baritheri

26 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

I’m in the midst of a stall I think...... so I’m just waiting for it to get moving again.
I started exercising more this last week (I couldn’t earlier due to blood pressure issues) so I’m hoping that it jumpstarts my body again.

How many ounces can you take in of solids at once? I can have about one and a half ounces of chicken and a few bites of potatoes and I’m done. Fish I can have a bit more at two ounces. Two egg whites is too much for me to eat at once and I have to stick to one hard boiled egg white for lunch (that’s it, just a hard boiled egg white)
I feel as though their expectations are a tad much. They are saying 2 meals, two Protein supplements, and 1-2 Snacks. The serving size for my upcoming stage is 2-3 ounces of Protein and a quarter cup of veggies/side dish and there is just no way that’s going to happen... I can barely choke down HALF the protein without feeling full. 😬

I honestly dont know im not really doing the portiom thing ... i eat as much or as little qs my body asks... i am just trying to avoid sugar carbs and all that extra stuff and taking my Vitamins as directed... i am walking/jogging 3-5 miles 4 times a week

2 hours ago, Orinskye said:

I weigh myself very infrequently. I just did and I am 265. I’ve lost about 30 pounds since surgery on March 24 (so it’s been about 5 weeks) . The big number is from my highest weight though. I’ve lost 65 pounds from my highest “I am so out of control ....eye opening .....need to get my life together” moment. Lol

Furthering my determination to be successful: I was just informed yesterday that my brother (who is only 1 year older than myself) is going into dialysis due to kidney failure. I have kidney disease as well..... we both got it from my dad.... who got it from HIS dad. My grandfather died at 42 due to kidney failure and his symptoms were sever just like my brother. my brother is a healthy weight but his kidney issues are worse than mine.
One reason for my decision to get surgery was because it would help preserve my kidneys and make them function better. That reasoning is now at the forefront in light of what my brother is now going through. I just got a big reality check. So glad I did this.

That's awesome 👏👏👏... you are doing great... ive also lost 30 pounds and my surgery was on March 2nd. My highest was 216, Surgery weight was 210 I am at 180 now... absolutely best decision ever made!

5 days later how you feeling @Orinskye

@Orinskye how are u feeling today?

37 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

Surgery went well. I don’t know what I said or did while I was out of it, but everyone was all like “ohhhhh. I know YOU!” Do you remember me?!”🤨

My check in was 7:45, I don’t know what time surgery was because my phone was out away the whole time and I had no glasses on. But I finally got my phone back in recovery about 1:00.

im not doing too good on liquids/protein though. I got home at 5 pm and I have only gotten down about 10 ounces today. I pretty much passed out as soon as I got home so I have pretty much been asleep all day 🤷🏼‍♀️

I thought about you all day today... i am glad to hear your home... my dr. Told me not to worry about oz the first day do as much as u can and dont push yourself... start tomorrow use the little cups they gave u and time ur shots through out the day!!! You got this !!!

2 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

Hopefully when he sees that it is the best decision I ever made he will feel differently about it and consider it for himself. He’s got a lot going on (out of work over a year due to covid, hes severely obese himself at probably 400 pounds.... so he may be feeling some jealousy..... he’s insecure.... etc.)

All his issues I can’t fix. That’s on him. Just like he couldn’t fix me and I had to do it myself and get the help I needed.

Im in this for me and my kids. I want to be able to PLAY with them. I chased my four year old for the first time the other day. He laughed like a crazy person. It was the most amazing feeling to be able to move more freely and not be in excruciating pain with each step. I guess everyone reaches their limit where they put their foot down and do something about it. I just reached mine before he did.

Sounds like a alot i commend you for taking this step towards your health... you're right he'll make the change when he's ready... indirectly i think the example your giving him is better than anything you could tell him... sorry if im over stepping... my name is beri theri... because i am a therapist ... and the therapist in me always comes out.... definitely focus on your journey right now!! Sending u positive vibes 🙌

54 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

Believe it or not: I couldn’t find liquid Tylenol! I found some extra strength powdered Tylenol though (think pixie stix only medicine instead of sugar).

