trekker954

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Clearly half a cup of Water isn't enough. Try peppermint tea in the morning. Soften the water with some crystal light, if it's too sweet, only put in half the powder. I'm into my third week and only now can drink plain water. First week or two sip, sip, sip. I can now drink normally. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Like you, I mixed some avacado into my tuna fish. Yum Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I've had mild gallbladder flareups since 2010. I've had ultrasounds where they did diagnose me with stones, but advised non fat diets. When I follow low fat diets, I don't have flareups but hey I am obese, so of course the flareup continue but not dangerously so. When I read about the percentage of people who had gallbladder removed AFTER the sleeve, I spoke to my surgeon and asked him to take it together. We did another scan and it still showed stones, so he said for sure, he'd take both my gallbladder and stomach at the same time (thru the same incision). The morning of surgery, he stood at the end of my bed going through my binder of papers said he was looking for my scan because it was showing to remove my gallbladder and he said he doesn't remove healthy organs. I hadn't seen him in months, so he just had to review that. He took it out. No issues.

Other than tuna fish, I haven't tried fish yet, although stocked up in the freezer. I'm heading to Vegas next month. On one hand I'm a tad concerned about eating, although I'll have a kitchen. I also know I'll be doing more walking than I normally do which is a good thing.

I did not have the gas pains that some described. I felt my stomach very bloated and discomfort on my left side, but nothing in my shoulder/neck/back at all. I was so hooked up to many machines, they needed me to wait for a nurse to help me. Then there was a change in shift, so I had to wait nearly 9 hours before my first walk at midnight. I walked about four more times during the day. The discomfort got better each day but took a good week. I never took pain med once I left the hospital (day after surgery).

Get some GENEPRO. You can mix it with anything. I mix it with my hummus, yogurt, cottage cheese, I even mixed it into the infamous Ricotta Bake. We need to be creative in the begging soft food stage. It is very hard getting Protein in. Thankfully I have no issues with shakes. But I find the timeframe very difficult getting in protein and fluids in a 12 hour awake day.

I'm 62 and 15 days post op. Absolutely no issues. Was cleared to introduce soft foods 4 days ago. I take it very slow, tiny bitrs but have introduced some real food such as eggs, chicken and even a few bites of meatloaf last night. I have not vomited at all. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I made sure that all of their requirements were met. The months of consecutive diet with my pcp had to be detailed was probably the most concrete evidence of failed attempts, psych, sleep apnea diagnosis, and other required clearances. My pcp letter of support was excellent. After we submitted, it took less than 2 days. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App Nana, doesn't sound like yours is federal bcbd. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Handgun for people but please don't shoot animals. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I had put in for leave for 2.5 weeks, a Wednesday surgery. This is my last week. I easily could have gone back this week and I was quite bored this week. I'm 62 so my home life is pretty easy. I will say it's nearly a full time job those first two weeks learning how to fuel your new tummy. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I gained 6 lbs when weighed the following day but didn't freak as I had read it here. It was gone within a couple of days. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Been eating an egg every morning since sunday with no issues. Cook it very slow. I put only a cap of skim milk. One time I added a little shredded cheese. This morning I made an easy over. eggs never tasted so good. I only have one Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Also 2 weeks out, have been on soft since sunday. No calorie requirements only Protein and fluids requirements Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I have bcbs fep and my pcp did not need any such statement. I don't smoke but was quite the wino pre surgery. Lol Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I had my 2 week post op visit and was told absolutely no exercise until week six. Until then and encouraged is walking, walking, walking. While here in South Florida that is near impossible, its so blazing hot. So I head to the mall now and walk there. Fluid intake is difficult in the beginning. Wait until you move to soft foods. With the 30/30 rule, I'm finding it even more difficult to get the Protein and the fluids in. Everyday I wake up earlier so I can start earlier but it is hard

I take my own yogurt, stick it in a qt size clear bag without a problem. You can mix some Protein powder into it at 2 weeks. When you say short trip, I don't know if you mean a quick turnaround or a short flight.

I dreamed of this day for the past month. Finally. I've read every post, every failure, every success. I decided I'd try and egg and most said they could tolerate a poached egg. What? Hmmmm, I've ordered enough eggs benedicts from restaurants and such, but me, make one. Okay, I pulled up youtube, got it down pat. Had a fresh dozen free range XL chicken eggs. I know how to crack and egg, but for some reason the yolk broke into my little saucer. WTF. Okay, back up plan, I added a very small capful of skim milk, scrambled it up and cooked it very slowly over a med heat, it came out perfect and moist. Although I sat down to watch the morning news, I was very attentive to what I was doing. I took very small bites and even tried to chew, but it sort of swishes around in the mouth and slides down slowly. I would do a few of them, take a break, start again. When I was done with about half, I took a ten minute break. I don't like how food gets cold so fast when it takes us so long to consume it. But I didn't want to pop it in the microwave for fear of drying it out. I finished all but two teeny tiny bites, but knew to stop, and was so pleased that I didn't dump, or feel pain. I felt accomplished. And I really enjoyed it. But only 7 grams of Protein, ugh. A half hour later, I tried to drink a Premiere Protein shakes, but really couldn't do it. Just wasn't going down the same way. So a half hour after that I tried my Propel Water and that felt a tad heavy also. I assume this is normal. An hour later, I tackled my Propel again and it was fine. lunch I pulled out the small albacore packet, I think its 2.6 ounces. I mixed in a Magic Bullet a small amount of lite mayo and a smidgen of guacamole to moisten a tad more. (I am not ALLOWED Soups or vegetables until 6-8 weeks out). It didn't really mix well in the Bullet, and probably could have just mashed it the same with a fork or knife. I immediately split it into two little cups and started working on one of my servings. It still seemed dryish but I didn't want to add anymore mayo. But as I chewed and chewed it became pretty moist in my mouth. I took more breaks in between a couple of bites, very small bites. But I couldn't really finish it and I'm so fearful of dumping or the pain or vomiting. I've never vomited and don't plan to. But I keep thinking I'm not getting enough protein in with the "food portion." I do plan to make up the count with the protein shakes in between, so no worries there. So far so good. I bought some chicken chili from whole foods, but I'll have to pick out the celery and onions before I puree it but I think that is what is for dinner.

