Mistie

Starting out, you'll have to slow down on the Water, as it may cause discomfort to drink so much at one time. However, the more you drink the better! It may just take a little time to build back up to previous levels once you are post op.

I have the filter and had to do the shots, in addition. Some doctors require the injections pre and post op, some just while in the hospital, some not at all. Speak with your doctor.

The risks of not taking the injections are death, stroke, heart attack, etc.

Trust me. Take the shot. I've had DVT and PE. Much easier to take the injection if that's what your doctor says than to risk potential death. A blood clot forming and moving through your blood stream could hit your heart, lungs, or brain. Shots are not fun, but one quick jab and you're done. I've had to do it so frequently over the last few years I barely feel it anymore (every time I have even a minor procedure).

Good luck!

Or just say you choose not to drink. Nobodies business. I have had to take blood thinners for 4 years due to a random episode of PE which almost killed me. I cannot drink alcohol, as it thins my blood. Sometimes people ask, most of the time not. If they do, if I know them, I'll usually remind them I'm on blood thinners. If not, sometimes I'll tell them, sometimes I'll just say I prefer Water or whatever. I've found its no big deal. Why would people look at you oddly for not drinking? I've never had anyone care.

I use LoseIt! I love the app. I esp love that I can scan in a barcode using my phone - very helpful.

The one thing I was very thankful for was Listerine. They ask all patients to use it prior to surgery (ie. less chance of bacteria being pushed down your throat from your mouth if you use an antiseptic mouth-wash - makes sense!), so I had it with me. My leak/swallow test was the next morning. My mouth/throat was on FIRE from dryness, it was horrible! I would rinse with Water, and it helped for only 2-3 minutes. However, when I rinsed with Listerine, it relieved the dryness for a good 30 minutes or so. It was wonderful!

Also, water-mix. I do not like plain Water, so I carried my own water-mix to put in my water. Helped me get water in more easily.

@@SuperDave Thank you! That's sweet of you to say. I think they know it wasn't easy for me I'm just a positive person. It's defiantly not easy. I struggle everyday to not eat bad. I've been sitting here thinking about those damn Cheetos for the last 30 mins!! I could easily eat more. I've had mini freak out sessions when I throw a bag of chips off the porch for the birds or throw Cookies in the trash and made sure to dump trash on top of them because I couldn't stand seeing them on the counter. My husband brought home a box of Krispy Kreme's home AGIAN today! It's a daily struggle.

First, thank you for sharing this. I'm almost 4 weeks post-op, and I've been frustrated with myself the last two days. The first two weeks were a breeze - I did not WANT anything. This week, now that I am on purees, since I am allowed more and am eating a bit more of flavors I can tolerate, I want more, and I am noticing I am wanting to go back to old habits (ie. eating, letting it go down, then putting in another bite...I realized what I was doing and was like WTF?! is the purpose of that, I'm not even hungry! So yes, btw, I realized I am going to now have to implement what I learned - following a schedule, measuring more, etc.). Hearing that you are going through those same struggles, when for so many who post, they seem to be having it so easy - it helps...it truly does.

Second, when I hear them say 'luck,' I might lose it. My response would likely be along the lines of, "It's not luck that got me through all of the doctors appointments, tests, expenses, surgery, withdrawals, deprivation, cravings, and now struggles to control my cravings, watching others eat while I resist the urge, working out until I'm too tired to move - that's not luck - that's plain, old-fashioned, HARD WORK! I didn't get here by being lucky - I got here by WORKING my A** off... LITERALLY!" As for the photographs... I suggest doing the same...send photos of her all-time favorite foods to her when she's on her next diet and when she's at her lowest (I know, it sounds hateful) and struggling. Then, when she whines... maybe suggest that's how you thought she liked to be motivated to lose weight, since that's what she does to you - it actually impedes you, but you thought it was some weird quirk that works for her...sooooo.... Or, you could just point out that she does the same to you, and in the same way she finds it distressing, so do you, and if she doesn't stop, you'll block her number.

Yeah, I'm a witch when it comes to people trying to cause harm to others, especially when they, themselves, are facing the same struggle...it grates on my nerves.

Good luck - and thank you for always being an inspiration on these forums.