I have all my shows ready to go! And I borrowed a book from my mom I’ve been meaning to read (the stand). I also have my knitting project bag ready if I need to keep busy with my hands.

thanks for the support. It’s nice to have it. My husband is not supportive of this decision so I will get it where I can

After having gotten it... i dont understand how more people dont do it... perhaps one of the best decisions i feel great... all the bad food and alcohol gone... even my skin is looking better... i lost 15 pounds the first week, 5 pounds the second, i stalled this week ... but i hear that its common around week 3 ... removing all the bad is great.. youve made a great decision... a friend who got it years ago who suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure is no longer struggling with these conditions... you're brave youll do great!

5 hours ago, Orinskye said:

I made some sugar free Jello Protein shots today. I should have mixed in more Isopure powder. I only did 2 scoops and it equals out to about 1.6 G Protein per one ounce container (I ordered cheap condiment containers). If I had done one more scoop it would have been 2.5 g but I was worried about it dissolving all the way. It would be nice if it would dissolve enough to give me 5 g in each one.

Woo you're almost there!!!! When your discharged they'll put a sticker behind your ear that will help with the nausea... try not to take then pain meds they give u... they are super strong... get urself some liquid tylenol in case of pain... i am so surprised at how smooth everything has gone... plan out the shows ur going to catch up on or get a book ... walk walk walk!!!

I walked for 20 minutes every 2 hours ... I started in my lawn ( day one and two post op)... i didnt want to pass out in the street. Then i moved to walk around my block.. now i go to the park. DEFINITELY DONT OVER WORK YOURSELF... if you work too hard one day u might not be able to move the next.

7 hours ago, Orinskye said:

I did my pre- pre - op class lol (so many hoops !)

It was like the online classes only they went over stuff that you need to bring to the hospital, pick up and drop off instructions, things that may happen after surgery, food basics for the first serveral weeks, they showed pics of the facility, they talked about cross addiction, the incisions and wound care, etc.

oh they also mentioned that you should take a picture of your Kaiser card and then have your person who is picking you up stop by the pharmacy and grab your meds while you are getting released. (Great tip!)

So ....relevant info..... it wasn’t too bad.
I also returned my wheelchair since I am walking better with the weight loss I’ve already had and don’t need it anymore.
I have my pre op appointment with the surgeon on Friday (in person). I plan to make some Protein sugar free Jell-O shots this weekend. I buckled and ordered some of the clear Isopure drinks online because the Premier Protein isn’t good for Clear Liquids stage. (Isopure has phosphoric acid in it which I’m not supposed to have, but my phosphorus levels are lowered since May last year and a little bit just during the clear stage won’t kill me).

in discussion during the online meeting I also realized that I might be too ambitious. I am getting surgery on Wednesday. My kids are spending the night elsewhere Tuesday-Friday. My plan was to pick them up on Friday but that only gives me a two day recovery before I’m in mom mode. Not to mention I’m not supposed to drive for a week. I don’t think that plan is realistic. So I made arrangements to have them stay with family until mid week the week after surgery. That will give me 1 week of recovery before I have to play referee between my 10 and 4 year old boys.

How exciting you are almost there!!!! Yes take a week off mom duties 2 days are not enough.... I am 2 weeks out and I am feeling great...i do see food and crave it ...then i remind myself that i struggle with Water and the cravings go away...my husband picked up my meds before picking me up... they didn't ask for my card but i think having a picture is a good idea... throught your stay there will be a nurse with u and she will be in constant contact with ur point person.. the staff is great! I STRONGLY recommend that you walk as much as possible as soon as you can.. picture urself walking to recovery... i lost 15 pounds the first week and only 4 week 2... so the first week is crucial... my surgeon checked in with me day 8 and switched me to the puree diet because it was so much weight for one week.... i went in at 210 currently 190.... he told me that the person who he spoke with before me had only lost 5 pounds and was still in pain because they were not walking.... yes it could be uncomfortable but the pay out is well worth it.... as of now its one of the best decisions 9 have ever made!!!

