BLERDgirl

I was going to put on my Child Life Specialist hat and explain it to you, but then I remembered there are surgical prep videos on you tube. I have to say one of my favorite things about being a CCLS was the difference that a properly prepared pt makes. Here's a few tips. 1. When you get an IV, blood draw, etc...Ask for the option to look away. Have the tech count down to 3, then slowly exhale. This helps you relax and hopefully make the stick easier. 2. If you are extremely nervous you can ask for something to help you relax. Make this need known at pre-admission testing and repeat the request when you check in. 3. Practice taking slow, even breathes. Sort of like meditation. It's a good way to calm yourself. I literally close my eyes and think, "Breathe in through the nose, exhale through the mouth" in a slow, steady tone. Focus on that and only that. Tune out any noises/or sounds you hear. Other than that, I would say start doing some core exercises. I was doing aquafit 4-5 days a week and I swear it made all the difference in the world. I woke up sore, but not actually in pain. I was able to sit up and get out of bed with no assistance. I didn't need any additional pain medication which made getting up and walking that much easier because I wasn't groggy from pain meds. food wise my nutritionist had me practice eating and drinking slowly, taking teeny bites. Each meal had to last at least 30 minutes and food had to be chewed until it dissolved in my mouth. I quit sodas years before and only drank coffee on occasion. This will come in handy for post-op life when you may crave these things.

It really depends on how you are feeling and if you thing you can handle not eating. At 4 days post-op I would have been okay going but I barely wanted to sip my protein shakes. Not because I didn't like them, but because I honestly wasn't interested in food at that point. So if seeing others eating & drinking won't trigger bad feelings, then go and enjoy your family.

Not every female feels this way but given the fact that women are more likely to be fat shamed than men, it's understandable.

Completely agree. My Vitamin regime is based on my bloodwork. I had to stop B12 because it made my levels triple. I take extra D because that level tends to go borderline except in the summer. I was taking a multi-vitamin pre-op. At 50+ it's just common sense to continue. I also take Biotin which I was taking pre-op because I am post-menopausal and have bra strap length dredlocs. I noticed some slightly thinning and it was recommended by my dermatologist. Combined with bariatric hair loss, it just makes sense to continue.

I think your pre-op bowel situation plays a part in things as well. Pre-op I was regular as clockwork. I went easily 2 - 3 times a day. Since other than the increased Protein I am pretty much eating what I ate pre-op my body has reverted back to normal.

Your current weight loss is right on target and this is why they instructed you not to weigh yourself. As long as you meet your Protein and Fluid minimums the weight loss will happen. Weighing everyday is only for those who can deal with the day to day fluctuations. Weight loss, especial post WLS is not a linear process. You will have stops, stalls and even gains as your body adjust and readjust to all the changes. In the meantime hitting those protein & fluid goals along with regular exercise is the best way to be sucessful. Personally I log my food daily using Myfitnesspal. I did this even during the full liquids stage as a way to track my intake & exercise. I also only weigh myself once a month or whenever I have a doctor's appointment, whichever comes first. I find that as long as I am meeting my nutrition goals, I will show a loss.

My doctor started me on a 30 day course of colace on day 1. I went day 5 and have been regular ever since. For low cal natural fiber try adding a tsp of flax powder, pysilium powder or even wheat germ to your food each day. Make sure to hit that Fluid goal daily since good fiber needs Water to work best.

14mths. I still take a daily multi, and calcium citrate with D3. I still supplement I use flavored Protein powder instead of cream in my coffee and add Isopure clear drinks to my Water to keep my protein at 100gms a day.

Don't do that. Inner Surfer Girl, when does the weight loss kick back in? When your body is ready. Make sure you are meeting Protein and Fluid goals. Once your body adjust and realizes you aren't dying, the weight loss will return.

That is going to make you nuts. You can weigh 3 times a day and get 3 different weights. When the scale makes you nuts, it's time to put it away.

No it doesn't. Another negative side effect of laxatives and such is that it may also rob your body of vital nutrients by causing you to expel food before it has had time to break them down properly.

Disordered eating is just as bad as over eating. Snacking "here and there" always has more calories than we ever want to admit. You don't need to reset, you need to follow the basic tenets of protein then veg with a minimum of 60 grms of protein & 64 ounces of fluids. Get back to that, add in some regular exercise and you should start losing again.

