two, etc. I'm curious how these differences, may (everyone is different), effect overall weight loss, 6 months out. So, if you wouldn't mind taking a moment answer these questions, I would really appreciate it. 1. How long was your 'clear' liquid stage? 2. How long was your liquid stage? 3. How long was your 'smooth/mushy' stage? 4. How soon did you transition to 'regular/normal eating? 5. What was your SW? 6. How much had you lost at 1 month? 7. How much had you lost at 3 months? 8. What was your total loss at 6 months (using SW)? Thanks! Thanks! Thanks!

This is for you wonderful post-op'ers. I've noticed not everyone has the same food stages after surgery. Some are on liquids for 6 weeks after, some only for a week or two, etc. I'm curious how these differences, may (everyone is different), effect overall weight loss, 6 months out. So, if you wouldn't mind taking a moment answer these questions, I would really appreciate it. 1. How long was your 'clear' liquid stage? 2. How long was your liquid stage? 3. How long was your 'smooth/mushy' stage? 4. How soon did you transition to 'regular/normal eating? 5. What was your SW? 6. How much had you lost at 1 month? 7. How much had you lost at 3 months? 8. What was your total loss at 6 months (using SW)? Again, Thank YOU!!

Actually, this website, should be where we can ask those questions or bring up those issues. Stop bullying people for asking a simple question or are making an observation. If you want to educate them and help them better understand something, that's one thing, but to be out right mean is not okay! If you don't agree with something somebody posts, and you can't be nice, don't reply. For goodness sakes, show some decorum and grace to each other.

Thanks! I'm actually working on it 30 day Bible study right now that has to do with building appropriate boundaries around food. I know what's ahead game. If I can fix my brain, I'll win this game.

Honestly, if we don't deal with the issues that caused to be overweight to begin with, for me head stuff, then the surgery isn't going to be all that successful - it's just a tool.

Thank you. We redid the test after three days of not taking any aspirin and the number came down considerably. now I'm on two different antibiotics and omeprazole for two weeks.

Thanks, everyone! Looks like I'll be able to have my surgery before the surgeon leaves. I'm scheduled for April 2!!!

We can be buddies! Sorry to hear what you're going through with hubby. I think it's a common insecurity. My ex used to sabotage every effort to lose weight. And he would say, well if you lose weight, you're not going to want me. I took it that he didn't value me; in retrospect, I believe he didn't value himself or see his own inherent value. Good luck!! I'm here if you want to talk.

Looking back at your friendship, can you see other instances where she was insensitive like this? If so I would definitely reconsider your friendship with her. If not, I would say something to her like Leeper suggested, you're happy for her and you appreciate her support, as well. Sorry you're going through this right now. Just keep reminding yourself that you're doing this for you, and that you've chosen the best way to do this for you.

Thanks for the tips. I am not somebody who can stop at just one. Sweets are like crack to me. Looking forward to surgery the first week of April.