Malaika

Congratulations Carmella - will be looking forward to hearing from you when you're on the "losing side"

Nanna - glad to hear all went well, for the most part, and that you are home safe and sound. Keep us posted on how you're doing.

Not uncommon at all -- I had diarrhea 6 days after surgery that lasted about 2-3 days ... I had permission from my doctor to take Immodium; however, I opted not to do so as too much will bind you up and you'll have a totally different set of problems. I wouldn't be overly concerned about the "problem" as it is quite common and your doctor should have told you to expect it at some point --and, again, liquids in liquids out. You're also not eating enough to keep things moving, so don't be surprised if once the diarrhea subsides you don't go very often ... according to my surgeon, it's not unusual or uncommon to go every 5 days or so.

I use Stevia - I prefer it over all the others -- I have found that since surgery it only takes about 1/3 of the packet. I know the serving size is 1/2 of the packet - however, I find that too too sweet.

I am 2 months out from surgery and still have difficulty swallowing most pills. I can take my BC with no problem and I am able to get down a 40 mg Nexium (not mups) down okay - anything larger than that I have to cut up in 2-4 pieces in order to get them down or they just get stuck and come right back up. I am taking gummy Vitamins as I can chew them up and they go down easy. With regard to the drain incision - it should close up within 10-14 days - I think mine took about 7-10. However, that only means it is closed up, not that the incision is gone -- it is still the most noticeable scar I have.

Tweets -- welcome to the forum. I have a desk job (paralegal) that doesn't require any heavy lifting, etc. I had my surgery on a Friday, came home on a Monday and went back to work on a Friday. I planned to go back on Thursday; however, I was having diarrhea so decided to stay at home an extra day. I was very tired for about 2-3 weeks after returning to work and working all day; however, I had no trouble working. I know others have returned sooner, so I guess it's really up to you, your doctor and how your body is feeling. As for the sleeve being non-reversible, that is true; however, it is also true that there are people who live entirely with out a stomach (due to stomach surgery, etc.) -- so you can live without a stomach if you have too. Good luck on your choice.!

Sounds very YUMMY!

The gas you have after surgery isn't in your tummy -- it's in your body cavity where they blow you up to move your organs out of the way, so I doubt liquid the day before will do anything different than those who eat the evening before. Having been through this, I sure as heck wouldn't start liquids before I absolutely had too -- you'll get tired of liquids soon enough believe me.

I can call or email any of Dr. Aceves staff at any time and if they aren't there to respond (i.e, late at night) they respond the following morning. 31 lbs. in 8 weeks is great - good Lord how much did you think you would lose? I am 8 weeks out and have lost 34 and am tickled at that -- You have to remember the weight didn't come on overnight and it's not going to come off overnight either -- this is not a SPRINT - it is a marathon and steady wins the race...so be patient and as long as the scale keeps moving down, be HAPPY! As for the food/drink issues, I totally relate to what you are saying. Just keep keeping at it and you'll find things that go down easier and taste better than others ... it's a day-by-day ordeal! Good luck!

Hey Jenn - that's great news about your bathing suit -- that it's too loose, not that you're flashing everyone. I know it might sound/look a bit tacky, but you might try taking a shoe string or piece of ribbon and tieing your strap together in the back ... or getting those new things they are advertising to pull your bra straps together to wear under various tops ... you know what I"m talking about? It may not make a fashion statment; however, it may very well keep you from showing your deflated (your words, not mine) balloons to all the others in the pool. Have a great time!

That has been one of my biggest complaints since surgery -- I used to stay up until 11 or midnight and be up at 5:30-6. Following surgery, I was lucky to be able to make it until 9:30 and couldn't drag my butt out of bed at 6 or even 6:30. The last couple of weeks, since I started taking vitamins, I find I have much more energy and can make it until 10:30 or 11 ... it may be a coincidence with the vitamins in that my spasming has been improving and I am able to get in more food - i.e., more protein -- so it may be a combination of the two. Anyway, you're lucky you can sleep when you want -- so take advantage of it and when your body is ready, it will need less sleep. (BTW - I am 2 months out from surgery)

Glad you're home ... oh yes, the lovely "peacock poo" ... that will only last a few days - its' due to the blue-dyed apple juice they gave you for the 2nd leak test. As for the chicken broth - I pratically hurled when they brought it into the room when Bearded had his surgery ... I was too brothed out from my surgery, hospital stay and liquid diet at home -- I couldn't believe how the smell affected me - I had to leave the room. Take it easy, rest and sleep when you can - you'll be up and going before you know it. BTW - Dr. Aceves also drinks a ton of coffee!

Linda - glad you are okay; however, I've had muscle spasms in my back and they are not fun at all. You might try a heating pad when you can to help relax the muscles. The spasms will pass; however the pain is not much fun when it's going on. Glad it was nothing "more"

Welcome Don and congrats on taking the step to a healthier life and enjoyment with your wife and baby girl ...

Welcome Lizzy - we are so happy you are here. You have made an excellent choice in choosing Dr. Aceves. IMO he is absolutely wonderful. You might go to the september sleevers and see who else is scheduled with Dr. Aceves at or around the same time as you.

My guess is that it is water weight from the additional water - perhaps you were dehyrdrated - keep drinking (water that is) and I am sure once your tissues get rehydrated your weight will once again start dropping.

LOL -- that is so funny Judy -- and so like adolescent boys!

Hi Luv - welcome to the VST family .... you will find all kinds of support here - never ever hesitate to ask a question, as someone will more than likely have a response for you and everyone can learn from other's experiences. As for Dr. Aceves - IMO you couldn't have made a better choice - he and his staff are absolutely amazing. I work with doctors all the time and he is the most compassionate doctor I have ever encountered. You will be in GREAT hands!

They'll have to refrain -- she'll have Caysen with her -- he wants to see his daddy, too!

I can't eat frozen foods - they are way too salty for me -- I even find the low sodium soups too salty. I had that "issue" before the surgery - I am just not one to salt many things - french fries, potatoes and tomatoes -- that's about it - and I use sea salt instead of table salt.

Two nights ago I actually took the time and forced myself to spread it out over approx. 45 minutes - I was able to get down a small piece of meatloaf and 2 slices of homegrown tomatoes ... it was the first time since moving to mushies/food that I actually felt full and stayed full and didn't eat the rest of the evening. Generally I eat, get full fast and am hungry again in an hour. I did the same thing at lunch yesterday and got the same results. I guess everyone is different in this regard.

Work--it's so overrated!

Well of course you're weird ... (just kidding) .... I haven't heard of that before; however if it's yellow oozing and it has an odor I think you'd probably should be contacting your PCP -- perhaps he can give you an antibiotic and an ointment to put on the area to heal it. Let us know what you find out. It may be "gross"; however, it's good to know that it is a possibility.

Wow Tiff that sounds like a lot of fun ... I am sure you'll find something to do to keep yourself busy ... and think of all the sex you and John can have while Caysen is at school. :svengo:

Lots of protein - low in carbs. Be warned your tastes may change after surgery, so don't load up on anything just in case.