A better choice at Wendy's would be the chili. It's Beans & meat compared to the baked potato. I also keep in my glove compartment Protein bars, and single serving packs of nuts. Usually either pistachio, almond or cashews. I would dump the premade Breakfast and make your own. Instead of the Jimmy Dean do a food prep. You can make your own in a muffin tin. You will miss loads of sodium. 1 egg plus a tsp of plain greek yogurt ( I prefer FAGE0% greek). Mix well, then add any lean meats you like and top with a tiny bit of finely shredded cheese. Pour into muffin tins and bake at 275 until done. The yogurt adds a bit more protein, you skip most of the sodium from the box food and it's cheaper I also find that I use less cheese if I buy the finely shredded and sprinkle it on, but I still get that cheesy flavor. I'd stay away from baked beans. You get some protein from the beans but they are higher in sugar. I'd go for low sodium black beans or lentils instead. You can even add a bit of salsa to up the flavor. When I was aiming for 800 calories my morning was most often a Protein shake with added yogurt. I found that the yogurt cut the sweet factor for me. Perhaps try switching and using different brands so you don't reach the point where they start tasting yucky. Another good way to hide the protein would be to use Protein Powder or even RDT Protein Drink instead of cream. If you use the protein powder I find it best to dissolve the powder with a tbsp of warm liquid before adding it to my coffee. Use a fork or small whisk to make sure it's blended well.

It sucks when family members don't support us. Often it's done out of fear but the pain is there nevertheless. The best you can do is rely on forum like this for your bariatric support and focus on the other parts of your relationship with family and friends. Do you homework and make sure things are in place for your post-op life. You can do this!

I side eye more vitamins/supplements sold via the practice since their is typically and kick back of some sort toward the doctor in exchange for selling them. Most bariatric pts do need vitamins and supplements. A good doctor will tell you what they recommend as far as dosage & type (gummie/chewable/regular, etc...) and let you purchase them on your own.

It's not unusual to experience a weight gain. Unfortunately for most of us weight loss is not a linear process. There will be stalls, slow periods and even gains As long as you are meeting Protein and Fluid goals, stay the course. The weight loss will happen.

Told my sis & bestie 2 weeks prior to surgery. My mom 2 days before. I didn't bring anyone to the hospital. I got dropped off the day of surgery and had the hospital call them once I was in recovery. Everything tuned out fine.

You don't owe anyone details about your personal life. In my congregation my go to response is, " a lot of hard work.". That is the truth. Not guilt involved.

You don't owe your truth to anyone but yourself. Pre-op I told very few people. I think 5 in total. Post-op it has been on a need to know basis. I'm not shouting it from the roof tops, but I don;t shy away from it either. If it comes up in conversation, I own it, but I don't typically volunteer details about my personal life and this is no different.

It sounds like you imagine is getting the best of you. I know it feels like the impossible, but their really is nothing you can do until you get the results of the test back. I've had barium swallows and they are nasty, so I feel you on that. A lot of things can be worked around but the doctor has to know what they are dealing with. In this sense any abnormality detected by the test may be a blessing in disguise. Just try and hang in there and not let your imagine go too crazy.

Stop talking to them about it. If they mention it, change the subject. It's not worth wasting energy trying to convince them. Save that energy for making your surgery preparations.

Please call your doctor. Your vitamins should be based on your bloodwork. Biotin is optional as an attempt to prevent hair loss. Most doctor's prescribe a multi. Some say twice a day, others say one a day. Extra iron depends on your blood work as does D3. Most recommend calcium citrate but the dosage may vary. Ditto with B12. Some doctors allow gummie vitamins and others don't. You need to find out what your doctor recommends.

Definitely seek out other surgeons. I had a radical hysterectomy 12 years ago. It was also done laparoscopically but I ended up having an abscess that was pretty deep. I had to have it lance, wicked and received daily wound care until it closed up. The only difference it made was that I had more incisions than the typical sleeve patient.

I am so glad you got a massage. I Love them! Any competent place will be able to accommodate your size and special needs. I get mine off groupon. They often have them at the fancy Center City hotels. In fact over the summer friends and I had a girls day at the spa. We swam in the pool, chilled in the hot tub and each got wonderful massages. Get them as often as you can!

Tummy made of steel. Nothing offends. However I mostly avoid fried foods because it's a slippery slope for me. I have had grabbed the occasional 1 when with friends, but I will not order a full order for myself. I see reading the thread you figured out a work around. I would suggest in events like this carrying along a Protein bar in case of emergencies. My doctor told me to never eat celery because it is to hard for our small tummies to break down. It doesn't brother you? Celery and raw veg in general don't bother me at all. I've had them since maybe 6 weeks post-op.