Sparkle&Storm

To answer my own question... About a month! Hallelujah!!!! It dissolved/popped about 3 days ago and my pain instantly went away, and my stomach flattened back out. No more deep, indent and painful bulge. Now if I can get rid of the swallowing problems, I'll be golden. Headed back to work on Monday... 😜

I'm so happy! I had family in town over the holiday week, and I hosted a BBQ last night. I made chicken shawarma wraps that everyone assembled themselves, to keep it easy. After marinating boneless skinless thighs all day, and throwing them on the grill, I was successfully able to eat some of it! Everyone else had their chicken on some naan warmed on the grill and smeared with hummas, tabbouleh salad, and some tzatziki sauce. Yum!
And while I didn't eat all that, of course, I did enjoy tiny bites of that delicious chicken with some hummus and tzatziki to keep it nice and moist. It didn't get stuck and didn't make me sick! Huge blessing after everything I've been going through with the stricture or whatever is causing my swallowing issues. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Anyway, just wanted to share my little victory! 😊

I'm so happy! I had family in town over the holiday week, and I hosted a BBQ last night. I made chicken shawarma wraps that everyone assembled themselves, to keep it easy. After marinating boneless skinless thighs all day, and throwing them on the grill, I was successfully able to eat some of it! Everyone else had their chicken on some naan warmed on the grill and smeared with hummas, tabbouleh salad, and some tzatziki sauce. Yum!
And while I didn't eat all that, of course, I did enjoy tiny bites of that delicious chicken with some hummus and tzatziki to keep it nice and moist. It didn't get stuck and didn't make me sick! Huge blessing after everything I've been going through with the stricture or whatever is causing my swallowing issues. Maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel!
Anyway, just wanted to share my little victory! 😊

I'm doing ok! Still struggling to get fluid/protein in, but I'm doing my best and that's all I can do! I'm supposed to go in for fluids on Monday's and Friday's, but I think once a week will do fine if I can just get my Fluid up a bit.
I was really down on myself thinking I was failing at this... No one else seems to be in pain or struggling 2 weeks in. But ya know what, that's ok! That is their journey, and this is mine! We all heal differently and our surgeons are different, our bodies our different, and our experiences are unique.
I'm down 17 lbs in 16 days!! I sure as heck can't complain about that! ☺️🙌
Where are you at in your journey?
Thanks so much, Nettie! I know I'll get through this bumpy part and then it will be smooth sailing. So appreciate your support!
5'3"
SW: 234
CW: 217
GW: 135

Hi Kimber! I'm feeling better about my job situation...
I had spoken with my surgeons office about maybe getting a standard note, and one arrived in the mail yesterday! No mention of digestive health or bariatric surgery. They really are awesome for doing that for me!!
I spoke to my boss today and she was very nice and supportive. Said my health is most important, so that made me feel good. She wanted the doctor's note, of course, but that's standard fare and I was obviously prepared for that... I'm still on dilaudid and can't drive, so I sent it with my hubby after he stopped by for lunch. He took it in for me and said everyone in the office was very supportive and concerned. They told him to be sure I knew they were thinking about me and hoping I get to feeling better soon! That made me feel good 😊
So, how are things for you now? Did you have swallowing issues? How long did it take you to start feeling normal-ish again? I'd love to hear any tips or things that helped you get through the rocky start... or just more about your story! I've felt very alone as far as this experience goes, so it's nice to meet someone who also had a rocky start. Misery loves company, after all! 😉😂

Hey, lady! Sounds like we have had a similar experience so far! I was sleeved 6/13. I am struggling to get in my fluids, too. I haven't really been tracking my Protein since my surgeon is more worried that I stay hydrated. I had a bit of a complication in that they tightened things too much at the top, so everything gets stuck going down and swallowing is painful. I have to go in 07/19 to have that opening dilated. For now, I'm getting IV fluids on Monday's and Friday's. I was super discouraged since I'm still in lots of pain, still on dilaudid, not getting Fluid or protein in, have to get IV fluids....... while other people are like "I'm 5 minutes post op, in ZERO pain, and just participated in my very first marathon!!" 😂 You know what?!? It is what it is! 🙃 Everyone's journey pre-op was different... So it makes sense that our journeys post-op would be different, too!
Either buy the Isopure, or get yourself some unflavored Protein Powder on Amazon... and shake it up in some diet ocean spray. I just started that yesterday, but I think it's going to help a ton! I'm really sensitive to all the over-sweet Protein Shakes. They are hard to choke down. I do have a favorite tho... IdealShape Mocha! It tastes great! 11g protein and only 1g sugar 😊
As far as regret, don't regret it, hun! Look at you! Down 21 lbs in only 17 days! You are almost in Onederland! 💃 That's incredible and the reason you did this, right?! Whenever I get discouraged (which is kind of often right now) I try to remember that! I'm down 17 lbs in 16 days! 234 on surgery day and 217 today! A pound a day?! What! That is so exciting!
We've got this! It's just a rocky start... But we will get into a groove and be ok soon. Message me anytime! 😘

