Are you a nurse? I am starting a support group for nurses that are contemplating, undergoing or are now 'old pro's' with their sleeves!

By way of introduction, my name is Jana & I live in the DFW area and am currently undergoing the approval process. I have been a RN for 38 years--18 years in Surgery & 18 years in Case Management & as a Manager for a major health plan carrier.

So feel free to jump on board!

Just wanted to share with you all pics of my new Lauren's Hope medical ID bracelet. It just came in the mail and I love it! It is of high quality, and the pictures just don't do it justice! My medical ID reads:

DIANN SMITH, RN

GASTRIC SLEEVE 4/14

NO BLIND NG TUBES

NO NSAIDS

SULFA ALLERGY

As post-ops, we should ALL have one of these! Last thing I want is some ER nurse in a hurry poking a hole in my sleeve with an NG tube.

The medical ID plate has lobster clasps on either end, so I can easily change the bracelet to another one of their dozens of styles from the sporty to the whimsical to the elegant. I plan to order several more to go with my whole wardrobe! If you're interested in checking out their selection, the website is www.laurenshope.com

Just wanted to share with you all pics of my new Lauren's Hope medical ID bracelet. It just came in the mail and I love it! It is of high quality, and the pictures just don't do it justice! My medical ID reads:

DIANN SMITH, RN

GASTRIC SLEEVE 4/14

NO BLIND NG TUBES

NO NSAIDS

SULFA ALLERGY

As post-ops, we should ALL have one of these! Last thing I want is some ER nurse in a hurry poking a hole in my sleeve with an NG tube.

The medical ID plate has lobster clasps on either end, so I can easily change the bracelet to another one of their dozens of styles from the sporty to the whimsical to the elegant. I plan to order several more to go with my whole wardrobe! If you're interested in checking out their selection, the website is www.laurenshope.com

Oops, I forgot to mentinon that each one is CUSTOM MADE. The website tells you how to measure your wrist--and since we are all losing weight rapidly, you might like to know that they will resize your bracelet FREE in the first 6 months after purchase! Yay!

I love it and what a fantastic idea!!

Oops, I forgot to mentinon that each one is CUSTOM MADE. The website tells you how to measure your wrist--and since we are all losing weight rapidly, you might like to know that they will resize your bracelet FREE in the first 6 months after purchase! Yay!

Great idea! Was just thinking how many sleevers wear one. I have sticker Dr gave me for back of my license.

I was given a card to put in my wallet. The other side is for restaurants requesting that they allow me to order smaller portions, or off the kids or senior menu.

I have a wallet card too, but i know medical personnel are trained to look for med ID bracelets, they don't necessarily go digging through your wallet right away in an emergency. Also, i don't always carry my bulky wallet with me.

Hi,

This is my very first post. I've been a nurse for 32 years. I've done a bit of everything, MICU, ID, apheresis, neonatal ICU and currently I'm working in the reconstructive surgery clinic at a breast cancer center. I was sleeved Tuesday, August 26. I'm just 3 days out. I'm struggling to get in any protein. I have nausea and stomach cramping. I guess I just need to hear from someone that it gets better. I'm able to drink water and herbal tea and a little bit of protein. I'm just really concentrating on fluids so I stay hydrated. Any encouragement would be appreciated.

Hi,<br> This is my very first post. I've been a nurse for 32 years. I've done a bit of everything, MICU, ID, apheresis, neonatal ICU and currently I'm working in the reconstructive surgery clinic at a breast cancer center. I was sleeved Tuesday, August 26. I'm just 3 days out. I'm struggling to get in any Protein. I have nausea and stomach cramping. I guess I just need to hear from someone that it gets better. I'm able to drink Water and herbal tea and a little bit of protein. I'm just really concentrating on fluids so I stay hydrated. Any encouragement would be appreciated.

It definitely gets better. I am an RN who is a certified Breast Health Navigator and Director of a Breast Center. I was sleeved June 10th. I only took 1 week off of work and did fine but I would advise anyone to take at least 2 weeks off. My numbers are. Starting weight 215. Current weight 178. I came home from hospital on a full liquid diet and was able to get all my protein in but really had to focus on it all day long. My taste had changed so much, everything tasted bad. I use Premier Protein drinks and each has 30 gms of protein. I can't stress enough how important it is to get your protein and at least 48 oz H2O. You will not heal and you will feel bad if you don't. Get these essential nutrients in. I found I had to sip all day long... Little tiny sips. I was fortunate that I didn't have nausea. Walking helped me and sometimes I had to walk after each sip to get rid of gas pains. Walking really helped me. Now, I feel better than I have in 20 years. I am exercising. 30 minutes a day.... Treadmill, elliptical and bike and my weight loss has slowed to 2 lbs a week. I eat anything I want but have not had bread or Pasta. I am so glad I did this and you will be too.

