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djhobbes

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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  1. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KeCor87 in Feeling Defeated   
    I, like others, struggled during the pre-op diet phase, and I had feelings quite similar to yours. I learned that a big part of those feelings for me was anxiety - anxiety for the upcoming surgery; and perhaps more so, anxiety for the major changes I would experience with my relationship with food. Post-op, you won't have the desire (or ability) to eat like you did. Hang in there.
  2. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in 1-week post op; feeling all over the place   
    First of all, congratulations.
    In terms of your thread title, I would suggest that you feel like you're all over the place because you essentially are! This procedure is significant, and it results in significant changes to our bodies. I know that I felt very similar in the first weeks post-op.
    It is excellent that you're getting your fluids. Lots of people struggle with this at first (I did my first few days) and it sounds like you're keeping up. Likewise regarding your pain and moving around. These all sound like you're doing pretty darn good.
    Like you, I little-to-no taste or desire for sweet things post-op. In fact, I wanted more savory things, and they sat better. I drank a lot of broth in the first few days post-op. I finally settled on the Premier Protein Cafe Latte flavor (yes, it does have caffeine, and some providers/programs don't allow that, but it was the only one I could choke-down at first). To me, it seemed to be the least sweet of all the other ones I tasted. The program I am in has a reduced Protein goal for the first month post-op, so it is a little easier to get close, but they told me to focus on the Fluid first, protein second, doing the best you could.
    When I started taking the bariatric Vitamins, my nutritionist recommended the Bariatric Fusion chewable ones. They made me sick the first day I took them. Day two of them was no better - epic nausea - so I stopped. I checked in with nutrition, and they suggested Bariatric fusion one-a-day capsules. I started taking them at about the 3 week mark and they sat/sit fine. You may want to check with your provider to see if that is an okay choice for you.
    As time went on, I was able to tolerate different flavors of the Premier Protein without issue. As an example, I start the morning with a serving of the chocolate powder mixed in 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. The almond milk seems to reduce the overall sweetness, at least to me.

  3. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KeCor87 in Feeling Defeated   
    I, like others, struggled during the pre-op diet phase, and I had feelings quite similar to yours. I learned that a big part of those feelings for me was anxiety - anxiety for the upcoming surgery; and perhaps more so, anxiety for the major changes I would experience with my relationship with food. Post-op, you won't have the desire (or ability) to eat like you did. Hang in there.
  4. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Holiday, Family, and Recovery   
    For what it is worth, I thought I would share my experience. I had my sleeve Aug. 4. The next week I was walking around the neighborhood, and my family took me on short trips here and there (mall, costco, etc.). The following week (10 day mark) I was taking short trips on my own, and started working from home. The next week, at the nineteen-day mark, I went back to work at the office. The biggest challenge for me was fatigue, followed by mild pain and discomfort, particularly on bumpy roads.
    I and others recognize that everyone recovers differently, but hopefully this helps you. The biggest piece of advice I could offer, is to listen attentively to your body. When you are tired, it is good to rest. Rest early and often enough so you don't get worn out.
  5. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in 1-week post op; feeling all over the place   
    First of all, congratulations.
    In terms of your thread title, I would suggest that you feel like you're all over the place because you essentially are! This procedure is significant, and it results in significant changes to our bodies. I know that I felt very similar in the first weeks post-op.
    It is excellent that you're getting your fluids. Lots of people struggle with this at first (I did my first few days) and it sounds like you're keeping up. Likewise regarding your pain and moving around. These all sound like you're doing pretty darn good.
    Like you, I little-to-no taste or desire for sweet things post-op. In fact, I wanted more savory things, and they sat better. I drank a lot of broth in the first few days post-op. I finally settled on the Premier Protein Cafe Latte flavor (yes, it does have caffeine, and some providers/programs don't allow that, but it was the only one I could choke-down at first). To me, it seemed to be the least sweet of all the other ones I tasted. The program I am in has a reduced Protein goal for the first month post-op, so it is a little easier to get close, but they told me to focus on the Fluid first, protein second, doing the best you could.
    When I started taking the bariatric Vitamins, my nutritionist recommended the Bariatric Fusion chewable ones. They made me sick the first day I took them. Day two of them was no better - epic nausea - so I stopped. I checked in with nutrition, and they suggested Bariatric fusion one-a-day capsules. I started taking them at about the 3 week mark and they sat/sit fine. You may want to check with your provider to see if that is an okay choice for you.
    As time went on, I was able to tolerate different flavors of the Premier Protein without issue. As an example, I start the morning with a serving of the chocolate powder mixed in 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. The almond milk seems to reduce the overall sweetness, at least to me.