I was sleeved 06/13. I had my 1 week post op yesterday...
For the stats fans:
5'3"
SW: 234
CW: 222
GW: 135
This last week has been utter hell! I have been in a severe amount of pain. I'm so jealous of the people who feel nothing afterward! My left incision is TIGHT and I have a huge bulge because it's so tight. It's swollen and hurts like a SOB. Especially when I go from sitting to standing. YOWZA!
But the worst part is the pain with swallowing. Ever since my first baby sip of Water on surgery day, I've had pain when I swallow. It is so much pressure and feels like a weight is sitting on my chest.
Because of that, I'm not meeting my Fluid or Protein goals. The most fluid I have had in a day was 46 oz and protein was 32... And that was on my best day.
My surgeon said she wasn't surprised I'm having issues because she thought the opening between my stomach & esophagus looked tighter/smaller than it should have been while she was in there. So that pain is because things are getting stuck.
The plan is to go back in and have my esophagus dilated, but she wants to wait 4 weeks to give me time to heal. 4 weeks of this pain and exhaustion! Meanwhile, I have a standing order for IV fluids at my local hospital for any day I don't reach my fluid goals and anytime I'm feeling exhausted or just not feeling great. Which is all the time since I'm dehydrated and not getting enough protein!
They also said I should wait to go back to work until at least a month or until after this issue has been fixed! I don't know what to tell my boss because I am not telling anyone about my surgery. Even worse... It's a brand new job! My first one after 6 years as a SAHM! I told them during my interview that I was having surgery (not what kind) and that I would need at least 2 or 3 weeks off. They said for the right person, they would make anything work and offered me the job on the spot. They said it was their first time ever hiring someone immediately, but they knew I was perfect for the job and team. That made me feel amazing!
But fast forward a month into the job when it was surgery time, they only gave me 12 days off and put me back on the schedule. I told them I wasn't sure if I could come back that early, but that I would keep them posted. They sort of agreed to that...
But a month? Now I don't know what to say! My doc provided me a note, but it says 'bariatric surgery' in the company letterhead. I can't use it... I only told 2 people about this surgery... My husband and my mom. And I am not comfortable telling anyone else.
I'm sad it didn't go as planned... frustrated that my doc didn't fix it during surgery when she clearly saw it wasn't right, exhausted, and real tired of being in pain!
Is anyone else going through this? I feel so alone!
Please do NOT comment just to say "I never had any pain or issues!" Or "I'm going back to work 5 days post-op!" Yeah... Congrats.
😏😜😂
I can't tell you how disheartening it is to read all the stories like that. I'm glad for you, truly, but super jealous it didn't go like that for me! So, please don't be salty! Lol!

Thank you guys! My company is pretty small, so there isn't an HR department. But I'm thinking I will call my boss next week and tell her over the phone I experienced complications and see what the response is. If she is a good boss, she won't even ask for a doctor's note, right? She will just wish me well! Hahaha I can only hope! 😉😉
My doc office called yesterday after my apt to follow up on something, and I did ask for a generic letter. I said I didn't tell anyone about my surgery and I'd like to keep it private. I told her I knew it was a weird request, but asked for a note without digestive health and bariatric surgery on it. She said they would "look into it" but not sure if they can do that. In my mind, it's such an easy thing to do! Write a new letter. Use the hospital logo, but leave out the department info. Simple. But I guess I just have to wait and see...
And thank you for the encouragement! I should be starting mushy phase on Wednesday, but that's probably a no-go with my swallowing issue. Darn it tho! I miss chewing so much!

