Busman20

One of the nurses at my surgeon's office said something about having to be below 500 to have the surgery but the surgeon never mentioned it. He said the emphasis was on following the liver shrinking diet, which I did, and lost 19 before surgery day, but still over 500. No complications.

I'm married but still somewhat of a loner. I stocked the fridge, freezer, and pantry before surgery with several weeks worth of the liquids and even solids I would eventually need. Milk is really the only thing I have needed in the month since my surgery due to its shelf life. It's still not a bad idea to have someone around to check on you but I would have been ok but you never know. The hospital required someone to take me home which I had anyway. My doctor seemed surprised that I drove to my 1 week follow up but I had already gone back to work anyway. But a lot of folks on here have had some complications that if you have them you might really want some help or at least someone to check on you.

I've seen some diets where honey was used, for example to sweeten a smoothie. It's in the manual my nut gave me.

Premier has a clear protein fruit punch drink now too, but I liked the Powerade Zero fruit punch better, although it has no protein.

I moved to Fl 11 years ago, but was in Winston all my life until then.

I have the indentation too, just below the largest incision on my left side. I can also feel a lump the size of a small egg down below that scar. But fortunately I have not had any ill effects in the days after surgery. Hope things get better for you.

GrrlAnn, you are correct. There is certain amount of hours you have to have worked in the past year in order to qualify. Sorry for leaving that part out. Most part time hours wouldn't make the cut or new employees like you said.

Late to the party, but mine was on the 19th as well. Two days in hosp, no major issues so far. LynnScott, hope your fever gets better.

If your employer is big enough to fall under the federal guidelines, you would be able to file for FMLA, Family Medical Leave Act, which guarantees up to 12 weeks off in a 12 month period for a qualifying condition (personal surgery would be). It is independent of any sick leave you may have, so whether it becomes paid or unpaid would depend on those benefits. They can't fire you for using it and must return you to the same position when you return.

Kerensky18, I had a doctor put me on Allopurinol years ago for gout and beside from having a major bout right after going on it (a known outcome), I haven't had another attack in 5 years or so. I had always heard that it was an NSAID, so when my Dr. said no more NSAID I was worried about going off of it, however, when reviewing my meds I was told it was fine. You might want to see if that is something that would help you. My gout attacks were far worse than any discomfort I've had in the week and a half since my sleeve. Good luck to you. So my problem is my knees, I was taking Aleve to cope with that pain for some time. No one would attempt a TKR at my weight, and it hit me the first time the other day that the pain is back. I assume that as I lose more weight the pain may mitigate some but I still anticipate having to have replacements at some point.