Today is my first day posting so forgive me if I don’t get the lexicon right the first time.

Surgery Date: March 5, 2018

Starting Weight: 261

Surgery Day Weight: 250

Today’s Weight (Week 1): 241

I had a 90 day program working with a dietician and completing all of the pre-operative testing culminating in a 3 day liquid diet prior to surgery. The first day of the liquid diet was hard, but the excitement of my upcoming surgery made the other two days fairly easy.

I arrived at the hospital last Monday morning at 5:45 am and was wheeled into surgery at 7:45 am. I don’t remember much of that first day but I was up and walking that afternoon and evening. I was sore and there was pain but it was managed with Roxycodone every 3-4 hours (as long as my blood pressure didn’t drop too low - overnight, I had to wait 6 hours between doses as my BP had dropped below 100 systolic.

Day 2 at the hospital was filled with trying to get my fluids in and trying to get the gas out! The pain I was experiencing was mostly related to my abdomen being bloated with gas as a result of the laparoscopic procedure. I was successful on the former (sip, sip, sip!) but woefully unsuccessful on the latter. (In retrospect, I wish I would have walked more that second day.)

I was released by noon on day 3 and recovered the rest of the week at home. Below are just a few things that I’ve learned. Please share some of the things you’ve learned as well wherever you are in your journey and let’s help set expectations and share great ideas!

1. When you begin your protein shakes, your bowels will start moving again! I called my Drs office panicked because I pooped! (A bit scary after not pooping for almost a week!)

2. For me, I was unable to lay on my side until Day 6 comfortably. I used a comfy recliner most nights which prevented me from trying to toss and turn from side to side (I’m a side sleeper)

3. Sugar free popsicles are great!

4. I don’t know if this will last, but my taste for broth has changed. Pre-surgery - and for my whole life - I have loved beef and chicken broth. But now, I can’t stand it.

5. You will get bored on the all liquid diet post op. Look for things you can combine. On my plan, I was allowed coffee. The protein shakes I found to be quite chalky in my mouth. On Day 5 I combined the two, using my flavored protein shake as a “creamer” to my coffee. It was warm and delicious and now the only way I get in my protein shake.

6. Listen to your pouch. The one thing you don’t want to do is pop the pouch. The staples need at least 3 weeks to fully heal so follow your surgeon/dietician’s program exactly. No cheating! Two tips my surgeon gave me - if you hiccup, you’ve overfilled - and if you want to clear your pouch sooner, stand up very straight for a few minutes to help facilitate drainage through the small intestine.

7. You will get tired easily - so push yourself but don’t overdo it. I started out walking throughout my house the first few days, up and down the stairs, went outside on Saturday and walked up and down the driveway, and finally went out to a few stores with my husband yesterday. I did okay at the grocery store until we went to check out. All of a sudden I was super tired. When we went to Home Depot to pick out a barn door, I found a chair to sit in while my husband picked up a few things before meeting me in the door section. I was ok walking back to the car but was tired the rest of the evening. Take it slow.

Today starts Week 2 and I get to add applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes and oatmeal. It’s nice to have something warm and chewy in my mouth again.

I will continue to post updates and invite all other March surgery dates to join.

