karen091866

You look amazing! I am 21 months post- op and down #110... the changes are Simply Beyond words. Congratulations on your success!

Sent from my SM-T350 using BariatricPal mobile app

You look amazing! I am 21 months post- op and down #110... the changes are Simply Beyond words. Congratulations on your success!

Sent from my SM-T350 using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree with other posts, that it is normal to be scared..Largely, because this procedure is irreversible...it is permanent...
But that is exactly what I wanted and needed....I was tired of temporary results, and successes that were short lived...I wanted the COMPLETE control and ownership that the VSG gives people...THIS is my tool...this is MY change...and the results are going to be amazing.
See? It is all a matter of perspective...

I agree w/ LipstickLady 100% about the flushable hygiene wipes...they are a Godsend.
We simply have too much going on post-op and during the huge learning curves afterwards to deal with such petty distractions.
Tip: Pack a small stack of wipes in a zip-lock baggie to keep in your purse, for when you're out and about.
I speak from experience on the importance of this.

YIKES! Glad you're ok after that...The diet phases are in place for our own protection, as the surgical wounds heal...We definitely don't need seeds, nuts, "other rough stuff" affecting a healing wound.
Get back on track & take steps to stay on track.
Are you keeping a food diary? That was something that I was "strongly advised to do" during the 6-months of pre-op nutritionist visits...to track my fluids, calories, Protein, etc...but mainly, for accountability.
If we have to write it down, we have to OWN it...and it makes us think twice about what we put into our mouths.
Take care of yourself as you heal!

I've been on Levothyroxine since 2013 & lost #101 within my first year post-op.
I do; however, fall into the category of those with thinning hair/ hair loss...despite still having a thick head of hair, my hairline has receded and I lose a significant amount each morning when I shower & Shampoo my hair.
Aside from that, I certainly didn't feel that my weight loss was hindered by hypothyroidism...If anything, I've been bewildered that my TSH didn't change, allowing me to take LESS Levothyroxine after losing nearly 1/2 my body mass...but the dose has remained the same.

Leggings w/o any zipper...or sweats. DEFINITELY the way to go... Comfortable and also (important) easy to get out of should you have any "post-op gastro-intestinal distress" and need to make mad dashes to the nearest bathroom.
Been there/ experienced that post op...and was grateful for cooperative clothes

@@karen091866 Ask for free samples. My local GNC had some tiny little sample-sized bars of a couple FitJoy flavors. They were good, but still not as good as my beloved Combat Crunch bars.

Before I started this new thread, I searched, in vain- using the words, "Emotional"--Nothing. "Tearful"---again, Nothing...Lastly, I entered, "Crying"---No replies. Not one single thread indicating that anyone else on bariatricpal.com was a basketcase....but for me.
I had my surgery 11/15/2015...I'm 2 weeks post-op today, as I'm writing this thread.
Today, I went grocery shopping with my son...and stopped by the pharmacy @ the grocery store to convey my sincere thanks to them...On the day I was released from the hospital, I had to present with my narcotic prescription in-person...but they didn't have the liquid Oxycodone---but the pharmacist on duty was so nice - and he called it in to another pharmacy in town...All I wanted to do was thank them.
Instead, I started crying in Safeway...and my son had to finish the conversation for me.
I'm crying now.
Someone...anyone...What in the world is going on w/ me?
Earlier today, I got the nicest text message from the Director of Nurses where I work as an agency nurse...She messaged me that everyone @ work was wanting to know if I was ok...told me that the nursing team and all the other peeps missed me & they wanted me back @ work ASAP...
I sent an elated reply....and cried.
I'm at a loss...and really...SERIOUSLY...wanting the tears to stop.
On an up-note, it is so very nice to be eating some actual food today....pureed-mush or not, I've enjoyed the most resplendent scrambled egg today...it was almost a "Meg Ryan moment"....LOL

I agree w/ LipstickLady 100% about the flushable hygiene wipes...they are a Godsend.
We simply have too much going on post-op and during the huge learning curves afterwards to deal with such petty distractions.
Tip: Pack a small stack of wipes in a zip-lock baggie to keep in your purse, for when you're out and about.
I speak from experience on the importance of this.

