Chel1

Sleeved 2/21 Today was the first day I could have water - was able to keep down a few sips of Propel. It was difficult in the hospital with nurses and doctors coming in often when all I wanted to do was sleep. I stayed 2 says due to vomiting. I was so glad to get home and finally rest. My couch has been my bed since it is easier to sleep propped up on it. I found a center that does gentle workouts geared more towards people who are recovering from surgeries etc that I will attend starting Monday. They also have Tai Chi, yoga and other programs. I am still sore, fatigued, and a little weak so I am not able to go full blown into a gym yet. I am excited to begin more movement that will help strengthen my body. Still working on getting protein up and more fluids in. I had a hard time with Tachycardia and ended up in ER. It is more so after surgery due to imbalance of electrolytes and I had a little dehydration. I am on beta blockers now which are helping. My cardiologist felt it will get better as my nutrition gets better. Good thing is my 1st 2 weeks I dropped 18lbs. I am not rushing to eat anything just letting my body guide me to when it is ready to move to the next stage. My nutritionist agreed and said it seems I am taking a little more time to heal. I have never had any surgeries before. When the surgery was over I never had regrets just couldn't believe after all these years I finally did it!

I'm glad you found someone to talk to. With every major change in our lives comes with major shifts in groups we hung out with. Whether its bariatric surgery, getting married, getting divorced, having a baby, going to school, or just simply maturing and growing up. Some people were not meant to be life timers. Some serve their purpose for certain seasons in our lives then go out of our lives to make space for the new ones coming in. We have to make peace with the fact that that's OK. It doesn't make them bad people it just means their time on our journey has expired. I often tell others and had to learn myself as well to enjoy my own company. When we are able to love self and be at peace alone then our focus is on our purpose and fulfillment in life that's not gauged by the presence of someone else. Then we will become whole and be better friends, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and parents...to others. There is a whole world of athletes, health conscious individuals, fitness gurus, purpose minded people waiting to meet someone like you who is focused on her health and well-being. You may not know it now, but as you move forward your journey will encourage someone else to be and do better. Good Luck

PS Licking a little sea salt helped me when I felt nauseated. This also helped prior to surgery.

First as someone said contact your doctor asap. I couldn't drink any water even an ice cube in the hospital made me vomit. I am into week 3. For me the only thing I could tolerate was no sugar added hot cocoa. I do better with warm liquids first thing in the morning. Also I can do watered down apple juice and sugar free popsicles was my go to for a week. Everyone is different you have to find what works for you. I ended up in the ER because I was a little dehydrated and my electrolytes were off which had my heart beating 150-170 which was scary. I am now on beta blockers so it is crucial to not wait and get the help you need from your doctors and dieticians. Today was the first day I could sip a little propel water. Good luck!

I have Unjury - chocolate and chicken soup flavor. I use the chicken flavor in my cream soup to add protein. I am now on puréed foods and sprinkled some in creamy mashed potatoes. I have a sample pack of vanilla I haven't tried yet. The individual packs are $1.99 I ordered them all and ordered the ones I could tolerate.

I am encouraged! My 2 wk post-op is tomorrow I am down 18lbs so far since surgery on Feb 21st. Thanks for posting photos

I'm 5 days out and what helps with gas is walking. I use a pillow on my belly and gently apply pressure when I get up and move around. This reduces pain and works the gas up or down either way is fine as long as it comes out. I have heard of some using a chewable for gas but talk to doc first and try walking around the house more.

Hey Shanm I am only a few days out from surgery but I was told at 6 weeks you are still healing and the staples are only 50% durable so you want to make sure not to eat things that could hinder your healing. Try slowing down and take your time eating. If your dietician said it's ok to snack choose Protein rich Snacks. If you feel you are over eating get with your nutritionist asap to get a strategy in place for long term success. I remember when my kids were toddlers wanting my popcorn I would eat the part with the kernel particles and give them only the puff parts so they won't choke. Maybe only nibble off the puff parts doing this will also help you slow down.