46 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

How are the food cravings? Do you have any? Is the liquid only thing rough going?
I already know the no drinking around meals is going to be tough for me.

it’s not shame really..... more like “protection”. Lol

my in laws are super nosy and wield knowledge like a weapon. For some strange reason they think they have a right to be privy to my private medical information. In order to keep things easy we just don’t discuss that info. It’s a very odd situation. I’ve never been so blatantly disrespected by someone who shows absolutely zero remorse for crossing boundaries (repeatedly) . 🤷🏼‍♀️

Oh im sorry to hear that support is nice.. the day after i told my friends i had 3 flower arrangements sent ... I had not told my in-laws but when my husband told them they came also brought some flower its a little different i known my husband since kindergarten we attended a little catholic school so all the families are pretty close my mother in law took care of me as a kid.. and the cravings are all a mind thing.. when i see food i crave it for a second then think about how full i get from a sip of Water and cant even imagine eating... i tell my friends from here on out im just going to lick everything lol... well keep strong 💪 this is a huge positive step for your self 👏

54 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

Yup. I’ve heard that dr Kim is the strict one. That’s good to know for sure going in though. He was nice enough on the phone and sounded like he had great bedside manner (I’ve had some “great” drs that are jerks).

Did they do an epidural at all or just knock you out through the IV?

I’m getting super excited and counting down the days. My last day of work is Monday next week (have to do all those pre op things that week) and I’m in the process of trying to offload my duties (my kids, their school runs, easter that following week, etc).
no one knows that I’m doing this beside my parents and my husband. Everyone else is under the impression I’m doing surgery to help my knees/ankles (not entirely a lie since the weight loss is intended to help with that purpose in mind).

Oh no no epidural.. honestly it was painless... more of an uncomfort feeling but nothing really caused pain... and my tolerance for pain is very low... the gas pains like i said ...u just have to walk through.... i never took the pain meds that they gave me at discharge...my sister is an rn and told me they might do more harm then good... she said they might cause me to throw up and that would hurt...they gave me hydromorphone... she said it was stronger than morphine...I literally told my immediate family a week before surgery... i didnt want my parents and husband to worry for too long... i told my friends immediately after ... i wasnt ashamed i just wanted to prevent anyone trying to talk me out of it...BE EXCITED!!!! Oh I did take tylenol liquid the first day but i think i did it to prevent future pain 🤷🏻‍♀️

1 hour ago, Orinskye said:

Damn. How come I got the doc who lights his hoops you have to jump through on fire? Lol

i have to actually go up to SEE him (no phone appointment- and let me tell you..., that’s a drive). Another class. A nurse phone appointment. And covid test. 😒

When i was being discharged i heard the nurse saying to another person " you got the strict doctor make sure you take all your liquids on these medicine caps" she pointed at me and said you got lucky.. but it will all be worth it... the nurses there are awesome, the anesthesiologist everyone make sure not to take cash on surgery day just and id and ur kaiser card even waiting for the surgery is chill you get a blanket and tv...

29 minutes ago, Orinskye said:

Bari did you have to do a class prior to surgery?

they just scheduled me a pre op appointment on the 19th and then a “class” that I have to take on the 17th (virtual). We just did three months of classes..... not gunna lie, I was a little irritated that I had to do more 😑

a nurse appointment yet to be scheduled prior to surgery.
plus a covid test also yet to be scheduled

I did not... the week prior to the surgery... i had a phone apt with the dr. He basically told me not to eat solids 2 days before surgery and asked if i had questions... and a phone apt with the nurse the scheduled a pregnancy and a covid test for me...i just had to walk in to any kaiser lab 3 days before surgery...I also never had a psych eval 🤷🏻‍♀️

On 3/4/2021 at 3:24 PM, Orinskye said:

Got my date: my date is March 24th

Yay! I am 5 days out and feeling great the first 2 days were more uncomfortable than painful walking it definitely your best friend you literally have to walk through the gas...and there is a lot of gas... i didnt need to take any of the pain meds they prescribed .. i used liquid tylenol twice and that was good enough.. i also reccomed Isopure for the liquid protien ... it has twice the Protein then premier... Good Luck

On 3/1/2021 at 9:03 AM, LoveSimcha said:

Does anyone feel like they are going to burst with anxiety / excitement / nerves - whatever this is? I am not till the 10th and yet today when I looked at my phone and saw March - I think reality hit. I have been having jitters all day - might also be from the liquid diet but I think it is looking at the calendar and seeing March!!!

