mrshall617

My dr put me off work for 5 weeks. I'm barely one week out right now but planning on taking the whole time. My company has "continuance pay" for salaried employees so I don't have to use any pto for my time off except to exhaust my sick time. I've seen that some people go back after one week - feeling how I am right now I honestly don't see how people do it. And I have a desk job!!

...don't come down on folks when they offer it.
Especially if you are new to the WLS experience and the vets respond to you. We see the same questions over and over and over again and we still take the time to answer you because we know that for you, it's the first time you are going through this.
It would be so easy for us vets to leave the forum and live our lives successfully but we stay here because we remember how it was at the beginning or if we see that you are struggling during the WLS journey....so we stay here and try to help. Please think about that if you don't like how we've responded. It's not because we know better....it's because we simply know more than you do right now. Respect that please.
We try so hard to be sympathetic when you screw up or ask questions that you already know the answers to...like I didn't lose 5 lbs. in one week, is this a stall? Or, I ate a bag of chips...did I do bad?
I've been on this forum for a year and a half and in that time, I've seen too many vets take a hike and it's often because they are rebuffed when they offer insights or even just their own personal experiences. If you want this forum to succeed, and if you personally want to succeed...be aware of what you say either on the forum or when you PM. Especially when you PM.
And one more thing. I didn't post this on Rants and Raves because it's not a rant. It's a request.

18 months before after photo. 16 months post surgery.
Surgery weight was 295. I am 5 foot 10, 48 years young.
I have been at this weight a few weeks now so I think it is safe to say I met my personal goal of 187. Currently 184.6 and 26.5 BMI and around 24% body fat. My starting BMI was 45 and I was almost 50% BF.

I had a consult with my surgeon today, and he said that he usually releases his sleeve patients to use NSAIDs after a couple of months, and recommended Celebrex. So that made me feel better because the topic has been almost a make or break the deal for me. He expects that once I lose a lot of the weight I won't be in much pain anymore anyways and will not need them as often, which is what I'm hoping for! I appreciate everyone's feedback here.

Ok. I've hit a stall and was curious if it was worth anything. Just keep on keeping on!

How are we all doing to start off the week. Me not so great with Protein today almost lost it. I got some Unjury powder packs so going to try that next time. Can't believe I did ok with it till today. Looks like all the IV Fluid is gone and I'm down to 294. Yay a week ago I was 306 day of surgery 300 so I'm on a good roll. I tired to do more with my 3 year old today and I'm really sore so took some pain meds and resting now.

I was invited to speak at a seminar and said yes. Well it was yesterday and I loved it. I not only got to talk about my complications which I kept to a minimum but also got to talk about some of the issues that we have all gone through and were not prepared for.
That was the best part.
They clapped several times for me during my talk and after some came up to me and thanked me for my honesty and helping them make the decision to have the surgery.
One girl was banded in 2010 and never reached her goal. She told me that because of what she heard from me today she knows she has the strength to finish the journey and learn to maintain..
Some called me strong and brave...I was just so happy to be there and talk about WLS. It was a privilege I have been looking forward to since I was a woman at a seminar hearing another woman's story....
They asked me if I would do it again. Speak at a seminar...And of course the answer was Hell Yes...!!!
You have to be at goal before you are invited and I am there....It was a real NSV for me. It is the beginning of my desire to help others take this life saving opportunity!

I have worked my entire life, even when I was a kid, I found odd jobs to do: a paper route, picking fruits and vegetables at a farm in the summer... I was raised that way. Through the births of my children, I was back to work quickly. I also have a developmentally disabled adult child to care for, and although she is in an adult residential program, she comes home frequently and I am involved in her care. I have relocated to other states four times in my career, and work long hours in a demanding job that I love, but it is stressful. I also take two classes a term on top of that to keep my skills up. As you can see, I have driven myself for a long time and take pride in my work ethic. I am also almost 56 years old. So , all that being said.....
I decided to take the advice of my surgeon who wants me off for 6 weeks. To take the time to take care of myself and use the time to heal and truly rest and get used to my new smaller stomach and digestive issues. I decided to be kind to myself and take the time I need to take care of me. So much of my life has been about taking care of others and getting things done (all of which I loved doing). But there comes a time when I knew I needed to truly rest and take care of myself for perhaps really the first time in my life. Perhaps the lack of making self-care a priority is part of the reason I got so overweight (I think so).
In other words, learning healthy self-care and compassion for what my body may need to fully recover, seems wise to me. Sure, it's hard, I think about work and all I need to do. But this is all part of learning a new lifestyle for myself. I also am very fortunate that my wonderful company pays 100% of my salary for the first 6 weeks, so that makes it easier perhaps than some others to do this.
And one last thing -- several WLS speakers came to the classes that we were required to take prior to surgery, who gave their testimony that they fought their doctors on returning to work too early (in a week or two). Both ended up having complications that set them back. For me, I'd rather get solid first, and then go back and stay back.
Just my thoughts - everyone is different!
Patrice

I had my surgery on June 18 also. I'm sorry you had so many extra issues! I didn't have the hernia. I had my gallbladder taken out during my surgery. I've been able to get liquids down fine - well, without any pain but I am feeling something like heartburn sometimes, so that slows me down. My biggest issue is the tired/weakness as well. I'm just completely exhausted!
I'm done with liquids on Friday then I move on to pureed foods Saturday for 3 weeks then soft foods for 4 weeks. Our docs are all so different with their protocols!!

