Orchids&Dragons

I took mine out, it felt all squiggly inside The whole idea totally freaked out my hubby, though!

I had it, too. It was a miracle worker. And it lets you go with much lower doses of opioid pain killers, so you don't have all the side-effects like constipation. I did still need pain killers, but that was for spasms in my lower back, not the surgery. Did you guys remove your catheters yourself?

Thanks so much!

No please don’t apologize. If you don’t mind I will share your info and see if I can help? I would appreciate it. If you can give me any "ammunition" I would be happy to broach the subject with the doctor again. Thanks.

I didn't get a "medical" term, he just said that the muscles in my esophagus don't contract in a coordinated fashion and that the contractions are weak; therefore, the food does not progress down to my stomach. Sorry, I'm an accountant, not a medical person, so everything I get is in layman's terms.

No, he said that he needs me to have an endoscopy in Sept and doesn't want to do 2 this close together. Also, does not believe there is a treatment for my problem. I did even more research and still have only found treatments for when the spasms are too strong and painful, nothing when they're too weak and uncoordinated.

We have our own power grid? That's news to me!

Nah, I'm just too cheap to move anywhere with higher property tax or a state income tax!

When we first moved here we couldn't imagine what made the pioneers stop and settle. Our initial thought was that their wagon axle broke. But we moved here more than 40 years ago, so I've pretty much gotten used to it.

Everybody who lives in Texas!

I didn't have a drain, but I didn't have any complications, either.

Wow, that's pretty strict. How about making yourself frozen "coffee-sicles" or any other calorie-free drink. At least you could chew on those a bit. I hope someone else can offer suggestions. This is a tough one!

Other than the shakes are you allowed any other calories at all? What other liquids besides water & coffee?

It will get better, but there's no denying that it's tough! All the pre-diets are different. Tell us what you're allowed to eat and then maybe we can give you some suggestions.

Matt, since you've researched so much of this already, maybe you can explain how #2 in the article relates to people who've had wls, please?

All the plans are very different. At this point, my doc doesn't monitor calories at all, just protein and fluid intake. How are you doing on those?

Thanks, Ash! Great idea!

I'm glad that you found something you could tolerate. This is the hardest part. It will get easier!

Welcome, MissFish! This is a very supportive and friendly community. Just jump right in or ask questions. There are a lot of veterans here who are happy to help newbies!

Try a thin soup like tomato or strained chicken & veggies. After it's heated, add 1/2 scoop of unflavored protein powder. That might help. Don't add the protein powder before you heat the soup; it will get all clumpy. Hope that helps.

Good luck to both of you! In a few months, you'll wonder what you were worried about!

Hey, take a NSV wherever you can get one! Hope you feel better soon!

My surgery was Feb. 26th, so nearly 4 months out. But I've always been a big drinker and fortunately didn't have any trouble even within a couple of days of hitting the 64 oz. I'm also still using Protein water to help get my protein in, so that's 20 oz right off the bat while I'm driving to work. If you're good with the 64, stay there. Just don't feel like you can't have more if you're thirsty. Hmmm, you just made me realize I'm 50g short on my protein today. UGH! Gotta go drink a shake.

Not one to mince words, are you? LOL!

I am so very sorry for your loss. As other posters have said, let people help you if they can. There is only so much you can do. ((Hugs))