LAN2k

I sometimes don't get on the scale for about a week since it's discouraging to see that scale go up a pound or two when I'm eating so little! I do agree that excercise/ walking whatever is key. It looks like you've got some interesting places to go walking, so keep it up even if for only 15 minutes a day. I just know you are going to succeed...it is a learning process and you are learnig! Great for you Tiffany!

Dear Dr. Jossart, I am approximately 8 months post op (gastric sleeve). From the very first week after surgery Water became a substance that just does not go down easily. It feels sort of heavy going down and sits heavy inside my stomach. I have developed an aversion to drinking it and have been drinking Vitamin Water with relative ease, (even with that I can only tolerate one flavor-Citrus punch--deep yellow in color). I dislike any artificial sweetener so I use the original Vitamin water and dilute it with filtered higher alkaline water to reduce the carbohydrate count. Once the water is added I notice a slight heaviness and the Vitamin water is not as easy to drink as it is undiluted. I have come across numerous others who have had the sleeve procedure and are now unable to drink plain water. Is there any scientific explanation to this phenomena? If so will our altered anatomy's eventually stabilize where plain water will be once again a refreshing and rewarding drinking source? Here is a link of some others on this message board who have a similar aversion to water post surgery. http://verticalsleevetalk.com/general-sleeve-surgery-discussion/5351-problem-drinking-plain-water-post-surgery.html I thank you in advance for taking the time to read my post and hope you are familiar with this phenomen. Regards, Lis

Best wishes for your surgery to be uneventful and recovery a piece of cake, (figuratively speaking of course)! A prayer offered for you throughout. Your in good hands with Dr. Aceves.

Jay Robb is good quality stuff. I loved it pre surgery and drank 2 shakes a day with one light meal of veggies and shrimp or chicken, fish or beef. I did this 4 weeks pre surgery and lost 16 lbs. After surgery I couldn't stomach even the sight of Jay Robb or any other protein powder shake!

Are you actually standing in one leg of those pants?? Is is amazing that FINALLY something REALLY turned obesity upside down!!!

Or you can go to youtube and type in mychunkychannel and her videos come up.

For many months I would gag and dry heave every morning as soon as I started to brush my teeth and gargle...(still happens sometimes)--I've got this sinus thing going on too and it feels as though I've got a glump of mucus in my throat that I cannot expel no matter how I try! I'm going to an ENT on Monday. I just wonder if this problem has anything to do with acid reflux.

I think you can do it too because you already are doing a great job!!!

I think it's great that you are doing a VLOG. I don't know what kind of feedback you are referring to but I have found that even when critical most people here are really just trying to help, (don't know about youtube). I saw your videos and worried for you when I saw the open incisions. I guess I'm overly cautious because I just wouldn't have the courage to remove my own stitches. I still struggle with feelings of repulsion for many many foods...so I can't relate to you being able to eat some of the things you have been. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around "stalls". I have them too. It's so difficult to believe that my caloric intake is so little and I can remain at a same weight sometimes for 3 weeks, give or take a lb or two. I do get what you mean when you say that food is now on your mind more than before the surgery. Before surgery I wasn't too concerned since I took what I wanted to eat and when for granted. Now I often strain to think of what and when to eat, how much and the nutritional content of what I eat. It's gotten better over time and I've lost a bunch of weight but I am yet to feel elated. I'm somewhat glad dressing is easier, knees hurt less, etc...but I am not too happy that I have to put so much effort in food planning.

Oh dear God, I hope you fare better stepping up to "full liquids".

I'll just share my first few weeks post op...I awoke every morning between 5 and 6 am and was full of anxiety. Once my eyes opened I was unable to fall back asleep (and I wanted to). Early out I was taking percoset for pain and reglan every 6 hours as a motility drug, so those very first few days were a bit screwed up. I would get up in the middle of the night to crush, mix and swallow pill/s. I also think that my caloric intake was so pathetically low that my body was unable to deeply relax.

