macadamia

6 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

I thought so too... but now all of my friends have seen you nude

😓😥😖😥😶😑😞😢😜😎😏😂

#cantcompete

just because I have literal baggage...

3 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

I'm doomed...

and here I thought we were an item...

Mine hit me up for $350 at my first appointment to cover the exercise physiologist, which I did not know about and was kind of mad, but paid it (of course). Then, right before I was approved by insurance, I saw a bill from them for $1400. I've not called my insurance company yet, I plan to do that this week, to see if this is just because of billing and paying time lag by the insurance company. I'm hoping so, because I don't have $1400...

I used to have a scale that said "one at a time" when I would step on it... Needless to say, I got rid of it.

I set a timer on my Apple Watch that goes off every 15 minutes. I sip Water every time it goes off, unless I'm eating. This has helped me maintain my water intake. And, for flavoring, I use Mio strawberry Watermelon flavoring. A couple of squirts in my water glass and I'm all set. Tap water where I live has a funny aftertaste and I do not like to spend money on bottled water, so it helps me.

On 9/21/2018 at 8:12 AM, J San said:

Hey @macadamia , How's your recovery going bud? Hope it going smooth and havn't experienced any issues.

I'm doing well, and thank you for asking. I'm just over three-weeks post-op and still in the pureed phase. It seems like most everything I eat is a "slider" food right now. I'm having to eat based on amount, not on how full I feel. The NUT and the PA I saw on Tuesday said this is normal during the pureed phase.

As for pain, this is the easiest surgery I've ever had. There has basically been no pain. Last year, after both surgeries (May & August, 2017), I could barely move without excruciating pain in my abdomen. Now, both of last years' surgery were open procedure and the healing process took many months. The procedures I had on September 6, 2018 were both laparoscopically done and this has dramatically reduced my pain and healing process. The only place were I have external pain is where they closed my original ostomy location. This is a fairly large wound but it has healed nicely in three weeks. I do have some internal pain, based on the relocation of my ostomy, but this has been curbed with liquid Tylenol. I'm having a bit of trouble with my new ostomy sealing but this is because the swelling has not gone completely down. They found a hernia just above my original ostomy site, which was to be the new site, so the new ostomy is really high on my abdomen (he placed the new ostomy above the hernia location). I'll take some photos next time I change my appliance (I forgot earlier today to take photos). The more weight I lose, the flatter the area where the ostomy is and the better sealing surface I will have. This may take several months.

Disclaimer: Please do not look at my case and think yours will be similar. Results, especially pain levels, vary greatly. I have had multiple abdominal surgeries since 1995 and my pain threshold is possibly much higher than someone who is having surgery for the first time. Also, I have been fighting a chronic illness (Crohn's Disease) for most of my life, so "pain" is an everyday occurrence. When asked what my pain level is by the doctor or nurse, a 5 on the scale is my "zero". I usually have about a pain level of 4 to 5 all the time. YMMV

Congrats on your surgery date! As for buying a bunch of food before you have surgery, I'd recommend not doing this. It is ok to buy a bit to make sure you have something when you get home, but many people have changes in what they can tolerate after surgery. Some things may taste way too sweet or salty or be just gross. I have been lucky so far - I have been able to tolerate everything after surgery.

I stocked up on chicken broth, chocolate Protein Shakes, and applesauce. I cooked a bunch of chicken breast and put it in the freezer. For my pureed phase (which I am still on, I'm three weeks out from surgery today), I take the chicken and puree it with applesauce. It tastes ok, but I know it is not for too much longer.

Good luck!

On 9/10/2018 at 1:54 PM, Liz C said:

One week to go!! Count down. Hungry pains comes and goes but not when people are eating in front of me. About lost it when my husband made himself a BLT. LOL Plus able to do 64 oz of Water, which is a shocker. Putting in small glasses worked for me. Lost ten pounds on the liquid diet so far and keeping my head in the game.

Keep it up! And, as for the BLT, I bet it was the Tomato smell. They get me every time.

On 9/9/2018 at 12:09 PM, reb101568 said:

Yes everyone one day at a time it will be much better soon.... soooo sick of the shake...lol

You can do this! Every pound you lose pre-op is one less you have to worry about post-op. The shakes are delicious, IMHO.

