elleschaeffer

I also work in an OR. I was out for a full month before my surgeon cleared me to go back because of lifting restrictions. It not only drove me crazy but he wasn't pleased with because I'm his favorite scrub tech.

I had sushi 8 weeks post op. Ordered a roll and asked if they would make it using half the amount of rice they normally would. I was only able to eat two pieces but it was heaven!

I had sushi at 8 weeks post op. I've never had any issues tolerating anything and couldn't wait any longer. I ordered sushi rolls and asked that it be made using about half the amount of rice as usual. I was only able to eat two pieces but it was amazing!

Congratulations on starting your journey. So many people will tell you the first few days are the hardest and that was my experience too. I'm now 11 days post op and feel better than I have in years. Hang in there!

I'm out for at least three weeks, maybe a little longer. I work in an OR so between lifting 20+ pound instrument trays and moving patients I have to be out longer than some. Even though at 11 days post op I feel great and am ready to work again.

Thanks everyone! Your suggestions helped a lot and today wasn't as bad.

I love rollercoasters but haven't been to a park in almost a decade. The last time I went I saw a girl try to ride and get turned away for being too big. And at that time I was almost too large to fit. So I haven't been back since then, for fear of being turned away. On the top of my post sleeve bucket list? Any and every ride I can find!

Today marks my fourth day post-op and I'm already starting to feel like my normal self. Little to no pain or nausea, no trouble getting enough fluids in. But I am struggling with some serious head hunger. I know I'm not physically hungry but the craving to have real, solid food to chew can be pretty intense. I'd never be crazy enough to try to eat anything not on my approved list. I don't want to jeopardize my health by pushing my sleeve too hard too fast. But was there anything that helped you get through these first couple stages? Or am I just going to have to power through it? Either way, I know so many of you were successful and I can be too!

Thanks for all the well wishes! I'm struggling a little but I'm trying to just focus on getting enough fluids and walking as much as my body will allow. I know that eventually I will feel more like myself so I am trying not to dwell on feeling bad right now.

It sounds like you're doing pretty well overall! Congratulations! I hope they figure out what's going on with the lack of urgency though.

It finally happened! I am about six hours post-op and I can't tell you how relieved I am to be here. I am not much for posting things, I normally just read and find helpful tips, advice, and information but I felt this was cause to break out of my little shell a bit! I was so worried about how I would feel post-op. My pain tolerance is pretty low. But I have to say I feel pretty good. Really my only "complaint" is being tired. As much as I enjoyed eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted, I get the feeling I am going to enjoy being healthy and slimmer even more. And thank you, to all of you for all the info you've posted over the years. You have all been a great resource for me and reading about your experiences has been a huge help!

Richmond here! I decided on Dr. Brengman for my surgeon but work with him, Dr. Schroder, and their new partner Dr. Barker in the OR. What a talented and caring group of surgeons!

I've told everyone except my brother, the personal trainer. I love him to death but after years of hearing how "easy" it is to lose weight ("just cut back what you eat and get moving") from someone who has to work to GAIN ten pounds, I decided I didn't want to hear the judgement when I needed support. We live almost three hours apart so by the time he sees me he can either figure it out for himself or think he was right. I've told friends and family to keep any mention of surgery off social media.

Doing the hernia repair during a VGS only adds a few minutes to your procedure and is done using the same ports that were already in place. We literally use a suture to close the defect and normally it only takes two or three small stitches.

As a healthcare worker who works in an OR and does bariatric surgery almost every day, this makes me really sad. My hospital is a Bariatric Center of Excellence so every staff member who comes in contact with bariatric patients has to attend annual sensitivity training. You should never feel shamed by the people you are trusting with your care! Please don't hesitate to speak up for yourself, these people obviously need a reminder that they are there to support you not judge you.

I'm 7/9 and after totally blowing the first day of my pre-op diet I'm back on track. After I realized it was a total mental game for me, I was able to distinguish between actually feeling hungry and just wanting to eat. Stay strong and think of your end result.

I've been on my preop diet for a few days now (surgery date is July 9th) and I will admit, I didn't make it through the first day. By about 7pm all I could think about was food and I totally cheated. I realized that it was all a mental struggle for me and now I'm right back on it and doing okay. I just want to add, I work in an operating room doing bariatric surgery 4-5 days a week. This preop diet is really important not only to jump start your weight loss but also for your safety. We really can tell when a patient didn't stick to their preop diet. There have been times when we've had a patient on the table, got the trocars in, and had to cancel the surgery because the liver was too big. We had to just close the incisions and wake up the patient. If we can't lift the liver off the stomach enough there is a real chance of injury. It's one of the things I keep reminding myself when I have the urge to cheat. Stay strong, you really can do it!