I just joined today and am introducing myself like the welcome email suggested. I am 8 days post-op and feeling pretty good. Starting to get bored with the full liquids but I am looking forward to adding more variety next week with the pureed foods. I have only had 2 problems so far: protein shakes and a horrible allergic reaction to the surgical tape. The protein is probably my toughest challenge right now. I can't seem to find one that I can tolerate enough to allow me to get in my required amounts. I am averaging about half of what is recommended. I'm just going to keep working at it though. As for the allergic reaction, my abdomen is healing nicely from the incisions, but is red and inflamed from a horrible reaction from the surgical tape. My doctor's office assures me this is common and I also called my Dad(who is my PCP) and he confirmed it's very common. My skin is crawling though but at least it takes my mind off of only being able to have liquids. I continue to feel very lucky that I had the opportunity to get this surgery. My insurance covered most of the fees and my husband took money out of our savings for the rest. I am lucky I had coverage for it under my current insurance since my previous insurance did not cover it and I am lucky my husband is so supportive and allowed me to pay the copays. Feeling blessed. I am excited for the journey and my spirits are still high...now if I could only stop itching....

Hello iam 22 days out and 22 pds lost. I just wanted to tell you the akins shakes are the best i think. I like the choclate the most. I haven't been able to get the water amount in yet. But i went back to work one week later and i feel great.