3 hours ago, clsumrall said:

sleeping is the only thing. I’m 3 weeks out on Friday bypass. And I do get tired after an 1 hour or so slow walking but I think because I’m still in liquid and cottage cheese stage. Added egg and rotisserie chicken. But I have to chew the chicken forever. Happy to chew better than drinking. I add diet 5 cranberry juice. Mix it equal to my Water and are up to 90-100 oz a day. And I feel better. 65 oz not enough hydration. I’m at 80 grams of Protein too.
At

Do you have a "stick" blender, also known as an immersion blender? I know the post-op diet phases for the sleeve and bypass are different, but try and puree what you want to eat. It makes it much easier to chew. I use a bit of applesauce in my chicken, then blend it until it is pureed. For me, it is much easier than trying to chew it to that consistency.

3 hours ago, Orchids&Dragons said:

Can we please have an icon for "Congratulations!"? When someone reaches a big milestone or goal, a "like" is just inadequate, imo. Thanks!

Ask and ye shall receive...

2 hours ago, FishOn said:

Here is more info on the resistance banding. I will be starting my band workouts tonight.

There are dozens of resistance band training videos on youtube to pick from. I was also advised to use this green powder for success. Best Wishes!

Thanks for the info - I'm now subscribed to the first video. I'm shopping for resistance bands now as well. I'm always leery about them breaking and hitting me in the face. I've seen some pretty nasty photos of people getting hurt by resistance bands. I'm looking for the ones that have the protective nylon covering to catch them if they break.

17 minutes ago, Jingle123423 said:

I was also sleeved on 09/05 and It's been very miserable. Today is a bit better. I got through 90% of a shake, which is an improvement. I know it will get better.

Keep up the great work... day by day, little by little, it will bet better. You've got this!

1 hour ago, reb101568 said:

So my operation was Wed. The 5th. I was in the hospital for two days but everything went very smoothly. I give thanks to Dr Tishler, the surgery staff and everyone at Hartford Hospital for making my time there very easy. They are great!!! I am back in the shake regimen and feeling pretty well. I have some nerve damage from the iv line that gives sharp pains up my left arm but my scars are healing nicely. I never had the nausea or upset stomach so I consider myself lucky. Had some cramping for the first two days but that has seemed to dissipate as well. The best part of this operation was the losing 5-6 diabetes meds, and high blood pressure medication. I am currently on only one shot a day and couple of other pills so that is a huuuuge improvement. How are the other 9/5 doing???

4

That's awesome! Way to go! I had my surgery on the 6th, and am getting out of the hospital today.

On 9/7/2018 at 4:40 PM, Orchids&Dragons said:

Maybe don't use this one on your dating profile?

So happy to hear they could do everything laparoscopically and that you're having less pain than expected. What a bonus! And even being able to tuck in shirts - it's really about the little things, isn't it?

What? You do not think this would screen past eHarmony's photo checkers? LOL!

Thanks for the kind words, my friend! I really appreciate it. {{{{{ hugs }}}}}

6 hours ago, PrettySmartChic said:

11 days away and I messed up one day on my pre-diet due to a work outing. Eating with people is such a freaking challenge! But I’m up to the task. I have to get my one-liners together.

One question - have you told anyone what you have going on? What do you tell your employees?

Hang in there, you've got this.

Many people just don't say anything. Or they say they are eating better and exercising more. It depends on the rapport you have with your employees. It's none of their business, really, so it is completely up to you what you share with them.

On 9/7/2018 at 10:31 AM, VictoriouSlyG8tful said:

Ugh the only food I can eat is 1/4 cup of walnuts, pistachios & almonds 3x per day. At least you all can have food.

I miss eating nuts. I cannot have nuts because of my Crohn's disease and the scar tissue in my intestines. They get caught and cause small bowel obstructions for me. I miss them, especially cashews.

On 9/7/2018 at 10:14 AM, AJP said:

Lucky!!! Mine was Robards shakes, Soups, pudding and bars. So 2 shakes a day one Soup or pudding then one Protein Bar. Then last 2 days no Protein Bars. Talk about hard!!!

You've got this with your eyes closed! Keep it up!

On 9/7/2018 at 10:05 AM, UnBsleevAble said:

My pre-op diet is a Protein Shake for Breakfast, snack (pear, apple, or orange), lunch is a meal or salad w/lean Protein, leafy greens/veggies. No corn, potatoes or beans). snack is another piece of fruit. dinner is another shake. If I’m hungry after dinner, I can have another shake, or 2 hard boiled eggs as a snack. I’m supposed to do this for 3 weeks. My surgery is scheduled for 9/27.