I had the sharp knifing pain. My surgeon told me later it was where the muscle had been cut through. She said it would last 2-3 weeks, but that level of intensity had only lasted 3 days or so. So there's hope! I cannot say there is much that helped. I kept a heating pad on it, and that helped slightly, but mostly, I just did not move lol

@@Inner Surfer Girl

A question: The only liquid Tylenol I've been able to find is the children's, which is sickeningly sweet. Is that the type you've used, and if not, where do you find it?

I found adult strength Equate brand liquid Acetaminophen at Wal Mart

I found the same. They had no Tylenol, only the generic (my store doesn't even carry the name brand - no place on the shelf and the person working there could not locate it).

Call surgeon. Most hospitals/surgeons say call at 101 degrees. Close enough! Fever is a sign your body is fighting something - better to go find out what.

I would consult another surgeon. If this doctor did not feel comfortable, that's fine. Find someone else. The first doctor told me to lose 135 before he would talk to me. Uh... If I could do that and do if long enough to have surgery, I wouldn't NEED surgery. As well, I consider how much longer that will result in my unhealthy weight.

I found another surgeon. She asked me to lose 30 pounds to get to a certain BMI to make surgery less of a risk. That was fine. I did. My hw was 454. My first appointment with my surgeon I was 440ish. Sw was 403. Two weeks post op and I am 382.

All surgeons have comfort zones. Find one who not only can YOU feel comfortable with, but who feels comfortable with you as a patient!

That's awesome, @@NewLeaf15! My department chair has been much the same. I am now post op, and I emailed last Friday to let her know I would be back this week as scheduled (2 weeks off), but just teaching my classes, not doing my office hours. She was great! Told me to take all the time I needed and if I needed someone to teach my classes, to let her know, she'd take care of it. As I was in class tonight, my program coordinator stopped by to ask if I needed help doing advising (I'm a professor) - told him no, I'd manage to get everyone in! So my work has been great as well! So nice to not have that worry! My mother said I should have taken off until Thanksgiving, and maybe I should have! Lol

I'm two weeks tomorrow. I have had some new back pain. I can tell some of mine is from my change in posture to accommodate tenderness and other issues related to surgery.

@@Dub - Radisson hotels are the ones which were using the sleep number beds. But only certain hotels and only in certain rooms. And sometimes they do not work 'quite' right. If call around and see if you can find one and reserve a room with one. You and your wife may enjoy it! Best of luck!

Hi, angelstwo,

I am less than two weeks post op but having a similar issue. For me, I did not drink much preop, either. Most of my drinking occurred during meals. So now, I have absolutely no thirst. I'm still trying to figure this out, as I'm struggling to get 17 oz a day right now, and I know that's severely low.

I had my gallbladder removed yesterday and seems I've put on

4 lbs. I gather it's from the bags on saline that I was given. Is this what usually happens?

Thank you

Absolutely! I gained 18.8 during my stay for the sleeve. It was off within a week however. Most people gain from the IVs, but lose it quickly.

I still sleep On a Water bed at home because my back likes the contour and flexibility. When I travel, I actually choose hotels based on their beds (certain chains have certain types of mattresses). I have a place at the University (where I teach), and the mattress is a bit too firm. My next will be the sleep number where I can adjust the firmness/softness-I LOVE the hotels with those beds!!

Not sure, Southern, but most docs, from what I read, prescribe it, acid or not, so I tend to believe her. It also makes sense if you look at the physical structures. Either way, I'm not taking chances! Lol

My nutritionist said it was a possibility. She also said do not too trying completely, however, or your temporary incompatibility can become permanent - give the tummy a break and try again after a few days/weeks.

In my nutrition class, the number 1 and 2 reasons for strictures were not taking your ppi post op and smoking.

If not a member, they charge a $5 fee. At least that's what they charged me. It was worth it!

Dub- I thought you said dog lovers always PACK up! Lol. Guess either one is true!

For Premiere Protein, they are around $25 for 18 at costco, I believe. Not a member, but there was a sale recently that I took advantage of. There's also a coupon out that's good until 12/13/15 for $4 off - so if you buy the 4 packs - that's a great deal. Don't remember where it came from, but a lot of people use coupon clipping services, and for that coupon, it would be worth it!

My doctor said whenever I felt like it. I hear often that you need to be off pain meds at least 24 hours. I waited 6-7 days, however, because of feeling weak and lightheaded.

Congrats and good luck on the next part of your journey.