Thanks,

Roxine

Good Morning MGBGers!
I just passed 4 weeks post-op and can now start incorporating more strenuous exercise into my routine! This weekend, my family and I went on a 5 mile bike ride and a 3 mile walk. It felt good, although I was tired that evening.
I also started taking Calcium with Vitamin D along with my standing regimen of Protonix, Multivitamins, and Vitamin B. food intake has been progressing nicely. I've yet to experience any regurgitation or vomiting - though I did struggle one morning when I think I forgot to chew slowly and was only able to take a couple of bites of scrambled eggs before I felt stuffed.
I am waiting for 30 days post-op to take a new photo - figure I'll do it at 30, 60, 90, 120, etc - to represent a true month's worth of losing. I kept the same outfit I took before pictures in so I'm looking forward to seeing changes.
In overall weight loss, I'm down 34 pounds. In sizes, I was previously in a size 20 and now can fit comfortably into a size 14. I actually shopped in a "regular store" and was able to purchase some large sweats/t-shirts and they fit comfortably. So changes are happening all over my body. I can now put on my husband's shirts (Men's large) and they look cute - loose and comfy - and he no longer gets upset because I no longer stretch them out - now he likes me to wear them...
My shoe size has gone down 1/2 size. Was in an 8 at SW and now in a 7.5. I used to wear a 7, so it will be interesting to see if I get back to that size or if 7.5 is sufficient.
My incision scars are looking much better - I've finally gotten rid of all of the tape residue and with my decreasing belly size, they are disappearing before my eyes [emoji4]
People are definitely starting to notice and make comments. And while this can put me in an uncomfortable head space - I'm learning to smile and say thank you and not over analyze hidden agendas or intentions (particularly with men).
I'm averaging 450-550 calories per day, 30-40g Protein and around 40 net carbs. My sugars are typically below 10 and I'm meeting my 64oz of Water intake per day.
Calling all March Gastric Bypass Peeps - How are you doing?

Sounds like you are doing wonderful!!!

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On 3/28/2018 at 8:56 AM, frust8 said:

Keep some Smooth Move Tea on your in-case shelf. I think everyone should have one of those, mine is a small plastic tote I keep under my bedside table, I have a box of Smooth Move tea, Miramax & M..O.M so far in there, I'm sure a few more things will be going in there. I lurk and listen what had worked for other people doing their journeys and I've learned a lot already.

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THANK YOU for this tip! It worked (probably too well - hahahaha) this weekend. Of course, I probably over did it - I think I drank it 3 mornings in a row - and boy did it clear out everything. I felt 10 pounds lighter

Will now only use it perhaps once per week - as needed. But highly recommend if anyone is struggling with constipation or having irregular bowel movements.

Roxine they now have come out with a peppermint formulation.[emoji90] Saw it last week on my biweekly trek to WallyWorld.[emoji13]

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On 3/14/2018 at 9:23 PM, Roxine said:

Also placing liquids in smaller cups reminds you to sip slowly. No gulping allowed With gulping not only are you taking in too much Fluid but you’re also introducing air into your pouch. And we don’t have much room in there!

I like to take Metamucil, and it looks like this is something that a lot of folks here are taking post-op. But you've got to mix it with a glass of water and gulp it down within seconds, otherwise the Metamucil clumps up in the glass. How is it possible to drink Metamucil post-op when you can't gulp water or take in much of it at a time? Is this something that you can't do immediately post-op, but can do after several months?

10 hours ago, gr8ful1 said:

I like to take Metamucil, and it looks like this is something that a lot of folks here are taking post-op. But you've got to mix it with a glass of Water and gulp it down within seconds, otherwise the Metamucil clumps up in the glass. How is it possible to drink Metamucil post-op when you can't gulp water or take in much of it at a time? Is this something that you can't do immediately post-op, but can do after several months?

I switched to BeniFiber post op because it mixes clear with water...drinking it now ?

Today is my official 30 days post-op - I am down 36 pounds since the start of my journey, 26 pounds in the 30 days post-op. My BMI is now BELOW 40! (Okay, it's 39.9, but that's still below 40 )

I have increased my cardio, walking every single day at least 20-30 minutes at a brisk pace. I have added in other activities - bike riding, light weights, core work - and can really feel and see the difference in both my body and energy level.

I will be taking pictures over the next several months every 30 days and will put out a before/during/after collection once I have reached maintenance.

I hope everyone is doing well - looking forward to hearing your success stories as we walk this path together.

