MassMan

Celebrate has a new capsule multivitamin that is a one a day dose. I really like it as the Celebrate chewables were starting to get old.

Post Op Day 35:
Well folks... this thing called life has kept me from posting days 8 - 34, but I can tell you I'm down 40 pounds and working. My biggest struggles or should I say my biggest change is that I have to pace myself and not over do it. That and getting enough Water in. Once I'm at work I tend to get busy and forget to drink my alloted amount each day, but I'm still managing to get in 40-50oz a day. Getting enough water in is key as it will help with Constipation.
Our golf league started earlier this week and I felt as though I was a bit tuckered out after about 6 holes. I have zero pain at this point and life is good. Some big adjustments to lifestyle, but my main goal was a healthy lifestyle, no diabetes, better mobility and hoping to extend my life by 10 years
Hope everyone else is pain free and enjoying life ! ! !
MassMan

My surgery is next Tuesday, so that's perfect . My goal is to not cheat on this preop diet before next Tuesday's procedure.

Same here with the Constipation. I was already taking a daily ducolax. Nothing. Then I did a suppository and starting drinking benefiber daily. Now o am going about every other day.

@Neely
I was having the same issues last week (3 weeks post op) I have literally never been so miserable.
I took dulcolax which worked so well it sent my system too far the other way🤢
But at least it was moving, ya know?
I’ve started taking the Metamucil pills (can’t stand the drinkable) every day and that’s keeping things regular :)
Hope you’ve found some help!!

I was sleeved on March 28. So far no issues. Just a little soreness when I bend down. So far down 18 pounds off, but I know a stall is coming soon.

I had my sleeve done March 22 and so now I’m two weeks out. I initially lost 12 pounds - in the first week - but now I’ve hit a stall. I even put on a pound over this last week. I was feeling really discouraged but reading this thread and seeing people’s experiences and all the encouragement from everyone has been so helpful. I’ve noticed I’m shrinking, even if the scales aren’t moving, so just need to sit with this frustration. I too have had issues with constipation; a first for me and very annoying. Hope everyone is doing okay

Well my fellow March sleevers…. I was introduced to this thing called Constipation yesterday and it was a freaking nightmare. Thought I was going to end up in the ER as the pain was pretty bad, but after several concoctions of collace, Miralax, suppositories and enema things passed. I think I'll certainly keep a better eye on this one as not to go through that again.
Anyone else having constipation issues?

Well my fellow March sleevers…. I was introduced to this thing called Constipation yesterday and it was a freaking nightmare. Thought I was going to end up in the ER as the pain was pretty bad, but after several concoctions of collace, Miralax, suppositories and enema things passed. I think I'll certainly keep a better eye on this one as not to go through that again.
Anyone else having constipation issues?

Day 3 for me and I don't feel well enough for all those activities. Please remember you underwent a serious operation and your body needs time to heal itself. We are supposed to take it slow at first. Constipation is normal I have read. It will pass as our bodies adjust to the new digestive tract. Give yourself credit for the positive changes but don't beat yourself up. Have a great day!

