Hi all,

Had sleeve surgery Aug 1.

Recovery has gone very well other than some minor issues. I didn't need any pain meds when I went home, I took one Vicodin in the hospital, and one regular Tylenol when I got home. Nothing else.

For the first couple days after, when I would drink, shortly after I took a sip (I guess the time it took to travel to the stomach) I would feel a mild sharp pain near my sternum that subsided in a few seconds. This has gone away. Stopped, for the most part on about the fourth day.

Haven't had any issues with constipation. Plenty of gas, but no real problem getting rid of it. As all say, walking around helps a lot. Another tip, if you need to pass gas on the "lower end", sitting on the toilet and rocking a little while helped me.

I'm now getting in 6oz an hour, with four of those hours being a Protein shake. Coming out to about 400-500 cal a day. I have no pain now. Just tired and dizzy at times. The only issue I have is I AM SICK OF THE PROTEIN SHAKES! I hate them! But you come to realize, if you don't drink them, you will feel like crap. My sense of smell is off the charts. Some cooking foods that my wife may make for the family make me sick to my stomach from the smell. I go outside.

Best, Jim

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Glad to hear that your recovery is going well! That sharp pain near your sternum could have been from repair to a hiatal hernia which is pretty common for surgeons to fix while performing bariatric surgery. You might ask your surgeon if there was a hernia repair during your procedure. In any case, glad to hear the pain has subsided.

I hear you loud and clear on the Protein shakes. No matter how many flavors I had, I dreaded the next shake!! I did find some water-based Protein drinks that really helped as they had different flavors and textures than the shakes. About Time Prohydrate and Isopure were 2 that really helped offer a variety. Also, adding Protein powder to Soup broth was a good alternative.

Glad to hear things are going well and welcome to the "other side"!!

Edited August 11, 201610 yr by smg

I was sleeved july 27th. I am right there with you on the Protein shakes. It is all I can do to get them down. I start my mushy foods next Wednesday. Each day feels like a week long. I am so over those too sweet drinks and Vitamins. I am trying to remain positive but this is not easy. Good luck to you and believe me I feel your pain!!!!!

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Sounds like you are doing great. There were times during the first few months that I thought "what the #@*! did I do to myself, but those thoughts are a distant memory.

I too hated Protein shakes for a while, but nearly 2 years later I still drink 1 every day. Rotating flavors and brands helps a lot. Just stick with it, it soon becomes something you just do.

As for smelling food, I had that problem for a while, plus I hated watching other people eat. It literally made me nauseous. That will pass. Just use the lack of appetite as a tool to change your habits. It really is a blessing in disguise!

Look forward to more updates! Best of luck, you have got this!

Thanks for your post. I think I could do one protein shake a day...but 4 is just getting to me. I will continue to do whatever I have to do so I can be successful! Thanks for your help!!!

I hear you on the Protein drinks. I am 3 months post opp. The acid reflux is still continuous and constipation is never ending. Water was never difficult to drink pre surgery but now I have to force sipping it down. My doctor is horrible post opp. His name is Dr. Yucircin from Toms River NJ. Don't go to him if you expect any post opp support.

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