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fit2Bme2014

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Everything posted by fit2Bme2014

  1. I need some advice... I had my Endoscopy on Friday. For quite some time I've been experiencing nausea and occasional dry heavie'ness. My G.I. tract tends to be a bit sensitive and a bout bronchitis back in November and the subsequent round of antibiotics seem to have set it off, and I have been having ulcer like symptoms. Before I left my doctors office, I was given the report his findings: my esophagus looked fine (yay!); however, I have a erosive gastritis, of which he took several biopsies; he removed a polyp, which will also be biopsied; and finally, he took a biopsy specific to check for celiac. My concern is the erosive gastritis. I'm hoping that it will not prevent me from having surgery. Has anyone else had experience with this? Thanks for your input!
  2. I'm having my surgery tomorrow and wondering if there's anybody else having surgery tomorrow, April 2 as well.
  3. fit2Bme2014

    My VSG experience

    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.
  4. It's weird. Other sleeve patients don't seem to want to hear the I've had it as easy as I had it. No vomiting, minimum nausea, able to do self-care: clothe myself, I get off the pot myself, in and out of the shower myself, make my own meals myself. It's almost like it's a badge of honor to have had some sort of complication or malaise after surgery. No wonder the nurses made the comment like they did. No wonder they were so impressed and so surprised I was getting out of bed and walking without prodding and prompting. Smh

    1. Show previous comments  2 more
    2. butterflypinup

      butterflypinup

      Keep it up! I am happy to hear this even if I end up having it rough. Im praying I have it easy too. I hope that you continue to have it easy. :)

    3. PdxMan

      PdxMan

      There are many threads here with similar sentiments. Many folk who have an uneventful recovery do not create threads stating such, but there are some out there. Perhaps you can start one?

    4. fit2Bme2014

      fit2Bme2014

      I'm afraid I might get beat down and flamed,if I did

  5. 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?
  6. Three days postop, first full day home and I got to start phase 2 foods, which 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 that I could take it. 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. What are some other phase 2 foods I can try?

  7. fit2Bme2014

    Being released!

    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. ❤️????
  8. 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. ❤

    1. BigGirlPanties

      BigGirlPanties

      congrats!!!! the swelling should go down gradually... glad you are feeling good (over all)

    2. mona832

      mona832

      Yaay! Congrats

  9. fit2Bme2014

    Tomorrow!

    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.
  10. Thank you!! Im doing great. Surgery went well. Doc told my mom she fixed a small hernia while she was there. Walked enough the nurses remarked they never seen one of these patients do that well. Having mild discomfort at the incision and A LOT of pain where the JP drain when I try to take a breath or move, and that's calming down. I gave a slight fever. No nausea so far. Been sleeping a lot. Mouth is soooo dry. My nurse gave me a mouth moisturizer. Your thoughts and prayers have meant the world to me! ❤️

  11. My praying friends, I ask that you say a little prayer for me and my surgical team. I'm having a procedure done this morning. I really appreciate it...and all of you.

    1. Show previous comments  1 more
    2. Mikee57

      Mikee57

      prayers are being said right now

       

    3. ProudGrammy

      ProudGrammy

      good thoughts and wishes being sent your way

      be well

      kathy

    4. Cupcake

      Cupcake

      sending you well wishes and speedy recovery.

  12. My praying friends, I ask that you say a little prayer for me and my surgical team. I'm having a procedure done this morning. I really appreciate it...and all of you.

  13. fit2Bme2014

    April 2014 pre-op group

    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.
  14. 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?
  15. 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.

  16. Pray for me, y'all. Tomorrow started my two day clear liquid diet with magnesium citrate chasers both days, in preparation for surgery, Wednesday.

    1. Shells_Almost_There

      Shells_Almost_There

      Stay focused on the goal - you're almost there and you can do it!!! :)

       

    2. Dawnakers

      Dawnakers

      YAY for you!! You can do it!

  17. It's a new day...

    1. butterflypinup

      butterflypinup

      It is in deed! Every day is a blessing and a step in the right direction! :)

  18. fit2Bme2014

    Feeling low

    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.
  19. Ugh... Had my PreOp appointment, blood draw and met with anesthesia. The 'ugh' part is that I came home and ate stuff NOT on my liquid diet!! Mostly high protein stuff, but sheesh! Smh. I suck! Stress sucks!!

    1. Nurse96

      Nurse96

      Thanks for this post! I have been sort of sabotaging myself these past couple of days too. I did so well the first week, and now that I'm into the second week, I'm starving, and definitely stress eating left and right. It's making me wonder how I will do post op if I can't control things now. I can totally relate to the "ugh" comment. I'm right there with you. I'm hoping to get back on the horse today. Good luck to you!

  20. I miss the girl who could spend hours in the gym and take a 3-4 mile walk afterwards. I hate knowing that even after I lose weight, because of damage to my spine, I'll probably never meet that girl again. That's not going to deter me from looking for her. I'm just very disappointed in the person I have about myself to become.

    1. Carlotta1

      Carlotta1

      Accept your situation now. And look forward to what the possibilities are at your footstep.

    2. Mikee57

      Mikee57

      We all have those issues, otherwise we wouldn't all be in the same boat. You will be as healthy as you can be...so hang in there fit2Bme2014, looking forward to more posts!!! Take care sweetie!!!

  21. 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. It wasn't longer than 5 min. Feeling pretty low abt myself right now. :(

    1. Mikee57

      Mikee57

      I am in the same boat with you, I have had my knee replaced and still can't even walk far, so this is going to be a long road but I am ready for it...we got this fit2Bme2014 we've got this!!! Let's think positive then positive things will surely happen 5 minutes at a time!!! :)

    2. fit2Bme2014

      fit2Bme2014

      Thanks! I ended up finding somebody to go swimming with me. Unfortunately where I live, we always have to have somebody with us. I managed to get in about 30 minutes.

  22. Baby food spoon... Yes? No?

    1. Show previous comments  5 more
    2. endless80

      endless80

      Yeah I used small spoons to eat for the first few months. It just helped me slow down because I eat so fast.

    3. fit2Bme2014

      fit2Bme2014

      Wonderful! I picked up a colorful package of 10, at Walmart. I started using them last night. It really does seem to be helping me slow down. What other PostOp eating tips do y'all have?

    4. StephanieRR

      StephanieRR

      Just eat slow and listen to your body. If you feel full and you still have an ounce left, leave it. That was the most challengeing for me. I still battle that. I take a 4oz serving and feel full sometimes after 3oz. Then I will have a whole conversation in my head rather I should just finish it since it was such a small portion to start with. I usually end up leaving it.

  23. fit2Bme2014

    PreOp Freakout

    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?
  24. Oops! I thought I was supposed to start the PreOp diet. I only have to be on it five days not seven; I actually don't need to start this until Wednesday, but a couple of extra days of liver shrinking won't hurt, right? Lol!

    1. Christian Zaccone

      Christian Zaccone

      right.. surgeon needs to be able to move it around and less chance of it getting damaged.

    2. fit2Bme2014

      fit2Bme2014

      Thanks for that affirmation. I want to do everything I can to ensure the procedure and recovery goes smoothly. :)

  25. Starting the 7 day liquid PreOp diet, tomorrow.

    1. naenaern777

      naenaern777

      Yay! So exciting your big day is almost here girl!!!!

    2. Mikee57

      Mikee57

      Congrats!!! I had to do the sugar buster diet, but think its different for all surgeons, best wishes and will keep you in my prayers sweetie.

    3. fit2Bme2014

      fit2Bme2014

      Thanks, naenaern777 & mikee57, your support means more to me than you will ever know!

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