Hello all,
Hope everyone that has had the surgery is having a speedy recovery. For those yet to have the surgery, good luck and maybe my post op report below can help shed some light on my process.... everyone is different but this is how it has been so far.
Surgery day: Was told the day before that my surgery was at 3:15 in the afternoon... GRRRRR. I wanted the 7am slot that got assigned to someone else. The reason for this is I was told anyone with insulin diabetes will always go first. Makes sense because they can't have their shot before surgery. I received a call from the surgical team asking could I come to the hospital earlier than I was asked to, like 4 hour ahead of my scheduled time. Seems one of the patients before me canceled last minute. Anyway I got to the hospital checked in and within an hour was in the operating room. I woke up about 3 hours later and was told everything went well and carted off to my room. They gave me ice chips to take away that dehydrated mouth feeling and about here is where the fun started. Since being medicated, the incisions and tummy not bad at all. But the GAS pains in the upper chest area was very painful. After the nurses got me situations and a 1/2 cup of ices chips melted in my mouth, it was time to walk. The chest pain was not good at all, but walking helps. I walked around the floor twice with assistance, After the last walk I tried to get rest of which the primary care assistant woke me up every other hour. And it seems the nurse woke me up to give my pain meds as needed. As I mentioned the gas pain was far worst than the incisions.
Post Op Day 1: Started out with some chicken broth (damn that was good) nice an warm and wet. Got up brushed my teeth, washed my face then walked 6 laps around the floor. WALKING IS THE KEY TO GETTING RID OF THE GAS. About an hour after the broth I had a uninjury Protein Shake taking it slowly. I think it was like a 12 oz shake and drank it in about 45 Min. After that another 6 laps around the floor. Walking is a good thing and the gas pain started to subside. lunch was more broth and another Protein shake then another 6 laps around the floor. After surgery most will have elevated white blood cell count, which is normal, but could also mean infection. I was told that they would perform another blood test @ 3pm and if they was decreasing I could go home, but I certainly had the option to stay the second night. Got the results of the second blood test around 4pm and the call was mine to stay or leave. I wanted to go home. The gas pains went from a about a 8 on the pain scale to 1 by the end of the first day. Got home and took some medication and off to bed for a good nights rest.
Post Op Day 2: Got up in the middle of the night and took pain meds. Now the gas pain is pretty much gone and the incision area a little sore, but not bad at all. jumped in the shower and now feel great. The incision areas are not bad as long as you take it easy. Reduced the amount of pain meds and just had a protein shake and got my Water to sip on. Getting ready to take my dogs for a walk (about a mile). All in all I"m doing pretty well and just focusing on small sips of water and spacing the shake out over 1/2 hour or so. No rush I guess is the key.
If I could recommend just a few things to make the early recovery go well it would be to WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK AND SIPPING WATER.
All the best to everyone as we embark on a newer better way of healthy lifestyle,
MassMan

Post Op Day 7 Start : 
Well the day is starting off with the diarrhea and not surprise to the amount of things I took the day before. I had called he Dr. office yesterday and they told me to make sure to increase my Water consumption as 48oz was not enough. I plan to up the water intake and will probably continue with collace or some other stool softener till I get this figured out. Right now sipping my Protein Shake and looking or a smooth (no pun intended) day.
All the best to everyone.

Post Op Day 4 Finish: 
Was able to hit the gym for a very slow 4mph elliptical workout for 15 min. Then drove through a carwash and stopped and did some shopping. The pain has pretty much subsided and is only and issue if I reach to stretch or sneeze. Believe me... sneezing will get your attention. Able to get in Water and Protein, but now wanting to chew something.
Last night while watching TV, started to get bummed a bit since all I saw was these freaking juicy burgers, nice looking burritos, juicy steaks... candy, ice cream... damn they were certainly targeting my fat arse… I feel like a product of my environment of which instant gratification with food has certainly changed since I was a kid. We were lucky to go to a McDonalds twice a year as to now, just whip in for a big mac snack. I did start to feel like hummmm… is this the rest of my life now... protein and water.
So I'm a reasonable man and try to put things in perspective. I guess for me it boils down to Quantity vs Quality. I know for a fact that I should not be attacking a 1/4 pounder, fish sandwich, large fries and a large Dr. Pepper. I know this has gotten me to the point that made me start researching VSG 2 years ago. And to be totally honest with myself I know that a filet mignon with steamed veggies would taste better and be better for me. Might take a little longer to prep or wait in a restaurant for it, but would be much better all the way around.
So much for rambling on, but just some of the thoughts running around my head as my new journey with food and a healthier lifestyle is starting.
Post Op Day 5 Start: 
Rise and shine.... did a few chores, Headed to the gym for another 15 min bout with the elliptical machine and then stop at the grocery store to buy a nice rib eye steak, asparagus and salad fixings. Not for me of course but for my wife. I felt a bit guilty the last few nights as my wife did not want to cook or eat in front of me. She shouldn't have to change because I want change. If she wants to that's one thing, but she certainly shouldn't feel guilty to eat or prep food around me. I just want to make sure this doesn't separate us from daily conversation at the dinner table.
Humm….. I just re-read the last 4-5 paragraphs and seems my mind is certainly off the pain of the surgery and now feelings are surfacing. Believe me... not a cream puff here , but definitely want to be aware of those around me and my own choices moving forward.
Have a great day all ! ! !

