Tracy1978

I am 3 weeks out from surgery today. I have gained and lost the same five pounds the last two weeks. I am the type of person that needs to see results. Not seeing them was getting really discouraging. I read about the plateau and that it can last anywhere between a week to over a month. That was slightly reassuring to find out it was normal but I caught myself last night stressing that I did the surgery for nothing and slipped into a state of self pity until I fell asleep. Thankfully, I got up this morning and I am down 2 pounds from my lowest weight. I am hoping that is the end of the plateaus for a while. It pisses me off that I still l crave all the garbage that got me where I am. I have pretty much been on a soft diet. The only foods I am supposed to avoid right now are steak, pork, white flour products, soda, alcohol, nuts, seeds, raw veggies and processed foods. I have around 800-1000 calories a day and a ton of non calorie, non carbonated drinks. I'll be cleared for a normal diet on Aug 21. I am getting in my fluids without any problem. Part of me felt like there was something wrong with me because I have been able to drink without issue since about post op day 5. I've read many posts where people can barely get down 2 oz of water at a time and here I am able to guzzle a 20 oz bottle without any issues except maybe some gas pain til I burp. I am tall and I have read that taller people have longer sleeves and it can make drinking much easier. My doc doesn't seemed concerned about it...it's just crazy how different people's bodies react to the surgery. I am not sure exactly what I expected to happen, but I am still dealing with head hunger and having to push old ways of thinking out of my head. I'ts hard and I guess I thought I had a pretty good handle on it even prior to surgery. I spent a year pre-op going to diet classes and researching the net to prepare for surgery. I must have been so busy preparing myself that I forgot to deal with my actual relationship with food. I know it will take some time and it will finally become second nature. But I would be lying if I said this isn't the hardest thing I have ever done for myself. The good news is reaping the benefits makes it all worth it.

While I agree with honesty is the best policy, you can always use the Hernia/gallbladder defense. You will be on a liquid diet at work, and if people notice that you aren't eating out with them or see you not eating there wont be any question when you say, I'm on my pre-op diet for gallbladder/hernia surgery and it sucks!!!! It shuts down any questions immediately, because most people know that abdominal surgeries require a fast. When you start losing weight you can tell them the dietary change you had to make post op led to better healthy choices and over all you feel better so you are going to stick with it. Just a thought. I know how hard it can be revealing your plans and when you are already vulnerable you don't need other's opinions.

WOW!!!!!!!!

I've been able to drink fluids with no problem since about post op day 5. I was told the pyloric muscle opens to let fluids through. Fluids alone do not stretch your stomach. (aside from drinking while eating). At the point you are post op, I wouldn't worry about restriction yet. Focus on staying as hydrated as you can and stick to liquids no matter what the temptation. Once you are on purees, stick to a half a cup or less per serving. I know its hard but eat slow. The chances of a leak are rare and from what I've read, if you have a leak you will know it without a doubt. Apparently, it's flu-like symptoms and horrible abdominal pain. Stick to your plan and you wont have anything to worry about. Prayers for quick healing!

You are my hero! I stalk your posts for good food ideas! That's where it's at!!!!!

I am a side and stomach sleeper. I asked the nurses at the hospital if I was allowed to sleep on my side or stomach at home. They told me to lay however was comfortable. I wanted to lay on my side so bad when I got home but it took 3 days to get there. I found that laying a pillow under my gut to support it helped make me more comfy. I am two weeks out today and can lay on my stomach without it hurting.

So, how often do you guys weigh yourself? I dropped weight post op everyday until today - I actually weighed a pound heavier. (I'm on post op Day 6) How can that be when I am on a liquid diet? I figure my stomach is still trying to adjust to what happened. But I am honestly freaking out about it. Has anyone else experienced this?

I am one week post op tomorrow. My experience is similar: 1. Walking is what got me feeling better. I can also tell that it helps with digestion. 2. I have had some constipation as well but was lucky enough to read that ahead of time so I made sure to have a stool softener on hand. 3. Burping was very bad on post op days one and two. Days 3 and 4 was gas rumbling in my stomach with was somewhat relieved with Gas X. Days 5 and 6 I have some burping and minimal gas. 4. I haven't felt full on hunger yet. I've tried to stay ahead of the curve. But that doesn't mean I still don't crave everything else. I wanted to slap my husband for eating the pizza I ordered for him and my daughter for dinner. lol 5. I am able to tolerate liquids very well and am able to keep down all meds and vitamins. I haven't thrown up. 6. I've experience sleep changes. It takes me a lot longer to fall asleep than it used to. 7. I am healing nicely but have one spot that is bigger than the rest and much sorer than the others. I have trouble sleeping on my side due to the uncomfortable way it makes me feel. I am set for my post op visit tomorrow and hope to be cleared for the next diet phase yogurt, cottage cheese, pureed foods. Sounds like you are on the up and up as well! Congrats!!!

Yay!!! Here's to the next chapter in your life!

You got this! I know you'll do great. It will be over with before you know it. Remember to walk as much as you can, it really helps!!

