Tintin

@@anewme15, I am doing much better. I seems like I can better tolerate the Protein shakes. Still working on trying to drink a bit more. It was my first day back at work yesterday and I decided to do only 4 to 5 hours per day this week. I have my first WMC class next week and cannot wait to meet other people who have gone through the same thing. Have a good day everyone!!

Hello everyone.......sorry about not keeping in touch, I've been back in hospital for a week. Had my surgery on Monday, April 13th and was discharged in the morning of the 15th (Wed). I was doing great until the Friday afternoon. I started to have VERY frequent diarrhea and a fever. By 11 p.m., my wife decided to wake up the children and to go to ER at the Civic. The staff at the Civic were amazing. I was taken care of right away. Unfortunately, after doing a bunch of tests, they told me that I had caught the C DIFFICILE virus and that I needed to be admitted. I was in the hospital for a total of 6 days. I was then sent home with some meds to take 3 times/day. I have been doing better everyday but feeling tired. According to my follow up a few days ago with the NP at the WMC, everything is great. Can't wait to attend the class! Very happy to hear that everyone is doing well. @JCMO: I understand and feel the same way. After the surgery, I find that my taste buds have not been the same. The taste of the Protein was not good. I finally found a recipe that works for me, however, it seems that I am drinking ALL day long. It will get better I am sure.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I am now home since yesterday afternoon. Surgery was performed on Monday at 3 p.m. I was quite dizzy when I woke up from anastesia at 5:10 p.m. I stayed in recovery room until 8:30 p.m. and was then transferred up to the floor. After my first night in hospital, they were ready to send home because I was doing great. I refused and asked to stay one more night. Because I had not slept well the first night (noisy roommate) I slept like a baby the second night from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m. The nurse decided not to wake me up to give me meds........big mistake. I woke up and felt really depressed. I was in lots of pain. I took the meds and walked around for approx 10 minutes and went back to bed. Woke up 1.5 hours later and felt much better. Since then.....OMG, it sounds like there is a storm brewing in my belly. The sounds that are coming from there are even scaring my dog. I have been letting them out as much as I can and it helps... Today, the pain is minimal and I feel great. I started drinking the Protein shakes and resting some more while walking for 10 minutes every few hours. Hope you are all doing fine.....This new life is promising!!

Today is THE day!!! I am now in my bed, all prepped up waiting to go the OR. I will hopefully be able to give you some news tomorrow!! Later everyone!! I'm excited!!!

VERY GOOD VIDEO!! A bit long but worth it... https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=aUaInS6HIGo

Up to now, my family members (apart from my wife and children) were not aware of my surgery. Because 2 of them are coming to our house tomorrow for Easter dinner and I will not be able to eat (except for broth and Optifast) I decided to write them all an email and let them know. One of my family member wrote back telling me that he admired my courage. Still waiting for the others to reply.

@@jcmo I am doing great so far. I started my second week of Optifast on Monday and I still feel hungry at times. However, as soon as I take another shake, I am fine. Jello and broth are still on the menu every day. I have now lost 13 pounds and feeling GREAT! Can't believe its really happening.....and fast. Glad to hear you are doing well and going back to work and your regular routine. Kudos to you! You're done...

You are all encouraging!! If I lose over 20 pounds before the surgery, I will more than happy.

This is day 6 of Optifast and I have already lost 8 pounds! What about you guys.....how much did you lose during the 3 weeks on Optifast?

It is soooo nice to be able to "bounce" ideas to that are going (or have gone) through the same thing. Thank you all for your suggestions. I wish the Ottawa Hospital WMC had a social network that people could meet and exchange ideas, stories, etc...

@@jcmo The Optifast is going as well as it can. I think I prefer the vanilla one. I have been mixing some Nestle Nesfruta into the mix and it makes the shakes taste much better. I have to say that I am still feeling hungry and light headed all day. I drink LOTS of Water but still feel hungry. I usually have a Jello at lunch and a cup of chicken broth for dinner. I have to contact the WMC and ask the dietician how many Jello cups and broth I am allowed cause I think I might want a bit more. The other thing is ........ constipation! Yikes.....it has never been a problem for me but now, its not good. I was taking one Metamucil capsule with every shake for the first 2 days and it is not working. I started taking 2 capsules with every shake today. This is my 3rd day!! I have a dinner date with a friend tomorrow and decided not to cancel. It might prove to be difficult to sit there while people are eating but I believe that I must to this and be strong.

Hello everyone from the Ottawa area! Please join this group and discuss any topics related to your weight loss. Hope to hear from you all soon!

Had my first Optifast shake this morning. Was not as bad as I expected. This is somewhat encouraging. It was chocolate flavoured. I will try the vanilla later today.

THIS IS IT !!! Just had my last meal before starting the shakes. I am starting my Optimist tomorrow morning.....Yikes! Got my sugar free Jello, Gum, Crystal Light, Chicken broth, etc... Bring them on.....I will beat those shakes!

This is it !!!! Got THE phone call I've been waiting for... My surgery date is booked for April 13th This means that I am starting the Optifast on Monday.......yikes!