KristenVSG2014

I've gotten a little more independent. I can now go to the bathroom by myself. The surgeon said if I didn't poop by Thursday I would need a suppository. So my husband bought a suppository today and it scared my intestines so bad I pooped on my own Woo hoo!! Incisions are looking good but I am experiencing the dreaded "swell hell", especially on my right side. My drains have decreased quite a bit. I'm so ready to get them out on Monday. I didn't sleep well last night because my compression garment was pressing a safety pin into my skin so at 4:00 am I took my garment off to inspect it and found the culprit. I ended up moving the safety pins to my underwear and covering my entire body in sanitary pads then putting the garment back on. Problem solved! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had some single-serve Soups in the freezer and bought a lot of Premier Protein, Greek yogurt and cottage cheese for easy sources of protein. I also got 100% cotton panties and a mumu to wear. I bought gauze, pads and paper tape. My grandma brought a walker which helped a lot the first two days. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I got my first shower since surgery and feel like a new woman!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Our plan says never, citing statistics that Bariatric surgery patients who continue to drink have a 8-10x greater percentage chance to develop cirrhosis of the liver than the general population. That's interesting. I've never heard that. Could you provide me with the reference? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It is at least comforting that you are being monitored in the hospital and they are aware of the situation. They have drugs that can regulate all of that. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I personally took off 4 weeks but only in case I had any complications. I'm shuffling a little faster and standing a little straighter already today! My surgeon said I could go back after 2 weeks but I've heard 3 is ideal. As far as traveling so soon the only thing I would be concerned with is making sure you can walk around every few hours to avoid blood clots. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I tried to wait until I felt my sleeve was completely healed before I introduced alcohol. I believe it was around 4 months. Even then it burned like fire so I didn't try again for a while. I also did not want to take in the extra calories while I was losing weight. Try to make the most of your first year when you are able to lose the most weight and avoid drinking your calories (besides Protein drinks, of course). Two years out it still burns when it hits an empty stomach so I've learned to have a small snack before drinking. I also learned I have a two drink limit now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Really the only pain I had was the gas pain. It took about four days to completely clear my system. I was able to walk right away (slowly) but I felt better walking than laying around. Walking helps push the gas out which relieves the pain. I also needed help getting out of bed for a few days but was doing fine on my own after a week. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also count my coffee and tea as fluids. It took Water to make them so it counts! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It depends on many factors but I believe where you carried the majority of your weight is the most telling. While I carried my weight everywhere, the majority of it was in my boobs and stomach. I had the sleeve on 11/3/14 and lost 130 from my highest weight. My stomach, boobs, arms and legs all have loose skin but my stomach and boobs were the worst. I just had a breast lift and tummy tuck on Monday. I don't think I'll bother with my arms and legs though. Here's a picture of my arms and side boob (which is loose skin as well and was removed during breast lift). Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Last night I swelled up like a hot air balloon. I was convinced my binder would snap off but it stayed put. Swelling is down again this morning. I'm looking forward to my first post-op shower today. My husband and grandma are going to help me. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the pineapple tip, I haven't heard that! I've been drinking two Premier Protein and eating a Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to keep protein up. Sipping on Water as much as I can also. I think being so dependent on someone is the hardest part. But I'm being good and accepting the help and resting. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Finished my post op visit and got to see my body under all the gauze and binders. My boobies are SO cute!!!! They're very high and perky. They told me they are swollen and will begin to drop in a few months to give a more natural look. But right now I'm enjoying looking like a Barbie doll. I still have nipple sensation so that is great. I have such a flat tummy but lots of swelling in my lady parts. She said that is very normal and will all go down in a few weeks to months. Next appointment is on Monday when I'll get my drains out. ???? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Finished my post op visit and got to see my body under all the gauze and binders. My boobies are SO cute!!!! They're very high and perky. They told me they are swollen and will begin to drop in a few months to give a more natural look. But right now I'm enjoying looking like a Barbie doll. I still have nipple sensation so that is great. I have such a flat tummy but lots of swelling in my lady parts. She said that is very normal and will all go down in a few weeks to months. Next appointment is on Monday when I'll get my drains out. ???? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Thank you! It was outpatient. After I woke up they gave me some Gatorade and ice chips. Then I met with the nurse who gave me post op instructions and the anesthesiologist cleared me. It was much cheaper doing it outpatient. Costs are quite high here in the US but I was fortunate to find a surgeon at a University that specializes in extreme weightloss patients. Since it is a teaching hospital they have residents who observe and assist the surgeon which helps keep the costs low. My total for breast life and tummy tuck was $8,400 which is the same as Mexico pricing. The great part is it is only 45 minutes from my home! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sneak peek and drinking my Premier Protein! Trying to get in at 80 grams each day for healing. Also drinking lots of Water which makes me need to pee and it is a huge ordeal getting to the bathroom but I need to walk to avoid blood clots. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Recovering from plastics and drinking my Premier Protein with a straw!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good luck on your surgery tomorrow!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Surgery is done. It isn't a cakewalk but it isn't too bad. It mostly feels like I've been punched in the gut and every four hours I wake up from the pain of my incisions burning. Then I take more pills and fall asleep. My boobs were so perky when I woke up I had to drink Gatorade from the side with a straw! Yay! I won't be able to see anything until tomorrow at my post op appointment on Wednesday. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Surgery is done. It isn't a cakewalk but it isn't too bad. It mostly feels like I've been punched in the gut and every four hours I wake up from the pain of my incisions burning. Then I take more pills and fall asleep. My boobs were so perky when I woke up I had to drink Gatorade from the side with a straw! Yay! I won't be able to see anything until tomorrow at my post op appointment. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Today is the day!!! I'm not even nervous. I'm ready to get this thing done and over with. ???? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm strangely cool as a cucumber. Seriously. Maybe it hasn't kicked in yet or maybe it is the awesome anti-anxiety medication I'm on I'm ready to get it done and start healing!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I find I drink a lot more Water when I use a straw because I have sensitive teeth and the straw helps get the cold water past them. I'm also 2+ years out. I drink a hot cup of coffee then when I get to work I fill my 32 oz cup with ice water and try to finish it before lunch and fill it again when I get back. My personal experience. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have two bags packed - one to take with me for surgery and one to leave at my parent's where I will staying for two weeks to recover. I took some Soup over there yesterday and put it in the freezer so I'd have easy meals to access. I also ordered a ton of Premier Protein and shipped it to their house so I can have it for Breakfast and/or a snack. I'm going to try to get at least 80 grams of protein a day while recovering. Today I'm straightening the house, getting a pedicure and tonight I bathe with special soap. Tomorrow I'm supposed to wash with the special soap again at night. Monday morning I'm supposed to take another shower with the soap, put on cotton panties and loose clothing and be at the surgery center at 6:45. Let's get this thing done!!! I'm so ready. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What she said I have to completely stay away from CheezeIts because I get ZERO restriction from them. I can eat half a box before I get tired of eating them. Terrifying. Thankfully sugary foods usually make me feel like crap so while I don't get full from them I at least have some kind of negative reaction. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App