LurkieKitty

I've been having a pretty rough recovery, it started out fine but then it kind of came crashing down. Today I've been doing kind of better, I haven't been able to meet Protein goals yet because I've been searching for protein shakes/powders my body would tolerate. I think I may have found one but I've also been dealing with nausea, my body had one of it's extreme well, I'll say "episodes" by which case I went to the E.R. to get checked up to make sure I don't actually pass out since I can't keep up with the losses this time around. I'm taking flintstones Multivitamins even though they are insufficient my nutritionist said if I can double up on them that'd be great. Something is better than nothing I suppose, I believe my body is just one of the ones that recovers slower so I've been taking it one day at a time. I haven't even bothered with getting a scale or weighing myself, I'm happy with getting weighed at appointments. My sheer focus is just on getting my body on the actual path to recovering well at this point.

It definitely is normal to feel that way, I had my first surgery honestly, this year. I was having pain from gallstones so my surgeon decided it's best to remove my gallbladder before I have the gastric sleeve done so it was done a month before my gastric sleeve. I was extremely terrified of being put to sleep because my family has lost someone to complications in the past so that was on my mind, but when I was finally there and being prepared my mind was a blank slate. The last thing I wanted was my pressure to rise because I'm prone to panic attacks too, and that would be the thing that could cause complications.

What helped me was to focus on things I want to do in the future, just happy thoughts. Another thing that helped was because my plan requires a bariatric group meeting prior, I voiced my concern about being put to sleep there and there was this one woman that was like "it's the best sleep I ever had". Bearing that in mind, I was like "I'm just going to have an awesome nap" when I was walking into the operating room. They didn't even tell me to count backwards, all I heard was the IV might make me feel cold and the anesthesiologist telling me to think happy thoughts... then the next thing was I was waking up in recovery. You don't even realize you went to sleep it seems.

Honestly, it's not a bad thing to do that so you know for those once in a blue days where you may not stick to the regime, and that's okay. They're so so rare and far and few inbetween that unless you're someone who easily rears off the deep end it's okay to indulge every once in a blue if it doesn't hurt you.

Happy Thanksgiving if any of you are celebrating, even if you aren't have awesome and safe day regardless!

Happy Thanksgiving to all who Celebrate it today! Even if you can't get in on the food as you have before, rejoice! The next year will be better. You can still celebrate that you chose to embark on this journey. Have an awesome and safe day regardless of if you're celebrating the holiday or not though.

Thanks both 😍
Pain is a little better today - a little better every day - so I guess I'm moving in the right direction. Still can't sleep on my side and I waken if I even try to get into my usual sleep position. Then my back starts to ache from lying on my back all night ... you all know the drill, right?
Real drop in energy levels yesterday and today so am upping my Protein today - adding Protein Powder to everything that goes in my mouth. Last thing I need is to start breaking down protein for energy - it's my faaaat that needs to go, I have lots of that to spare.
scales haven't moved since I got home after my op, which I know is completly normal. So I didn't weigh myself this morning at all. Today s protein day! Every day from now on is gonna be protein day, isn't it? 💪

It's totally normal to feel that way for a first surgery. I know when I had my first surgery at 24 I was scared of the same thing. The second time I had surgery though I was 29 and I wasn't scared at all (but that was because I was desperate at that point. I had brain surgery due to my Trigeminal Neuralgia and surgery was my last hope to get rid of the unending chronic debilitating pain I'd been in for 10 months non-stop). My WLS was my third and most recent surgery and I was 32 and after going through what I already had with my TN and the brain surgery... I wasn't scared because I pretty much knew what to expect and I figured it wouldn't be anywhere near as bad as waking up from brain surgery (my head HURT so bad after the brain surgery and I was in and out of it, mostly out of it, for the first three or four days and sooooo nauseous) so I figured it wasn't anything to worry about, so while I wasn't scared of the surgery itself, I was nervous about if I'd be able to be up and moving around as soon as they wanted me to (I was sore yes, but they were happy that I was up and walking like I was supposed to when I was supposed to and even did more laps then they had asked).
So don't feel bad about being scared. It's 100% normal to feel that way! Just try to think about your reasons for doing the surgery in the first place and it may help with your nerves a little bit.

Happy Thanksgiving to all who Celebrate it today! Even if you can't get in on the food as you have before, rejoice! The next year will be better. You can still celebrate that you chose to embark on this journey. Have an awesome and safe day regardless of if you're celebrating the holiday or not though.

I just really needed someone to witness this tiny sandwich (which I’m stoked to be eating). 😹😹😹

Honestly I was just thinking about this earlier as a thing to do in the far future to Celebrate, having a super tiny sandwich. I was thinking, "it'll probably feel like the best thing I've ever had" after going through the stages of recovery.

I commend you first of all for realizing you need comforting and reaching out. A lot of people put themselves in danger by not doing so. You have gone through a lot and I know how hard it is to keep going, I can tell you now that your mom, even though she may not walk amongst us anymore, is proud of you. Hang in there, think about the reason you're going through this journey and your resolve to see it through to its conclusion. When you feel like the world is crashing around you, take a moment to breath, think about the happy memories she gave you. You could make it a goal to give others good memories like she has given you as a way to thank her as well as grieve in a positive way.

