Shontel

Its hard for me to recognize hunger anymore. I'm only a month out but like Tiffy, I remind myself to eat..the drinking, just find something that soothes you, broth? lemon water? something that you like, as much as possible. I also have to agree with Tiffy on the smells...I think I'm getting past it but still have my moments. I know it gets better with time so hopefully you'll finds ways to work around this and get some liquids and nutrition in.

Dr. Zapata did my surgery on November 29th. I would go with him again in a heartbeat. The facility he uses Santa Engracia (sp) hospital is IMMACULATE. The nursing staff is excellent, even though they don't all speak english, I had no problems showing them what I needed. Feel free to send me a private message if you have any additional questions. Dr. Z has a very very patient, kind, bedside manner, and I know I called him on his cell phone several times with questions...he ALWAYS answered and spoke with me kindly. Since I have been back we have exchanged emails regurarly, he even emailed me back on Christmas day when I had a question. He's top notch!

OK, I have an appointment tomorrow at 10:00am. Found a surgeon that consulted with my ER doc...he even does VSG's...yay...oh, but cash only of course (big surprise there) Meanwhile, the pain is horrible. I wish I knew how to post a pic here..but the incision site is cherry red and protruding. I just pray for relief...just want this pain to go away! I'm scared of what they are going to have to do, what I'm going to have to go through, but anything has to be better than this. I remember reading a post by someone recently that said they just drained in office, didn't have time to freeze or numb it, people had to hold her down...I'm no woos...but I'm praying that's not the scenerio for me.

I had a similar experience for the first time the other night. I ate some chicken noodle soup in a REGULAR bowl (mistake #1) instead of my little dip bowls I normally eat in...and mistake #2 not paying attention. By the time I felt full and put it down I knew I'd overdone it...lemme tell you, a heart attack, weakness,soaked with sweat, felt like I had to faint....I had about 4-5 spasms in about 30 minutes...(I don't have a gall bladder either, so I knew I'd just overdone it) and I did nothing but dry heave. what was weird was that is when I had my lap band and got 'sick' I knew it was coming...but I could NOT vomit! what gives here? could it have slid through so soon?? all I know is it was pain that radiated from my chest through my right side and back....I felt like I couldn't breath...AWFUL...I'm pretty sure that will be enough to teach me a lesson!

InternetAngel...same situation with me...pain meds don't do ANYTHING for the pain. So so tender...feverish...I'm so ready for tomorrow, I just want to deal with it, this has been going on for over a week! Tiffy-WOW...what am I whining about after hearing your story!!

OK so I'm kinda cross posting from my blog but I hope to find someone who has had a similar experience. I have been having extreme pain for about a week. The pain is where my large incision is on my left side. 2 nights ago I noticed a knot the size of an orange over my incision. I was also red and extremely warm. So, went to the ER yesterday..had a contrast CT scan..and it shows a accumulation of fluid/blood/abcess? I was put on strong antibiotics and given the number of a surgeon (who does sleeves) (refresher-I had my surgery in Mexico Nov 27th) So Monday if this doesn't begin to go down on its own I will probably have to have it DRAINED...I'm just picturing an elephant needle/syringe. Or perhaps a tube style drain?? I am so worried...and in so much pain. Anyone been through anything similar? Oh, the good news is that found the sleeve to be perfect with no leaks..yay...one good thing! anyones comments on their personal stories are really appreciated.

Well, since my New Orleans trip, I have been having pain in my left side by my big incision. Pretty much worse than post op. I just kept dealing with it, can't bend over without being in pain...so Christmas eve night, I noticed above my large incision, a ball formed about the size of an orange...and it was warm & red. My fiance' & I decided we'd go to the ER Christmas morning in the hopes it wouldn't be busy. (my kiddo's are all older so no worries there) So, long drawn out story short, I had a contrast CT scan done...which shows a large accumulation of fluid? Blood? abcess? They put me on mega antibiotics and said that I have to contact this surgeon on Monday. Apparently, if it doesn't go down on its own, it will have to be DRAINED...ok...now, look, my thresh hold for pain is HIGH....but this is some serious pain. Well a real tenderness....so the thought of an elephant syringe/needle or even worse...another cut...with a tube drain...the thought just makes me want to cry...in fact that's pretty much what I have been doing since Christmas Eve. On a high note, the CT image w/contrast showed absolutely no leak in my sleeve...and believe me, drinking 3 glasses of that Metalic Crystal Light was NO FUN!!! (Can you say nausea?) Well, I guess I just had to vent...I know that if this doesn't go down, draining it will probably provide immediate relief. I mean I'm a month out so I guess I just figured if this was going to happen it already would have. If anyone is reading this and have had a similar situation feel free to comment...I'm scared to have the draining process, but look forward to some relief.