Hi Dana,
I was able to walk in the gym... first time in a few years and got on the elliptical and did 15 min @ 4mph. Nice and slow and that was it. I don't think I'm ready for resistance at this point but I more or less just wanted to get out and do some low end cardio. yeah... I won't be smelling the roses anytime soon... that sneeze hurt...
Hope all is well with you

Hi Iliana,
Sorry to hear you're going through a bit of difficulty. Everyone is different and hoping you turn the corner soon. I've been lucky that most of my pain is subsided. I've been walking as much as I can and that did relieve a lot of the gas pains for me. Now its just taking it easy and not overdoing it as I"m sure it'll take a month or so to fully recover or that's how I'm seeing it.
Hang in there... keep walking and get some better tasting Protein shakes.... believe it or not I've been dranking the Premier Protein and buying them at Sams Club. Just found a popsicle freezer thingy and put some in the freezer. The chocolate flavor reminds me of fudgesicles when I was a kid.
Hang in... keep up the good work and this too shall pass.

Hello all,
Hope everyone that has had the surgery is having a speedy recovery. For those yet to have the surgery, good luck and maybe my post op report below can help shed some light on my process.... everyone is different but this is how it has been so far.
Surgery day: Was told the day before that my surgery was at 3:15 in the afternoon... GRRRRR. I wanted the 7am slot that got assigned to someone else. The reason for this is I was told anyone with insulin diabetes will always go first. Makes sense because they can't have their shot before surgery. I received a call from the surgical team asking could I come to the hospital earlier than I was asked to, like 4 hour ahead of my scheduled time. Seems one of the patients before me canceled last minute. Anyway I got to the hospital checked in and within an hour was in the operating room. I woke up about 3 hours later and was told everything went well and carted off to my room. They gave me ice chips to take away that dehydrated mouth feeling and about here is where the fun started. Since being medicated, the incisions and tummy not bad at all. But the GAS pains in the upper chest area was very painful. After the nurses got me situations and a 1/2 cup of ices chips melted in my mouth, it was time to walk. The chest pain was not good at all, but walking helps. I walked around the floor twice with assistance, After the last walk I tried to get rest of which the primary care assistant woke me up every other hour. And it seems the nurse woke me up to give my pain meds as needed. As I mentioned the gas pain was far worst than the incisions.
Post Op Day 1: Started out with some chicken broth (damn that was good) nice an warm and wet. Got up brushed my teeth, washed my face then walked 6 laps around the floor. WALKING IS THE KEY TO GETTING RID OF THE GAS. About an hour after the broth I had a uninjury Protein Shake taking it slowly. I think it was like a 12 oz shake and drank it in about 45 Min. After that another 6 laps around the floor. Walking is a good thing and the gas pain started to subside. lunch was more broth and another Protein shake then another 6 laps around the floor. After surgery most will have elevated white blood cell count, which is normal, but could also mean infection. I was told that they would perform another blood test @ 3pm and if they was decreasing I could go home, but I certainly had the option to stay the second night. Got the results of the second blood test around 4pm and the call was mine to stay or leave. I wanted to go home. The gas pains went from a about a 8 on the pain scale to 1 by the end of the first day. Got home and took some medication and off to bed for a good nights rest.
Post Op Day 2: Got up in the middle of the night and took pain meds. Now the gas pain is pretty much gone and the incision area a little sore, but not bad at all. jumped in the shower and now feel great. The incision areas are not bad as long as you take it easy. Reduced the amount of pain meds and just had a protein shake and got my Water to sip on. Getting ready to take my dogs for a walk (about a mile). All in all I"m doing pretty well and just focusing on small sips of water and spacing the shake out over 1/2 hour or so. No rush I guess is the key.
If I could recommend just a few things to make the early recovery go well it would be to WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK AND SIPPING WATER.
All the best to everyone as we embark on a newer better way of healthy lifestyle,
MassMan

Best of luck Colorado Cowgirl ! ! !
You got this.... If I can do it anyone can. As read on pretty much most of the posts on this forum the number one pain is gas pain. Walk, walk, walk and do more walking. About 4 hours after my surgery you can bet your arse that I did not want to get up and walk.... but it certainly started to alleviate some of the gas pains and in 1-2 days was pretty much gone. That and small sipping as much as you can....
Take your time... go slow and can't wait to hear how you're doing.

