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Everything posted by Starwarsandcupcakes
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VSG to RNY due to Gerd
I had a VSG December 2019. In March ended up developing a hiatal hernia and severe GERD. It was so bad I was on protonix, Pepcid, ans Tums for the reflux. I had also developed intractable hiccups esophagitis from the GERD. I had a VSG to RNY on 8/11 so I’m only 3 weeks out. I will say that I don’t remember being in this much pain after my VSG but the GERD is pretty much gone as far as I can tell. Still on the protonix twice a day until I’m 3months post-op.
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Almost 3wks post-op and still in pain
I had a VSG to RNY on 8/11. I was in a ton of pain in the hospital for most of the visit. When I left I was prescribed pain medication and ended up taking the whole thing over the course of the last couple weeks which is something I’ve never done before. Ive resorted to taking Tylenol several times a day along with icyhot on areas that feel like pulled muscles. I’m even using a heating pad most of the day as well. I’ve even resorted to using one of those motorized carts when doing the shopping because if I don’t, I can’t stand for long periods of time. I can also tell if I go long times between eating. I accidentally skipped breakfast the other day because I wasn’t hungry and my shoulder and stomach were in so much pain. I’m also in pain around 20 minutes after I get done eating right where my stomach would be. Im starting to feel like I’m old and frail instead of in my mid 30’s! Is this pretty much par for the course or do I need to call my doctor? My next appointment isn’t until Thursday.
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GERD, PPI's and low WBC
You could talk to them about switching to an H2 blocker (Pepcid) instead of a PPI (Protonix). I had to take both (and tums for breakthrough reflux) for about a month because the reflux was so bad before my VSG to RNY revision I was having hiccups I couldn’t deal with anymore.
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How long between insurance approval and surgery date?
For my VSG it was about a month. For my VSG to RNY revision 15 days but also took an appeal after denial. The whole process from first file to approval of appeal took 32 days.
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I still can't drink water
I had a similar problem. Powerade zero and Gatorade zero helped a bunch. I also had a lot of luck with broths as well. Being able to drink water by itself again came back around 3-4 months after surgery. Just try and stay hydrated any day you can.
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EGD experiences
I’ve had 2 and I remember neither of the actual procedures just the prep and waking up after. Bit of a sore throat and groggy after but back to normal the next day. ?
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Favorite Grocery Products
Here in the US I know we have this brand of 100% peanut butter with no added sugar or salt that I absolutely love! So if an US peeps can find or order the Mayver’s
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Stating Pre-Op diet today
I’d have died without it. Literally had different flavors for different cravings.
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Stating Pre-Op diet today
Drink lots of water and if you’re allowed chew sugar free gum. I found the gum helped a ton with the need to chew.
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I may have a small problem...
Even after my VSG I was still drinking at least one a day, mostly for “breakfast” mixed with coffee seeing as I work nightshift on the weekends and the thought of eating a full blown meal at 3pm when I wake up is a huge turn off.
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I may have a small problem...
I’m currently on my second round of pre-op diet as I had a VSG in December 2019 and am having a revision to RNY in a few days but over the last year I’ve amassed quite a collection of protein powder and drinks. I’ve gone through 2 other 2lb tubs of the syntrax nectars and I’ve lost count of the protein shakes. But yeah, I may be hoarding protein powder and shakes. Anyone else do this? I need to know I’m not alone. ?
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Tmi . Does your private area smell stronger?
Make sure you stay hydrated. When urine gets concentrated it smells very strongly, even worse if you’re a diabetic. Lingering traces and stress incontinence issues can make it seem even worse. If you can, try wearing pantyliners for a while to see if that helps some. Along with what others have said, our bodies so weird things when burning fat for fuel.
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Nausea from protein shakes/powder
Syntrax nectars and matrix are definitely some of my favorites. I use the unflavored one in lots of stuff to boost the protein content. You can mix it with unsweetened applesauce pretty well. The lemonade one is great blended with water and ice.
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How did you pick your doctor?
Mine worked with my dad for over a year to try and save his leg before they ultimately amputated. I’m thoroughly convinced he saved my dad’s life. I actually met him at one of my dad’s post op appointments 2 years before I needed him. Fast forward to April 2019 and I need an appendectomy and he’s the surgeon I chose for that. At my post op he invited me to a bariatric seminar and he did my sleeve in December 2019. He’s also my surgeon for my RNY revision this coming Tuesday. I don’t think I could trust another surgeon with what he does.
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Favorite Grocery Products
They have a lot of good options and their produce is usually cheaper than other stores, at least in my area. Also, their protein powder is pretty decent for 170 calories a serving and 30g of protein.
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Is anyone else as disappointed...
