LadyH

How long does the pain linger after surgery?

On 11/27/2021 at 3:41 PM, Jo Muller said:

Thanks! Thankfully it's not in our province yet, but I guess we'll wait and see how this affects everything.

Yeah, I am really lucky that I've been able to have a great relationship with my surgeon! He's been really great, really upfront with everything and so helpful in getting me connected with the hospital and the various quotations. I hope you at least get good care and a great surgeon who will work with you on your op.

Meanwhile, I've actually felt full - highly unusual on this dratted diet - so I'm feeling guilty that I may have cheated somewhere... (can't really think where...) Ugh! Oh to not feel hunger at all!!

I haven't had hunger, either! We are lucky. At my appointment my nurse said that means I'm in ketosis.

34 minutes ago, Sunnyway said:

What kind of meds are they having you start prior to surgery? No one has said anything to me about starting anything new.

Pain meds, nausea meds, pre-surg carb drinks ($180 for two small bottles of sugar water), and one other one that I am waiting to have mailed to me because even the hospital pharmacy didn't have it. No idea what it's for. Sure hope it arrives on time-hah! (Not holding my breath.)

14 hours ago, OutdoorsGirl said:

That’s terrible! I’m glad I live in a state that is allowing medical services to continue.

I'm glad you are, too! The states that have tried to continue on as normal, the best they can, are all doing so much better in every way than the states that caved. I wish I'd been able to go to the world class hospital in my own state, but it is 200 miles away.

7 hours ago, huskymama said:

Lady H this is terrible and I’d be so frustrated. I’m going in 15 days if I get cancelled I think I’ll just go back vegan and hit the gym. My insurance is approved too and I’ve met my deductible for the year I don’t want to be pushed out. I’m so sorry to hear this you are in my thoughts and prayers

That's where I'm at, albeit unwillingly. I'm wondering how long a person can live on this liquid diet, because at least I'm losing on it.

I saw your post on the shakes/liquid diet. Like you, I'm sick of sweets and the shakes are pretty unappealing. I switch it up with chicken broth. I add some fresh parsley to it, and that makes it seem a little more like "food."

Thanks for your support. I'm almost starting to wonder if this is a God thing and I'm not supposed to get surgery. I went through this same rigamarole now 2 years in a row, 2 different hospital systems. Maybe He's got me, instead.

7 hours ago, You Are My Sunshine said:

Our hospitals are still scheduling, but it's also been dicey. People are quitting, etc. and staffing is low. Weird times we are in. Frustrating, I'm sure.

Yes, it's nuts. If I hadn't been referred to a janky cardiac PC last spring instead of a real doctor, I would've had the surgery last summer before any of this Covid stuff retarted. Poor quality programming by the hospital. The PC wasn't qualified and almost killed me.

10 hours ago, Sunnyway said:

My surgery is jut 13 days away and all of the hospitals within 150+ miles are full of COVID patients and turning away transfer patients. 88% of of those hospitalized with COVID were not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated. (I am vaccinated and have received the booster.)

My surgeon is reevaluating the schedule week by week.. As of today, my surgery is still on, but I recognize that it could get postponed.

My sympathies are with you. I'm not political about the vaccine in that I don't care who does or doesn't get it, but if someone else's poor choices means I'm denied my own care, then there's a problem. Government says everyone needs a vaccine, yet continues to put the unvaccinated ahead of those who have complied. I have already spent so much time and money on arbitrary program bs, and to think that this paying patient, who has waited a year already is put on hold even longer is just maddening. If this runs into next year, not only will I have to pay all costs all over again, but you know the doctors will say I need to have those tests and procedures done all over again because they're a year old and expired now, which is just more bs. I'm starting to think the whole process is a racket. Plus, I'll be another year older, so my labs will be another year less stellar, and all of that is more excuse for them to do even more tests, delay even longer, and further take advantage of my time and money. They told me I'm supposed to start meds on Sunday, but I likely won't even know by then whether or not surgery is certain. I'm not going to take more risks putting drugs into my system if there's not even going to be any surgery. I don't even get my pre-op class until Friday. This is so messed up.

