Aranks

Honestly I kind of see it as who am I to judge. I don't know the trials they've been through and there was a doctor somewhere willing to endure the risks of performing this surgery. I've heard through this entire process that I don't really need surgery. Even my therapist and dietician didn't believe me when I told them my weight until they I got on the scale. Then was quickly followed by a "you carry your weight very well". Gee thanks! I think most people in their right mind don't directly go to the route of surgery, such a life altering thing, but have tried and failed at things prior. Additionally, many people have other co-morbidities, that will only become more significant if they are unable to get their weight under control. 50 pounds may not seem like much to lose to somebody who has 200lbs to lose but 50lbs is significant and you don't know how they necessarily carry it either it may appear 50 but really be 75 or so.

I'm only a month post op. Had been in birth control for nearly 9 years and had to come off it the month prior to surgery. Haven't had a period since the month prior to surgery. (Spotted only briefly less than a week after surgery) No difference in secretion at this point. But I can tell you my libido has been out of control! I don't think I've ever wanted to engage in relations more than I have since surgery.

Being post op you're trying to get as much Protein as possible in as little amount Premiere has seem to be the best for me 30g of Protein with only 5g of carbs 160 calories per 11oz. I also enjoy Pure Protein which is a bit thicker, has 23g of protein and 4 g of carbs and 120 calories per 11oz. My doctor wanted something with more than 20g of protein with low carbs and sugar and not too many calories. Not sure what the amount of carbs look like in Optifast but if it's anything significant your doctor will probably advise against it at least post op that is.

Depends on your level of activity at work. I do accounts receivable so walking up and down the stairs a few times is about as active my day at work gets. If there lifting involved or something of the sort the no lifting more than 10lbs would apply and would keep you out longer. :-) I went back to work 5 days post op.

My license picture is from when I was 21 and probably 80 or 90 lbs lighter. Actually went to purchase cigarettes one day after being asked for my id the man said this is you?? What happened in 4 years how'd you get so big? Hopefully in the not so distant future I won't have to worry about something like that again! I was mortified.

Sorry for my rant! But the sincerest of congratulations to you!

That's quite a hike! Are you in New York also? My dad had it done on Long Island robotically. I mean if iit's the nurse in the hotel room peaking your interest who could blame you?! Haha I'm just surprised the distance you have to travel. Just make sure you explore all your options! Personally I'd rather be nearer home than go with the robot if those were my options.

Haven't had this problem but like BLERDgirl said, potassium could be a factor. Another big factor could be dehydration! Dehydration can cause muscle cramps as well as a whole myriad of other things. Make sure you're getting as much Fluid as possible in your newly revised stomach.

I'm 18 days post op. Still on the same diet I was 4 days post op. Full liquids. I generally eat Protein Shakes a greek yogurt and some Soup. Im allowed clear liquids as well as yogurt, cream Soups, pudding, etc. On Friday I get to move to pureed foods. And Christmas day I get to start integrating soft regular foods.

My dad has his bypass done by the Davinci robot! I had my sleeve done by our surgeon himself. (His surgery was back in April mine was only November 28th) Both my dad and I were pleased with the results. His incisions seem to have been a little bigger than mine (he had less incisions though). He was also more bruised than I. Realistically though who has steadier hands than a robot?! Sorry I cant offer personal advice. The technology itself just amazes me! Good luck! :-)

I had surgery on 11/28 on 12/2 I was instructed to start my Vitamins. My multi Vitamin is chewable, my B12 is sublingual (dissolves under your tongue) and my calcium citrate is chewable. Just chew it up real good! Upon discharge I was told I could even have pills that were smaller than the size of a pencil eraser. My Percocets were cut in 4ths after I arrived home.

After being released from the hospital I was instructed to walk at least 30 minutes everyday. I'm not permitted to do exercise that is strenuous or involves too much movement for a month after. Also was told to not lift anything for a month (anything more than 10lbs). So at this moment exercise is minimal, I'm only two (2) week post op.