  6. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in what surprised you?   
    For me, there were two things that surprised me the most, despite reading and hearing about both.
    First, I was amazed at the change in hunger sensation. I was (and remain, for the most part) simply not hungry as much anymore. Pre-op - and even at the start of the liquid phase - I felt hungry all-the-time. For me personally, it was one of the biggest contributors to my past diet failures. The "surprise" was a pleasant one, to say the least. It is so refreshing to feel like food is no longer controlling a significant portion of my thoughts throughout the day.
    The second thing that surprised me the most, was how little food it took for me to feel full, and how quickly I felt full. True, this was discussed with my healthcare team, and I read about it here and elsewhere, but I don't think I was truly prepared for just how little it takes for me to feel full. Again, another pleasant surprise.
  7. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in what surprised you?   
    For me, there were two things that surprised me the most, despite reading and hearing about both.
    First, I was amazed at the change in hunger sensation. I was (and remain, for the most part) simply not hungry as much anymore. Pre-op - and even at the start of the liquid phase - I felt hungry all-the-time. For me personally, it was one of the biggest contributors to my past diet failures. The "surprise" was a pleasant one, to say the least. It is so refreshing to feel like food is no longer controlling a significant portion of my thoughts throughout the day.
    The second thing that surprised me the most, was how little food it took for me to feel full, and how quickly I felt full. True, this was discussed with my healthcare team, and I read about it here and elsewhere, but I don't think I was truly prepared for just how little it takes for me to feel full. Again, another pleasant surprise.
  8. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in what surprised you?   
    For me, there were two things that surprised me the most, despite reading and hearing about both.
    First, I was amazed at the change in hunger sensation. I was (and remain, for the most part) simply not hungry as much anymore. Pre-op - and even at the start of the liquid phase - I felt hungry all-the-time. For me personally, it was one of the biggest contributors to my past diet failures. The "surprise" was a pleasant one, to say the least. It is so refreshing to feel like food is no longer controlling a significant portion of my thoughts throughout the day.
    The second thing that surprised me the most, was how little food it took for me to feel full, and how quickly I felt full. True, this was discussed with my healthcare team, and I read about it here and elsewhere, but I don't think I was truly prepared for just how little it takes for me to feel full. Again, another pleasant surprise.
  9. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Always cold!!!!   
    I am experiencing similar symptoms. I mentioned it to my healthcare team at my last check-in, and they smiled and said it was very common.
    Pre-surgery, I was constantly hot. I kept the AC as cold as tolerable for others both at work and home. I felt like I was always sweating, slept with barely any blankets/sheets and the ceiling fan on high.
    Post-op, I am now a freeze baby. I have stacked the bed with blankets, wear long-sleeves nearly every day, whether indoors or outside, and always have an extra jacket with me. The change is dramatic.
  10. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Always cold!!!!   
    I am experiencing similar symptoms. I mentioned it to my healthcare team at my last check-in, and they smiled and said it was very common.
    Pre-surgery, I was constantly hot. I kept the AC as cold as tolerable for others both at work and home. I felt like I was always sweating, slept with barely any blankets/sheets and the ceiling fan on high.
    Post-op, I am now a freeze baby. I have stacked the bed with blankets, wear long-sleeves nearly every day, whether indoors or outside, and always have an extra jacket with me. The change is dramatic.
  11. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Always cold!!!!   
    I am experiencing similar symptoms. I mentioned it to my healthcare team at my last check-in, and they smiled and said it was very common.
    Pre-surgery, I was constantly hot. I kept the AC as cold as tolerable for others both at work and home. I felt like I was always sweating, slept with barely any blankets/sheets and the ceiling fan on high.
    Post-op, I am now a freeze baby. I have stacked the bed with blankets, wear long-sleeves nearly every day, whether indoors or outside, and always have an extra jacket with me. The change is dramatic.
  12. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in what surprised you?   
    For me, there were two things that surprised me the most, despite reading and hearing about both.
    First, I was amazed at the change in hunger sensation. I was (and remain, for the most part) simply not hungry as much anymore. Pre-op - and even at the start of the liquid phase - I felt hungry all-the-time. For me personally, it was one of the biggest contributors to my past diet failures. The "surprise" was a pleasant one, to say the least. It is so refreshing to feel like food is no longer controlling a significant portion of my thoughts throughout the day.
    The second thing that surprised me the most, was how little food it took for me to feel full, and how quickly I felt full. True, this was discussed with my healthcare team, and I read about it here and elsewhere, but I don't think I was truly prepared for just how little it takes for me to feel full. Again, another pleasant surprise.
  13. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KRod6 in Back to work after one week??   