Hi,<br> This is my very first post. I've been a nurse for 32 years. I've done a bit of everything, MICU, ID, apheresis, neonatal ICU and currently I'm working in the reconstructive surgery clinic at a breast cancer center. I was sleeved Tuesday, August 26. I'm just 3 days out. I'm struggling to get in any protein. I have nausea and stomach cramping. I guess I just need to hear from someone that it gets better. I'm able to drink water and herbal tea and a little bit of protein. I'm just really concentrating on fluids so I stay hydrated. Any encouragement would be appreciated.

It is going to get so much better! I can't emphasize enough how important it is for you ...sip... Sip... Sip.... Get that protein and water in! I am a Breast Health Navigator and Director of a Breast Center. Sleeved 6/10... Starting weight 215. Now 178and feeling fabulous. You will too... Hang in there .... Ask me questions!

Hi,

This is my very first post. I've been a nurse for 32 years. I've done a bit of everything, MICU, ID, apheresis, neonatal ICU and currently I'm working in the reconstructive surgery clinic at a breast cancer center. I was sleeved Tuesday, August 26. I'm just 3 days out. I'm struggling to get in any Protein. I have nausea and stomach cramping. I guess I just need to hear from someone that it gets better. I'm able to drink Water and herbal tea and a little bit of protein. I'm just really concentrating on fluids so I stay hydrated. Any encouragement would be appreciated.

Try to have patience with yourself and your new tiny stomach. Don't stress about the protein! The only thing you need to focus on right now is Fluid INTAKE. Your body has enough stores of nutrients to get you by for several weeks. This is what my surgeon told me and it was such a relief not to have to stress about counting protein grams in the beginning!

I still don't count them. I just make sure each meal or snack is protein-centered and i eat very few carbs, no bread, Pasta, rice, crackers, tortillas, etc.

Fluid intake is still difficult for me, i average around 30 oz a day or so, but i am healthy, feel great, labs are all normal. I'm off my BP meds and blood pressure is totally normal, my lipids too. My sleeve healed very nicely and i adore it.

The first 2 months are tough, don't kid yourself. I was unprepared for how difficult it would be both physically and mentally. I had buyer's remorse about the surgery, bigtime. I cried and chastised myself for doing it. But trust me, it gets SOOOOO much better! It's hard to be patient, I know this, but it will pay off!

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions. And CONGRATULATIONS on taking this positive step in your life!

Frustrated... But trying to hang in. I am 6 weeks post op.. Lost 20 lbs in the first two weeks.. Now NOTHING for a month... I am a busy radiology RN and walk all day long.. Getting 80 grams of protein, usually enough water, and am eating 800-900 cal a day... I trying to be patient and just ignore the stall... Urgggggg painful it seems slow...

I'm 6.5 months out and just hit my 100 pound mark. It's a awesome feeling. But I can't tell you how many stalls I've been through - too many to count. My progress graph on MFP is a sharp downward graph, but all along there is evidence of stalls. Most frustrating damn things ever! Good news is that you're perfectly normal. 20 is a perfect start. You're on your way!

Thanks..i know this is comfortable walk and not a sprint... I appreciate your story

Just found this nurse forum. Its great that we can all support each other as we are usually the one giving the support. I'm a travel LPN have been for 15years. I am self pay for Tijuana. Had a big panic attack last nigh. My date is 10/21/14. I decided to take the train from Iowa and make it a fun adventure, spend a few extra days in Tijuana before heading back by train. I am getting so scarred. All the what ifs are hitting me. I put down my deposit yesterday so I think that's why it just all became a reality. No backing out, it is what it is.

I really feel that this surgery was easily the best thing I have ever done for myself! I am 15 weeks post op down 48 lbs and feeling incredible!! The first week was tough , but smooth sailing since...best of luck I'm sure you will do great!!!