Hey there I thoroughly relate and I'm so glad that you are communicating your recovery with us. I may have missed a post or two so I'm wondering if you have informed your surgeon of the lingering low grade fever? If I recall correctly I was told that fever becomes a bigger concern at 101 and then again I'm not sure. I took mine nearly every day for the first couple of weeks post op and mine fluctuated between 97 and 100. It takes time for the body and mind to adjust. A few people seem to glide with ease right through. As for me, that was not the case. I'm glad you have something you can take conservatively that works to ease both pain and anxiety.

Stands for Obesity Help from the website and weight loss (WL), message board... Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum (VSG)

How were you sure that the back pain was from the PPI you were taking?

Ditto for me as well.

Thanks for putting out that info Cajun. I am taking Acephex 20mg once a day in the morning. I've sort of felt damned if I do damned if I don't but I'm hoping that I won't be damned period as I wean off by about the one year mark.

Hey there what you feel now is the norm. That breathing apparatus mentioned, with the balls, is very important to insure your lungs stay clear! I was sent home with one and while in the hospital was instructed to do an inhale/exhale exercise with it every hour while 5 days in the hospital and for the first 2 weeks when home. If you are already home monitor your temp often as they would in the hospital. I know getting enough fluids in is overwhelming at the beginning, but keep sipping nonetheless, your capacity will increase over time. I hope this venue will be a source of strength and support for you and wish you a smooth and uneventful recovery.

He looks so good thumbs up and all! Give him my congratulations and tell him I'm hoping his recovery will be smooth. Thanks for posting!

I'm here rooting for you too! I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you post surgery! God be with you throughout.

Please just try to follow the protocol of staying hydrated and getting in as much protein as you can. . Also walk or do some form of excercise. It's good that you have a part time job to distract you somewhat. I agree that if you are not taking a PPI (Proton Pump Inhibitor) (acid blocker), maybe you should speak to your surgeon or PCP about it. I take Aciphex and do not have any side effects of which I am aware. You have lost a significant amount of weight in 4 weeks time. Keep coming back and posting so you can get the support you need as you progress. I wish you peace and wellness in your WL journey.

I wouldn't push for the back surgery if your surgeon feels the timing is not optimal to insure your over all health. Things have a way of working out for the best and I'm sure they will work out for you with your job when the time comes for your back surgery. Your surgeon seems to really care and that's a good thing.

It sounds to me as though your depression is based upon your fear of the unfamiliar feelings that the change in your anatomy is producing. The pains be they from gas or inflammation, swelling, incision healing, can also be scary, but (barring any kind of complication), will subside. Diarrhea is expected since you are not able to eat solid food only Clear liquids. As things progress you will not be in so much physical discomfort. Slowly you will come to adjust to a new way of drinking and eating, and your bowel movements will eventually regulate. Be patient and understand that you have just undergone major surgery and as you heal much of the pain that you are feeling will subside. I suggest that you just focus on keeping yourself hydrated first and foremost by sipping, warm or cold or both which ever feels better going down. Walk as much as possible and get ample rest. Stay connected and let us know how it goes.

Best wishes-I will keep you in prayer for a safe, uneventful surgery and recovery tomorrow morning! Keep us posted as soon as your able.

I so understand how you are feeling. It takes courage to have this surgery and even more so outside of the US. I have read testimony after testimony from real people on this message board who have had Dr. Aceves and do not recall ever reading of any dissatisfaction, complaint or complication. He is a highly skilled and experienced surgeon having done many sleeve procedures. That would really help ease my nerves. I'll be thinking of you and keeping close tabs as your date approaches will send up prayers for a very good surgery and recovery.

Oh don't be scared take a swig! Then let us know what you think! Some people actually do okay drinking Isopure. For me it wasn't the tartness it was some other weird unnatural bitter taste that I didn't like.