Lynnette43

Hi Everyone! I found a GREAT website for tracking what we eat. It is LIVESTRONG.COM - Health, Fitness, Lifestyle | LIVESTRONG.COM, and there is an application called "My Plate". You simply enter what you have eaten, and it does all the calculations for you! It's definitely worth a try!!

:biggrin2:Just a question regarding B-12. I'm sure they told me, but I can't remember ....why can't we take the pill form of B-12? I don't want the injections, and I don't like the taste of the sub-lingual....but I keep taking them :scared0:

Hi all! I am one month out, and am having a difficult time getting in my Protein. My surgeon wants me to get in 70 - 80grams/day, and I'm lucky to get in 30! I no longer like the Protein shakes...loved them pre-op, can't stand them now. A good friend of mine game me some liquid Protein from GNC to mix in my Water (adding a little crystal light), but the smell from the liquid protein makes it hard to get down. I'm having some chicken, fish, Peanut Butter, string cheese and spreadable swiss on a few saltines, but I know I'm not coming any where close. Any suggestions??

I was amazed at how quickly I was able to go back to work. I had my VSG on May 12th, my one week check up on May 19th, and returned to work full time on May 20th. Granted, I have an office job, so that makes it a little easier. My surgeon did give me a 15# weight limit until I see him on June 2nd. Since my job deals with sitting at a desk and doing a lot of data entry, I just made an attempt every hour our so to get up and take a 5 - 10 minute walk (of course, I had this okayed with my boss) and I think this really helped me in my recover and healing process. For me, getting back to my routine helped me stay focused. Sure, I was tired when I got home....but it felt so good to be productive!

I too am 5 days out and was wondering about the swollen belly! It's getting better each day, but WOW, I never expected that. Did everybody gain weight after surgery?? I, like an idiot, asked to get on the scales before I left the hospital. The nurses all told me that I didn't want to....but I insisted. Heck, I'd been on a pre-op diet for 2 weeks and clear, no carb fluids since the day before surgery, certainly I should weigh less...right! I gained 12 pounds!!!! I know it makes sense with all the fluids and swelling, but seriously. I haven't weight myself since, but I plan on doing it tonight.

Hi latoya79 and Welcome! I too was all for the lap band at first. But then after attending the weight loss seminar at my hospital, doing my research, reading all the posts on this site, and meeting with my surgeon (who was perfectly fine with whichever option I chose...VSG or band) decided that the sleeve was the one for me. I have a co-worker who had the band done. While she hasn't had any problems, I see her struggle with a very slow weight loss, and having to continually go to the doctor for fills. Another thing I did before making my decision was making a list of pros/cons for band vs sleeve. I'm only 5 days post-op, and so far I have no regrets! Good Luck in whichever option you choose.

I was sleeved on May 12th. Ice Chips in post-op are like nectar from the Gods! I never knew how good ice could taste! PS: You may want to take some Blistex or Chapstick with you....my lips got really dried out and cracked. Good Luck! You will do fine!:lol0:

Wow! I am also two days out...sleeved at 11am on Wednesday...YAY ME! And I haven't been experiencing the things you girls are talking about, except for weighing more post-op than pre-op (that was depressing!) My surgeon did a leak test before I even left the operating room. I have some gas, but it is tolerable as long as I get up every hour or so and walk around. I did have to stay two nights, which I am attributing to the fact that I am also an insulin-dependent diabetic. I did have some problems with the narcotic pain killers that were pumped though my IV and keeping my blood pressure up. This kept me from getting up and walking the first night. My meds after surgery are disolvable Priolosec to help with any acid and a liquid form of Vicodin. As long as I keep on schedule, the pain is very managable. I was encourage to start the Popsicle, broth, Jello, Fluid, etc diet early, and have tolerated every thing very well. I have yet to feel hunger. My hubby just made dinner for himself and the kids, and I had some chicken broth and SF Jell-o and am completely satisfied. Never thought I would be able to say that! I haven't experienced hiccups yet, and from the sounds of it I hope I don't. If I hear of anyways to get rid of them, I will be sure to pass it along. Good Luck All!!

Thanks everyone! Not to pat my own back, but I NEVER thought I would go through with it!! Sure am glad I did. I know know that this was the right decision and I'm going to be so much healthier and happier than I could ever have imagined! Had a little bit of a rough night last night....felt so good all day that I kinda got off my pain med schedule. Whoops! That won't happen again. Looking forward to going home today :-)

Well.....I did it! Surgery was Wednesday morning. Everything has went well so far! I have been walking the halls today....just had a shower, and am now enjoying a little broth and jell-0! It was soooo amazing how good ice chips can taste when you get to pre-op...I thought I was in heaven! I have been treated with so much respect and dignity, way to go Munson Health Care Team! Hopefully I will be able to go home tomorow (Friday):thumbup:

We'll have to be "sleeve buddies"!:thumbup1:

WOW!!! Thanks for all the advise....it's nice to know that I'm not the only one with the roller coaster emotions. My pre-op diet has really went pretty smoothly. Here is what they have me doing: Breakfast 1 egg and 1 egg white, 1 slice multi-grain bread and 1 fruit choice; Mid-morning Protein Shake; lunch 2oz lean lunch meat, 1 slice low-fat cheese, 1 slice multi-grain bread and 1 sugar free Jello w/fruit cup; Mid-afternoon Protein shake; dinner 4-6oz lean meat, 1-2 cups vegetables, tossed salad with low-fat dressing and 1 starch/carb; Before bed Protein shake. This has been pretty easy for me to follow, since I've been an insulin dependent diabetic for 20 years. I don't mind the Protein shakes, and they have really kept me from being hungry! I made potato salad for the family today.....told my hubby, "I don't know how it's gonna be, I'm not allowed to sample.". Come to find out he told me that it was the best potato salad I'd ever made! Thanks Mary!! Never thought of it as a Mother's Day gift! I think in the 19 years I've been a Mom, this is going to be the BEST one yet!! :-) Ten days and counting.................

I just wanted to finally introduce myself. I have been reading these boards for months now and they have been very helpful. I am finally going to have my sleeve done on May 12th. I am excited and scared all at the same time. I began my 2-week pre-op diet last Wednesday and things have been going really well with it. I was wondering what advise you gals (and guys) could give me to help calm the fears of surgery. I have a TERRIFIC support group which really helps. What should I expect with the surgery, how long in the hospital, what is the pre-op diet REALLY like, how long before returning to an office job, etc. Any advise would be really appreciated!