WalkOnWaking

I altered a comfy tshirt to wear at the hospital (snaps along under the arm and along the side seams). This allowed me to wear my own top and not that hospital gown incase I had to have an IV (didn't have IV fluids, only 'ports' left in to administer meds). Then my own undergarments and comfy sweat pants. Brought my own robe but never needed it. For me, I loved wearing my own clothing. Felt more 'me' and less 'patient' while there, more in control. My hubby was with me, as the room had a couch he could sleep on. But as others said, he didn't need to be there. I was in the room about 430pm and was walking by 530. No one helped me, but hubby was afraid I would fall so walked with me. I was able to change out of the gown and into my own clothes, able to use the restroom myself, etc. Energy level was low. I was mentally ready to go but had no stamina. I wanted to walk a lap around the floor but couldn't. I mentioned this to the nurse and she put out chairs every 5 rooms in the hall. I plopped in one if I wanted to rest, then off to walk again. Was a great idea she had, and several of us used the 'breaks' to keep on walking. I was in a lot of pain the first 24 hours. Maybe 7 or 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. But after that, maybe a 2. More 'uncomfortable' than pain.

I think I slept in my reclining chair for 2 days once home!

I had a leak test done 24 hours after surgery and was allowed nothing by mouth until 36 hours. I guess everyone does it differently.

Wow, discharged the same day? How did they do a leak test so quickly? I hope your pain goes away soon!

@@lauriev, That was another issue with the first surgeon. When we had the initial consultation, he asked if I had been diagnosed with sleep apnea or GERD or other symptoms of heartburn. I said no sleep apnea, no digestion issues like reflux or heartburn. He still required a sleep study and referred me to a clinic for that, and an endoscopic procedure done with another practitioner. Neither took insurance. And then I'd need another EGD two weeks before surgery (but with HIM, who does take my insurance). I waited a week and called to get my medical records. I was done (stick a fork in me!).

If you have an artificial sweetener that is in a powder form (like those packets) - they all have sugar blended in them. Was a shock to learn this for me.

Do you mean the internal stomach organ (the sleeved stomach), or the abdomen? At this point, both are likely still swollen. I am 5 weeks post-op and my sleeve is still swollen. Not nearly as bad as 2 weeks ago, but my surgeon said it takes 2 or 3 months for it to really settle down and 'feel' normal. However, it took me only a week or so for the bloating of the abdomen to go away.

Sounds a lot like the first surgeon I saw. His requirements meant I had to use a list of folks he referred me to for all insurance requirements, plus extra things that didn't need done (including a photo series of my naked body from various angles - my face would be blurred - how lucky for me! So I could see the changes as I lost weight....Who does that with a doctor's office or with a total stranger??). Those he referred me to were all standard specialists (cardio workup, dietitian visits, etc.) but none took insurance. So all visits out of pocket.

I did just that for 2015. My husband and I are both employed full-time and its less expensive for us each to get our own health policy with our own employer. My employer's health insurance policy did not cover WLS, but hubby's did. We discovered this last December, so we both enrolled in HIS coverage (me as his dependent). In going over our benefits for 2016, we went back to our own policies. BUT, good news, both employers now cover WLS. So coworkers and their families can now be covered. Glad I didn't wait a year tho!

I have a necklace with a shark's tooth on it (found it at the beach when I was a teen). I think I'll use that MsCyrus! LOL

I was only allowed liquids for 2 weeks post-op. Even then, just Water felt uncomfortable, even nauseating. But it passed quickly. The feeling is both full and being sensitive. Its likely very swollen still so anything is going to seem 'full' to you. Small sips to stay hydrated!

Thanks for all the well-wishes for my birthday. Hope to be at goal well before next one comes around!

I got the present I had wished for 2 months ago!

I hope you can resume your normal sleeping position soon. I am a side sleeper and was able to sleep like that while still at the hospital. Hurt getting into and out of it, but once I was settled in, no issues. I even asked my surgeon when it would be ok to sleep on my side again. His response 'whenever you feel comfortable enough to do so.' I told him I was worried about messing up stitches internally or whatever. He said, 'Have more confidence in my sewing skills!' hahahahaha

I can't take melatonin. I tried to a few years back (was working a lot of late nights so kinda felt 'jet lagged'). It gave me horrible vivid disturbing dreams. Found out later my sister and mother have the same reaction, so perhaps it runs in the family. I don't drink a lot of caffeine, but have started back up again. Maybe 1 or 2 cups of hot tea in the morning per week. I get addicted very easily to caffeine so am careful not to overdo it. But perhaps that is what is causing it. I'll switch back to herbal tea and see if that helps. Thanks for the suggestions!

Last time I was in ONEderland was junior high school.

Smaller pieces I could do! Had a slice of brisket yesterday. Maybe a fondue dinner? Hrmm...Small pieces of meat boiled in broth (not oil). Cooking only 2 pieces at a time so should be slow enough. Perhaps...

Thanks Dub! You are halfway there (I'm jealous!)!

Ok, maybe not a big thrill to anyone but me, but I can now look down and actually SEE my bellybutton. I'm only down 17.6 pounds but it seems to all have come off the roll of fat above the bellybutton level. TMI? I am stoked. Doesn't take much to get me going, evidently. Also off blood pressure medication (had been on since age 25). And now completely off both Lantus and Humalog insulins. Why didn't I do this years ago? As one of my hero dog people says, the past is the past. Live in the NOW.

Thanks! I am slowing down now, but still losing, so I'm happy!

Happy belated birthday! My birthday is tomorrow (and surgery was the day before yours), and I too am trying to decide what I could do food-wise to Celebrate. Not sure I'd consider a pureed steak tho! Ewww! Just the thought! Maybe I will steal from another poster, and try some fruit. I haven't tried any yet. Kind of afraid of the carb content of even a strawberry! When I get tempted by cheating and eating what I know I shouldn't have, it is usually something I could physically have, but not healthy. I then calculate how long I'd have to walk to burn off the calories. When it comes to miles...I lose interest!

Used to look forward to a dinner out. Just eating mushy foods still, so will have a celebration dinner later (taking 4/5 of it home I'm sure!).

Amen!

For me, I got sick with every dose of pain meds they gave me via IV. But found if I could distract myself from the feeling, it went away after a few minutes. Glad you are feeling a bit better now!

Per my 1 month follow-up with the surgeon, I'm down to 201. 27,6 down since surgery date! Yea!!! Said I was a bit ahead of the 'norm' for weight loss, but my incisions are taking a lot longer than normal to heal. I have a skin condition so skin healing is always a long process for me. I have only the largest incision left to completely scar over. Its 4/5th healed, but one edge is still oozing a bit. No infection, but still inflamed and angry looking. Maybe another 2 weeks, crossing fingers. My next appointment is now mid-February for my 3 month follow-up. Then 6 month, then a year. This is not over yet! HAHA! 71 to go! Seems like such a far goal, but I've done 27.6 so far. My short-term goal is to be in the 100s. By my estimates, should not be much longer. I want to be able to see a 1 instead of a 2 at the start of the scale. Not too much to ask, eh?