gigito2

I'm so sorry!

I'm so sorry, Stuart! I don't have any experience with this, but I have read on these boards that initial rejections were reversed after a call to the ins co by your surgeon. Maybe it will work in your case. I've also heard that it can sometimes come down to who you talk with at the ins co - which would make sense since the original person said it was covered. Perhaps another call or two will make the difference. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I'm interested in your experience post op VSG. I went to the obligatory pre op support group session and listened to questions & answers from the attendees. Many questions related to post op pain/nausea, etc. 100% of the respondents reported minimal to no pain/nausea. All said they rarely or never took the pain pills ordered when they got home. Some reported mild nausea, passing after a few days. A few said they slept in recliners because it was more comfortable for a few days. Now I've discovered these boards and have read some real horror stories! While I realize that people are more prone to complain than praise on the internet, a couple these stories bordered on tragic. I had a laparoscopic GB removal with an uneventful & pretty painless recovery. I expected this surgery to be similar. Now I hear of people needing pillow support to cough & on the ride home (something I equate with large abdominal incisions rather than lap surgery), and even N & V requiring repeat hospitalizations with IV hydration & possibly TPN. Am I being unrealistic in thinking the two surgeries (VSG & GB) are even remotely the same with regards to post op expectations? For the record, I'll also have a hiatal hernia repair with the VSG. I know each person will have an individual experience, but can you please relate your experience? Would appreciate hearing "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". Not trying to scare myself - just trying to get a handle on what CAN be expected. I've already heard what my surgeon expects my experience to be like - would like to hear what yours actually was. TIA

Thank you all for relating your stories. Appreciated the added bits of info Babbs, dms, nmsurgirl, and you Kindle put in your stories. Will def ask my MD if he evacuates the gas before closure - sounds like that's the way to go!

Just to clarify: this can be mixed into HOT things like freshly brewed coffee or hot Soup? TIA Does anyone know where sample size can be purchased?

Got it - thanks! my internist called a liquid in for me..after I was home. It was a water soluble novicane..

Good luck and please let us know how you do at home.

Haven't tried it yet, but your post inspired me to do some research. Along with what others have mentioned, I like this site: http://www.eatingwell.com/blogs/food_blog/spiralized_vegetable_noodles_recipes_to_up_your_pasta_game

What an awful post op course! I'm so sorry you had to go through that and that you're finally home. Please tell us what the hell happened and how you're progressing. Sending many, many good wishes!

Are you talking about a script for the throat spray? Did they just give it to you in the hosp when you started w/ esophageal spasms, or did nurses have to get MD order? Or did you get from internist when you got home? Just trying to clarify. Thanks.

We're all in the same boat - or were at one time. Just keep thinking that you're on your way to never having that experience again. Good Luck!!! You've got a lot of people here for you!

I'm just starting to read "A Pound of Cure" and Dr. Weiner makes a lot of sense.

NikkiDoc - I've found that pants by "Women with Control" on QVC fit nicely in this size range. HTH

Kudos to you and your surgeon. May the rest of your journey be as wonderful!

Thank you Miss Mac & Lovin Soul! I'm relieved to hear you both did so well. Will be sure to bring my pillow with me.

That's great to know - thanks, Babbs!

I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on tv. I have not yet had surgery. Having said both these things, I'll also add that the jury is out on this one. Some doctors forbid carbonization &/or caffeine post op - others say it makes no difference, in moderation. I would say this one should be a point of discussion between you & your surgeon, rather than his nurse. (No flames please, I'm an RN...) The reason I say this is because my son is a candidate for VSG - as am I. When he saw the NUT and explained that he "needed" caffeine as he works on the railroad and works all 3 shifts in any given week, she said he should change jobs & avoid caffeine altogether due to acid reflux. Seriously?!? Upon speaking with his surgeon, he was told he could try caffeine in small amounts to determine it's effect. I've also learned that "nutritionist" is a term without legal definition, unlike Registered Dietician. NO offense intended to the many well qualified nutritionists out there.

Thank you, Bandista - haven't heard of Genepro, so now it's on my radar. Thank goodness for these forums and all the info I've found!

I'm planning on making my own broth for the pre & post op phases of my diet. My question is: can I add protein powder to the warm broth prior to freezing? I thought I would make both chicken & beef broth, add protein powder, and freeze in individual portions (ice cube trays). I've read that temps over 140* will cause curdling, but haven't come across any info on freezing yet. TIA

I would love to join a group. I'm from Lockport and considering the VSG tho MD is pushing the bypass. Anyone else interested?

My mother used to mix reconstituted dry milk in "real" milk to "make it go farther". (There were 9 of us.) I think the secret is in making sure it's ice cold and it tastes just like "real" milk.

That sounds like a plan - thanks CanyonBaby. Now why didn't I think of that?!?

I also just found this thread and want to add my well wishes to you and your daughter. I hope all of this will shortly be only a memory for both of you.

That's an awesome looking freezer, Bluesea! Glad you brought up the fact that the liquid diet lasts for such a short time. I probably would have gone overboard... Thanks for the info on the Protein powder, Terry - I was really more interested in whether freezing had any deleterious effects tho. Have ordered/purchased lots of sample pkts of the powder - just haven't been able to bring myself to try any of them yet!

Hi & thanks for answering. Actually I am pre-op and trying to make things ahead that will be halfway palatable afterwards. But you're right - I don't think I could drink lukewarm broth whether it's homemade or purchased. Yuk! Back to the drawing board...