Yourgirlnina
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Yourgirlnina reacted to melmssc in My experience with a leak
I was one of the unlucky few that developed a leak. They are life threatening! I want to tell my story to be a resource for anyone who has this type of complication. My surgery date was 5/1/18. Non- smoker, good health, surgery went smooth. 3-4 weeks post surgery, something was definitely off. I had rigor, trouble regulating my body temp, foul smelling burps. I called my surgeon's office daily that Memorial week. I took myself to the ER thinking I was dehydrated. They ran a CBC and my WBC count was 30,000. They sent me home to follow up with my surgeon. Next day, took results in and according to the nurse, my surgeon wasn't concerned. Next day 6/2, had trouble urinating and pain under my diaphragm. So at 9pm, my husband took me back to the ER. They thought it was kidney stones, but the CT scan revealed a leak. They transferred me via ambulance to a larger hospital. My surgeon was out of town (I refused to be seen by him again- so it didn't matter), and I got blessed with the on-call surgeon. I was in the hospital 9 days. He did exploratory surgery 6/7due to the location of the leak. Mine high up like 85-90% are. Thank goodness, I did not have an abscess like the CT showed, but I did have inflammation that he cleared out. All of the samples they took were negative. He also installed a drain that remained in line 7/10.They did an upper GI on 6/8 that showed the leak was still there. Up until this point, I was NPO and on round the clock antibiotics, Saline bag, and potassium bag via IV. On 6/8 picc line was installed and began TPN. They sent me home on 6/12 with TPN, antibiotics and Home health. On 6/20 back into the hospital with surgery to place a stent. Discharged next day. I could have Clear Liquids, but had to remain on TPN for 1 more week until X-ray showed it had not migrated. 6/27 X-ray showed it hadn't so off TPN and allowed food. Living with the stent was tolerable. Your esophagus is open, so acid reflux is a big issue. I never took a pain pill and found heating pad helped with the upper back pain. I could drive, do small outings with my kids, etc... I even went on a girls trip to see Smashing Pumpkins. This made it easier on my kids mental health, because mom didn't look sick and could do little things with them. I took everything really easy. On 7/19- stent came out and leak healed!!! I'm now on liquids for 1 week and then can advance my diet slowly as tolerated. My new surgeon was with me every step of the way and family and friends were very supportive. They even took my kids out of town on fun adventures. My faith in God strengthened. Luckily my Insurance covers bariatric surgery and complications. I would easily be out $120,000 or more for the hospital stays, home health, 3 additional surgeries, TPN - $1000 a bag, etc...Thank goodness I'm a teacher- so I didn't miss any work. I'm down 50 pounds and regaining my energy daily. If you are diagnosed with a leak, please reach out to me and remain positive. This is a very isolating time, but they do heal. Be assertive, listen to your body, and switch surgeons if necessary. I messaged a recent leak survivor on here and she was a great resource. Everyone's story and experience is different, but knowledge is power. I would love to be a support for you.
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
I found this Thai culinary stock that I’d use to cook my vegetables in...it had great flavor & just enough heat (med is too hot for me). It helped satisfy my urges for change & flavor
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
Here is a screen shot of mine
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
I found this Thai culinary stock that I’d use to cook my vegetables in...it had great flavor & just enough heat (med is too hot for me). It helped satisfy my urges for change & flavor
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
My liver diet was very strict. 4 Protein Drinks a day (brand specific too) and half cup of vegetables (from a list of 6 to pick from) that’s it. This was hardest part of surgery for me. Smells from family & coworkers lunches/dinners was excruciating. I basically stayed away from everyone during those 10 days
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
I found this Thai culinary stock that I’d use to cook my vegetables in...it had great flavor & just enough heat (med is too hot for me). It helped satisfy my urges for change & flavor
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
I found this Thai culinary stock that I’d use to cook my vegetables in...it had great flavor & just enough heat (med is too hot for me). It helped satisfy my urges for change & flavor
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
Here is a screen shot of mine
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Favorite Liver shrinking diet foods
My liver diet was very strict. 4 Protein Drinks a day (brand specific too) and half cup of vegetables (from a list of 6 to pick from) that’s it. This was hardest part of surgery for me. Smells from family & coworkers lunches/dinners was excruciating. I basically stayed away from everyone during those 10 days
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Stage 3/week 3 post op diet
My puréed menu basically consisted of tuna pouches, canned chicken, I used Greek yogurt instead of mayo to make chicken/tuna salad, cottage cheese, yogurt, baked sweet potato with a scoop of flavor free Protein Powder, fat free pudding with scoop of Protein powder, sugar free Italian ice & popsicles, omelet with cheese, imitation crab (not high in protein but needed a change of flavors), baked fish.....and tons of Protein Drinks. Favorite was blending 4oz of almond milk, with 3-4 frozen strawberries, 1/2 frozen banana and scoop of vanilla flavor protein.
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Lost taste for coffee?
It happened to me too! I never used sugar in my coffee just a little Creamer and since surgery I can’t seem to drink more than a sip. I have no desire either. It’s weird prior to the liver reduction diet I’d drink 3-4 cups a day. I love the smell of fresh coffee but don’t get same joy from drinking it.
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Defincupark in Hardest Part (outside of eating)
I’m about 5.5 weeks out and I find the stomach gas & noises and constant need to burp really annoying.
I agree it took a while to realize hunger pains for me too.....and in the last week or so I’ve been noticing them more. I have been keeping track of food intake through fitness app.....and this has helped tremendously.
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Hardest Part (outside of eating)
Do you really go that long without eating —- between Breakfast & lunch? And you’re not hungry?
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Defincupark in Hardest Part (outside of eating)
I’m about 5.5 weeks out and I find the stomach gas & noises and constant need to burp really annoying.
I agree it took a while to realize hunger pains for me too.....and in the last week or so I’ve been noticing them more. I have been keeping track of food intake through fitness app.....and this has helped tremendously.
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Protein Powders and Appliances
I was told yes by my DR......they also told me that sugar free popsicles, Gatorade G2, crystal light....all that stuff counts to water intake. I was told 48-64 oz of water,.....but mainly focus on color of urine
I buy them online at Walmart— 24$ for a 12 pack. They have 15 & 20g Protein bottles but come in lots of flavors
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Protein Powders and Appliances
Protein waffles sound great. I’m still not on solids but I’ll need to remember that!
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Frustr8 in Protein Powders and Appliances
I love the convenience of premade Protein drinks. My favorites are
1-premier protein chocolate 30g protein
2- protein H2O 20g protein juice like (coconut flavor tastes just like piña cola without alcohol)
3-. Eas carb control 17g protein (cold brew coffee flavor).
I make my own shake every morning using half frozen banana, 3-4 frozen strawberries, 5oz unsweetened almond milk and 2 scoops of brand Bariatric Fusion vanilla flavor - 27g
i have some unflavored protein that I use inside my pudding & mashed potatoes.....but don’t really cook with it
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Yourgirlnina got a reaction from Defincupark in Hardest Part (outside of eating)
I’m about 5.5 weeks out and I find the stomach gas & noises and constant need to burp really annoying.
I agree it took a while to realize hunger pains for me too.....and in the last week or so I’ve been noticing them more. I have been keeping track of food intake through fitness app.....and this has helped tremendously.