Hi All Update- I was able to come home Thursday evening. The surgical team and doctors at the hospital were great. Even day 2 the surgeon came back to check on me and the Pulmonary doctor. I'm not at any point of excitement just praying for complete and speedy healing. The hospital I was at they have prayer 4 times a day and one of the chaplains would come on the speaker and do a prayer which made it more comforting. One of the priest Father Damien stopped by my room and we had a nice visit. Things I prepped for at home makes me nauseated to think about. On the way home my oldest son went into Walmart to pick up items. I can't do anything chicken ukkk I can do sugar free hot chocolate and popsicles. I was able to get in 4 ozs of chocolate Unjury throughout the day yesterday and last night slowly got in a popsicle which is good because the day before after half I was done. After surgery I've been having nasal congestion and it's been blood. Not sure if it's from the tubes used during surgery or what the nurse said the dryness of the hospital air. Hopefully it will subside, because it I haven't been able to use my CPAP. My biggest incision is what hurts the most but I only had to take pain Med once a day. I'm glad to be home and still in the stage of "I can't believe I finally did it". Focusing on 1. Breathing 2. Sipping 3. Walking. Waiting to try to reintroduce water. Bringing it back up wasn't fun! Thank you all for your support and prayers. My prayers are with you all on your journey.

Just checking in with the group. Surgeon said everything went well. Can't drink water it comes back up. Tolerating chicken broth better. Throat super dry. First night was hard but getting better. Not sure yet if I go home today or tomorrow. Thankful to have made it through . I still can't believe I finally did it!

Hey there. Thanks much. My nutritionist called me and said she wasn't too sure about the patches since it was not enough information about them. They recommended the Optisource (complete) I can get from the drug store.

Hi All !!!!!! Long but hope it helps someone You are not alone BUT it will all work out 3 DAYS TO SURGERY! - STUMBLING BLOCKS ; PRO-OP DIET; & HOME PREP ... Questions about Vit Patches This time went slow at first but now it seems there is no time left! I was approved right before the New Year... pulmonary cleared me with moderate but then the surgeon said NO... had to do a fast track scheduling for the CPAP titration. Then the requirement was 30 days compliance?? I wasn't fighting it because I am the one who will benefit but time was winding down fast and it was Jan 20th and no CPAP machine Surgery is February 21st. Had to call a few times to the medical supply company and WHEW they got me in on that Friday and I started that night. Talk about playing it close. THEN the insurance did the wrong expiration date for March 2016..how when they approved me December 2016???? They also approve it for out patient. My patient advocate (Maria) said the insurance company had to submit it back in for approval. I will tell ya... I didn't even let the idea of "Well can they deny me now???" go through my head. They were giving her the run around... she said during that week well its Wednesday I will give them til Monday and call back. I said look I asked for an approval before Jan and I got it on Dec 30th so they will call by Friday. Next day...insurance called...approved a 2nd time and did it correctly for in-patient! Down to the wire Pulmonary said they will approve me for compliance 3 weeks BUT medical company has to send the report. Of course left msg no call back...few days later the ONLY person who handles this said she will call back because she was in a meeting (she never returned my first 2 msgs)...guess what she didn't call back and now its the weekend. Tuesday again I call FINALLY she took my call and sent report that same day which was the deadline! WHEW! Cardiologist - well lets just say took them 2 months to send the clearance letter after myself and the patient advocate called. Pre-Op diet uggg my tummy doesn't handle milk products so well especially these! Constipated BUT taking in lots of fluids and the dietician is letting me supplement with fat free cream of chicken soup and she said if I just had to I could consume non starch veg and lean protein at dinner but keep it in my calorie count. WHEW...I had lost 10 lbs since the New Year and lost 2 more this week!. Monday is all clear liquids. Home Prep - If any of you have children you know we have to not only shop for ourselves but shop for easy things they can cook themselves or make meals to freeze that they can heat later. Cleaning....checking the list and checking it twice make sure the next 2 weeks diet is stocked up real nice! Did I say cleaning? I also got my alcohol wipes for when I give myself the blood thinner injections and other items for the hospital and first 2 weeks after. Other things I will get later because I know at our 2 wk check-up they will evaluate and go from there. Last but not least QUESTIONS: Has anyone tried the Vitamin patches, Biotin etc. that I saw on this site? If so, how do you like them? Do they work the same as the regular pills? Blood thinners & menstrual cycle: Can this increase the blood flow? That's all for now...I haven't been able to post for a few so I put it all in one lol.. If I can give you all only one thing I would say to stay positive! Positive energy gives your dreams & desires life and when that happens, everything around it has to get with the program. Keep speaking life to your situation and it will obey. Just because it didn't happen quite the way we thought or as smoothly as we thought it should, doesn't mean it's denied from you...it just means you are in a part of the process. HUGSSS!