You look Fantastic! I always love seeing before and afters! Can't wait to do mine! Keep on inspiring us girl!!

Ok, so I'm a big Saints fan, and my fiance and I decided to go to New Orleans this weekend for the Dallas-New Orleans game (big bummer Saints lost!) Anyhow, it was my fist time back to New Orleans since VSG. We travel to New Orleans a lot. Its one of my very favorite places to go and since its only about a 3 hour drive its a great weekend trip. So, I'm not 100% but I was glad to get away. I just had a flood of feelings...first the food. New Orleans is known for its top notch food and dining. I thought, no problem...bought some protien shakes in a cooler...but I wanted to just be normal...everywhere we went I was like, no way can I eat this, no way can I drink these collosal drinks...and the waitresses...can I just say....please don't comment on what I do or don't eat...if I clean my plate, I never remember them saying...wow you sure do have a healthy appetite...but they sure don't mind saying...is the food alright? no one ever leaves any of the crab cake...I felt embarrassed! I think my fiance was too, the second time we went out to eat, he ate some of my leftovers so it wouldn't look like I had so much left...I also found myself looking at everyone doubting myself. Feeling like a freak almost...like I didn't belong in the restaurant....and I always liked to drink. I admit it. I'm a full blooded cajun and drinking goes along with our love of food. I drank a bloody mary (delicious) but took an hour to finish it, and I was good, but then my fiance' was like bring her another one...I wanted to tell him, I'm not the old Shontel, I'm a new one, heck, in the 'old' days I could finish 2 or 3 in no time...(sigh) I know this will get better, I mean I'm 23 days post op...but I don't want to have to explain myself, I'm paying for my meal no matter how much I eat! OK, off my soapbox...the other thing I noticed is my stamina...I really thought I had more than what I did. Couldn't walk or stand for long periods. Burbon St...are you kidding me? Soooooo many people. I just wanted to veg out in the room. I felt like I was disappointing my fiance' even though he was very understanding and took good care of me..then, my left side where they removed the port and pulled my stomach out is really hurting...to the point of all I can do is sit or lie on my couch, maybe I just wasn't ready for such a trip. My head can't keep up with my mending body. I hope and pray I get my strength back! I'm tired of being tired!!

Gwen, I had a lap band for 3 years then, had it removed on 11/27/09 and got the sleeve. I had my surgery through Dr. Zapata also! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!!

Tiffy...better than sex?? well I'm going find me something crunchy...lol lol!!! You are just too funny! deedee thanks so much!

Tiffy..The egg was yummy! wheybolic...not so much...thanks for the info on the protien pack. I'm just not feeling this sweet crap. I did try the Oh Yeah strawberry premixed drink...HEAVEN...I'm buying a whole case when I can get my hands on one. 32 g of protien in like 13 oz or so...my kinda drink...btw..I LOVE all of your posts, they are so insightful and informative!!

ok, so today I was feeling much better, and maybe a little froggy. On a whim, I met my fiance' at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I'd been contemplating trying more than soup and yoghurt on my mushies but up to now had been too chicken. Well, I just did it...I ordered an over easy egg with some grits, and ya know what? I ate about half of the egg and a few bites of grits...no problemo!! I was SO EXCITED. I did chew it till it was a pulp, but it tasted so good! Later I felt even more froggy and made a recipe I think I found here...maybe eggface...ricotta, marinaria & parmesan baked....yuuuummmmyyy....got about 1/4 c down and it was devine!! I never knew simple foods could taste so darn good!! Oh, I also received my can of Unjury Chicken Soup, and it is YUMMY! I was so tired of sweet shakes...so savory and warm for this cold weather! Has tons of ideas for recipes also. So, all in all...I think today was a resounding success for me...I'm progressing, slowly but surley, to normal foods. Yee ha! Stay Tuned.

I have been doing the same exact thing! I'm almost a month out....I've been pulling out all my cookbooks, cooking magazines, watching food network...its been ridiculous! I think, for myself, its about my relationship with food...I have always loved to cook...always loved to read recipes, try different things, I know I won't give that up, in fact, I've cooked up a storm since my surgery..my family is VERY happy...ha ha ha....My mom had RNY..she did the same thing...couldn't EAT the food, but still loved food, preparing, thinking about it...I'm the same way, just because we have to eat in a different way, doesn't mean we have to 'give up' food, or our relationship with it.

Itstime, I'm on Prilosec 40mg also, have to stay on for 3 months as well. Thanks for the comments everyone!!

