Pamalamb

My surgeon required the test and confirmed what I already suspected, I have it. It did not delay the surgery at all. However, they were very firm on bringing the cpap machine with me to the hospital. I wore it post op while I slept. I am sure they were concerned about what beeteroo was talking about. It was not a big deal at all. Come to think of it. They did want me to be using the cpap machine for a couple of weeks prior to surgery. Probably to get used to it. I now sleep with it every night and am so much better rested than I have been for years. They determined that I was waking up around 70 time an hour. So I guess it was pretty severe. I guess my point is, if you need it, don't be afraid to use it. It will improve your life.

Do the people you go out with know about the surgery? I am not out much further than you, about 6 weeks. I have not made a secret of my surgery. So it has not been an issue except, WHAT TO DO WHILE EVERYONE IS EATING? I will usually order soup or something soft. If they don't know, you can always say you already ate, feeling a little under the weather or just not really hungry. I am guessing you are like me and really like to go out for the company. I am sure your friends are the same and just want your company. Good luck!

My family's Memorial Weekend plans include our annual trip to our family cabin on the lake. This year, my husband decided to invite some of his acquaintances. I wasn't real thrilled about spending the weekend with a bunch of people I barely know, but hey!, it is the lake and should be a lot of fun! Imagine my horror when I realized that the moms of these two families took the opportunity to send their husbands out to the lake with the kids . . . without the moms! I was the only mom there with 11 kids (one in diapers) and four men! Sounds fine, plenty of adults!!? SURE, I am sure all of the moms reading this realize that the men were completely useless in watching their kids once I arrived. The men congratulated themselves on how "brave" they were to bring the kids to the lake without their wives .. . while sitting in the man cave watching baseball. They had no idea what their kids were up to!!! So my weekend was cooking for 4 families (some close friends came) and watching eleven kids!!!!!! I finally put my foot down and made one of the dads mop the pee off of my floor himself when his two year old came into the house with a bathing suit on, and no diaper!!!!! The first aid kit just remained out the entire weekend. I guess all of the kids survived the weekend and made it home???!!! Good news is, I lost 2 pounds working so hard all weekend!!!!!!

Thanks for all your support!! It was a crazy but good time. My husband would owe me big. However, despite being pretty clueless, he is a great guy (and super cute)!!!

I am five days post op and am experiencing a true miracle! I have suffered from chronic and severe eczema for about the last three years and nothing helped. I had read articles and been told that sometimes after surgery the eczema heals and goes away. This was indeed one of my many motivating factors for getting the surgery. From what I have read, no one knows why yet, but eczema sometimes heals after surgery. I am happy to report that I seem to be one of the lucky ones whose eczema is going away. For those who are lucky enough to not be plagued by it, you probably don't understand the significance of being eczema free. Over the past three years my chronic eczema has become the bane of my existence. I had open bleeding Patches, covered with scabs over most of my body. Even a period with it around my eyes. I could not exercise or go outside in the heat because sweating was literally like pouring salt in an open wound. I have put on at least 20 pounds in the last three years (probably more) because I could not garden like I wanted to, I could not do outdoor activities with the family and embarrassment over my appearance (not just the weight) made me isolate myself more and more. I am still just on clear fluids for the next week or so. I am convinced it was something in my diet even though the allergist could not find anything. I am very suspicious of gluten or sugar since I started to see an improvement after I went on the pre-op diet of low carbs. Has anyone else had this miracle happen or any of your own miracles?!

Does anyone else find themselves doing the cheat rationalization talk to themselves (i.e. it is only . . . ) when you are just having soup broth!??? I am 10 days out and adding a little soup broth and find myself doing the old dance. Is that neurotic or what!!!

I have had hypothyroidism for about 20 years. I recall that it took some time to get the right dosage for me. Also, after any major medical event (childbirth, endometriosis, hysterectomy), we would have to zero in on a new dosage which just takes time. I wonder if the depression is part of the thyroid issue and will resolve itself when the dosage is correct. I find that when the dosage is off I feel fatigued, depressed, dry skin, lots of stuff you would not think was related to that little fella. Hang in there. You are doing everything you can and it will work its way out. However, it will probably take more time. Good Luck!

Beware . . . the road to hell is paved with rice crackers!!!

You are simply beautiful!

Does anyone have any suggestions about a good skin cream lotion to use post surgery to try to minimize saggy skin? I recently had VSG and would like to get on top of using cream as soon as possible. If anyone has any other suggestions besides cream, please share.

Maybe it is a silver lining? Ice cream is very hard for me to resist. I kind of hope my sleeve won't tolerate it, or chocolate, or chips, or . . .. . . .

Good to know this is normal. I am 6 days out and nothing at all happened for 4 days then WHAMO! I am strickly on clear liquids right now and was surprised.

I was wondering this very thing! After three children and a 100 lbs I was disgusted by how large me feet are in relation to my height. Maybe when this is all over I can wear all my favorites hiding in the back of my closet!!!!!!!

I was sleeved 2 days ago. I know what you mean about lack of support. My husband knew someone who had a horrible experience with the bypass so he really did not want me to get the sleeve. However, once he saw how unhealthy I really am and understood this was not a decision based on vanity, he has stepped up and supports me. I was one to tell myself that even though I am fat, I am healthy. The tests leading up to the surgery showed me how wrong I really was. Sleep apnea, vitamin deficiencies, cholesterol, knee and back pain. I have told many people about this surgery. I refuse to be ashamed for seeking the help I need. Everyone I know has been supportive, even though some are concerned. Embrace your choice, it will give you many more years with those loved ones who are not supportive, because they are afraid for you.

This is my first post. I was sleeved on Tuesday, April 14. My experience has been so different. I do have soreness in my abdomen, but that is about it. I have pain meds which I take when I start to get uncomfortable. I have not had problems getting the liquids in, but I also have the pain when I swallow. I have just assumed I was taking too big of a swallow. When I take smaller sips, it does not occur. I was also able to walk almost a mile today. (Not all at once, but that is what my fitbit recorded by the end of the day.) I am shocked at how much less pain is involved than I expected. I am considering going back to work at one week. It is amazing to me. I am so glad I did this. My health was deteriorating fast and my family was suffering for it. I absolutely could not do it on my own. I am sure others also tried every diet until despair made me just stop trying. I have been silently absorbing everyone's experiences over the last few months and it has been so helpful.