Flushable hygiene wipes...Sold near the toilet paper.
Just trust me on this...they will become your friend.

YIKES! Glad you're ok after that...The diet phases are in place for our own protection, as the surgical wounds heal...We definitely don't need seeds, nuts, "other rough stuff" affecting a healing wound.
Get back on track & take steps to stay on track.
Are you keeping a food diary? That was something that I was "strongly advised to do" during the 6-months of pre-op nutritionist visits...to track my fluids, calories, Protein, etc...but mainly, for accountability.
If we have to write it down, we have to OWN it...and it makes us think twice about what we put into our mouths.
Take care of yourself as you heal!

YIKES! Glad you're ok after that...The diet phases are in place for our own protection, as the surgical wounds heal...We definitely don't need seeds, nuts, "other rough stuff" affecting a healing wound.
Get back on track & take steps to stay on track.
Are you keeping a food diary? That was something that I was "strongly advised to do" during the 6-months of pre-op nutritionist visits...to track my fluids, calories, Protein, etc...but mainly, for accountability.
If we have to write it down, we have to OWN it...and it makes us think twice about what we put into our mouths.
Take care of yourself as you heal!

During my pre-op nutritionist visits, we were taught that alcohol consumption essentially stalled any/all weight loss for 3-4 days after...so I simply felt it wasn't worth it after making the decision to have my VSG.
I have an indulgence, though---sugar-free Torani Bourbon Caramel syrup...drinking just doesn't appeal to me anymore...not to mention, I'm not wanting to experience any hangover, nausea, etc, due to my drastically changed BMI and stomach size...I simply don't know what my new body can/ could handle...and don't care to test that.

YIKES! Glad you're ok after that...The diet phases are in place for our own protection, as the surgical wounds heal...We definitely don't need seeds, nuts, "other rough stuff" affecting a healing wound.
Get back on track & take steps to stay on track.
Are you keeping a food diary? That was something that I was "strongly advised to do" during the 6-months of pre-op nutritionist visits...to track my fluids, calories, Protein, etc...but mainly, for accountability.
If we have to write it down, we have to OWN it...and it makes us think twice about what we put into our mouths.
Take care of yourself as you heal!

YIKES! Glad you're ok after that...The diet phases are in place for our own protection, as the surgical wounds heal...We definitely don't need seeds, nuts, "other rough stuff" affecting a healing wound.
Get back on track & take steps to stay on track.
Are you keeping a food diary? That was something that I was "strongly advised to do" during the 6-months of pre-op nutritionist visits...to track my fluids, calories, Protein, etc...but mainly, for accountability.
If we have to write it down, we have to OWN it...and it makes us think twice about what we put into our mouths.
Take care of yourself as you heal!

May you could add an option for none as most people do not gain weight. I have gained none. It does fluctuate 2 pounds close to the mentrual period as normal but it goes away in a couple of days.

Flushable wet wipes. Your bum will thank you. Seriously.
Hope you feel better soon.

