Sutter Phoenix

Hi all! Four days post-op here, and, with one relatively minor exception, everything is going wonderfully. I've have almost no pain, and no need for pain meds except for the moment I awoke in the recovery room. Generally feeling good, able to do more each day, up and about, etc. Here's the one problem. My surgeon put me on 40 mg Protonix for acid, and it generally has worked well. I take it when I wake up. However, I've been finding the last few days that I have some reflux before I am fully awake -- when I'm lying in bed coming to. I would call it "moderate" (maybe sometimes moderate-to-severe). Once I take the pill and let it take effect, it seems to calm down. But I wondered whether any of you have dealt with this, and whether you've supplemented Protonix (or similar) with any OTC medication or other remedies? Hope you're all doing well! Thanks very much!

Hi all. The surgery went wonderfully. I had very very little pain, the swallow test was a success, and they discharged me today (day after the procedure). Things have been a little tougher since I got home -- some nausea, some vomiting, and more pain (I have not yet taken any pain meds), but I am hopeful that the worst will be over soon... How's everyone else doing?

On track to be sleeved very early Friday morning (as in, at a time of day about which I've heard rumors but which I've rarely actually witnessed). Today was my last day in the office - tomorrow I'll be working, doing some last-minutes stuff, and welcoming my mother, who is coming to help me for a week or so during and after the surgery. I've yet to feel nervous. As I've said to some people, I've felt more trepidation about getting onto some roller coasters than I have (ever) felt about this surgery -- and I *love* coasters. Recognize that I might totally freak out in the next 36 hours, but so far all systems go. I really appreciate having this forum and seeing all of your stories. Good luck to everyone, and I look forward to seeing you on the other side (or, you know, tomorrow).

One tip (may be something everyone already knows; if so, I'm sorry): You can change up the tastes a little by adding some almond extract, vanilla extract, peppermint flavoring, maple flavoring, etc. (all available wherever they put the spices and/or baking supplies in your supermarket). I added some almond extract to a chocolate Premier shake tonight, and it was really good! Tomorrow I'll try some peppermint, and maybe will put some maple into a vanilla shake.

Hi Rebecca! I'm on day 2. I'm one of the lucky ones - just one week - but I hear you. Just keep your eyes on the prize... you'll be so happy to have done this. If you haven't done so yet, I suggest going onto YouTube and searching for VSG or sleeve gastrectomy, etc. You can find great videos people make at different points in their journeys, including this phase. It's wonderful to see them enjoying all the benefits in the weeks and months after surgery. Good luck and stay strong!

Thanks! Picked up Premier chocolate today. I like them better than he Unjury. Also, day 2 was so much easier than day 1! Good luck, everyone.

I started yesterday. Yeah, it's a bear. Part of my issue is that Unjury has a smell I really don't like (oddly, it doesn't turn up in the taste for me - just the smell). On the bright side, I somehow dropped 4 pounds yesterday! (I know that won't be a sustainable rate, and water weight, and all that, but still pretty cool.) Good luck to all! Keep your eyes on the prize. Our lives are going to be so much better!

Thanks very much for all the replies. I very much appreciate them, and they are helping me to think this through.

Thanks very much for all the replies. I very much appreciate them, and they are helping me to think this through.

If I may ask, where did people get the Premier shakes? I had a mixed experience with the unjury powder today, and I'd love to try Premier if I can pick it up in a store. Thanks!

Today is day one for me. (I'm lucky - only have to do one week.) Not easy, but so far, so good! Keeping my eyes on the prize... Good luck to you all!

Hi all! So, I am due for sleeving next Friday. At my final pre-op yesterday, the Physician's Assistant told me that they would be catheterizing me after I'm knocked out, and that they would take it out the next day. I guess I looked uncomfortable about that (no special reason - I've just never had it happen before) and she told me that it really was up to me whether or not to do it. She acknowledged that it can be uncomfortable, especially for men, but said it makes things easier so you don't need to be getting up to use the bathroom. So, I'm curious: thoughts on what to do? Did you get a urinary catheter? Did it interfere with efforts to walk the day of surgery? If you didn't get one, was it very hard to get up and use the bathroom when you needed to? I very much appreciate your thoughts! -SP

Hi all! So, I am due for sleeving next Friday. At my final pre-op yesterday, the Physician's Assistant told me that they would be catheterizing me after I'm knocked out, and that they would take it out the next day. I guess I looked uncomfortable about that (no special reason - I've just never had it happen before) and she told me that it really was up to me whether or not to do it. She acknowledged that it can be uncomfortable, especially for men, but said it makes things easier so you don't need to be getting up to use the bathroom. So, I'm curious: thoughts on what to do? Did you get a urinary catheter? Did it interfere with efforts to walk the day of surgery? If you didn't get one, was it very hard to get up and use the bathroom when you needed to? I very much appreciate your thoughts (and may also ask in the post-op forum)! -SP

Awesome! I had my final pre-op visit today for my May 29 surgery. I have not been nervous at all and have been quite excited, but I think today bummed me out a little. I guess it was the combination of (1) learning I'd been moved from 1:30 pm to 7:30 am, which entails a 5:30 am arrival at the hospital, (2) the fact that I start the liquid diet on Friday, (3) the requisite "let's go through all the things that can go wrong" talk, and the (4) "Yeah, you'll feel pretty cruddy for the first day or two!" I'm sure I'll get over it, but I was surprised to find myself so ambivalent today. Hopefully you'll be able to report back from the other side and let us know how it all went!

Looks like you've collected quite a group already, but this is my first time on the board. I'm slated for May 26. Can't wait!