10 minutes ago, Spinoza said:

I don't know what to say LadyH. I really really hope it doesn't get cancelled again. Did they give you a reason? Is there any room for you to go back to them and explain that the reason isn't a good one? I have absolutely everything crossed for you. 😥

Because of Covid patients. It’s a state where the governor and mayor are dictators. Thanks for your support.

Just now, Elidh said:

Ugh, so sorry this is happening. My sleeve surgery got cancelled back in March 2020, but I was able to get it in July 2020. If I hadn’t had potential heart issues, I would have gone to Mexico for the surgery. There are several fine bariatric centers over the border.

I was supposed to have my surgery last summer, but an incompetent PA in another department saddled me with 2 misdiagnoses, and as a result also put me on a drug that would’ve killed me. It took over 3 months to undo the mess she created and have a real doctor get everything cleared up. But, of course, all those wrong tests, wrong diagnoses, etc. fed tens of thousands of more dollars into that hospital system. Pure corruption, and put the patient in danger.

I am going to lose my mind. I've waited all year for surgery. Not just bariatric, but 2 additional procedures that must be done to prevent further serious problems. They have cancelled and rescheduled my surgery 3 times already. Anyone in the US knows insurance starts over (usually) on Jan. 1, and now, one week away from surgery, they just called me to let me know they may cancel me again, just 16 days from year's end. I have not been able to get a job, go on vacays, see family, or Celebrate the holidays, all because I've been "on call" for this surgery. In fact, I was supposed to have a much lesser surgical procedure done elsewhere that could easily have been accomplished as far back as last summer, but this bari program doesn't commit to, and isn't accountable for, any obligations or schedule. This is ruining my entire life, and if they cancel again, I don't think I will be able to get it done. They've already charged over $40K in gross charges without one iota of actual health care to improve any medical condition whatsoever. It's all been unnecessary procedures, tests, appointments, etc. I'm wondering how other people can get health care at the drop of a hat, especially if they're in the hospital because they have not gotten a Covid vaccine, but the rest of us, who are personally paying the entire year thousands and thousands of dollars for insurance premiums and copays and coinsurance and deductibles in order to guarantee medical access, are denied. Spoiler: It's us idiots responsible enough to have insurance that are keeping the medical world afloat.

I'm just waiting for the class action lawsuits to start. If this isn't discrimination, I don't know what is. In the US, we literally have governors and mayors calling the shots as opposed to medical experts. It's all political. Since when in the free world do janky politicians decide who gets care and who does not? I am utterly disgusted.

31 minutes ago, LilaNicole20 said:

My team at the VA told us to use a suppository for constipation. It's less harmful to your system - and more focused on the immediate blockage.

Funny you posted this. I agree with you. I literally just got off the phone with my team's nurse and said the same thing. She said we can't use suppositories because they're laxatives. They only allow stool softeners. How crazy is this whole bariatric thing when every single team wants to do something different. This can't be science.

4 minutes ago, PuraVida37 said:

Smooth Move Tea. It works every time for me!

meat tenderizer?

2 minutes ago, Sunnyway said:

A dietitian suggested adding a probiotic supplement and meat tenderizer (!) to my diet daily.

Wow! Hahah! I'll have to look up what's in meat tenderizer. I already take Probiotics. Thanks for the tip.

6 minutes ago, TheRealPennyD said:

This may be an unpopular opinion, and I may be biased because I am 5 days post-op, but I wouldn't get this surgery to lose 50 lbs. This is my opinion I know everyone is different and has their own health considerations, but I am just wondering why I went through this horrible traumatic event to lose a smaller amount of weight (60 lbs or so). I paid out of pocket and should have spent that money on a trainer and food program. Idk. Take this with a grain of salt as I have said I'm fresh out of surgery.

I get that. I have been trying to decide about this for 2 years. I agree with you, but then I look at my age and increasing health issues, and how much harder it is to lose weight on my own each year that passes. And that's why I am (hoping) to pull the trigger on Dec, 15. But after seeing all the meds and nutrition/supplements problems/issues, and that just the Calcium is going to cost $40/month, etc,etc., etc., I think I must be an idiot. BUT, I also need to get two other abdominal repair/procedures done AT THE SAME TIME which was another factor in thinking I should get this done since I'd have all the risks of those 2 procedures, anyway. I hope you recover quickly and it works out so much better for you (and me!) than you think. Let's keep in touch!