You just have to constantly remember that NOTHING tastes as good as being HEALTHY feels!
Keep a vigilant food log (I keep a running MS Word document going, and track my foods/ Fluid intake on my phone during the day when I'm away from my laptop)
A vigilant, HONEST food log will keep you on track and accountable...On days where I've made mistakes, I've actually gone back and flagged those as "WTF days" (that's accurate and honest, and I've got to keep things real)...I reflect on what went on that day (drama or stress at work, or with family...there is ALWAYS some sort of trigger involved)---and I hold myself accountable for my choices.
Regarding missing foods that we once enjoyed, there are so many credible WLS recipe resources out there --
EggFace is one of the best I've found, since she is "living this"...
I'm still a newbie, being 8 months out...but my transformation and success has simply amazed my family..and me...
I shared my decision to have surgery with VERY few people...and one asked me if I had any regrets, given that the VSG is permanent / irreversible....My very honest answer to her was, 'Absolutely NO REGRETS! ---It is obvious that "my way" wasn't working. The sleeve FORCES me to treat my body right."
....and I feel that way every day. Each morning, everything I put into my mouth is a CHOICE...and I now have a tool 24/7 to make sure that I make the wisest choices....That is how I look at it.---My way wasn't working, so I chose this tool to turn my life around...and in 8 months, I've made amazing progress...a non-obese BMI, wearing clothing that I'd have never worn (or have been ABLE to wear just 8 months ago)...and the health benefits have been such a blessing.
It is a learning process to adjust to having a banana-sized stomach literally overnight, after having a football-sized stomach all of our previous lives.
Make peace with yourself for whatever little mistakes you've made...and make friends with your new stomach...you're in this together...and you'll be fine---

So sorry to hear that you're having these issues post-op.
I'm right @ 8 months out--and truly was fortunate, in that my only issue was that my IV infiltrated (went bad, the vein collapsed and the Fluid was collecting in my hand, not flowing through the vein, as intended)
The gas pains can be terrible after any surgery...try warm fluids, if you haven't already.
Make sure that you're doing your incentive spirometry, especially since you're taking narcotics..."Splint" your abdomen each and every time you have to get up from your "recovery nest" (bed, couch, recliner...wherever it is you're set up during your down-time)...You do this by "hugging a pillow" close to your tender belly, to offer a great deal of supprt as you get up from being seated/ laying down.
You mention diarrhea...I had this issue directly post-op and quickly found out that it was the Protein powder causing it.
powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and I don't work and play well together..so I switched to IsoPure--and the problem immediately resolved.
In regards to getting all of your liquids and Protein, when you're early on in your recovery, why not kill 2 birds with one stone---a Protein shake is BOTH! Manage things that way until you get your other issues ironed out...That is how I did things...because all of the sip-sip-sip, no fluids with solids, etc..etc....is a huge learning curve...and you need that protein to heal. Protein shakes covers it for you!
Make sure that you're taking your Prilosec (or whatever acid-reducer med your surgeon prescribed)--skipping that can cause issues, too....Don't hesitate to take your Zofran (or whichever anti-nausea med your surgeon ordered)---those can work wonders when diarrhea is an issue.
I'm by no means a VSG expert...I am; however, more than happy to offer up what I've learned and found to work since starting this journey back in November of last year.
Hope you're feeling better soon...Try not to let a few bumps in the road cause buyer's remorse...I'm willing to bet that you're gonna be beyond thrilled with your results and life-changing choice once things get smoothed out.

So sorry to hear that you're having these issues post-op.
I'm right @ 8 months out--and truly was fortunate, in that my only issue was that my IV infiltrated (went bad, the vein collapsed and the Fluid was collecting in my hand, not flowing through the vein, as intended)
The gas pains can be terrible after any surgery...try warm fluids, if you haven't already.
Make sure that you're doing your incentive spirometry, especially since you're taking narcotics..."Splint" your abdomen each and every time you have to get up from your "recovery nest" (bed, couch, recliner...wherever it is you're set up during your down-time)...You do this by "hugging a pillow" close to your tender belly, to offer a great deal of supprt as you get up from being seated/ laying down.
You mention diarrhea...I had this issue directly post-op and quickly found out that it was the Protein powder causing it.
powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and I don't work and play well together..so I switched to IsoPure--and the problem immediately resolved.
In regards to getting all of your liquids and Protein, when you're early on in your recovery, why not kill 2 birds with one stone---a Protein shake is BOTH! Manage things that way until you get your other issues ironed out...That is how I did things...because all of the sip-sip-sip, no fluids with solids, etc..etc....is a huge learning curve...and you need that protein to heal. Protein shakes covers it for you!
Make sure that you're taking your Prilosec (or whatever acid-reducer med your surgeon prescribed)--skipping that can cause issues, too....Don't hesitate to take your Zofran (or whichever anti-nausea med your surgeon ordered)---those can work wonders when diarrhea is an issue.
I'm by no means a VSG expert...I am; however, more than happy to offer up what I've learned and found to work since starting this journey back in November of last year.
Hope you're feeling better soon...Try not to let a few bumps in the road cause buyer's remorse...I'm willing to bet that you're gonna be beyond thrilled with your results and life-changing choice once things get smoothed out.