I ninjaed the chicken chili and while that first taste was delicious, common sense told me it was too spicey for my delicate tummy and gave it to my husband. I had hummas mixed with GENEPRO instead which was fine too. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I'm 12 days out, only counting Protein and Fluid intake. Cannot even think about calories. I just started mushie/soft Phase today.

I hope you can find someone else to take you or the very least call a car service. You only need a family/friend to pick you up and take you home.

Many of us have trouble with regular Water intake. Its hard to describe, but it just doesn't go down naturally. I can describe it as pain, but its uncomfortable. So you need to cut it with something like crystal light, tea. And bottom line, you will be amazed that your taste buds have changed. Some Protein shakes you liked pre surgery, you can't stomach afterwards. So it will take a few days to figure out what you like so you can start working on getting those into your body.

I'm taking my daughter to Vegas for her birthday, 5 days. I will be 6 weeks post op. We love the shows, the pools and the buffets. She already told me she plans to go to a buffet each day. She's been supportive but is drawing the line here. She's already a tad disappointed I have us booked in a residence inn (with kitchen) rather than our usual Cosmopolitan. I have the surgeons card also and will see if I can either sit there with her or if they will let me order a bowl of soup ala carte or maybe child's price. We then to hit the more expensive buffets. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

My surgery was at Cleveland Clinic and they do not do a swallow test either (even though its mentioned in their handbook). I was thrilled. Water is a big issue for many patients. I too use to drink lots of water pre surgery. Bottled and/or from my faucet. I also did a lot of research. One wonders how can water be difficult to drink after surgery. But it was for me as well. Regardless warm, hot, cold or room temp. It just sat in my chest. Even the smallest sip. What I read and is true for me, you need to soften it with something, anything. Cyrstal light, ice tea, warm tea. When I do this, and I rarely use an entire packet I can drink my water just fine. I spoke with my nutritionist yesterday and she said, if I want just plain water, to try distilled water and I will find that easy to drink. Either way, she said, I will eventually be able to drink plain water again as I did pre surgery. I didn't ask her how long. I had an early appointment yesterday and since it was really my first day out on my own, I decided to run a bunch of errands. Its amazing how easy life interferes. By the time I got home at 1 pm. (I left at 8), I realized all I had drank was one 16 ou bottle of water (with crystal light). I thought about stopping and picking up water, but I knew its too hard to drink now. Here it was 1 pm. and I was far far behind on my Protein and water intake. My NUT cleared me for yogurt, but I didn't want to chance trying that on the road. By the end of the day, I just was kind of quesy so passed on introducing yogurt or cottage cheese into my day. I know this is a full time job now to stay on top of my liquids and protein.

Cleveland Clinic policy is make the appt as close to 10 days as possible. Today was Day 9 post op. All is going well, I've not vomited, or been nauseous (outside the first couple of days). Fellow surgeon (who actually was with my surgeon doing the surgery did my exam today). I liked him so was happy he did my follow up. I did ask about my new stomach size and got an education in the Bougie size. I had no idea and had never ever seen this mentioned in the gazillion of documents and blogs I've read. Anyway, mine is a 35 and said to be standard at Centers of Excellence. We discussed why I have 8 incisions. I learned typically they are either 5 or 7 and either works fine, just the surgeons preference. So why did I have 8 and he had to examine my tummy to make sure I was accurate. So the one all the way to my right, I did lose the steri strip and it does seem bruised. He said, that when they were trying to use the tool to reach the stomach it was a stretch, so they cut closer. Seriously not a biggie, but I'm surprized they didn't have a more accurate measurement in placement. My progress is good, able to move about and other physical stuff doing well. Can pull myself up and down without discomfort. My tummy still very swollen, he said can take 2 to 3 weeks to return to normal. He believes I will see it back by next week. The Nutritionist came in. I cannot start Phase III before Sunday or 12 days post op. However, today I can start plain yogurt, cottage cheese. I must continue my shakes in between meals during Phase III. Also I cannot start my Vitamins until next Friday (that will be 16 days post op). I pulled out all my vitamins that were listed in my handbook that I bought. She picked up the Multi Vitamin PatchMD and said that will be all I need for now as it encompasses all the vitamins I need. They will check my lab work and discuss any changes at my 2 month post op. WHAT?????????? You have no idea how many different vitamins I purchased. She said, the clinic does not have any history with the Patches, but those patients that use them have had good labs, so they are okay with patients who want to use them. Just leave them on 12 hours. My NUT is extremely conservative, I knew that from the get go. So Sunday I can start on Soft/Pureed High Protein Foods. But there is definitely restrictions. I asked about some of the recipes I have seen that included some vegies, or potatoes, etc. ABSOLUTELY NOT. Not for 2 months. AND, she is really anti-Soup. The soup nazi for sure. She believes they are totally unwanted fillers that bring little to no nutrients I need now. Only spices. Well, I thought I'd share my experience as I know we all love to compare what to expect. They also gave me my lab order for next time, plus a very cute sturdy business credit card size card that on front says: Cleveland Clinic Florida, Bariatric Institute (the doctors name/title, address, phone number). On the back bottom (I am to put my name). Has had abdominal surgery and must eat very small meals of about one-half cup of food. Please allow our patient to order small portions or from the child's menu. Thank you.