My first entry here. No special story to speak of, My start weight is 235 at the hospital, which I went to Monterrey Mexico. Today, Dec 15th I'm down 21 pounds. I am on mushy foods, but I have to admit the only real mushies I've had is ground down tuna salad and Popeyes mashed potatoes with extra gravy. (yum by the way) I tried a mashed sweet potato with butter, sugar & cinnamon but it just wasn't happening, 2 bites was all I could manage. Did I mention I'm a revision from Lap-Band? Had it for 3 years, lost 60 pounds, gained 30 back...I'm going to try an egg tomorrow for breakfast...will keep my fingers crossed on that. I've not been having any problems getting in my fluids, and have been getting my 60 g of protien, but not without dread. Still looking for drinks that I can tolerate. Isopure is ok..tolerable. Also, I'm on GNC Wheybolic? something...ok I guess...I've just ordered some Unjury Chicken Soup, so really hope this is as good as the reviews are...Also trying the Calcet chews, and Biariatric Advantage chewables...I'm on Tums & Flinstones (can we say G R I T??) So here's to the future...stay tuned :001_tongue:

I'm curious to see how long its been since your surgery, this forum seems relatively new, and I know the sleeve surgery as a stand alone surgery is gaining popularity, has anyone here been sleeved longer than 2,3 or 4 years?

I've swallowed my prilosec cap from 3 days out with no problem.

Can yall share some info that your individual docs/nutritionists gave you regarding daily requirements? Calcium? What about Iron? I'm currently taking Flintstones but have been trouble finding specific VSG requirements, are they the same as Gastric Bypass requirements? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks yall!!

I think you will be good, I was totally filled...irritated, you have one up on me for that. On another note, I did have my daughter with me so she helped a little, but the mexican nurses were GREAT. I was surprised that most spoke no english at all, but we somehow communicated. It was amazing. When I felt sick...I just pointed to my throat and up to my mouth, they knew what I was talking about, body language goes a LONG way...they were all really wanting to make me better, no attitudes, only quality care. I must have rang that nurse bell a hundred times they'd always come in with a concerned, compassionate look...nothing like what I've experienced at times in US. (no offense intended to US nurses please, just my experience) I would have done it by myself, make SURE you get assistance at the airport afterwards!!

Tracy, I had similar experiences with my band also. It worked, it didn't work..I went to Mexico (Monterrey) thinking (as 2 different docs suspected) that I had an erosion. After the endo, it was found I didn't. Well, I was already there...the doc said he could do it (Dr. Zapata is absolutely FABULOUS) so rather than coming back, I said lets GO FOR IT...I did have a lot of adhesions around my band. And when they removed it and did the sleeve, the portion where the band was ended up swelling severely...shut off completely, hence I was vomiting for 2 days....once that subsided, it was a breeze. I'm down 17 pounds in 1 week!! I would do it over again in a heartbeat. Band to Sleeve revisions are a little different and need to be watched closely..but it seems from where you've come from, it should be a breeze...will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, let me know if you have any questions, glad to help with any info I can.

Hello all, I just had a band to sleeve revision around a week ago. I'm doing great, down 17 pounds my first week..yay me! I wanted to talk about something I learned awhile ago about generally listening your body. I had the lap band for 3 years prior and I learned to listen to my body over the years. 1. Head Hunger CAN be controlled. 2. When you take a bite, not only should you chew, but visualize the food going through. Put your fork down. Think about when you have a flouro and drink the barium...it takes seconds to slide down, solid food takes longer. This helped me so much and is helping me now, I learned how to 'NOTICE' my food going through, slight signals. 3. If you feel bad or have a bad day...forgive yourself..and THANK YOUR BODY for letting you know... Hope these few things help!

I had a band to sleeve revision a week ago today. I had major vomiting for 3 solid days, I couldn't even lay down. My doc explained to me that the area my band was removed was swollen shut. I was totally and utterly uncomfortable drain on one side, IV on next, felt like a zombie, couldn't sleep, when I did I would wake up vomiting(or should I say dry heaving..nothing to throw up). Once it went away and and swelling went down, and I could take fluids on my own I got to go home. I stayed in the hospital a total of 4 days. I hope you are doing better, know that there are others that have gone through it and made it through...Good Luck!!

Thanks Linda, I am there already...lol..these forums are so very helpful in terms of information and personal stories...love them!

Well...I'm looking at my past post to my blog...I'm so very devasted. It looks like my band has eroded. It is the end of my band life, and not by choice. I'm praying the erosion is not severe and my healing will go ok. With everything going on in my life, I don't know how I'll cope but I know I will find my inner strength. I'm praying for the best!