I commend you first of all for realizing you need comforting and reaching out. A lot of people put themselves in danger by not doing so. You have gone through a lot and I know how hard it is to keep going, I can tell you now that your mom, even though she may not walk amongst us anymore, is proud of you. Hang in there, think about the reason you're going through this journey and your resolve to see it through to its conclusion. When you feel like the world is crashing around you, take a moment to breath, think about the happy memories she gave you. You could make it a goal to give others good memories like she has given you as a way to thank her as well as grieve in a positive way.

So I'm gonna have to take a rain check on this I suppose. I tried the Multivitamin and my body abruptly said No.

So I'm gonna have to take a rain check on this I suppose. I tried the Multivitamin and my body abruptly said No.

Congratulations to everyone who has been scheduled! I'm hoping it goes well! I had my first week post op appointment today, I've to go back in three weeks for the switch to the soft food diet. I was cleared to start taking multivitamins and also to start the pureed diet come the weekend. I think the first thing I want to try is a scrambled egg mixed with cheese.

I commend you first of all for realizing you need comforting and reaching out. A lot of people put themselves in danger by not doing so. You have gone through a lot and I know how hard it is to keep going, I can tell you now that your mom, even though she may not walk amongst us anymore, is proud of you. Hang in there, think about the reason you're going through this journey and your resolve to see it through to its conclusion. When you feel like the world is crashing around you, take a moment to breath, think about the happy memories she gave you. You could make it a goal to give others good memories like she has given you as a way to thank her as well as grieve in a positive way.

Today I decided to try some ensure max Protein. They wanted to switch me to the full liquid diet the day after the surgery while I was still in the hospital, I didn't feel ready. I gave my new tummy a bit more healing time before I put something so heavy into it. So far I had 1 ounce of it just to test the waters. I seem to be okay so far. I'm going to try another ounce after waiting about 30 minutes. Hopefully this starts to curve the intense hunger I've been feeling since after the surgery, I've yet to feel the sensation of being full; hopefully that's not a bad thing.

Today I decided to try some ensure max Protein. They wanted to switch me to the full liquid diet the day after the surgery while I was still in the hospital, I didn't feel ready. I gave my new tummy a bit more healing time before I put something so heavy into it. So far I had 1 ounce of it just to test the waters. I seem to be okay so far. I'm going to try another ounce after waiting about 30 minutes. Hopefully this starts to curve the intense hunger I've been feeling since after the surgery, I've yet to feel the sensation of being full; hopefully that's not a bad thing.

I’m really not okay I’m sad I’m hurting ever since I did my sleeve from Feb 10,21 gallbladder removal March 26,21 then in September 23,21 I’ve just had double hernia surgery my body been through a lot I’ve lost a lot weight this November 17 will be my mommy birthday she’s no longer here it’s been 7yrs since her passing I’m still hurting from my mom passing I realized I’ve never grief of her passing I’m not sleeping I’ve not been okay since I did my surgeries please every one please pray for me

Today I decided to try some ensure max Protein. They wanted to switch me to the full liquid diet the day after the surgery while I was still in the hospital, I didn't feel ready. I gave my new tummy a bit more healing time before I put something so heavy into it. So far I had 1 ounce of it just to test the waters. I seem to be okay so far. I'm going to try another ounce after waiting about 30 minutes. Hopefully this starts to curve the intense hunger I've been feeling since after the surgery, I've yet to feel the sensation of being full; hopefully that's not a bad thing.

Glad you all are feeling better! The first 1-2 days are usually the worst.
For nausea my Dr. prescribed Zofran (Ondansetron) 3 times/day for a week (I think). It has worked well (except the one time I missed a dose )

Hope all is going well!

Day two of recovery going towards 3 days, my doctor requires that all gastric sleeve patients spend a day in the hospital to monitor if they're keeping things down and monitor if they are getting in enough fluids, so I didn't get to go home until yesterday evening. I was so happy to be back home where its nice and warm, the hospital was trying to start me on the full liquid diet yesterday and I don't think my lil pouch is ready so I've been sticking to clear fluids. They even gave me apple juice that wasn't sugar free so I had diluted some of it to drink. In the hospital all they gave me for pain was Tylenol which thankfully was enough for me, I've just been having a lot of issues with Nausea. I'm not exactly sure why, I did throw up the first day but it was mostly gastric Fluid and oldish blood. Since I woke up I've been having rather intense feelings of hunger (I think I got unlucky, I never felt this hungry before surgery.. like, ever. In fact my lack of appetite was often an issue), then the hunger turns into nausea. I'm not sure what to do about that, but did give me Ondansetron for dealing with the nausea. It might be because I've been sticking mostly to Water, in the first 24 hours I managed about 5 ounces of water and 1 ounce of broth. The next day about 5 ounces of water, 2 ounces of diluted apple juice. Today I've managed about 3 ounces of water thus far.