You’re doing so well and have such a great attitude @MassMan! Keep up the great work and good luck on the elliptical today . I made the mistake of doing some resistance bands too early (not realizing it would engage my core!) and set my recovery back by about a week.
That sneeze could be your new “I’m full” signal. Has something to do with the vagus nerve . I don’t get it as often now but right after surgery a sneeze or hiccups were my cue I was done.
Keep up the great work and I know your day to day posting is helping many 😎

After 1 wk post op, started my Proteins and Vitamins. I feel so much better. I’m still working on getting my Water in. But that Protein Shake hit the spot. I wasn’t able to finish it all but it was still better than just clears liquids.

Hello all,
Hope everyone that has had the surgery is having a speedy recovery. For those yet to have the surgery, good luck and maybe my post op report below can help shed some light on my process.... everyone is different but this is how it has been so far.
Surgery day: Was told the day before that my surgery was at 3:15 in the afternoon... GRRRRR. I wanted the 7am slot that got assigned to someone else. The reason for this is I was told anyone with insulin diabetes will always go first. Makes sense because they can't have their shot before surgery. I received a call from the surgical team asking could I come to the hospital earlier than I was asked to, like 4 hour ahead of my scheduled time. Seems one of the patients before me canceled last minute. Anyway I got to the hospital checked in and within an hour was in the operating room. I woke up about 3 hours later and was told everything went well and carted off to my room. They gave me ice chips to take away that dehydrated mouth feeling and about here is where the fun started. Since being medicated, the incisions and tummy not bad at all. But the GAS pains in the upper chest area was very painful. After the nurses got me situations and a 1/2 cup of ices chips melted in my mouth, it was time to walk. The chest pain was not good at all, but walking helps. I walked around the floor twice with assistance, After the last walk I tried to get rest of which the primary care assistant woke me up every other hour. And it seems the nurse woke me up to give my pain meds as needed. As I mentioned the gas pain was far worst than the incisions.
Post Op Day 1: Started out with some chicken broth (damn that was good) nice an warm and wet. Got up brushed my teeth, washed my face then walked 6 laps around the floor. WALKING IS THE KEY TO GETTING RID OF THE GAS. About an hour after the broth I had a uninjury Protein Shake taking it slowly. I think it was like a 12 oz shake and drank it in about 45 Min. After that another 6 laps around the floor. Walking is a good thing and the gas pain started to subside. lunch was more broth and another Protein shake then another 6 laps around the floor. After surgery most will have elevated white blood cell count, which is normal, but could also mean infection. I was told that they would perform another blood test @ 3pm and if they was decreasing I could go home, but I certainly had the option to stay the second night. Got the results of the second blood test around 4pm and the call was mine to stay or leave. I wanted to go home. The gas pains went from a about a 8 on the pain scale to 1 by the end of the first day. Got home and took some medication and off to bed for a good nights rest.
Post Op Day 2: Got up in the middle of the night and took pain meds. Now the gas pain is pretty much gone and the incision area a little sore, but not bad at all. jumped in the shower and now feel great. The incision areas are not bad as long as you take it easy. Reduced the amount of pain meds and just had a protein shake and got my Water to sip on. Getting ready to take my dogs for a walk (about a mile). All in all I"m doing pretty well and just focusing on small sips of water and spacing the shake out over 1/2 hour or so. No rush I guess is the key.
If I could recommend just a few things to make the early recovery go well it would be to WALK, WALK, WALK, WALK AND SIPPING WATER.
All the best to everyone as we embark on a newer better way of healthy lifestyle,
MassMan

