Newness

You look great HK! I am also a March Anniversary. I had the gastric sleeve. I have an appt. at the end of Feb. for my yearly. Not sure how much I've lost total yet. But it's somewhere in the neighborhood of 100+ lbs. I want to do plastics, but I"m a Cirrhosis patient so I don't heal well at all. So I'm going to discuss possible liposuction to begin with and see if that helps some with the pannis. This hanging skin is no joke! LOL I can't wait to get cleared for all of it. I'm currently looking for garments for this kind of thing, like holding the skin in tighter. I have no clue where to begin. Any ideas?

Please don't back out. This surgery will change your life for the better. Your health is what you need to focus on. Because, if you aren't healthy, you can't be there for your kiddos. Do this for you. I know it's hard and stressful to think about the "what-ifs" with your husband. But it sounds as if he is not supportive because he's afraid you WILL change. And leave him behind. And you know what, that's on him. You will not regret this surgery. Yes, it's hard. Yes, it takes all of your will and strength to keep going in the beginning. BUT! There is a light and it's your future! That person you see in the mirror, won't be the same person you see in the mirror in six months! She will be healthier, stronger and she will have her hair. Just follow your protein guidelines and take Biotin. And eat Great Lakes gelatin. It works, I'm proof! Please don't back out! You're future is waiting on you. *hugs!*

You look fabulous! I know you're so proud! I can't wait to be standing in those shoes. =) Continued success to you!

Heating pad is what helped me tremendously! I had one that was filled with some type of rice or something and heated in the microwave. But, a regular heating pad would work too. Just put it where it hurts and keep moving it from side to side. Mine was always very low on both sides. I even slept with mine! It helped so much! Good luck!!! And don't miss an opportunity to burp or pass gas, either... it really does help.

You'll be fine! Remember to breathe! And walk, walk, walk, when they get you up! Congrats!

Hi everyone. Just wanted to put down my experience for that first week for those who need lifting up. =) My personal experience was hell. Now that doesn't mean yours will be. I see people on here all the time who have truly stellar experiences! But for those of us who didn't. Here I am! Firstly, if you've read my story, you know I"m a liver patient, more than a bariatric patient. In the hospital I had trouble with pain control, blown IV's and pretty much just existed on Water. I was there for two days. I had made my own bone broth and Jello and brought it with me. I didn't even use it I was sick. However, after I got home I felt somewhat better. I had to find a comfortable way to lay on my back. That never happened. In the OR while laying on my back something shifted. It still isn't quite right. I attribute that from my Spondylitis in my SI joint. Chiro hopefully and my massage therapist will be able to help. Anyway, I was nauseated quite a lot the first few days and in a drug induced stupor. I threw up the second night home. That was a horrible experience. I am not one of those people who "ralph" very well. I think it was s combination of taking my liquid pain meds too fast. THEN I did my incentive spirometer, but I think I sucked in air. And out everything came! So be careful with that. That was day two, at home. I pushed through day three with a vengeance, because my grandmother always told me day three of a surgery is always the worst. And it has been. Day four was better....everything seemed clearer and I was able to drink more effectively and even take a few liquid supplements. Not all, but some. Day five. I felt this burst of energy. It was crazy. Mind was willing, body was not! So I walked around the house. Did try to bend, not a good idea... LOL. I was able to get all my Vitamins down this day. I was really proud of myself. But I was still short on the liquids. Day six. Weakness.... I just felt like a wet noodle. I think it was from not getting in the requisite amounts of Protein and liquids for as many days. Day seven. One week post-op. Woo! I finally "felt" hungry. Liquids didn't seem to be cutting it and I started craving fish. Which is a big deal for me because my liver disease had taken all hunger pains away for the past two years. I called my doc's office and asked if I could tolerate the foods on Phase 3 if I could have them? They said yes. I was over the moon about that. Not knowing what I was getting myself into. LOL Day eight. I decided to order the fish. I got sea scallops. And mashed potatoes. I was able to eat the scallop and about a teaspoon of mashed potatoes. It was heaven, it was also hell... I felt way full. I can tell you what they say about "real" food protein staying with you longer, is the truth. These Protein shakes don't last long. I am still drinking two a day to get enough protein in. Day nine. Same weakness. I just feel so weak. All over. And thirsty all the time. Ate scallop and potatoes again for one meal. Still got in all the vitamins. And today, day ten. I still feel weak. I'm hoping this will pass when I am able to actually get in all the protein at least a week in a row. I'm thinking the body has gone into survival mode or something. Two things. I had a bowel movement without taking anything on the second day home, and then again on day five. So I'm not going to take anything unless I have to. Second thing. I found this protein supplement called Reserveage, they taste awesome! Mix very well. Come in vanilla and chocolate. So that has become my go to supplement for protein. I still get individual packets of different flavors to shake things up a bit. I have an order into unjury that hasn't shown up yet. I'll let you know how that tastes when it gets here. So I hope this helps someone. Keep pushing though those first days. It does get easier. I'm excited about the future. =) Have a great day!

I may try that on Friday. The egg drop soup. I have stocked up my own broth so I have a surplus. I even took my own broth and jello to the hospital. Of course, I cleared it with the doc first. But the nurses freaked, one in particular. But hey, if it's health you're after, why eat theirs? Yesterday I put chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder in my broth and had taco soup! It was wonderful. I guess I just have to get REALLY creative.....

I will be one week sleeved as of tomorrow! While I'm so glad I made it one week. What the heck am going to creatively come up with in the "Full Liquid" Stage to spice this next week up? I've put spices in my soups, my bone broth. I've made 3 different types of jello. I drank my probiotic lemonade. A sip of Kombucha here and there. Iced tea, with lemon. All different kinds of protein drink flavors. I am out of ideas..... anyone else have that trouble going into the second week? I just want some baked soft fish.... which is another week away..... LOL!

That's good were gonna be sleeve buddies I am new to the forums and am also a March 6 sleever! =)