Thanks much...I had hope to beat it but my day to start is day after surgery so was wondering. Good thing is the pain med will take care of the cramps as well. Thank you again

Thanks much! My skin is super sensitive even dust makes me itch lol so maybe I will steer clear of it.

HEYYYYYY I am on the 21st too!!! I go tomorrow for my pre-op then I'll start the liquid phase. Congrats & see you on the other side of a healthy long life!

Hey there! In our "Next Stop" surgery- (mandatory meeting) this is what the nutritionist and surgical staff to us. Again, please check with your surgical team for clarity. Stop Taking Before Surgery 8 wks before - All steroids 6 wks before - Fish Oil pills 6 wks before - Vitamin E 4 wks before - Hormone Pills 2 wks before - Asprin, Multivitamins, Pepto Bismal * "Aspirin & Non Steroidal anti-Inflammatory (NSAIDs) - these medications cause a breakdown of the lining in the stomach and intestines. It may lead to ulcers, nausea, abdominal pain, & intestinal bleeding. Bypass patients can never take these the rest of their lives, while sleeve gastrectomy * band patients should avoid them for at least 1 yr. If it must be taken (Dr. Recommended), protect stomach & intestines with Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) like Protonix, Prilosec, etc. *Do not take extended release meds" (quoted from my "Guide to Bariatric Surgery" big book given by the Bariatric Dept at the Hospital) ( I am on Protonix for acid reflux & they told me it was OK to take up to surgery but I will get more clarity on that...I know it was said at the meeting we are put on Protonix after surgery because of the acid reflux the sleeve could cause) Afterwards - vitamins (Multi-vitamins / chewable no gummies), Calcium Citrate, B-12, Vitamin D Bariatric friendly vitamins. **This is basic but your doctor may want you to include other things depending on your body Hope this helps a little There is a whole lot of valuable info in the book I have especially concerning what to stop prior to surgery and the effects it could have on your body if you don't. I have my pre-op next week on the 10th and will start my liquid for 1 week then surgery on the 21st. If anyone wants to message me feel free to do so

My approval from insurance on Dec 30th I am scheduled for surgery February 21st. I had to get my titration for my CPAP on the 5th and I have to wear it for at least 30days before the surgery. I started on Dec 23rd doing my Protein shakes and juicing...eating mostly fruits and veggies and some grains. Lots of Water with lemon and so far as of today lost 10lbs since the 23rd. I am trying to get down another 10lbs before I go in to do all my pre surgery test and before I start the liquid diet. I believe they put us on Optifast 1-2 wks prior.

Thanks Dale!