So sorry to hear that you're having these issues post-op.
I'm right @ 8 months out--and truly was fortunate, in that my only issue was that my IV infiltrated (went bad, the vein collapsed and the Fluid was collecting in my hand, not flowing through the vein, as intended)
The gas pains can be terrible after any surgery...try warm fluids, if you haven't already.
Make sure that you're doing your incentive spirometry, especially since you're taking narcotics..."Splint" your abdomen each and every time you have to get up from your "recovery nest" (bed, couch, recliner...wherever it is you're set up during your down-time)...You do this by "hugging a pillow" close to your tender belly, to offer a great deal of supprt as you get up from being seated/ laying down.
You mention diarrhea...I had this issue directly post-op and quickly found out that it was the Protein powder causing it.
powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and I don't work and play well together..so I switched to IsoPure--and the problem immediately resolved.
In regards to getting all of your liquids and Protein, when you're early on in your recovery, why not kill 2 birds with one stone---a Protein shake is BOTH! Manage things that way until you get your other issues ironed out...That is how I did things...because all of the sip-sip-sip, no fluids with solids, etc..etc....is a huge learning curve...and you need that protein to heal. Protein shakes covers it for you!
Make sure that you're taking your Prilosec (or whatever acid-reducer med your surgeon prescribed)--skipping that can cause issues, too....Don't hesitate to take your Zofran (or whichever anti-nausea med your surgeon ordered)---those can work wonders when diarrhea is an issue.
I'm by no means a VSG expert...I am; however, more than happy to offer up what I've learned and found to work since starting this journey back in November of last year.
Hope you're feeling better soon...Try not to let a few bumps in the road cause buyer's remorse...I'm willing to bet that you're gonna be beyond thrilled with your results and life-changing choice once things get smoothed out.

So sorry to hear that you're having these issues post-op.
I'm right @ 8 months out--and truly was fortunate, in that my only issue was that my IV infiltrated (went bad, the vein collapsed and the Fluid was collecting in my hand, not flowing through the vein, as intended)
The gas pains can be terrible after any surgery...try warm fluids, if you haven't already.
Make sure that you're doing your incentive spirometry, especially since you're taking narcotics..."Splint" your abdomen each and every time you have to get up from your "recovery nest" (bed, couch, recliner...wherever it is you're set up during your down-time)...You do this by "hugging a pillow" close to your tender belly, to offer a great deal of supprt as you get up from being seated/ laying down.
You mention diarrhea...I had this issue directly post-op and quickly found out that it was the Protein powder causing it.
powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and I don't work and play well together..so I switched to IsoPure--and the problem immediately resolved.
In regards to getting all of your liquids and Protein, when you're early on in your recovery, why not kill 2 birds with one stone---a Protein shake is BOTH! Manage things that way until you get your other issues ironed out...That is how I did things...because all of the sip-sip-sip, no fluids with solids, etc..etc....is a huge learning curve...and you need that protein to heal. Protein shakes covers it for you!
Make sure that you're taking your Prilosec (or whatever acid-reducer med your surgeon prescribed)--skipping that can cause issues, too....Don't hesitate to take your Zofran (or whichever anti-nausea med your surgeon ordered)---those can work wonders when diarrhea is an issue.
I'm by no means a VSG expert...I am; however, more than happy to offer up what I've learned and found to work since starting this journey back in November of last year.
Hope you're feeling better soon...Try not to let a few bumps in the road cause buyer's remorse...I'm willing to bet that you're gonna be beyond thrilled with your results and life-changing choice once things get smoothed out.