Post Op Day 3 Finish:
Day 3 finish was a little interesting.... that beef broth I was looking forward to... YUCK AND DOUBLE YUCK. Drove my wife up to the pizza shop to grab her a chicken Caesar salad.... Got back home and I started on my broth.... boy did that suck. and that Caesar salad looked better than any Caesar salad I've ever saw or smelled. Had just a couple sips and then left the table.
Then there was this sneeze that had I been standing would have knocked me to the ground. This increased the pain back up to around a 3 and took some Tylenol and kept it horizonal the rest of the night. That was pretty much it for the rest of the night along with finishing off another 16 oz. of Water for a grand total of 48oz.
Post Op Day 4 Start:
Its early and feeling pretty darn good. Slipped on some gym shorts and after I finish my Protein drink will head off to the gym where I've been a member since 2009. But I don't think I made it through the doors last year... . I plan on starting very slow on the elliptical for 15-20 and see where that takes me. Mostly just getting out of the house to start a new routine to include some exercise. Feeling good... optimistic and mostly just miss chewing something right now. This weekend I get to start smooth foods.... yee freakin haa… Looking forward to a couple of scrambles eggs diluted with milk/cream. Guess I'll skip the wheat toast and marmalade..

Post Op Day 2 Finish:
Forgot to mention that Day 2 began with a nice warm shower. Then took off he bandages (they are like new skin Band-Aids to hold the gauze on). To finish up Day 2 things went as expected. The Gas pains were very low and was able to get in 3 Protein Shakes total and about 40 oz of Water. Total for the day, took my dogs for a walk twice, slow and easy. Took a pill cutter and cut up Tylenol 650mg regular and took those just before bed and actually sleep pretty well.
Post Op Day 3 Start:
Got up did my normal bathroom routine and downstairs to get a Protein Drink in. They are actually pretty good. The Premier Protein I buy at Sam's seems to do the trick. I have both chocolate and vanilla and ordered a variety pack from Amazon with Bananas and cream, Caramel. Key to those for me is VERY cold. Called two of my kids and we went out for some retail therapy at Cabela's. It feels good to get out and the gas pain is pretty much gone. The incision pain I will say is very minimal like a 1 on the scale. Just taking is slow and steady seems to be working. I have yet to have a #2, but will start with Miralax tomorrow if that doesn't come naturally. I am passing lots of wind which is probably why the gas pains are pretty much gone.
My doctor just called and asked me if the gas was gone and was I having any fever, chills or pain above 3 scale. I must say that this whole experience so far has went well for me.
Looking forward to some nice warm beef broth tonight... party time...

Let me tell you I ordered three boxes of this haha so I have to get rid of it somehow I will try freezing it. Hopefully that does the trick for me.

Post Op Day 3 Finish:
Day 3 finish was a little interesting.... that beef broth I was looking forward to... YUCK AND DOUBLE YUCK. Drove my wife up to the pizza shop to grab her a chicken Caesar salad.... Got back home and I started on my broth.... boy did that suck. and that Caesar salad looked better than any Caesar salad I've ever saw or smelled. Had just a couple sips and then left the table.
Then there was this sneeze that had I been standing would have knocked me to the ground. This increased the pain back up to around a 3 and took some Tylenol and kept it horizonal the rest of the night. That was pretty much it for the rest of the night along with finishing off another 16 oz. of Water for a grand total of 48oz.
Post Op Day 4 Start:
Its early and feeling pretty darn good. Slipped on some gym shorts and after I finish my Protein drink will head off to the gym where I've been a member since 2009. But I don't think I made it through the doors last year... . I plan on starting very slow on the elliptical for 15-20 and see where that takes me. Mostly just getting out of the house to start a new routine to include some exercise. Feeling good... optimistic and mostly just miss chewing something right now. This weekend I get to start smooth foods.... yee freakin haa… Looking forward to a couple of scrambles eggs diluted with milk/cream. Guess I'll skip the wheat toast and marmalade..

the caramel is really good too!