RoachBug

Met with my surgeon at OSU (Dr. Needleman) this morning, as well as the dietician. I go in for pre op meeting and bloodwork with the anesthesiologist on the 18th. Surgery is scheduled for May 25th! Hard to believe after all this time, it's actually only a week and a half to D-day. Excited and nervous at the same time.

This past week I have come to the conclusion that my feet are getting a tad skinnier. Been doing my best to keep active, since the end of May I am down 77lbs.. The past week when I have gotten back from my daily walks, I have either found new blisters or bloody feet (broken blisters). I was complaining to my daughter this weekend, because the shoes are well worn and shouldn't be causing blisters. She replied, "Dad, your feet have shrunk like everything else on your body. They are just sliding in your shoes more causing the blisters". So yeah, feet can eventually get a tad smaller width wise. I guess I can suffer through some blisters.

Had a nice little NSV myself today. Only have a couple pair of shorts left (that l can wear safely/ without falling down). I knew I had dropped a size or 2 from 42-44's I had been wearing. Did a little shopping at Kohls and actually fit comfortably into a size 36 pair of Levi denim shorts. I seriously do not remember the last time I was in a 36, let alone getting the first pair I tried on.

I was on Metformin, Glyburide, and insulin (low dose). All were taken normally up to day of surgery with exception of the insulin, which was 1/2 reg dose the night prior. Since that time I have not taken any of the 3. I test regularly, even without the meds the first couple of weeks I was getting low readings (mid 50's to low 60's) and took glucose tablets. Since that time I have been hovering in the 90's.

​Srry, having some problems posting a link. I will put up the URL below, it's worth a watch. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mp03eKouOiY

Retired Deputy Sheriff, had about 15yrs in before having to retire due to heart problems. I whole heartedly agree with your post. On a side note, if you see a LEO, take the few seconds out of your day to "thank them and tell them to stay safe". It means more than you would think.

Was up at the lake last weekend, visiting some friends (a couple of which are vegetarians). As everyone was partaking in a bowl of ice cream, I was asked if I wanted a little. I held my tongue from what would be my normal reply (being that there were kidlins around). Instead I politely declined and asked her if she would care for some dead dried out cow ( I was eating jerky).

I went through OSU (Martha Morehouse). Fairly positive they have group support meetings on Wednesday evenings. I know they suggested people attend after the Wed nutrition classes. You can contact OSU Martha Morehouse for information on times to make sure.

Have a VivoSmart here, really like it. Garmin makes some solid fitness trackers. I had originally planned on picking up a Fitbit but the fact that the VivoSmart was waterproof (the HR+ is also) sealed the deal for me. I never take mine off.

Have a Garmin VivoSmart here, really like it. Was orriginally planing on picking up a FitBit but liked the fact that the VivoSmart was waterproof. Went snorkeling with it while in the Bahamas last week, love it.

Finally had my surgery on 5/25, back home and doing good so far. Had one nice chuckle while I was being poked and prodded during my 3 day hospital stay. Had my surgery at OSU (Go BUCKS!). Due to heart problems and a couple of the meds I was on, my stay was in the heart step down unit, instead of the bariatric wing. My surgeon came to see me each day, along with a cardiology team, and nutritionists. This is where it gave me a chuckle... After seeing a few different "straw topics" get posted in the past few weeks, I had asked my surgeon about it during my pre op. He said that he has no problem with his patients using a straw, and that excess air would not stretch out the sleeve. As I was taking my meds on Fri (using a straw to sip water), my surgeon and the cardiologist came in. A couple of minutes latter the nutritionist and bariatric counselor came in. She saw me sipping Water to take my meds and immediately told me I could not be using a straw. From there it was a rehash of every post I had read on here, between the 4 of them. FYI, my surgeon and cardiologist won out.

Just got back home a couple days ago from a cruise to the Bahamas. Definitely got in my exercise while on the trip. I was over my goals with the fitness tracker every day. From the buffets to the formal dining, I had no problem finding something I could eat (protein). My daughter and brother especially liked the formal dining, being that they always ended up with the desert and 3/4 of the steak! Was pleasantly surprised to find I dost 3lbs. during the week I was on vacation. Though it was a bit of a slow down than the norm, I was worried about gaining, so it was a win for me.

I am on quite a few meds for heart failure, plus prior to surgery insulin and meds for Diabetes. Luckily I have eliminated the insulin and diabetic meds (Metformin and Glyburide) since surgery. As for the drinking, I could not take much more than small sips for the first few days. I was used to getting all my pills out and downing them all together with a big gulp of water. I made that mistake one time, was not a good feeling. Now it takes me a few minutes to get them all down. In the hospital they ground down some of the meds (though this can not be done with the extended release meds), though this was only for the first couple of days. Everyone seems to be on a different time frame but about 5 days post op I could drink normally.

Everyones dietary plans seem to differ. I was not allowed eggs, however, I did get the OK for Egg Drop Soup. It definately hit the spot for me.

@@losingtheselumps lol! I love the Snickers commercials.

You had me at, "I hate cats".

Glad to hear. The pain will get better soon, along with the ability to swallow. Congrats again!

Hope you are doing well!

Was diabetic here (Insulin, Metformin, Glyburide), prior to surgery. Have been off the insulin since day before surgery and stopped the rest 4 days later. After surgery I kept testing in the low 60's. Since stopping the meds, I have been ranging between 90-115. I did have hypoglycemic episodes prior to surgery but knock on wood, have been doing a lot better. Dub is right the low blood pressure will give the same symptoms also.

Next time you start having a episode, try drinking some orange juice. The juice will spike my blood sugar fast and clear up the majority of the symptoms. I also keep some Glucose Tabs around the house and in the vehicle in case needed (they are just flavored sugar wafers that dissolves in the mouth.

Might want to check your Blood Sugar. What you describe sounds a lot like what I experience when mine gets too low (hypoglycemic). Break out in a sweat here and then the vision goes tunnel, dizzy, like I am about to pass out. If you know someone with a test kit, might be worth testing for you. If mine drops below 60, I will start feeling it.

One more from today... When you "really" have to use the restroom and are waiting patiently while doing the happy dance and hear someone playing a game on their cell phone in the stall. Coughing repeatedly didn't seem to help. After 10 minutes I braved a run to another wing of the hospital to find another RR. I swear if I had been in a patient wing, I would have paid an anonymous stranger a visit!

Dealt with this one today, which is one of the things that kills me. When people never have the ringer on, on their cell phone and therefor never answer when you call. This inevitably will be the same person who will blow up your phone and send the cops over to the house if you happen to be in the shower and unable to answer their call. FYI, true story as far as the cops knocking on my door as I am getting out of the shower.

@@Alex Brecher Luckily (for me at least), the tightness while swallowing after the VGS and hiatal hernia surgery eased up considerably after the first 2-3 days. Be it by the bottle, shaker, or glass, I can pretty much drink as normal. It was a definite relief compared to immediately after surgery. As for taking in the all the advice and knowledge available and forming your own opinion, I whole heartedly agree!

Bathroom stall doors that open inward...Grinds my gears!