August Post-Op

[gotime0810 71]

So how are the August post-ops doing? Any words of wisdom or nuggets of knowledge you would like to share?

[Noworneverthin 59]

Drinking Protein Shakes goes down nicely. Any mushier and I get cramps.

Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Rosana 5]

9 hours ago, Noworneverthin said:

Drinking Protein Shakes goes down nicely. Any mushier and I get cramps.

Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

which ones are you using? I start them on Sunday.

[SpindleCity 9]

** Time of operation has its effect: My surgery was Tuesday 11 am and I was able to be released Wednesday afternoon. My surgeon did three operations Tuesday, one before and one after me. I genuinely think having mine happen in the morning was an advantage. The woman done after me ended up being my hospital room roommate. Her situation was a little more complex on the surface (she was heavier and had some co-morbidities (CPAP machine at least)), but I also think there were ways the time of day slowed down her progression through the post surgical diet stages. I got all the way through stage 1 (water) and stage 2 (flavored water/broth) the first day and was able to start up shakes when I woke up. When I left, it looked like she would be staying through a second night. For me, I was anxious to get home so I could get proper rest without being poked for vitals every 2 hours, etc.

** I was not expecting to still be in sharp pain today, 3 days post op, but I can't really remember what it was like when I had my tubes out and my husband says it was similar. I have six laparoscopic incisions, 3 of which are barely noticeable, and two of which are significant with deep muscle stitches and wide bruising. I have no pain at all when lying down on my back, semi reclined sitting, or standing, other than the occasional gas bubble. Transitions, however, whether between positions or bending to reach something, make things jump from a dull 1 or 2 on the pain scale to a sharp 8 or 9, all about using the abdominal muscles with those deep incisions. So, I am still taking pain medication for today. I have a deep family history of substance problems (not my own, but still), so am anxious about taking it, even if it is as prescribed.

-- I got 4 different Protein Drinks to try during my two week pre-op diet and definitely have my personal favorite at this point:

4 -- Bariatric Advantage powder (given as a sample from my surgeon's office) -- Can't get it to mix all the way no matter what, which leaves for a "crumbly" and lumpy shake. Taste is ok, no aftertaste to speak of.

3 -- Pur Protein premade, vanilla & chocolate --texture is a little "off," maybe a bit oily or not fully homogenized? And it has the worst aftertaste of the bunch, definitely chalky. Avail at super markets & GNC & web.

2 -- Premier premade in the square containers, chocolate -- This one is good, room temp or cold. Taste a little too much like liquid pudding for my personal preference, but I could use it for a couple of weeks as needed. Avail at super markets & GNC & web.

1 -- Orgain chocolate & vanilla 26g -- far and away my favorite. I don't see this brand mentioned much, but it meets or beats the nutritional profile of the others, without artificial flavoring or preservatives. Basically tastes like good chocolate milk or a melted not too sweet vanilla shake. Unlike the others, I could see having this as part of our kitchen staples forever without resentment. https://www.amazon.com/Orgain-Organic-Protein-Creamy-Chocolate/dp/B01MZE5Y50 Note they also have the square containers ones with lower protein amount, if you want 16g or 20g on your plan instead of this one with 26g.

Sending lots of warm wishes for all of you starting this journey this month with me.

[kem91 38]

1 week post op as of today! Feeling pretty good overall and really not in any pain, except for sneezing and coughing. Incisions look like they're doing pretty good, I check them twice a day (morning and night). No signs of other complications so far. I personally have to do liquids for two weeks post op before going to puree. I am having some difficulty getting enough hydration and food, getting bored of what I can eat really easily. On the giant plus side: down 10 pounds from surgery and I've lost several inches from different parts of my body. Looking forward to next week when I can have things like pudding and cheese.

Hope everyone else is recovering well and has excellent success on the road ahead!

[hillagain 2]

8 days post-op. Had sudden bp drop before bed last night. Ok now. No pain. Back at work. Just moved from Clear Liquids x7 days to all liquid diet x21 days. First meal was crm chick Soup with some mashed potatoes mixed in real thin and blended. 3 oz over an hour and that was it. Hopefully Breakfast goes better with cream of wheat. I do wish I could just down a bottle of Water like I used to but sticking with my sips and 4-8 oz/hr at the moment.