Hi All, I am excited to announce my insurance approved my surgery yesterday 12/30/2016. I have researched and attempted to have Bariatric surgery years ago. The insurance I had denied me because of paper work and it was so frustrating working with hospitals that had wayyy too many patients and the patient advocates were never available and did not return phone calls so I gave up. In 2002 I had my youngest son so in the years after I was too scared to undergo surgery and risk complications with my baby being so young. Now he is 14 and Bariatric surgery has been done successfully well before he was born and I am more educated about it. I believe these years have given me time to heal. We all have struggles in life within ourselves, family, jobs, etc that we have to overcome the obstacles. I can say I am in a better place in life than I was 14...and even 5 years ago. I suffered from a clot in my calf muscle that started a roller coaster of chronic pain for years. During that time I had 2 miscarriages 6 mths apart 1 in my 2nd trimester...and I was over 300lbs. This sent me on a roller coaster of emotions while trying to maintain my home and be there for everyone else until one day I decided to live for me. No more drama with family and relationships I had to get back in the will of God for my life. I went vegan for a year and lost 50lbs and never had the chronic pain again and the growths in both sides of my breast completely cleared. One word of advice: If we don't deal with our emotional issues now, we set ourselves up for failure later. We see many have surgery and regain the weight largely because their emotional issues were never addressed. I started right before Thanksgiving on the Daniel's Fast. We were doing 1 week but through prayer I was guided to do a little over a month. It has made a tremendous difference in my life both mentally & spiritually. Before I received the approval I decided to begin working towards a healthier lifestyle because who knows with insurances today and I've been denied many times before. I did not want my life defined by surgery and I didn't want to wait for someone else to say yes for me to begin living healthier. We need that liver to shrink before surgery anyway. I started juicing again and my Protein drinks and I've lost 3.8lbs in 3days. On day 2 my patient advocate called and said she submitted my paper work and said the insurance company normally takes about 15 days to get back to them. On day 3 she called me back (the next day) and said she received my approval and had NEVER seen the insurance respond so fast! I know this thread is lengthy but I need you to know in her eyes it was immediate yet in mine it had been years of trying. It wasn't until I began living in my healing both spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically that the door was opened immediately for me. So don't compare your time to someone else because we don't know when we hear how they had a quick insurance approval, all the years it took for them to get to that place. We all have our own journeys. I could have let the past let downs fuel an energy of negativity over this situation but I didn't. I kept telling myself every time it "seemed" a block was coming "I'm not going to worry about it", and kept moving. Be encouraged, release the drama & those who bring it from your life so you can have a healthy focus on self and always live in your truths. Blessing & Happy New Year!

My advocate called Thursday 29th and told me she submitted...called the next day Friday 30th & told me I was approved and she has never seen them approve so fast. #WontHeDoIt

Hey Lady, Happy Holidays! You have been on my mind and I thought I would check back to see how you were doing. Looks like you are doing awesomeeeeeee! lol I have completed everything and still waiting for slow pokes to submit to the insurance company. I am still trying to drop some pounds before hand anyway. Keep up the good work and have a blessed, prosperous, healthy, & peaceful New Year!

Hi All, I found this website that had some good suggestions on tools to enhance success...from staying hydrated to meal compliance & preventing hair loss. Hope you find something useful here. I did a google search on some products they had listed that I liked to find them at a low cost. http://www.obesitycoverage.com/bariatric-products-we-love/

Did you received a "Guide to Bariatric Surgery" Folder? It has suggestions on protein shakes, vitamins, etc...your nutritionist would be a great person to go to for a list. If you can't get it from them let me know and I can email a list. I've used Unjury and it's good and a great price. You can order it online. Go to the official website to look at what they have. They have one that is unflavored...I used it to make jello protein shots. They also have a starter pack of flavor pouches and a shaker cup for around $21.

Unfortunately you don't have your husband's support and you know this. It happens often when the spouse is not secure in themselves. I would love to tell you everything will be fine but we believe for the best and pray for the strength to get through the worst. This is your life and whether we are single or in a relationship we are the only ones who can live it. Surround yourself with a good support group, people who will cheer you on and be there to hold you up during tough moments. Stop focusing on others negative opinions and focus on self. It's not just with surgery and being thin, it's about you becoming the best healthiest you that you can be. I have seen people who start new ventures to have a better life face oppositions from their spouses...it can be something simple like they started going to church more, got a new job. etc. The issue is not with you losing weight the issue is within himself and that is NOT your issue. You can't make someone be what you want them to be you can only work on self. Best of luck in the process...either way it goes in the end you will be alright.

Keep up the good work! I'm glad you reached out to your team of doctors, don't be concerned about doing so even for what you may think is the smallest thing...that's what they are there for. They would rather you call than to wait.