dena1258

I had my sleeve surgery on 7/17 and since then my head just hasn't felt "right". It's hard to describe, I can still remember things & do crossword puzzles etc, I just feel a lot slower. I also get lightheaded if I turn my head too quickly. I know this is more common in those of us over 60 (I'm 65) so I was wondering if anyone else has gone through this?

Anyone else having tightness in their legs? It's not really a muscle cramp because it doesn't come and go, it's like a constant feeling of tension. It's mostly in my calves. As of yesterday I have a "stitch" in my side too. I'm two weeks post op.

Just thought I would update. The day afterI posted I went to the ER because the pain in my left leg was getting worse. A previous ultrasound I had the week before was negative, but this time it was positive. They found a blood clot behind my left knee, and a CT scan showed 3 clots in my lungs. Fortunately the clots in my lungs were small and didn't cause any breathing issues. I just got home from the hospital yesterday. I'm feeling great now and finally having some energy. Now on to conquering the weight loss!

@@Elode Thanks, that's what I thought too, but they took blood work and all my electrolytes including potassium and magnesium were within normal range. I've been taking my Vitamins every day, and also getting in all my Protein and fluids.

@@VSGAnn2014 Thanks! And congratulations on getting to your goal!

I envy that you didn't have to do the liquid preop diet! Are you planning on any protein clear liquids? If so, let me know because I switch from full liquids to clear liquids on Tuesday (for surgery on Wednesday) and I'm struggling with what to "eat". I wish you luck for surgery and please let us know how it goes I have some Syntrax Nectar samples that have protein but I think I'm going to save those for post-op. I also have the unflavored protein powder that I could mix in with broth, but I'm also thinking I don't want to open a whole container of broth if I'm going to be leaving for the next couple days. So I'll probably be going protein-free for the day and just trying to ignore my hunger. It's 1pm and I haven't had anything at all today. I'm sure it'll hit me tonight though! You really should have some protein. Your body is going to need those reserves for surgery. I would open up the broth & mix it with protein powder if I were you, and then freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays. That way you will be all set for the post -op diet. Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm 9 days post op and it is slowly getting better day by day. I always managed to get in my Protein and Water, and both my blood pressure and blood sugar were okay so I attributed the fog to the anesthesia. Looking forward to being "normal" again.

@@Durlinda I'm 65 and having the surgery tomorrow. I'm so anxious to finally get this done and be on the loser's side of things! I'll let you know how it goes.

@@haleylhs Oops! I forgot to ask, I presume your group is set to secret?

I actually joined that group and decided to start my own, drama free I wanted a place where all wls patients can be. I made friends who were and are having the bypass and they weren't welcome in that group. Just being honest. Ihttps://www.facebook.com/S.E.T.B.ME go to this link. It's my page. Thanks Sorry, I isn't realize the group was not more welcoming to your friends. I'm Pat, I just confirmed your friend request. Would love to be added to your group. Thanks!

I would follow what your doctor says about the pre-op diet. It really varies a lot. But it wouldn't hurt to have at least one protein drink a day. That way you can start finding out which ones you like so you will be set for post-op.

@@kortiz911 I'm at the other end-in Barnegat. Did you get any answers from the doctor's office on what you can have on the pre-op diet? I had a one hour class just on the pre-op and first week post op diets. I could share my info with you, but every doctor seems to have their own protocols all the way from all liquids to just a low carb diet, so it would be better to get the info from them.

I'm in south Jersey also. Where do you live?

Haley, besides the group mentioned above, there's also another one called July 2015 Sleeve Support which is very active. The group is set to secret so you would have to friend and PM Helene Valentine Supraner to get an invite to join. Haley, how do I find you to friend on Fb?

@Cognorati001@kymba0827 We can all be buddies. I'm scheduled for surgery on the 17th also. Just started my pre-op diet today. Not loving it :-( Got a headache from caffeine & carb withdrawal, but I know it will be better in a day or so. At least that what everyone tells me. Hope it's true!

I can have milk afterwards to mix with the protein powder as long as it's skim (Skim Plus is good), or unsweetened almond or soy milk.

My NUT only allows whey protein isolate drinks because they are the only drinks that are a complete protein (important to preserve muscle) & are easily absorbed. Most of the pre mixed drinks (Premier, Muscle milk etc) are protein blends, not isolates. Syntrax Nectar and Unjury are 2 of the brands I like that are isolates. Has anyone else's NUT been this specific about the protein drinks?

@@justajackie I also left the group, at least until we get an answer about hiding it. Good luck on your surgery tomorrow!

At this point I don't want all my friends on Facebook to know about my surgery. I just noticed that the July sleevers group appears on my page as one of my groups, even though I know our posts will be hidden. Is there a way to hide this? Otherwise I would rather just keep posting on here.

@@AvalonNeeCee I've been doing the same thing as you and having all my food funerals. A lot of people recommend not doing that, but actually I think it's been helpful for me. I've been really noticing the food that I've been eating. Now that I'm not just shoving it in, I'm finding that the sweets really don't make me feel well afterwards, and i don't enjoy them as much as I thought I would. i start my diet on July 10th and I intend to keep this in mind when I feel like I am craving carbs. I'll be thinking about you. We can do this!

With my doctor it all depends on your BMI. If it's 45 or under you go on the pre-op diet for one week. If it's 46 or over you need to follow it for 2 weeks. I'm lucky compared to some of the other pre-ops I see on here. I'm allowed to have some food: 6-8 servings of chicken, fish, FF SF Greek yogurt, SF applesauce, SF Jell-o, oatmeal, & 1 cup raw veggies (lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, tomato etc). My NUT doesn't care if I eat all the food, but I have to drink 64 oz of water and 4 protein shakes a day (whey protein isolate only), plus multi vitamin and calcium citrate.

@@shuga04 I'm the 17th also

@@fatsolovescandy The endoscopy is not a big deal at all. I've had 2 of them, one time they gave me oxygen with a nasal cannula, the other time they didn't. Guess it's up to the anesthesiologist. They'll start an IV, and give you medication, usually propofol, and you'll go off to sleep. It usually lasts about 15 minutes, and you'll wake up not even knowing anything happened. I never had a sore throat or anything. You can't drive that day since you had anesthesia, but you'll feel fine. For me the rest of the day was just like any other day. You'll be fine for the weekend-have a good time!

@@UnbeSleevEable85 My calendar never looked so full! Too bad it was mostly doctor's appointments LOL And each doctor was usually at least 3 visits: for the initial appt, for the testing, and then for the follow up. Well, that's all behind us now, and we have a lot to look forward to.

@@UnbeSleevEable85 I'm the day after you-July 17th. The first surgeon's appt was in late April, so like you I had 2 months where I felt like I was on a merry-go-round of doctors. My surgeon's group requires a lot of pre-op approvals. I had to see a pulmonologist who wanted me to have a pulmonary function test because I smoked 30 years ago. The cardiologist wanted me to have a stress test because I'm 65. I had an endoscopy with the GI doc. Then there was the psych evaluation and the appointments with the nutritionist. I figured since I was in the swing of things I might as well make my gyn appt and get my mammo and bone density done too- LOL At least I know everything has been checked out and I am in good health. The only thing I have left is the hospital pre-op testing which will be the week before. At first I was nervous and wondering if I was doing the right thing. Now I am so ready for this!