Hi.

I'm Deb from N. Carolina. I started this whole process back in August after a visit to my regular doctor. After way too many years of yo-yo dieting and never getting the job done, it's all caught up to me. Now I'm heavier than I've ever been, my BP is on the rise and so is my cholesterol. My arthritis is terrible in my knees and ankles. I retired a couple years ago and I hate it because I can't do any of the things my husband and I talked about doing at this time in our lives. It's time to move forward.....

My surgery is scheduled for Nov.11th. I'm excited and scared at the same time. I'm hoping that others that are getting ready to have their surgery in November might be interested in connecting to create a support group. Let's make this journey together and be there to support one another no matter where we live or what our ages may be.

I've been looking at many of the other discussions and some are great, but I have a hard time keeping up with all of them in different places. I'm wondering if a group like this would make it easier to keep tract of whatever we want to talk about.

What do you think????

I look forward to hearing from folks.

Deb

I'm nervous about the pureed food ...will it taste gross??..I had baby food turkey flavor couldn't do it lol

You can basically puree your own meats and stuff too lol

Hang in there. After 2 weeks of pre-op liquids another 2 weeks post op is hard. At least it has been for me too. I'll be 2 weeks out this coming Tuesday. By this past Friday I*thought I'd loose it if I didn't have something other than sweet protein shakes, and liquids. Even chicken or beef broth didn't cut it. Friday night I finally opened a can of real chicken noodle soup, tossed the noodles, pureed the chicken and carrots and put it back into the broth. I took my time and it went down fine. Yesterday I had a tiny snack cup of applesauce, and today I had some yoghurt. Everythings OK. When I see the nutritionist on Tuesday she's going to tell me to go ahead and start pureed, but I'm ahead of her. . I'm hoping that by Thanksgiving I can at least manage a taste of mashed potatoes, a little turkey pureed with some gravy. and maybe a spoon of mushy green bean casserole. I'm not cooking, my daughter in law is, and she's all worried about me starving to death.

Oh, about the drain....mine was removed right before they discharged me too. I agree that it was one of the weirdest sensation I've ever had.

What's the best way to purée foods? Just in a blender? I have a ninja profesonal blender.. Makes amazing smoothies! But I love that chicken noodle idea! I have this Amy's vegi soup that is crazy good! And healthy and all that, I just wish I could eat the veggies in the soup! So putting the soup in a blender sounds like a good idea!

Here's my update....

I'm 6 days post op (surgery was Monday Nov 17). I am doing really great. I was released the next day after surgery. I am meeting my protein/water goals, can tolerate multivitamins, taste buds have NOT changed (though I was hoping they would) and I can tolerate sweet things-- like my Unjury chocolate splendor shake, but I've never really had a sweet tooth and much prefer the chicken flavor protein. I have plenty of energy and have been running errands and walking around. I even did a tour at the Pentagon with my mom. My main issue has been the constant gas/burp pain. I really wish I can burp or fart on command, sorry if its too much TMI. Also, my left incision hurts, but what hurts the MOST is two bruises that I have on my lower abdomen (no incisions there just bruises). If I move too quickly, it feels like someone is pulling or tugging and stabbing me at the same time. Though Tylenol seems to work on them.

I had people tell me that the first week is really depressing and you will feel like "what the heck have I done to my body?!!" However, I have not experienced ANY of that. Though the sucky part right now is the liquid diet stage AND the drain. I can't wait to have this thing removed tomorrow. Also, I really wish I could have something solid, a piece of egg or canned salmon. Maybe some yogurt. I envy those people that had no desire for food or water after surgery.

As far as weight..... I was 216.6 day of surgery, 222 when I got home from the hospital (IV liquids, swollen). And as of today, I was 210.

So far I am so happy that I went through with the surgery and there are no regrets.

Sounds like we're still twins! I have been doing well too. I did have to stay in the hospital until Thursday but I chose to do that and have my drain removed before I left as opposed to leaving Wednesday but having it left in for a week.

After the first day, things got better fast. As the swelling went down I was able to get more liquids in and I have been able to tolerate most everything else. My taste buds have changed. I can deal with it but some things just taste weird now. Tastes sometimes change from meal to meal too. I am already getting about 50 grams of protein a day and I am drinking over 100 ounces of crystal light (lemonade) everyday!

My routine has been to get up at least every 2-3 hours, refill my liquids, take a GasX strip and walk around. I have been having a little trouble sleeping so this is my routine 24 hours a day. Also lits of sugar free Popsicles. They count as liquids, you get the "chewing experience" and they taste great.

Hope everybody keeps doing well.

@DylanRea. I have a Magic Bullet which works great for everything. It blends, chops, purees and mixes great. I like that it has different sized containers that you can use from an 8oz. cup to a 24oz. cup. I love it.

As anyone heard that we're not to use Truvia (stevia) as a sweetener? I switched from things like Sweet n Low or Equal ages ago, and have been using the stevia type substitute for everything. I even changed it in the sugar bowl because Pete is diabetic and likes to sprinkle "sugar" on cereal, fruit and such.

I wasn't told we couldn't have it, but saw another post where the patient was told not to use it?

What have you heard?

I haven't heard that we can't have it but I haven't heard that we could. I just assumed lol hopefully we can!

My protein powder that was recommended by the nutritionist is made with stevia.

I felt better today than I have since I had surgery on the sixth! They told us no straws but at my appt today they said some people are the opposite and get too much air without it and that was me! Plus I've been drinking iced lemon water with a tad of truvia and that's helping too. The most amazing thing though was eating my puréed chicken salad! My nausea went away instantly almost! I have had very few moments without nausea since surgery and that break was a relief! I ate slow and it was awesome! I think I see the light at the end of the tunnel! FINALLY! Still getting nauseous but at least I know there can be some relief. I've lost 39 lbs since starting the program and about 24 since surgery.

Edited November 25, 201411 yr by NicoleSW

Getting ready to go to the hospital in 15 minutes! So nervous/excited to get started. Wish I could already be in recovery!

You will be there before you know it. Enjoy each step! Best of luck to you

I just wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a wonderful HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Although we won't be eating that big plate full of turkey, dressing and potatoes covered with gravy. Cranberries and nuts, and of course the pumpkin pie, we have a lot to be thankful for.

We should all be grateful for this chance to start our lives over again in a healthy positive way. Next year we'll be able to sit down at the table and enjoy the same meal, but we'll do it with a new perspective and a much slimmer body. Somehow I think we'll actually enjoy it more. No guilt, no shame, and no regrets at all.

Enjoy your day with whoever you're with, and remember to also be thankful for this group of wonderful,brave people that we've pulled together. We have eachother to be thankful for.....

Hugs to all.

Deb

Awww that was amazing!! So true thank you for that!

My surgery went great and I had very little pain at all. Some gas discomfort but even not much of that thankfully. I also seem to be able to tolerate water and protein shakes just fine. Drank all that they gave me in the hospital and got discharged late afternoon yesterday!

My biggest fear right now is actually forgetting I had the surgery! I don't feel very different at all. I visited my mom's last night where they were having thanksgiving dinner/dessert and though the food looked and smelled good, I didn't really have any desire to eat any and that was a nice change.

al,

Although all the food looked and smelled amazing yesterday. I had no appetite at all! I ate a little bit of jello and was satisfied. eventhough I'm a few days postop I'm still pretty sore on my left side and have a little swelling at my site, but all in all recovery is going great! i was even able to do some shopping last night! I hope all is well for everyone else!