    I also work at a (mostly) desk job. The week after surgery, I returned to work for about 20-25 hours from home. Most days weren't too bad, but I did find myself getting very tired early afternoon, and having to call it a day. As the weeks went on and my strength returned, so did my endurance. By the third-week post-op, I returned to the office full time.
  14. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from Arabesque in Are you feeling tired all the time?   
    I found I was rather tired for the first month or so post-op, particularly in the mid-afternoon. Around the six to seven week mark, I noticed a significant increase in energy, despite no major changes in diet. I dealt with the fatigue by simply taking a break when I needed to. For me, even a 30-minute rest in my recliner was enough to feel better.
    As others have mentioned, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. Healing takes time and energy, and if your body is telling your mind that it is tired, you likely are. Everyone recovers at different rates, and your experiences sound quite normal. Give it time and stick to your plan.
  15. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from Arabesque in Are you feeling tired all the time?   
    I found I was rather tired for the first month or so post-op, particularly in the mid-afternoon. Around the six to seven week mark, I noticed a significant increase in energy, despite no major changes in diet. I dealt with the fatigue by simply taking a break when I needed to. For me, even a 30-minute rest in my recliner was enough to feel better.
    As others have mentioned, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. Healing takes time and energy, and if your body is telling your mind that it is tired, you likely are. Everyone recovers at different rates, and your experiences sound quite normal. Give it time and stick to your plan.
  16. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KRod6 in Back to work after one week??   
    I also work at a (mostly) desk job. The week after surgery, I returned to work for about 20-25 hours from home. Most days weren't too bad, but I did find myself getting very tired early afternoon, and having to call it a day. As the weeks went on and my strength returned, so did my endurance. By the third-week post-op, I returned to the office full time.
  17. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from Manda32830 in Pre-Approval expiration time - delaying surgery   
    My insurance company was (surprisingly) good to work with. My pre-approval was initially set for the first week in July, even though I hadn’t yet set a date. My surgery date was August 3, and my doctor’s office was able to resolve the issue with just a phone call. My insurance company also was good about allowing me an extra inpatient day past the approved one day.
  18. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Concerns Pre-Op, looking for someone to ask   
    Hi Kam. I am 6 weeks post-op. What are your questions?
  19. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from rparker3313 in Are Bubbles in Shaker Cup for Protein Shakes OK?   
    As others have mentioned, I don’t think shaker-cup bubbles are an issue (I sure hope not too!). With soda and other carbonated beverages, it’s the release of the dissolved gas in your stomach that creates the issue.
  20. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from StuartJones400 in Newbie   
    I have found that I am much calmer post-op. Perhaps it is a lack of glucose swings, and perhaps it is a lack of energy later in the day.
  21. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from Teagan’s Tutu in HELP!! VETS and NEWBIES What are the Surgery Basic Supplies you will need when you get home from the Hospital Please?   
    +1 on the sugar free popsicles. I also made and froze some homemade chicken broth (filtered through coffee filters to clear it up) so I would have it post op. A water bottle to monitor Fluid intake, and a notebook or pad to keep track of things like meds, etc.
  22. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from Teagan’s Tutu in HELP!! VETS and NEWBIES What are the Surgery Basic Supplies you will need when you get home from the Hospital Please?   
    +1 on the sugar free popsicles. I also made and froze some homemade chicken broth (filtered through coffee filters to clear it up) so I would have it post op. A water bottle to monitor Fluid intake, and a notebook or pad to keep track of things like meds, etc.
  23. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in Surgery tomorrow morning   
    I felt pretty much the same (in fact my first post here was on this very same topic). I was anxious, nervous, second-guessing my choice, and nearly backed out. My VSG was on the third of August and I already am glad I went through with it.

    You are not alone in feeling this way and it’s completely normal. Just relax and remember that this forum is full of good people going through the same things, and full of good information.
  24. Like
    djhobbes got a reaction from KimA-GA in How painful is gastric sleeve post-op?   
    My VSG was August 3rd. The first 24 hours post-op were mildly painful, but I was given pain medication that managed the pain satisfactorily. After discharge, the pain was minor, and quite tolerable. I only needed one of the pills they sent me home with. Beyond that, some minor discomfort, but nothing I would describe as pain. The most important thing I discovered very early on, was that my body would let me know when my activity was too much. So, I listened to my body and when enough was enough, I stopped what I was doing and rested.

  25. Thanks
    djhobbes reacted to Sleeve_Me_Alone in Vitamin Help   
    I can't stand the chewables either, they made me terribly sick. I take the ProCare Heath one a day capsule and love them. They never upset my stomach. I also take their calcium chews (sort of like a starburst) and tolerate those very well.

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