Larly109

Each doctor has their own recommendations and it's important to follow their guidelines. I'm surprised you don't have it all in writing - I received multiple copies during all my pre-surgery appointments and even more specific guidelines from my doctor immediately after surgery. I would definitely start by contacting your doctor.

I'm taking the chewable Centrum - got them at Walmart. Quick dissolve B-12 and Biotin I found at Walgreens (they often have buy 1 get 1 free sales on vitamins and that's when I stock up). I tried the liquid calcium from Wellesse, but it made me a bit queasy. The calcium chews from Bariatric Advantage are pretty good, but a little pricey. I finally found some lemon flavored chews that another user recommended and ordered them from Amazon - Calcet is the brand name. Those are my favorite - it's like a little lemon dessert after dinner!

My Fitness Pal - I have it linked up to my FitBit and love being able to see my progress!

I'm only a month out and haven't lost enough to experience this particular issue, but a couple of my good friends that are 3 and 4 years out definitely have tailbone pain. I notice that they carry small pillows and cushions to sit on. I also notice that one of my friends almost always sits with at least one, if not both, feet up on her chair with her knees pulled to her chest. Plus they squirm and wiggle a lot if they get stuck on a hard chair for more than a few minutes. I'm hoping I don't lose all of my butt so that my pain isn't so bad!

I use Stevia In The Raw and love it. I can't stand the artificial after taste of most other sweeteners.

I think a lot of people struggle with whey protein. There are several other forms available including egg based, beef based, and plant based. Some nutrition shops will sell you small samples so that you don't have to buy a huge tub and wind up not being able to tolerate it. Try calling around and see if anyone near you will sell small samples. I was able to get quite a few samples by emailing different companies and asking for them.

I'm almost 4 weeks out from surgery and my doctor has me on 750-1000 calories a day in order to maintain my energy level. Too few calories and you may run low on energy too quickly. Of course choosing healthy calories is also very important - high protein, unprocessed foods are best the during the first 3 months after surgery. Regular exercise will also make a big difference - start with walking a few minutes everyday and gradually extend the duration.

My surgeon is okay with regular tea and coffee after the first week. I don't drink it everyday, but haven't had any issues when I do. I like to use a packet of stevia and a little half and half.

Wellesse makes a liquid calcium that's palatable and is sold at Walmart. I ordered the lemon flavor Calcet from Amazon and really like them. They're like a little bite of lemony dessert.

You will probably feel ok to return to work, but be prepared to tire easily - especially as a teacher. I don't know what grade you teach, but you will very likely feel exhausted by the end of the day. I know when I taught 2nd grade I'd get tired on a normal day. My job is much less physically demanding now and I'm still pretty tired at the end of the day. It's getting better as I heal, can eat a bit more, and drop more weight but it takes time. I don't want to discourage you, just want you to be prepared. Best of luck with your surgery!

I've tried a few of them. Roadside Lemonade, Grape, and Caribbean Cooler weren't bad. I really liked the Strawberry Mousse mixed in milk. I also liked the Crystal Sky in ice water. I have noticed that they don't dissolve well in ice water, so I use room temp/tap mix it well and then add ice after it's dissolved. I like to use a shaker bottle because the protein tends to settle a bit as it sits, so I shake again as needed.

Which tests are ordered will depend on what information your doctor feels like they need and what is required by your insurance. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it's your body and you have every right to know what each test is for and what the results are.

Everything you are feeling is very normal. I was very nervous and anxious before my surgery and although things have been a bit challenging at times, it gets better everyday. The pain from the gas used during the laparascopic procedure was the worst part for me immediately post surgery, but it quickly got better as I was able to get up and walk. I had a drain for 4 days after my surgery and it was annoying, but not unbearable. Since coming home, the first week was the worst. I had very little energy, but kept sipping Protein drinks and Water all day and things slowly improved. I did feel somewhat deprived after I got home when everyone else was eating and I was sipping, but that got better once I moved from clear liquids to full liquids. Now I'm at the pureed and soft stage and it's better still. I have had my missteps - tried to eat a little baked fish yesterday and it came right back up - but mostly I'm trying to take it slow and concentrate on getting in my protein and keeping up with the walking. Some days are better than others, but I feel like I'm on an upward swing. I agree with others that the more your wife understands what you will be dealing with, the better she can support you. Wishing you the best of luck as you begin your journey!

For Multivitamins, I switch between the Centrum Chewables, Walmart brand kid's chewables, and NatureMade VitaMelts Fast Melting Tablets (found them at Sam's Club). I can tolerate the Centrum, but just barely. The kid's chewables are a tiny bit better, and the VitaMelts are the most tolerable - they have a fruity/tropical taste. I have tried several flavors from Bariatric Advantage and they are ok. For Calcium, I've tried the Bariatric Advantage brand and they are ok. I also have liquie Calcium from Wellesse that I found at Walmart. I saw a post on another thread that recommended Calcet Creamy Lemon Bites and I ordered a box from Amazon. They are not bad at all - both chewy and creamy. The chocolate and caramel chews from Celebrate/Bariatric Advantage are also better than others. I am also taking sublingual B-12 cherry flavor from NatureMade and quick dissolve Biotin strawberry from Nature's Bounty.

I've been thinking I should take my measurements so that I have one more way to track my progress.

Mine was scabbed over about 24 hours after the drain was removed. It's still scabbed and healing and itches some. I have been putting Bio Oil on all of my surgical wounds for about a week and it helps A LOT with the itching.

I find my pouch can be a little touchy. Something goes down well one day but not the next. I just try to take it slowly and keep trying.

I had a huge loss my first week post-op (22 pounds) and only a couple of pounds since then. I have been feeling fairly discouraged today, but am trying to remind myself that slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss.

I agree, My Fitness Pal is great! If you log on through a computer, you can change your daily goals to help keep you on track. I also purchased a Fitbit and have it linked to MFP.

I took 2 weeks off. Luckily I only had a 3 day week when I got back to work and then a long weekend. I was ok after the first day back but was pretty wiped after the third day. I'm sure it will continue to get better!

I would be curious about that too. I can do chicken if it's pureed with something else, but fish or chicken on it's own come right back up.

I'm almost at 3 weeks out and tried to eat a little baked tilapia yesterday - bad mistake. I ended up with my first vomiting episode since surgery. I'm getting tired of protein shakes but I need to remember not to push it with regard to regular food. It's no fun getting sick.

I chose bypass because it has a longer track record (40 years) and is considered the gold standard for bariatric surgery. There just wasn't enough history and data on the sleeve for me. Also, I was (am - only 11 days post surgery) pretty heavy and bypass was the better choice for that reason. I know it has worked well for others, but wasn't a good fit in my case.

I agree with others. It sounds like you need to back up a bit and get back on Protein shakes for a while. It is possible for people who were not diabetic to develop issues with hypoglycemia after bariatric surgery. Google hypoglycemia and WLS. The solution is to up the protein. I would definitely stay away from the chocolate! It's too easy to fall back into bad habits.

Your body gets thrown into ketosis after surgery which may make your body smell different. This is major surgery and throws your body into a state of shock. It will eventually level out again.