Just now, Cal22 said:

I am both excited and nervous its been a long time coming. I am down six pounds and see my surgeon again on Friday!

Good for you! I have to laugh every time I see people post about seeing their surgeons--again, or "chatting" with them. I have seen mine a total of maybe 15 minutes yesterday, and that's all, folks! It's a weird situation.

7 minutes ago, Cal22 said:

Hello. I started my preop liquid diet on Dec 2nd, my surgery date is Dec 16th!!

WooHoo! Let's rock this thing together. I had my pre-surg appointments yesterday, so I finally got to meet my surgeon. I've lost 8.1 lbs in 7 days on the diet. I'm hoping to lose at least 10 total, but who knows. So far, so good!

Program fluids: 3-5 shakes plus at least 64 oz. of clear fluids. After surgery, the 64 oz is bare minimum, and often people return to the hospital with dehydration if that’s all they can drink. Recommended guidelines are 1/2 to 1 full oz of Fluid per lb of body weight.
The reason psyllium husks are allowed is because they are not like other fibers which will add carbs/calories.

@Queen ApisM I’m encouraged to hear all that! I am planning to get Miralax. It seems sketchy the bari programs haven’t figured out a better plan. Like indigestible fiber adds no carbs or calories and should be part of the diet—at least!!

26 minutes ago, Spinoza said:

Honestly don't worry LadyH - trust your procedure, the weight will come off when you've recovered from the surgery itself. 5lbs in 5 days is amazing actually! I am 18 days post sleeve and have lost 4lbs only. I know it's disappointing because we compare ourselves to others who sometimes seem to have lost lots more. Keep the faith, drink your Water and get your Protein - you'll be fine!

@Spinoza btw I adore your profile pic!

7 minutes ago, catwoman7 said:

that's constipation, then. Might be the low fiber/high Protein. Just so you know, chronic Constipation keeps up for most of us even after surgery. Even YEARS after surgery. I think it's mostly due to the high Protein diet and some of the supplements (iron and Calcium, for sure!)

That’s why I’m so concerned. That’s really bad for a person, and long term use of laxatives only exacerbates the problem.

I’m worried. I’m on day 5 and have only lost 5.3 #

I’m passing, but it’s like rocks

2 minutes ago, OutdoorsGirl said:

I’m purchasing a 1 year supply of my Vitamins if my first labs in February are good.

That's what I want to do now, but since I haven't had surgery yet, I'm afraid they'll change my vitamins/supplements requirements again.

Sorry for the unpleasant topic title.

I'm on day 5 of the all liquid (shakes and clear fluids only + SF Jello, SF popsicles, broth) diet. I'm doing fine, no real hunger, etc. BUT...

Even taking the 2 Dulcolax tabs per day as allowed, I am getting more and more constipated. I drink well over 200 oz of fluids per day. This seems insane to me. I take 3 grams of psyllium husk (allowed) in addition to the approximate 3 grams of Fiber in each shake, but nothing is helping. The Dulcolax worked well the first couple days (when on regular foods) I used it, but now it seems like it's working against me. I feel super bloated, and the first few days on the liquid diet, I was constantly going to the bathroom and losing Water weight, but now, even with all the fluids I'm drinking, that's no longer happening, either. I also have continuous, extreme cotton mouth--and that's a big part of why I'm drinking so much. Help?!!

2 hours ago, SleeverSk said:

You have offered great advice on many thread threads so I hope you dont think I was referring to you, but there have been quite a few people that have come off as being self righteous. in the original post he /she said they werent good at tracking what they are eating, yes doing that would be helpful but some people arent cut out that way. some commenters also worded it in such a way that if you didn't track there is no way you would succeed and you are a lesser person because of that. Which isn't helpful either.

Lol-none of us on THIS site can be “lesser” people, that’s for sure!
just kidding, folks.