These next 10 days are going

3 hours ago, Lane McCormack said:

Last night at home was great. Surgery was Monday and so far the only challenge I have had was major "sleeve rash" as some have called it. I look like I have a really bad sunburn all on my face. I have a call into the dr. Lots of gassy sound & bubble sounds when you really begin to focus on Protein & liquid. So far that isn't so bad. The best advice is walk, walk, and walk some more. The shower yesterday at home felt great. Overall, while nothing is easy, this has been "easy" to handle. One piece of advice is to really plan what your week home from the hospital looks like. For instance, I started this morning with Gatorade2 and then went to a Protein Shake with Premier Protein cafe latte, ice, fairlife mild and a packet of Miralax. For me the Gatorade2 made it easier to begin on the shake next. Slow and sip, slow and sip. I was able to sleep in my own bed last night for 4 hrs, got up walked around, sat in recliner for an hour, walked some more and went back to my bed until 6am. Body is going to need rest so don't push anything. I for one am going to enjoy the journey. Feel free to ask any questions. I know we all have different experiences.

I was worried about my face being so red.. thanks fod letting me know...what did the dr. Tell you qbout it?

1 hour ago, Samym said:

Oh that is great news! Like they walk, walk, walk for those pesky gas pains.

I been walkinf as much as possible trying to avoid taking the pain meds as much as possible.. i actually haven't taken any since being discharged i was given a few there...thanks!

Surgery went well currently experiencing some gass pain but not to bad...hoping that there isnt much change in next few days

On 3/1/2021 at 9:03 AM, LoveSimcha said:

Does anyone feel like they are going to burst with anxiety / excitement / nerves - whatever this is? I am not till the 10th and yet today when I looked at my phone and saw March - I think reality hit. I have been having jitters all day - might also be from the liquid diet but I think it is looking at the calendar and seeing March!!!

These next 10 days are going to be hard.

My surgery was yesterday. I had a great experience feeling some gas pain today but its tolerable... good luck

31 minutes ago, JennaP said:

I picked up regular and Bone Broth from Trader Joes and some sugar free Jello cups from Walmart (generic). I also bought some bottled clear Protein (like a gatorade but with protein) on Amazon. I am going in in a little over an hour 😬 Good vibes and prayers to everyone on your procedures! xo

Sending you over all good vibes! So exciting!

MARCH!!!!!! what is evweyone stocking up on... what kind of Protein? Jello? broth?

On 2/16/2021 at 10:10 AM, JazzyJess20 said:

Unlike many others that I have seen on this forum, my doctor is not requiring that I do a liquid diet pre-surgery. I don't have any questions or concerns for this doctor, as he is pretty renowned in New Jersey and Connecticut.

But has anyone else had this experience? I still plan on taking it easy, beginning two weeks prior. My liquid diet will not begin until post-op.

All surgeons are different my sleeve is Tuesday I wasn't ordered a liquid diet either.. actually found out 10 days before the surgery of the surgery everything was halted due to covid and the surgeon just gave the green light and everything is moving teally fast..Good Luck

21 minutes ago, Samym said:

Im so excited for you. Glad you didnt have to do anything else aside from covid test. Please let us know how you are doing afterwards.

I will thank you!

26 minutes ago, Samym said:

Omg Im so anxious. Everyday I just wait and hope that they call me to schedule my surgery. The waiting is so hard.

Im so anxious too 🤦🏻‍♀️ Tuesday is the big day.. everything is moving so fast... i got the call friday, i had 2 apts yesterday, one tomorrow, covid test Saturday and surgery Tuesday.