New Orleans Lady

Cream soups are not allowed by my doc until day 10.

As I understand, it's a lack of the proper amount of protein intake... My doc told me he wants me to make sure I get in the amount of protein recommended, because he didn't want me to lose my hair. I hope this helps.. How much protein and what kind are you taking now?

Hi Everyone, I had my GVS surgery on June 13, and all went well. I remember laying in bed waiting for surgery, and the next thing I remember is waking up in my room with it all done. I had a mild cramping in my chest, but it went away as soon as the nurses gave me meds. I remember walking down the hall soon after I woke up to insure that gas wouldn't get the best of me. The nurses kept me comfortable and gave me meds on a schedule. I also had a medicine ball for incisional pain. I never felt any incisional pain whatsoever. I walked the halls a few time the next day. I didn't have any complications at all. They wanted to let me go home on the second day, but I said that I wanted to stay one more night. It was included in the package deal, and I felt more comfortable sticking around a little longer. Today is my first day at home post op, and I have been comfortable here as well. I cleaned up the kitchen, walked a little outside, washed a load of clothes, and Sip, Sip Sipped all day... I did my Clear liquids and no problems. I didnt do everything at once, just a little at a time as I felt that I could do. I feel very blessed and very happy and to me, this experience was a cake walk... I realize everyone's experience is different, so I don't want to downplay the realities of others. My prayers are with you all that have suffered and had complications. A couple of weeks before surgery all the way to surgery date, I made sure to exercise by doing weight resistance, and aerobic activity. Not sure if it helped, but I figure getting the blood flowing in the body couldn't hurt. I feel so happy that this is done and over with, and now, I can watch myself deflate. I can't wait...

I haven't been sleeved yet, but I heard beef is harder to digest, and it takes quite a while before you can eat it without having a problem.

I know what you mean about the nerves... I am trying to keep busy and not dwell on anything negative. I keep telling myself how things are going to be so much better with time after surgery. I am scheduled for June 13th and went for my pre-op appt yesterday. I'm all paid up now and there's no turning back... After reading everyone comments on this site, I feel very confident that I am dong the right thing. I fantasize about what it's going to be like in just a few short months, and I cannot wait to feel better. I am so looking forward to getting this done. I have been thinking about doing it for two years, and it's just a process to get to this point ....I started exercising again so that I can be stronger for surgery... I guess I will only do aerobic activity on the day before surgery because I don't need my body to be in muscle repair mode while I am trying to recover from surgery.. Good Luck to you all who will be having the surgery this week... I'll be rooting for you to have a complication free surgery and for you all to GET WELL SOON! My love to all.... Lorna-Doone

Hi Elyse, Wow, you have come such a long way! You have lost a whole person, and that is a success right there, no matter what... I think our bodies need time to regroup, and everyone is different. Keep a positive frame of mind, and keep going forward.. You will get there soon enough. You have so much to be proud of. Congratulations. New Orleans Lady

What kind of food are you now turned off to? I am hoping all the veggies and fruits still taste good to me...

lol....too funny!

I haven't had surgery as of yet, but I am about to embark on the Journey soon, June 13. I have so many questions about what's going to happen in the long run..... other than the weight loss I mean. I would like to know if you ever have enjoyment when eating after you are healed. Also, will you have to take antacid forever? I am scared of the things that are unknown that no one wants to talk about. I am a direct person, and would like it if someone would just come out and tell the negative side of things.... So far, what I know is that I am going to have reflux, but for how long. I understand that with time, your stomach can stretch out ... does this mean you go back to normal as far as the burning in the throat issue? What about the lack of enjoyment in eating... Does it change back later on at some point.... If not, I would like to know the truth.. Can anybody be direct with me, Please...

So happy for you, Vee! You are in my prayers.... Get well soon....<3

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU DID IT! I hope recovery goes well for you....I am scheduled for June 13th.... wish me luck......

I replaced soft drinks with green tea since that is a healthy alternative. I like freshly squeezed lemon in it along with liquid sweet leaf stevia.

HI, Thanks for adding me to the June list. In case you would like my doc and location, here it is. James Redmann, Slidell / Covington, La 70458 Sincerely, New Orleans Lady

Wow! What a story you have going on there! That is truly amazing that you were able to do what you have done, even before surgery. Can't wait to see how you progress.... This surgery is giving to tool that you need to continue on your journey, and it sounds to me like you are a very determined woman.... Congratulations on your achievements so far, and keep us posted. I am really looking forward to your posts in the future. Thanks for sharing....

great rate!

The surgery group that I am going to are all great doctors. The spoke to me in a way that I could see he was pushing the GB. I went in there with the intention of getting the sleeve, and did not feel comfortable with him because of that. I asked for another appt with a different doc, and now I am feeling just fine about him. He didn't try to convince me of any particular surgery. The lapband is not for people that need to lose alot of weight, so that was out for me... not to mention, alot of people are having problems with that surgery. As far as I understand it, the complication rate for the sleeve and GB are simiiar, but the sleeve is slightly better. If I was diabetic, I would have consider the GB because it cures the diabetes. It has it's pro's and cons. The pro's is that it's been around for 40 years so there is long term data on it. It is considered the Gold Standard in weight loss surgery....many doctors can do that surgery like the back of their hand. I would make sure my doctor was one of the best for that particular surgery. I guess it just depends on how much weight you need to lose, because the re-routing also helps you to not absorb the calories as well. I was told that there are malabsorption issues with the sleeve as well... but maybe not as much... but you still have to take the vitamins, iron, b 12 and calcium everyday with the sleeve, too.... I didn't want to be rerouted either, but if I was diabetic, I would do it.

I'm wishing the best for you tomorrow

This is exactly what I was hoping to be able to find. Thanks

I believe that those pills make your heart beat faster and possibly put more stress on it. I wouldn't want to take a chance on it....

I have not, but would like to know myself. If anyone knows of a good company to use, please let us know. I don't want to keep this on my credit card. Thanks

I wound up having my gallbladder removed last May, and the pain was extreme with that surgery. I am thinking that this is going to be easier than that surgery was. I am not really too concerned about a short term pain, such as after surgery, but I am much more worried about the longer term pain. The lady above, Irishqwn5, said she has pain off and on since her surgery in December. That is 6 mos ago.... I am wondering how many other people still have pain 6 mos later.....By then, you should be completely healed.

To Irishqwn.... What did your doctor say about you still having pain after all of these months?

I haven't had my surgery yet, but will have it on June 13. I am curious... Does everyone experience pain while eating after surgery, let's say, after the first couple of weeks? If so, after how many weeks before the pain finally stops? Do some people have pain forever when they eat? That would b horrible if there is a chance u would always have pain while eating... the thought of something like that is really scary! I am hoping that alot of people will respond to this question so we can tell what the overall situation is for most. Also, does everyone get reflux so bad that medication is necessary everyday? Thanks ps... guess I am getting a bit nervous....

I wish the best for you, honey. I will be getting mine done on June 13th and I am getting a bit nervous myself.... I'll be looking forward to hearing from you after surgery. I'm sure all will go well for you.... Good Luck! New Orleans Lady Lorna

Yes, I'm hoping the same...lol I'm wishing everyone good luck on their upcoming surgeries.