I'm just over two weeks post op (11/28). I didn't have any problems once leaving the hospital really. In the hospital the first morning after surgery was rough (because I was anti pain meds so I didn't want to take them the first night, don't grin and bare the pain, take them!), also had a lot of nausea but just from the anesthesia. Was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon and had my brother drive me all over cause I missed black Friday and wanted to go shopping. I returned to work on Wednesday, would have been Tuesday but that's when my surgeon meets with those who had surgery. I'm meeting my Protein requirements but still working on my Fluid intake (had trouble with that initially but like somebody else told me, you're healing and swollen). Never had any serious gas pains. I got the hiccups once because I guzzled too much Water in one gulp. Really no horror stories. I'm getting tired of liquids but definitely not hungry. So far so good! I drink Pure Protein or Premier Protein shakes (ready made shakes), haven't ever tried Bariatric Advantage. I know lots of people also like Isopure (I did not!). But this whole process is trial and error and find what works and is agreeable to you. :-) Good luck!

Just an fyi, I've seen it at Wal-Mart also.

I have BCBS for hospital and United for all other health related schpeel from NY. I had a BMI of 40 with no comorbidities and when I asked my surgeon about what happens if I drop below from losing any weight, being I was directed to lose 5-10lbs, I was told it goes from when I started the process not what my final weight is. Hope the same is for you!

I wouldn't have known I had a catheter had I not asked the nurse before surgery when I could put undies back on. The nurse told me when I'm walking around as long as they removed the catheter already. Uhhh.. catheter? She said they put it in while you're asleep and usually remove it before you're awake. That's how I found out! Didn't have a drain though.

I did have problems urinating after surgery. It took me about 3 or 4 attempts and about an hour or two in all on the toilet for the first time, had surgery at about 10am wasn't able to go until the evening. They measured my urine each time. I didn't need to be catheterized after waking up, but difficulty is not uncommon. You should shape up just fine!

Good luck, hope you get a steady stream soon!

Good afternoon!

I'm only two weeks post op so I can not offer you my experiences as of yet from surgery. I'm 25, started with a BMI of 40, am 5'9. I am hopeful as you are that the skin will not be too much of an issue.

About 5 years ago when I was 20, I did lose about 100lbs and at that time my skin looked good! Went back nice and taut for the most part. I didn't have overly fluttery bat wings, my thighs had no excess, I had a very little bit of loose skin on my tummy, so much so that I had no problem wearing a bikini.

I'm hoping this time around it will be similar and I will not gain 100lbs in a 4 year frame. I'm expecting the worst, that I may need to eventually get plastics, but hoping for the best, that it won't be an issue. I know this is the right decision overall for my health as a priority, so that's what I'm sticking with!

Good Luck!

You know what I find funny, on my Stage 3: pureed Foods it specifically states NO scrambled eggs. I can have poached eggs. One more week till I get pureed foods! :-)

I really didn't expect so many different incision sites! I was told I would have a couple more with having my gallbladder out also, but everybody's is so different! Crazy how surgeon's each have their own methodical madness!

I'll be two weeks post op on Friday. :-) so far I'm quite happy with my incisions there are seven including one in my belly button. Already can barely see a couple of them!  

For my EGD, luckily I had to pay nothing out of pocket, but I had to forward a check my insurance sent to me. $3600 for the anesthesiologist. The hospital was shocked that my insurance covers total expense because the anesthesiologists they use are not in a network. Crazy! I got my surgery before I submitted the payment and it was the same anesthesiologists that did my surgery, so that didn't appear to be a problem on my end. Hope you get it all figured out.

Are the sharp pains on your right side? If so it may be your gallbladder. I had mine removed when they did my sleeve on the 28th. Less seriously it could be gas or Constipation. Contact your doctor, before I left the hospital they said every day should be a little better. If it's worse you have to let us know.

If he sees something more than likely he'll repair it while he's there. They didn't catch my dad's hernia and repaired it while they performed his bypass. The main symptom of hiatal hernia's are reflux or heartburn.

My surgery was about 2 hours with having my gallbladder removed also, which was said to add an extra 30-45 minutes. I didn't get moved out of recovery, to my own room, and was unable to be with my family until 3.5 hours after I went in for surgery.

I did speak to my nurse and she said she hadn't personally met anybody who had lost significant amounts of hair, some thinning but nothing crazy. I do know a woman who after bypass had lost majority of her hair, it's since grown back but took what seems to be an eternity. It's a risk though. I'm just over a week out, so I'm not sure what the future will hold!

I didn't even pass gas for about three day after surgery (I'm 9 days out). At day five I'd say I had my first real BM after I was able to integrate more than Clear Liquids. If you're really concerned contact your surgeon and see what they recommend.