JCP

I was on morphine in the hospital, then liquid Hydrocodone for two weeks once home. (I had a pulled internal stitch that hurt like hell.) after that, just tylenol as needed but my pain was greatly reduced after 2 weeks.

My preop was bouillon, water, decaf tea, and protein shakes. Lost 10 pounds in two weeks.

I'm 57, 9 weeks out, 47 lost. I'm so glad to be losing but am not looking forward to what is going to continue happen to my skin. My boobs are deflating, my tummy droops, my thighs are squishy, my arms sag, and worst of all, I am getting a turkey neck. I am working out with a trainer so maybe in time it will help. But if not, it's for sure better than being disabled by obesity.

So true! I went out to a family dinner at a restaurant after a funeral. Everyone's portions were huge! Plus appetizers, salads, giant drinks, and dessert! And I used to eat that way, too. Now I look at it and wonder how I physically consumed all that food! Ugh!! I can hardly eat an egg now! Thank God.

I never noticed until this surgery how inundated we are with constant food advertisements and how food-centered we are as a society. In Houston, it seems there is a restaurant every three feet. At work Friday, platters of cupcakes for a birthday followed by lunch at an Italian restaurant. (Didn't go.) On tv, ad after ad for bowls of Kentucky fried chicken chunks with mashed potatoes and gigantic hamburgers. Good grief! I am physically revolted when I see these images! I'm so thrilled to not feel those cravings anymore but it sure makes me realize how indoctrinated we've been all our lives...No wonder obesity is such an epidemic! I thank the Lord for my surgeon and the opportunity I have now to leave that behind.

Food was terrifying at first. Now at nine weeks out, things are iffy. Experimenting with what settles well. Most things don't but I know it will get better. Meanwhile, I am losing weight so no complaints!

Wow my liquid preop was only 2 weeks. But after day 4 I had no more hunger. I drank a lot of beef bouillon, protein shakes, crystal light, and some strained soups (which weren't too enjoyable). Bouillon cubes were my best friend.

I make scrambled eggs with cheese, refried beans, and salsa. Also, ground turkey with cottage cheese, marinara, chopped spinach, topped with shredded mozzarella. Both high protein casseroles. Also homemade chicken soup (no noodles) and bean and lean ham soup.

My favorites: skinless chicken cooked with a can of swanson chicken broth and Water with celery, onions, carrots, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. I used to include egg noodles... No more. The other I love is large dried limas, covered in water with chicken broth and chopped onion added. (Salt and pepper to taste.) You can add some lean ham to it. Cook till the Beans are tender. Takes hours. This is better the second day! My Nut says this is a great Protein recipe. These are great for the crock pot.

Just food for thought... Some people have a more difficult recovery than others. Lots of factors involved. I was on pain meds for two weeks. The pain was very severe, as in knee buckling. Then in two weeks, it went away quickly. It seems I had a tight internal stitch that was pulling and once it scarred over (or tore loose), the pain resolved. So bear in mind that we all have different experiences.

Cowgirl Jane, great reply and wonderful encouragement!

Yes it does! It sucks big time! And it will for at least a couple of weeks. Maybe more. But I promise, in one month, which will fly by, you will feel so much better. We have all been there. Rest, take pain meds, and sip sip sip! It is going to get so much better.

I had 7

Nine weeks out, 47 pounds down, just joined a gym and hired a personal trainer. (Payments in advance so no slacking!) Happy!

Yay! I bought a wedding dress that is way too small for my vow renewals! Go us!!

Happy dance!!

Your tummy is going to be uncooperative for a few weeks after surgery due to swelling, gas, and the incision. Just do the best you can, slip slowly, rest a lot, take your pain meds, and let your body heal. There is going to be discomfort but it goes away in time.

We are twins! I lost 10 pre-op and 17 my first two weeks post-op. I stalled at week 3 and 6 but am at 40 pounds lost at week 9. (Actually I have not weighed in a week so I feel like it's probably about 45 now.) What a miracle this surgery is! Lord, it was hard at first, I'll admit. For a month, I wondered why the heck I did it but now it is all coming together. I have a spring in my step, people are noticing, and I have had to buy smaller clothes. Prayers for a smooth recovery for you! You're going to do great!

How far out are you from surgery? When you are able, eat some peas or beans (blackeye, lima, purple hull, whatever). Just get a can and mush them with a fork. My Nut told me they are all on my menu. They work great for me, even small amounts. Another thing that works well for me is trail mix. I get the unsalted ones with lots of little nuts and seeds. You have to be far enough along to eat them but I eat a bite or two all through the day. Good protein and great fiber. Hope you feel better soon!

Congratulations! Stay on those pain meds, rest as much as possible, walk several times a day, sip that water! Protein will be hard the first week but you will get through it!

I had it done. Didn't know I had one. Suffered no ill effects at all afterward.

My first time eating out in 10 weeks. It was a funeral for my uncle and they all decided to go to Luby's afterward. (Lots of elderly family... Luby's is a popular cafeteria chain in Texas for those not familiar with it.) Saw my old favorites: fried chicken, cabbage, spinach, and chocolate ice box pie. Looked so good! But of course I didn't dare. Got 1/2 of a baked skinless chicken breast and ate 3 bites. I will miss Luby's....

I am 8 weeks out and this is getting better but I still have issues. Everything tasted horrible to me. I could handle a few things... Yogurt, scrambled eggs, then I was able to eat a slice of deli turkey wrapped in a cheese slice. It's very common and you just have to do the best you can. I think it's the hardest part of the recovery by far. But it will get better.

This happened to me twice the first two weeks, then never again. Your mind has to adjust.

My Nut said it is perfectly fine. Focus on beans, peas, tofu, etc. There are also vegetarian and vegan protein supplements. She was very supportive. I am an animal rescuer so have thought about this for a while. Now that meat no longer agrees with me, I am moving that direction and am excited about it.