So sorry to hear that you're having these issues post-op.
I'm right @ 8 months out--and truly was fortunate, in that my only issue was that my IV infiltrated (went bad, the vein collapsed and the Fluid was collecting in my hand, not flowing through the vein, as intended)
The gas pains can be terrible after any surgery...try warm fluids, if you haven't already.
Make sure that you're doing your incentive spirometry, especially since you're taking narcotics..."Splint" your abdomen each and every time you have to get up from your "recovery nest" (bed, couch, recliner...wherever it is you're set up during your down-time)...You do this by "hugging a pillow" close to your tender belly, to offer a great deal of supprt as you get up from being seated/ laying down.
You mention diarrhea...I had this issue directly post-op and quickly found out that it was the Protein powder causing it.
powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and I don't work and play well together..so I switched to IsoPure--and the problem immediately resolved.
In regards to getting all of your liquids and Protein, when you're early on in your recovery, why not kill 2 birds with one stone---a Protein shake is BOTH! Manage things that way until you get your other issues ironed out...That is how I did things...because all of the sip-sip-sip, no fluids with solids, etc..etc....is a huge learning curve...and you need that protein to heal. Protein shakes covers it for you!
Make sure that you're taking your Prilosec (or whatever acid-reducer med your surgeon prescribed)--skipping that can cause issues, too....Don't hesitate to take your Zofran (or whichever anti-nausea med your surgeon ordered)---those can work wonders when diarrhea is an issue.
I'm by no means a VSG expert...I am; however, more than happy to offer up what I've learned and found to work since starting this journey back in November of last year.
Hope you're feeling better soon...Try not to let a few bumps in the road cause buyer's remorse...I'm willing to bet that you're gonna be beyond thrilled with your results and life-changing choice once things get smoothed out.

You just have to constantly remember that NOTHING tastes as good as being HEALTHY feels!
Keep a vigilant food log (I keep a running MS Word document going, and track my foods/ Fluid intake on my phone during the day when I'm away from my laptop)
A vigilant, HONEST food log will keep you on track and accountable...On days where I've made mistakes, I've actually gone back and flagged those as "WTF days" (that's accurate and honest, and I've got to keep things real)...I reflect on what went on that day (drama or stress at work, or with family...there is ALWAYS some sort of trigger involved)---and I hold myself accountable for my choices.
Regarding missing foods that we once enjoyed, there are so many credible WLS recipe resources out there --
EggFace is one of the best I've found, since she is "living this"...
I'm still a newbie, being 8 months out...but my transformation and success has simply amazed my family..and me...
I shared my decision to have surgery with VERY few people...and one asked me if I had any regrets, given that the VSG is permanent / irreversible....My very honest answer to her was, 'Absolutely NO REGRETS! ---It is obvious that "my way" wasn't working. The sleeve FORCES me to treat my body right."
....and I feel that way every day. Each morning, everything I put into my mouth is a CHOICE...and I now have a tool 24/7 to make sure that I make the wisest choices....That is how I look at it.---My way wasn't working, so I chose this tool to turn my life around...and in 8 months, I've made amazing progress...a non-obese BMI, wearing clothing that I'd have never worn (or have been ABLE to wear just 8 months ago)...and the health benefits have been such a blessing.
It is a learning process to adjust to having a banana-sized stomach literally overnight, after having a football-sized stomach all of our previous lives.
Make peace with yourself for whatever little mistakes you've made...and make friends with your new stomach...you're in this together...and you'll be fine---