gottagonow

I didn't do so well with eggs. Well, egg whites in particular. For now, I am going to wait and try again later. I sure could use that Protein but it wasn't digesting well for me.

Funny title. I only get cravings when I am out with friends and there are meals of wonderfulness. But my stomach can't go there. This may sound like torture but I can't just sit in the house so I still go out with my Water and company and try to ignore delish smells and enjoy the atmosphere and company. Plus, like I said before, I can't get that stuff down. My friends don't know and none have asked what's up. We are not going to brunch or dinner or anything obvious so I guess they just figure I already ate. And I feel good living my life.

I felt like something was really off that soon out as well. I was not adequately prepared for the pain because I was reading the wrong things. I was reading about folks who were off meds and ready to do it all very soon after surgery. That simply was not me. My body needed more time to get it it right. Remember, your stomach is swollen and inflamed. By one week out, I noticed a major difference. I woke up and was about to go through my dread routine of sitting up and I realized it didn't really hurt anymore! Oh, I used my pain meds. I talked to the nurse and she told me to rate my pain and then she said why are you not using them, that's why they're prescribed! I pushed myself to walk daily as soon as I got home. I was slower and I know it showed that something was off with me, but I really think that helped.

Nope. Mainly because they were not that worried about me doing it. They told me to do it for just one week due to my BMI (I qualified due to health issues along with an overweight BMI, but I would not have qualified with my BMI alone). So, I had to buy the stuff (I frankly think it is a money thing in cases like mine). I didn't feel bad about it or think I was ruining anything because of my situation. The hardest day was the day before surgery for some reason - suddenly I was starving. I ate lightly. No liver or stomach troubles with surgery; they were more concerned that I had not eaten or drank anything after midnight. That was a no brainer. If folks will beat yourself up over it, don't go there. Believe me, I have flipped on some random stuff since the surgery from all of this reading (not the pre-diet, but still). I recommend doctor's orders unless you have special circumstances and make sure they know.

This was not a requirement for me, but they did have me on a liquid diet prior to surgery. They did not weigh me after the start of the liquid diet or prior to surgery though so I questioned the fuss a bit. Since they had me buy the Meal Replacement or get it approved by them, it struck me as a blatant money maker. How much do they want you to lose by August? There have been other internal obstacles and I pushed through them by remembering what I know next year can be like by me getting with the program. I really had conversations with myself big time. Either way, next year will be next year, I have to make it what I want. That talked me down or up depending on the situation several times.

I asked about this recently at my post op b/c I am not having luck with drinking protein. My physician did not say I would not lose weight, but he stressed it would be the wrong weight (muscle). It also slows down the healing process. We're focusing on the mushy foods I can get down and I ordered some drinks with a water like consistency. I must say that they even asked how long it would take for me to get them in the mail b/c after surgery is when this is so important. I was so ready with shakes that I now cannot drink for the life of me. I would do that shopping differently knowing what I know. Post-op, I just could not handle them. I am doing the best I can. Revisiting my shakes was not good for my sleeve either so it's a learning process, but I personally will not force it. Finding alternatives has been my method.

As long as you are on track, that should not be a problem. It is amazing to me how I went from pain initially (not trying to scare anyone, just being honest) to waking up okay within a week. Even now, remembering those first few days mess with me, but it really gets better fast! The intense awareness of my anatomy b/c it hurt with any movement was an experience! Apparently, not everyone even goes through this. I emphasize on track only b/c I have no idea about complications, but by the time you get your family, you would know if you have issues.

My surgeon never mentioned it. Having been in the medical field; I hate to break it to folks, but if you need a NG tube, they are likely not going through your wallet. Maybe just put it in your cell phone under "mom," "best friend" or something if there is concern. They check cell phones first to find someone to speak for you.

Today marks a week for me. I am good with liquids (water), not so much with Proteins b/c a lot out there just isn't agreeing with me. I'm learning from boards and looking into alternatives. I realize I really need my Protein drinks to be like Water, the slightest thickness and I gag. I don't beat myself about it b/c my wallet and I know the effort that I am putting into protein tries. It's not a cheap trial and error, that's for sure.

. I'm on post op day four. This thread has been a lifesaver. So what if I'm not doing as well as others. I am alive, getting better by the day and looking forward to increasing my intake each day. So what if I only managed 10 oz Water and 11 oz protien shake. It's no where near where my doctor wants me but it was more the. The 8oz water day before. I could not agree more. It is very helpful not to do this alone. I found the boards after my procedure and it is a great thing.

When is your follow-up visit with your surgeon? I think major pain may warrant a call or visit. Believe me, I'm only a few days out too (a week tomorrow) but I can say that while I did not expect the pain, it has decreased to hurt (if that makes sense). If you are not having any relief, reach out to them. Insurance paid a lot, they can take it! This is coming from someone that hates to do just what I am suggesting, but the thing is, I keep seeing on the boards such a range from food allowances to pain and it seems like you only really know with your doc. I do enjoy the read here though, believe me! It is helpful. Let us know how everything keeps going!

Those are also what saves me. As another poster mentioned, I actually prefer cold beverages, contrary to what we were told in the hospital. It really is trial and error.

I truly appreciate posts like this. I too wondered what my problem was because it seemed like people were fine in two days and I frankly truly hurt! As I find more boards (I didn't before my sleeve, which was Monday), I realize that I am not alone. And that helps. I believe it gets a lot better, but it's nice to know we're not the only ones not running marathons.