The first two days I didn't say it, but mentally I wont even lie, I was regretting my decision. I was in a lot of pain the first two days. I maxed out every medication I could take. Usually I have a very high tolerance for pain - except when it comes to stomach issues. I've never dealt with stomach issues very well. I found it difficult to watch or listen to the TV and I didn't want to move from the bed. I was kept an extra night because of it. I was walking in short bursts, but realized that walking was the best thing for me. I know they tell you that but at the time it kinda feels like they are pushing you to start exercising when you feel like you're not in the state of mind to do it. I was WRONG. Walking was the best medicine. Once I got up and moved around, i started feeling better. I made several laps around my floor at the hospital every hour the last day I was there. The walking helped get rid of the air, which is honestly the worst part of it all and seems to cause the most discomfort. If I had forced myself to start walking sooner I may have been home a day earlier. My point is, listen to them when they say it helps. It does, I promise. The difference in the way I feel is night and day. Its amazing! I'm home now, trying to get on a routine so things feel more normal. I am taking my heparin injections and medications and then walking. It seems to help them go down and work faster. I am able to eat a whole Popsicle and I am able to tolerate jello and liquids beautifully. I am on the up and up and I am feeling better by the hour. I am so grateful I was able to get this done. I was 312 on Friday morning when they weighed me pre-op. I am now at 307, 4 days later. I'm looking forward to a new life of "firsts".

Me toooo! I am able to drink with no problems. In fact, Last night I picked up my cup of ice water and took a normal swig without even thinking. the second I felt it going down I was like NOOOOOOO!!!! lol but I was actually OK. I burped a couple times and I was good. I did a massive google search myself because I have friends who could barely get in the fluids they needed and I felt like something was wrong with me. Apparently liquids alone will not stretch or damage your new stomach. Which is a freaking relief. lol

Curried Salmon salad?!?!?!?! I need to look that one up!! Yummo! And very high in protein and good oils!!!!!

Salty foods including people! I am dead!!!! LMFAO!!!!!

This essential oils fad is killing me. Don't get me wrong, I am not ignorant to the fact that essential oils can help for some things through scent therapy like headaches, anxiety and nausea. But losing weight?? I have never in a million years heard someone say "With the help of essential oils I lost 150 pounds and kept it off!" So irritating. I know this woman loves you and means well but she doesn't understand and its your body. Tell her you decided not to do it and do it anyway. If she asks how you are losing the weight tell her essential oils!

I was scared too. I even had a c-section and the thought of being put out scared me. The good thing is they give you meds before you are even in the or that make you go to sleep. I heard the doc say, "Give her the happy juice". That's the last thing I remember until I woke up hazily in post op. Don't let the fear stop you. look at it this way - your weight could cause you to get terrible sleep apnea and that is a known killer. This is worth it, you wont regret it.

Yeah I wouldn't tell any of them. You are new there and there is no reason to make things more stressful on yourself You are still getting to know these people just like you are getting used to the fact that you are having a life changing surgery. To keep questions at bay I would recommend saying you are having hernia or gallbladder surgery. That way if they notice you aren't eating out with them anymore or they see you just on liquids only it wont be a shock to them. Most MDs prefer you do a soft/liquid diet before any abdominal surgery. When you start to lose the weight, and they ask how you are doing it, tell them after your hernia surgery you realized you needed to take control of your life and thus you are. You could go as far as to tel them you didn't want to have to have any more unnecessary surgeries due to your weight. Leave it at that. Tell your supervisor the same thing. The doctor's note will suffice alone.without any further explanation. Good Luck!

@Dina - I agree. I feel like people don't know how to react to that kind of news. Some else on here (I wish I could remember the post it was on) but they said, "People have to deal with the fact that you've changed, and change scares people" Its crazy that a decision I made for myself would have such an affect on how others see me. That is definitely why I chose the word Stigmata for this post. It feels like you are branded; a scarlet letter if you will. I have a few good friends who have had WLS and we talk regularly for support. It really helps.

That's good to know. I have one incision that is more sore than the rest. That make sense.

I too had to have a sleep study. The center I went to was nice, like a hotel room. Only difference was being hooked up to monitors. It doesn't hurt, its just uncomfortable and annoying. Especially if you aren't used to sleeping on your back all night. I was waken up at 430 to go home as well.

I am on the mend now. I've learned a lot about myself and those close to me since the surgery; both before and after. I'm grateful for the community through the journey. The scariest part was feeling alone in this...and I am most certainly not. Thank you all for the kind words and advice. I appreciate it!

I was d/ced with Levsin, Its a medication that helps with cramping and spasms. It works. See if you can get some of those and be sure to stay on top of your pain meds. Once you go over a certain point its hard to get the pain back under control. I know you are sick of hearing this, but keep walking and sipping. Keep doing it. It will help and you will start to feel better, I promise. Hugs to you - you are already over the hardest part! Keep your head up girl!

Sorry to disappoint!!!! LOL

I mean no disrespect, but the word has several meanings. I meant to associate having weight loss surgery to wearing a scarlet letter for instance. A symbol of disgrace, like what I am doing is wrong. (via dictonary.com) Stigma, noun, plural stig·ma·ta [stig-muh-tuh, stig-mah-tuh, -mat-uh] /ˈstɪg mə tə, stɪgˈmɑ tə, -ˈmæt ə/,stig·mas. a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation. Medicine/Medical. a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease:the stigmata of leprosy. a place or point on the skin that bleeds during certain mental states, as in hysteria. Zoology. a small mark, spot, or pore on an animal or organ. the eyespot of a protozoan. an entrance into the respiratory system of insects.

I am 6 days into the pre-op diet. All I want is beer and carbs. This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I've done the best I can and for the most part I have kept to it. Can anyone give me some tips on how you stayed motivated and survived the pre-op diet and the first 4 weeks post-op? What things did you do that helped you succeed? How did you prepare for social gatherings and holidays? I know I can do this...but I have 8 days until surgery and I think I'm hitting the "freaking out" phase. Any tips that worked for you are appreciated!