Here are my thoughts, I had a great experience- hope you do too. Good luck!
How did your tummy feel after the surgery? Were you able to *feel* your stomach, internally due to the surgery? Couldn't feel it at all. But, I didn't want to use my "ab" muscles to sit up, so I kind of slid off the couch/bed and stood from there. That was probably more due to the incisions.
• Did you have to have a drain? Nope, no drain.
• How long did you have to be on clear fluids after the surgery? If so, what clear fluids did you have?
- 3 days maybe? It was fine, I didn't want to eat. Pho Soup was my savior, I found chicken broth and Bone Broth gross. Get plain pho broth from your local Vietnamese place, eventually I added plain Protein powder to it.
• Did you prefer cold, room temperature, or warm fluids? I didn't want very cold or very warm liquids, but soup was warm, Protein Drinks cold, Water cold. It was fine.

• Sipping. Just don't take big gulps or chug anything. Approx 2 tablespoons at a time would work. You need to drink, hydration is extremely important. Sometimes I would end up with a big gulp in my mouth accidentally and would just sort of hold it in my mouth and swallow small sips.
• Something I read said you won't be able to drink anything for the first 24 hours and that fluids will be through the IV, is that true? I was allowed to drink (tea, water, soup, Vitamin water zero).
• How did you sleep in the first week? If you are a side sleeper, when were you able to finally sleep on your side? Sleep on your back, my pregnancy/Ushaped pillow helped. I only took the prescription painkillers at night & they knocked me out. I tried to be careful about it, probably slept on back for a month.

• How did your tummy feel after the surgery? Were you able to *feel* your stomach, internally due to the surgery?
- Nope couldn’t feel my tummy. The staged return to eating solid food is to support the internal healing. If you follow that carefully you shouldn’t feel any pain just maybe some discomfort (sort of too full feeling), tightness, gurgling or nausea. Pain on swallowing is likely from initial swelling & you will have pain from pulled abdominal muscles & sometimes at the incision sites. .
• Did you have to have a drain?
- No drain. Ask your surgeon if they will put one in or not.
• How long did you have to be on clear fluids after the surgery? If so, what clear fluids did you have?
- Two weeks any liquids. You have to start meeting your Protein goals so Protein Shakes, bone broths, strained Soups (no lumps or herby bits), Asian broths (pho, wonton soups, etc just the broth). Milk, green (or herbal) tea were also allowed. I wasn’t allowed juice.

• Did you prefer cold, room temperature, or warm fluids?
- Room temp or warm/hot were more soothing. I often used warm Water for my shakes or microwaved them.

• Sipping.
- Not a mouthful but a single small swallow. Some surgeons say no to straws but they can be helpful to moderate the size of your sip. You sip as often as you’re able depending on swelling & your healing. Some sip every couple of minutes. Some every 5 or so. Some set alarms to remind them to sip. Just keep the water next to you at all times. And all the fluids you consume count towards your fluid goals. I struggled to swallow initially because of swelling. It was ok after about two days.
• Something I read said you won't be able to drink anything for the first 24 hours and that fluids will be through the IV, is that true?
- I had water by my bed straight away (& a dishwater broth for dinner that night) plus an IV.
• How did you sleep in the first week? If you are a side sleeper, when were you able to finally sleep on your side?
- I can’t sleep on my back at all only nap on the coach on my back. I slept on my side from the day of surgery. I also tend to sleep on my side but twisted to almost on my tummy. Could do this pretty much straight away too. A pillow to support you sleep on your side may be helpful. Whether you can or can’t sleep on your side would depend on how much pain you feel from the pulled abdominal muscles & how much internal swelling you have.
All the best with your surgery & recovery.

• My apologies if this is worded weirdly.. but, How did your tummy feel after the surgery? Were you able to *feel* your stomach, internally due to the surgery?
- I could not feel my stomach. I had minimal discomfort and it was controlled with OTC Tylenol. I also had no nausea whatsoever.
 • Did you have to have a drain? Note: I'm not sure if this is absolutely necessary, I assume they would discuss it with me tomorrow. If so, how did that feel? Did it hurt or feel weird when it was removed?
- no drain. It was laparoscopic for me.
• How long did you have to be on clear fluids after thesurgery? If so, what clear fluids did you have?
- I was surprised - the morning after the surgery they offered me Protein Shakes.

• Did you prefer cold, room temperature, or warm fluids?
- I had no preference, and was permitted (and able) to take all temps.

• Sipping. This one is a point of major confusion for me. Would the process of sipping be taking in enough just to wet your tongue, or is it enough to swallow? How long did it last for you? When were you able to drink down 1 ounce of Fluidin one go even if slowly rather than over the course of 30 minutes or so?
- I interpret sipping as “baby” swallows - more than just wetting my lips/tongue, but smaller than a gulp.
• Something I read said you won't be able to drink anything for the first 24 hours and that fluids will be through the IV, is that true?
- that may vary from surgeon to surgeon. I was able to sip Clear Liquids the evening of the day of my surgery.
• How did you sleep in the first week? If you are a side sleeper, when were you able to finally sleep on your side?
- I was able to sleep fully prone in my bed, on my back and on my side.
LurkieKitty, you’ll do fine - I have no regrets whatsoever. I will keep you in my prayers!