I had surgery on June 18. I had to have a pick line. My Dr recommends them. This was the best I did not have to worry about them finding a vein (I am always a hard stick). In recovery I found out that I had a hiatal hernia. This was fixed. I had gallbladder surgery back in 1972. There was a ton of scar tissue that had to be cleaned out. My stomach was stuck to everything, liver everything it touched. They did do a biopsy on the liver and have not heard about this yet.
I did not have gas in my shoulder so I am really lucky with that. (I think I would have had it by now if I was going to) I ended up staying 2 nights due to the pain. I did not realize that when Water hit my stomach it was going to feel like a fire poker. They order a Magic Mouthwash best thing ever. It has Benadryl, Maalox, and some numbing meds. once you swallow it numbs everything down to your stomach,. This allowed me to drink without the pain. I have not taken the pain meds for 2 days (More uncomfortable than anything)
The problem is I had no idea it would be so hard to get the Water in. I always drank lots of water. As for eating.. lol who would have ever thought I would have a hard time eating. It is like you are forcing yourself to eat and drink. I realize this will all get better in time. It has not been a week as of yet. One more thing, I did not realize how tired and weak I would be. I was going to take a drink during every commercial but I can not make it thru an hour show without falling asleep. I know it is just time. I am on liquids for another 2 weeks then to soft for 3 weeks the regular food. Come on I want to move past this phase.

Went to dr to get results from blood work, got on the scale and holly molly blew by my goal weight of 200 and was down to 190 while in uniform pants and work boots, blood work was all good, it was a great check up.
Best of luck to everyone that is on this journey.

When I was a little girl in England, watching all the cowboy shows on TV, I longed to be a cowgirl and ride the range. For my birthday next May when I'll be 10 months post-op I'm going on a group trail ride. I'll be up in the saddle!
(No experience needed, btw; the trail ride horses are trained to be idiot-proof.)
My husband bought me a little plastic horse that I'll take to the hospital with me in August - my symbol of everything I have to look forward to.

It'll all come to you folks and then some. I love basking in the newbie excitement. That was me a year ago.

Hmmm....I look forward to many things. But #1 - I look forward to having more energy!

I'm doing good hard to sleep still can't find a comfortable way to lay yet. But otherwise not bad no real pain from my incisions. I can add soft foods today so I'm going to try a yogurt soon. Getting they my Protein shake for the day slowly but will make it at the end if the day. Been up and walking as well. Just ordered myself a medical alert bracket in case something happens in the future. Looking forward to showing later today as well.

Went to my appt. My doctor told me two things that I'll never forget
1: toss my scale out the window and quit looking at at the numbers!!
2: listen to my body!! Watch my protein/carbs/and water!!
He was so happy with my progress and told me if I went to the waiting room and told others my problem about worrying about losing 80lbs in a year they would throw something at my head!! LoL
I have done good and I guess I just needed to hear him say it. Thanks for the kind feedback and I'm so glad I have this site to vent to.
Night all!!

Hello. Finally had surgery 3 1/2 hours past my time. I have gotten p and did on lap already and finally able to sip Water. Pain in ok hurts when I move which is often as my old injure in my back. Can't keep my eyes open either. ????

Good evening everyone! Had my surgery about 9:30 and feeling pretty good. Tired and loopy from the meds. My stomach and incisions are sore but no where near unbearable. Doctor said everything went as good as one could hope for. If everything goes well tomorrow I should get to go home tomorrow evening. Super excited! Sitting up in a chair now. Hope everyone has just as a good day as I had.

good luck to you as well. I plan in taking my phone and iPad so I can stay connected.

Wow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow!
We get to push the re-set button, we get to start over. We get to be healthy and strong!
Keep the faith, everybody. We are totally going to ROCK this.
If you can, take some technology with you to the hospital--and let's check in when we wake up.
I can't wait! It's been 18 months since I started this process. I was cleared by insurance a year ago, but....I couldn't walk because of my knees. So, one year and two knee replacements later, I am ready to do this!
God bless you all. See you on the other side!

yup by this time tomorrow I shall be done and hopefully in my room.

I have to be there at 1030 for surgery at 1230.

Ouch that's early! LOL Lucky you though - I'd rather get in and get it going!!! I have to be at the hospital at 8 am - surgery at 10 am.

I got my time too - I'm at 10 am Wed! It's getting more and more real!

I got my time too - I'm at 10 am Wed! It's getting more and more real!