My case isn’t typical. I developed a hernia in March that has lead to some severe GERD, esophagitis and inflammation because of it. I’m actually having revision surgery this coming Tuesday to fix everything. I do agree with the others. While your surgeon and nutritionist may say 600 calories a day, try adding an extra 100-200 calories and see if that helps. Stalls happen a lot. We just have to figure out what works for us to break through them.
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Is anyone else as disappointed...
My VSG was December 17, 2019 as of today I’ve lost 49lbs. That’s in 8 months. So yes, it is frustrating to know you’re doing everything you were told and not getting where you think you should be.
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Favorite Grocery Products
I’m also buying the Healthy Choice dressings. They’re a great marinade for chicken or just on salads. I also love the torani sugar free syrups for coffee or in plain Greek yogurt.
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Favorite Grocery Products
I buy a lot of turkey bacon but my kids eat more of it than I do. Since my VSG I’ve notice plant protein sits a lot better I’ve added pictures of 2 of my favorites. The Lightlife sausage is a great ground beef replacement. I still eat a lot of chicken and shrimp that I cook in the air fryer because it’s not as dry that way. I also buy A LOT of zucchini and tomatoes and mushrooms.
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I’ve always wanted??!! What are yours?
I’ve always wanted to wear a backless gown.
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Full liquids starts tomorrow!
Pumpkin spice smoothie- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 8oz almond milk, 1/2 c pumpkin purée, 1/2-1tsp pumpkin spice mix blend with ice. Blend. Makes 2 servings Decaf Mocha- 1tsp decaf instant coffee, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 cup water or almond milk, ice. Blend. Makes 2 servings. Creamy chicken soup- 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk, 1 cup skim milk, 1 cup water, 2tsp chicken bouillon, dash celery salt, garlic and onion powder. Blend milk and nonfat milk powder. Add to pan with other ingredients. Heat over medium until warmed. Makes 2-4 servings. Potato soup- 1 medium potato peeled and boiled. 1 cup skim milk, 1/4c nonfat dry milk, spices of choice (I use a little season salt and garlic powder) 1/2-1c water to thin if needed. Blend everything and warm over medium heat. Makes 2-3 servings. Homemade protein pudding- 2 cups skim milk, 1/4c nonfat dry milk, 2 egg yolks, 2T sweetener or sugar free syrup, 1 1/2 tsp corn starch 1-2 cups skim milk. Heat 2c milk and nonfat dry milk over medium until it just starts to bubble. In a bowl add remaining ingredients and combine. Slowly add warm milk into egg yolk mixture and whisk like life depends on it. Add back to pan and cook over low until thickened to liking. Cool in a shallow dish in fridge and make sure you cover in plastic wrap touching pudding surface.
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Seasonings
Curry powder, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, garlic and onion powder for almost everything, ginger, pumpkin spice for homemade shakes, once you get to solids again try dukkah seasoning. I'm also using a southwest chili protein powder from the BariatricPal store for tossing veggies in before baking or sautéing. So good!
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Nausea from protein shakes/powder
I’m on my second round of pre-op liquid diet (did it in December) and I have noticed this time that they’re a lot tougher to drink. Today I’ve only managed 2. I think I’m going to just end up using powders and make my own. Those go down much better than the ready to drink ones.
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I spent a lot of money on protein but I can't drink any of it
Too hot if liquids can cause clumping. It might be the protein powder you use. I use syntrax most of the time and it is but I also have found that some of the plant based protein powders are better for people who are averse to milk. Try Vega. It’s pretty good. Oh and I also blend a lot of mine with almond milk or water and ice. It changes the consistency a bit and makes them easier to drink.
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Gastric Sleeve Nerves and Anxiety! Questions!
I’m going to preface this with- totally worth it, would do it again in a heartbeat. That being said, I vomited for several hours after surgery that I remember. I tend to be really sensitive to anesthesia. My biggest issue once home was having a bowel movement but some magnesium citrate took care of that. I didn’t have much pain at all and wasn’t really ever hungry either. I did have some issues with certain foods after like room temp water was an issue for a long time. However, I did develop a love of protein pretzels and other crunchy snacks. In 3 1/2 months (mid December [264] to March [230]) I lost 34lbs making for a total of 95 including presurgery. I didn’t go back to work for 9 weeks but that’s because I also had knee surgery doing to same leave period. After mid March I didn’t haven’t lost much else (currently 218) but I attribute that to developing a new hiatal hernia, severe GERD, intractable hiccups and esophagitis causing a ton of inflammation. I’m having surgery to correct them on the 11th. Like I said though, would do it again in a heartbeat even with the hiccups (literal and figurative) along the way.