LindsayT

Hey all! Just a quick update. I'm just over a week out from surgery and doing well. Certain things like sneezing or coughing still cause me some abdominal pain. But it's getting better. I'm having the most trouble with fatigue. I'm doing well at getting my goals in, or at least close to it. So I'm not sure what's going on. On a happy note, since the start of my pre-op diet, until now, I've lost 25lbs in 3 weeks. I can see some subtle changes, and it is wonderful.

Usually after your two week liquid. But it really comes down to the advisement of your team.

I'm on full liquid for 2 weeks post op.

You can drive as soon as you're off all narcotics. I just drove today, a week out from surgery, and was fine. I probably could have driven soon, but I didn't have the need to. It really just depends on what medication you're on and how you're feeling.

As far as your protein, try adding unflavored protein to broth, water, and other drinks. I have protein in everything I consume right now (surgery May 1). It doesn't have to be a whole scoop, maybe a half. It definitely helps getting your requirements in. As for the other question, I'm not sure, and hopefully, someone else has the answer. For me, I sip about an oz every 10 minutes. I have noticed that if I drink too much, too fast, my left side hurts.

Make sure you have LOTS of different options for protein. By day 3, I couldn't stomach drinking the protein shakes anymore and felt like I was going to vomit. I found that I liked fruity protein vs. creamy. But that's just me. Good luck!

I didn't take much. Comfortable, loose clothes. I also brought a baggy cardigan for comfort. I'm glad i did because I was so cold all the time. A phone and charger. Get a long cord for your phone charger. Toiletries (though the hospital may have them) and chapstick. I slept most of the time. And when I wasn't sleeping, I was walking or trying to get fluids in.

Do you have edema?

Oh man, my tastes change daily. I feel like a picky toddler. Bariatric Pal makes a cran- grape protein shot that I'm quite fond of.

It's been all over the place. For me, mostly pain when I'm up walking around and getting my fuilds in. It's getting better every day.

It's happened several times in the last week, I get extremely weak and lightheaded- like I'm going to pass out. The first time was walking up the stairs and then it happened again today in the shower. I've been walking, so it's not every time I am active. I'm thinking of either blood pressure or lack of fluids. Is this normal? Should I talk to my team? I'm almost a week out from rny

I'm one week... may 1

I'm so ready for this stage to be over. On the upside, I've lost 22 lbs since the start of the pre-op diet. So, roughly 3 weeks.

Y'all, I'm so sad all the time. Pain, phantom hunger, family members that don't understand. My husband, bless him, is trying, but I feel like he is forcing me to drink all day. I tell him that a sip of water feels like I drank a whole gallon. It's uncomfortable for me. I'm making my goals, or at least close to it. It's so frustrating. I keep telling myself it's temporary. That things will get better. That it will be worth it. But right now, it just sucks.

Went to my favorite Chinese restaurant and got their wonton soup. Stained out the bits and had the most glorious broth for lunch. Today was a good day despite the pain I'm still feeling.

How long did it take for the swelling to go down? Above the belly button portion of my stomach is really tight from swelling. It's quite uncomfortable. Thanks for your insight.

Thanks, everyone. It's been really hard getting in fluids and protein because the taste makes me nauseous. Plus, I'm not hungry AT ALL. That doesn't help either. I have set timers to remind me to drink. I'll keep plugging away and soon enough will graduate to the next faze.

Welcome! And congrats on your surgery date. We are from all over the world. I'm in Colorado, US. It's nice to buddy up and share your experiences with others who are at a similar stage in their journey. The support is definitely needed. This is not an easy thing to do; especially in the beginning. I'm so great full for a community who gets it. Best of luck to you.

Thanks. I'm doing OK, but not great. Everything tastes nasty, the liquid meds are awful, the pain comes and goes, but manageable. It's been a hard week to be honest.

I'm 3 days post op and NOTHING tastes good. I dread drinking anything. I'm so miserable.

Thanks!

Hey all. I'm 3 days post-op and can't feel the difference between trapped gas and being full. What should I be looking for? The trapped gas has improved a lot, but I still have an uncomfortable feeling under my left rib cage. I'm shooting for an ounce of liquid every 10-15 minutes. I also have to use a spoon full of applesauce to get some of my medication down.

Pain is going down a lot; specifically the gas pain. Sneezing and coughing hurt, but getting better. I'm finally home as of yesterday, so working on meeting my goals.

Nothing helps for the gas pain except walking. They had me on dilaudid and oxy for pain.

The gas pain is awful. Mine was Monday May 1st and I'm still in hospital. I'm supposed to go hone today, but we'll see.