OMG I'm so nervous! I get sleeved today!!! My alarm goes off in 2 minutes, but I've been wide awake for 30.. lol! I had a dream I slept through my alarm and woke up at the time I was supposed to check in... And did the whole mad dash to get there, but was too late.
Thank goodness that was just a dream!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions this morning though. Am I doing the right thing? Or am I brave? Am I going to be successful? Will I fail at this like I've failed so many other times? So many feelings!
Either way, it's time to get up! Please keep me in your thoughts today... This is my first ever surgery and I'm pretty scared!

Oh! I just checked and my anti-nausea meds list blurred vision as a side effect! Thanks for mentioning that, cuz I was really worried something had actually changed my eye sight permanently lol
I just walked for 30 minutes and I've gotta say... it really helped my perspective and pain. Before that, I had just been doing about 10 minute walks. I'm glad I forced myself to do 30 and I think I'll keep setting my timer for my walks. It really did help!
Still struggling to get my fluids in. My surgeon office called yesterday and said they want me to get a minimum of 30 oz and work up from there. I hit 30 yesterday and I'm working towards 40 today. I have to remind myself that this was a HUGE surgery and to just be kind to myself as I adjust to my new life.
I'm going to savor a few ounces of roasted red pepper and Tomato Soup for dinner. It's my favorite!
I'm also cycling duilodid (spelling) and Tylenol to stay on top of my pain. That's really helping at the moment.

Great suggestions here! One thing to note is that my vision is royally messed up! I can hardly read as I type (even wearing my glasses). Sorry in advance for any typos lol...
Ok, so I had surgery 6/13. I am not doing well. Whenever I swallow something it feels like a heavy weight is on my chest. And the incision where they removed my stomach from is soooo swollen and painful. I wish I was doing as well as some of you! My doc said she might have tightened things too much and I may need to have my esophagus dilated if it doesn't stop hurting when I swallow.
But dang does my left side hurt!! I can't get comfortable sitting or lying down, and when I stand up to walk, the pain takes my breath away! Is anyone else struggling like me?

Thank you all for the encouragement! Honesyly, I'm in a ton of pain... That gas pain is no joke! And swallowing the tiny droplet of Water from an ice chil is so very painful.
My left abdomen is hugely swollen and tender, which makes it hard to find a comfortable position. My roommate is a chatty Cathy with lights on all night...
Those are the downsides at the moment. But I KNOW good things are around the corner! So I keep going on walks and pushing through the pain. It will be worth it! I can't wait to get home to my own bed lol

Thank you all for the encouragement! Honesyly, I'm in a ton of pain... That gas pain is no joke! And swallowing the tiny droplet of Water from an ice chil is so very painful.
My left abdomen is hugely swollen and tender, which makes it hard to find a comfortable position. My roommate is a chatty Cathy with lights on all night...
Those are the downsides at the moment. But I KNOW good things are around the corner! So I keep going on walks and pushing through the pain. It will be worth it! I can't wait to get home to my own bed lol

OMG I'm so nervous! I get sleeved today!!! My alarm goes off in 2 minutes, but I've been wide awake for 30.. lol! I had a dream I slept through my alarm and woke up at the time I was supposed to check in... And did the whole mad dash to get there, but was too late.
Thank goodness that was just a dream!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions this morning though. Am I doing the right thing? Or am I brave? Am I going to be successful? Will I fail at this like I've failed so many other times? So many feelings!
Either way, it's time to get up! Please keep me in your thoughts today... This is my first ever surgery and I'm pretty scared!

Thank you all for the encouragement! Honesyly, I'm in a ton of pain... That gas pain is no joke! And swallowing the tiny droplet of Water from an ice chil is so very painful.
My left abdomen is hugely swollen and tender, which makes it hard to find a comfortable position. My roommate is a chatty Cathy with lights on all night...
Those are the downsides at the moment. But I KNOW good things are around the corner! So I keep going on walks and pushing through the pain. It will be worth it! I can't wait to get home to my own bed lol

OMG I'm so nervous! I get sleeved today!!! My alarm goes off in 2 minutes, but I've been wide awake for 30.. lol! I had a dream I slept through my alarm and woke up at the time I was supposed to check in... And did the whole mad dash to get there, but was too late.
Thank goodness that was just a dream!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions this morning though. Am I doing the right thing? Or am I brave? Am I going to be successful? Will I fail at this like I've failed so many other times? So many feelings!
Either way, it's time to get up! Please keep me in your thoughts today... This is my first ever surgery and I'm pretty scared!