Good luck on your pre-op phase! You've go this!

On 9/7/2018 at 8:51 AM, VictoriouSlyG8tful said:

Hello all. I am on day 10 of Clear Liquids and only cheated once (took 3 small bites of baked chicken). Surprisingly I am doing good just some body aches and weakness but all is good. For those that are about to start your pre-op after the first 3 days you should be ok. But I know everyone is different. For my fellow sleevers on the 12th we are almost there! Glad to hear others that have been sleeve are doing good. We got this

That's a great job! It was hard for me to stick to my pre-op diet because it did not seem real to me yet. But now that I'm post-op, it's definitely real! Way to go!

3 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Bravo!

Thank you!

I think of it as both a gift and a tool. It is, of course, a tool that is in my toolbox for losing weight. It will be driving the bus for the next year and all of the weight I lose will be because of the surgery. After that, it's on me. It is also a gift, for me, because of all of the other abdominal surgeries I have had on my intestines, I never thought that I was a candidate for the surgery. I went to the original seminar back in March with the intention that I would have the surgery if they say I can, but that I would do the diet plan no matter what. Here I am three days post-op and I'm very happy that I could do it.

I get that for you @sharonintx it is overbearing and obsessive, but for me, it is well-written and to the point. I CHOSE to have this surgery. It is up to me to make sure I do not fail.

I'm three days post-op and was started on phase 2, pureed foods yesterday. Here are the two-tablespoonsful cups of food they have sent me for meals and how much I have eaten. It ranges from chicken and cream of asparagus Soup to turkey and cream of mushroom, and any combination of the two. The single cup is Lite n Fit Greek yogurt, vanilla flavor. I also get a chocolate Protein Shake with Breakfast and I'm using the empty 30ml cup to drink my portion of the shake. So far, so good...

5 hours ago, nibble said:

More thoughts: we all are benefiting from marvelous medical progress -- 20 years ago all these surgeries you have had might have taken an even greater toll on your system; are you self-employed, Andy? Your hospital stays must have impacted your job quite a bit. And most importantly, I'm so relieved your double surgery went so well and you seem to be doing just fine. You are due for some better days, friend! Big hugs to you!! We are truly living in a "treat 'em & street 'em" world these days...

I'm not sure if I said how long my first surgery took back in 1995, but it took 12 hours to complete. I was on an epidural spinal block anesthesia and did not "wake up" for three days. I felt no pain but was completely oblivious to anything around me - I was conscious, but not coherent. My parents brought my son to visit the weekend after I had my surgery, Thursday, April 20, 1995. I do not remember any of them visiting. They finally pulled the spinal block on Sunday and I actually woke up.

Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them. It was nice that the surgical teams were able to work it out and use the same operating room visit for both sets of procedures. It is saving me money, time off of work time, driving to Utah to have everything done, and especially recovery time.

Thanks again! {{{{{hugs}}}}}

5 hours ago, nibble said:

Andy, your courage and stamina are beyond comprehension. A lesser person might have just surrendered and given up. I respect your candid and unvarnished story, and feel privileged that you would share it with this group. I hope you stay in the group as we go along, this motley group of strangers-turned-friends by a common cause, finding solice and support and periodic ass-kicking when needed. You are AWESOME. Since you invited Qs, I'm wondering how the foods you can eat will impact the WLS surgery and life going forward.

Thank you for your kind words and your candor. I appreciate it! I've been doing well so far. I also appreciate your offer for support and the periodic ass-kicking, because I'll probably need it. It's nice - my son and my mother now are using the app I use for food track and we formed a group where we can share our daily tracking as well. The app I use is Lose It! and my mom and I use the iOS version and my son uses the Android version.

As for how the foods I can eat will impact the WLS surgery and life going forward, I'm assuming you mean the foods that I can eat also with having the ileostomy. I cannot eat nuts, any raw veggies, anything fried, popcorn, and things of that nature. Luckily, the bariatric diet is similar and the progression from surgery date to eating a full diet will actually help my new ostomy heal faster. Once I'm back on a full diet again, I will be able to eat everything that the bariatric diet says I should eat within my diet for the ileostomy, except for the raw veggies and fruits. Those still will have to be cooked to eat them. Thank you for asking.

{{{{{ hugs }}}}}