lisafrommassachusetts

I do every day and post op too no issues that's the only way for me to get sweetness in my tea or coffee

Hello! My name is Judi. I had my surgery December 9, 2019. I am five weeks out and have lost 23 pounds since my surgery. I have lost a total of 68 pounds since starting this process around this time last year.

Back in 2017, I decided to quit smoking after a 35 year relationship with cigarettes. As a result, I gained 70 pounds and developed additional health problems. I knew I had to do something. So I got serious about wanting the surgery and doing what I had to in order to get healthy.

So here I am, 68 pounds lighter and still continuing on my journey to a healthier life.

should be fine -

In preparation, I've gone out and gotten new tattoos:

I just found out (yesterday!) that I am having the surgery on Feb. 3, and started reading more posts and your posts made me really laugh. I am glad you are going first, and will be looking for reality based or at least reality adjacent updates. You know, if you live through it, I mean. I don't want to be haunted by you, I don't even know you!

Did you have a drainage tube or catheter in the hospital? -No
Did you have to go home with a drainage tube? -No

Were you able to sleep on your stomach when you came home? If no, how long was it until you could? -No, it hurt to. I am 6 days out and still can’t. But I can sleep on my side.
I’ve heard people recommend having a pillow for your stomach? Does that help if your surgery was laparoscopic? - yes. Have extra pillows. Even if it’s so you can stay propped up comfortably in your own bed. This was the best advice someone gave me.
And last but not least...is there anything you wish you would have known about what you would experience after surgery. - I wish I would have known about all the emotions I would experience after surgery. It was a dark time for me this first week. Mourning is very real and not being able to eat real food plays with you! My best advice is exactly what everyone says, walk. It really helped me recharge myself.

Did you have a drainage tube or catheter in the hospital? No
Did you have to go home with a drainage tube? No
Were you able to sleep on your stomach when you came home? If no, how long was it until you could? My Dr. said I could but it wasn't comfortable
I’ve heard people recommend having a pillow for your stomach? Does that help if your surgery was laparoscopic? I brought my pillow to use in the hospital but didn't need it for the trip home
And last but not least...is there anything you wish you would have known about what you would experience after surgery. I wish someone would have told me that it's normal to mourn the way I used to be able to eat a lot. For example going out to a nice dinner or Thanksgiving and not being able to eat more than a few bites and being a little sad about it. It does get better with time and soon you'll adjust to a new normal and will be happy that you can only take a few bites and now have control over your eating......Good luck!

Just got my surgery date... February 3rd. I'm excited/ nervous!!

Feb 4, 2020....

Just got my surgery date... February 3rd. I'm excited/ nervous!!

I'm hoping for February! I see the surgeon on Jan. 14th to get a date. Hope to join you all!

I quit smoking 11 years ago, and I used Chantix. I had quit SOOOO many times; used the patch, Wellbutrin, Nicorette gum (used that for almost a year, and started smoking as soon as I finally got off the gum), hypnosis, cold turkey, cold turkey with a support group, etc. The Chantix gave me enough of a gap between me and the cravings to do the hard head work to address and finally come to terms with my addiction. I had a great prescriber, who really worked with me. At the full dose the side effects were too much for me, so she dialed it back (stomach stuff, mostly). She kept me on longer, and did a really slow taper to get me off. I also had some gum in reserve when I quit the Chantix, but did not need it. You can do this!

I'm hoping for February! I see the surgeon on Jan. 14th to get a date. Hope to join you all!

Thank you again, everyone. I got some Iconic Protein brand; sweetened with Stevia and it is not Whey, 130 calories; 20 G protein and I seem to be able to drink it without any distress. I got it from Amazon (4 sample size chocolate truffle.) I'll try a couple of other flavors, but I am so far quite relieved!

Thank you for your help. It's a bit daunting!

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