OMG I'm so nervous! I get sleeved today!!! My alarm goes off in 2 minutes, but I've been wide awake for 30.. lol! I had a dream I slept through my alarm and woke up at the time I was supposed to check in... And did the whole mad dash to get there, but was too late.
Thank goodness that was just a dream!!!
I have a lot of mixed emotions this morning though. Am I doing the right thing? Or am I brave? Am I going to be successful? Will I fail at this like I've failed so many other times? So many feelings!
Either way, it's time to get up! Please keep me in your thoughts today... This is my first ever surgery and I'm pretty scared!

Just popping in to say HI! and YAY! counting down to June 13th. My first appointment at my surgery center was way back in August... OMG it's taken forever and I'm SOOOO ready to get sleeved!

Just popping in to say HI! and YAY! counting down to June 13th. My first appointment at my surgery center was way back in August... OMG it's taken forever and I'm SOOOO ready to get sleeved!

Welp, it happened. Insurance denied my surgery. Twice. We are on the third appeal now... I have literally done EVERYTHING they required. Jumped through every single hoop for the past 9 months. I meet every qualification. And they are still FIGHTING approval. I’m pissed. My doctor is pissed. I’m about to pull my hair out!
Deep. Deep. Deeeeeep. Breath.
Wish me luck on the third appeal, guys. I have a feeling I’m going to need it! 😭

Awesome! Nice to meet others in the area
Sounds like it may be a different process for you. I know it all varies by insurance. I had to do 6 months of monitored diet/exercise. But I had my very first apt at OHSU way back on Aug 9th! My psych evaluation was Oct. 5th. So, I guess I’m going on 8 months of this craziness... And I’m beyond ready for this surgery to happen!

I have absolutely NO plans to tell anyone about this surgery. Other than my two essential support people--my mom and husband--no one else needs to know. This is MY journey, my body, and my experience. I have NO time for any negativity. My husbands family are extremely judgemental. They would crucify me for taking the "easy way out." Even when I've done it the "hard way" time and again, only to fail and gain it all back (and then some).
Because of that, I've made the decision to keep my surgery private. I know they will pry and secretly speculate behind my back, but I don't care. I'm doing this for ME, not them.
So, I say do what YOU are most comfortable with!

Thanks for the reassurance! I do really enjoy feeding people and it makes me so happy when they love what I prepare. I’m glad to hear that won’t go away!
I think a lot of people here can probably relate, but I already do cook healthy due to all the recipes I’ve collected through my yo-yo dieting lol
I prepare a slew of weight watchers and Skinny taste recipes on a regular rotation. My probablem has always been eating too much (my parents always said “clear your plate” as a kid and it’s sort of a compulsive habit now).
Since I’ve struggled with my weight my whole life, I knew I wanted to instill good eating habits in my kids. My youngest is 5, and you’d be shocked by her favorite foods. She loves tomatoes best and eats them like apples! One of her favorite Snacks is bell peppers to crunch on. We just don’t keep things like chips and Cookies in the house.
And yet I still weigh 235 pounds! Go figure! My doctor says my body is ‘comfortable’ at this weight and that’s why it’s so difficult to lose. I definitely feel that’s an accurate statement!
I’m just saying that even though my body is a total mess, I think I’ve done a pretty good job when it comes to feeding my kids. I didn’t want them to turn out like their mama!
I really worried it would be torture to continue preparing meals for them while I was stuck with broth and Protein Shakes, but I’m glad to hear that’s not the case!
Thanks again!!

Hi y'all! I'm brand new here... so a tad about me.
I live in Oregon. I'm 29, married, and a SAHM of two kiddos. My kids are my motivation! I want to be a good role model for them... and I want to be the best mom possible! You all know how it is... lugging around all this extra weight is exhausting! Everything hurts all the time. I look forward to running around and PLAYING with my kids without getting winded all the time. Hikes. Bike rides. SWIMMING! I've been too ashamed of myself to wear a bathing suit in public for years. I'm ready to be the best version of myself and put all those insecurities behind me.
I have finished my 6 month program and finally met my surgeon last week. I'm anxiously awaiting insurance approval so I can get my surgery day on the books. Exciting! And terrifying! Fingers crossed I don't have to go to battle with my insurance company
So.... for those of you who have been through this with families: how have managed cooking for your family post-op? What advice can you share? We are committed to eating healthy as a family long-term, but I'm kind of wondering how to manage everything during the liquid diet stages. Any tips, tricks, advice?