Roxine

Way to go my dear Roxine. You have been a great Bari-friend,hope to share my own Post surgical journey with you when It will happen![emoji173]

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Today is my official 30 days post-op - I am down 36 pounds since the start of my journey, 26 pounds in the 30 days post-op. My BMI is now BELOW 40! (Okay, it's 39.9, but that's still below 40 [emoji4] )
I have increased my cardio, walking every single day at least 20-30 minutes at a brisk pace. I have added in other activities - bike riding, light weights, core work - and can really feel and see the difference in both my body and energy level.
I will be taking pictures over the next several months every 30 days and will put out a before/during/after collection once I have reached maintenance.
I hope everyone is doing well - looking forward to hearing your success stories as we walk this path together.
Roxine

I’m 3 weeks out and really want to try some other foods. Any suggestions

Today is my official 30 days post-op - I am down 36 pounds since the start of my journey, 26 pounds in the 30 days post-op. My BMI is now BELOW 40! (Okay, it's 39.9, but that's still below 40 [emoji4] )
I have increased my cardio, walking every single day at least 20-30 minutes at a brisk pace. I have added in other activities - bike riding, light weights, core work - and can really feel and see the difference in both my body and energy level.
I will be taking pictures over the next several months every 30 days and will put out a before/during/after collection once I have reached maintenance.
I hope everyone is doing well - looking forward to hearing your success stories as we walk this path together.
Roxine

I’m 3 weeks out and really want to try some other foods. Any suggestions

14 hours ago, LakeishaNicole said:

I’m 3 weeks out and really want to try some other foods. Any suggestions

At three weeks I was allowed to add soft foods - scrambled egg (i could eat about 1/2 of it), Yogurt, Loose oatmeal, and loose mashed potatoes. It was nice to have something with texture after being on fluids for so long. What does your plan call for at 3 weeks?

2 hours ago, Roxine said:

At three weeks I was allowed to add soft foods - scrambled egg (i could eat about 1/2 of it), Yogurt, Loose oatmeal, and loose mashed potatoes. It was nice to have something with texture after being on fluids for so long. What does your plan call for at 3 weeks?

I can do soft foods and slowly introduce some solids. really whatever my stomach can tolerate. I hate oatmeal but I've had grits and they are fine. I just want something and some meat. I feel as if I'm not really getting full or eating enough.

2 hours ago, LakeishaNicole said:

I can do soft foods and slowly introduce some solids. really whatever my stomach can tolerate. I hate oatmeal but I've had grits and they are fine. I just want something and some meat. I feel as if I'm not really getting full or eating enough.

Maybe try a bit of salmon? I could do tuna and salmon on week 4 which helped with that "full" feeling as you always lead with your protein. Scrambled eggs are also good for that fuller feeling.

Let us know how you tolerate them - just remember to go slow I made a mistake once with scrambled egg and a small bite of toast - apparently didn't chew it enough and couldn't eat another bite. It was not fun - just forgot for a moment to slow down and chew chew chew chew chew (like 29 times!)

9 hours ago, Roxine said:

At three weeks I was allowed to add soft foods - scrambled egg (i could eat about 1/2 of it), Yogurt, Loose oatmeal, and loose mashed potatoes. It was nice to have something with texture after being on fluids for so long. What does your plan call for at 3 weeks?

I’m on week 3.

I had a really good veal meatball with cheese and sauce at lunch with friends yesterday (it was an appetizer and only actually ate 1/3 of it).

I made a casserole my mom makes with thin slices of potato, zucchini, cheese, sliced meatballs, a sprinkle of bread crumbs, and pizza sauce. It was great! (I froze 10, 1/2 cup servings for later)

I had some left over Easter ham ( that I didn’t get on Easter because I was still on purée ). Cut small and chewed a lot.

Just had tuna with a little bit of miracle whip.

I’m having 1/2 cup or less for meals and really chew and wait between bites. It takes me about 30-45min. to eat. No issues so far. Getting at least 75oz. + each day but not always making 100oz. Goal.

My plan calls for all food and no shakes at 3 weeks but I have had 1 each day to make sure I get protein till I figure out more meals where 1/2 cup will give me enough protein. Actually today with 3 meals I am over 80 protein.

Tomorrow I am making a ground chicken pizza crust (mix ground chicken with cheese and Italian spices, roll thin, bake then add toppings and bake another 10 min.) pizza that I tried pre surgery and my husband likes it too. I put veggies, cheese, and sauce on top.

I also want to make the egg casserole muffins with a variety of cheese, meat, veggie fillings and freeze for a quick snack.

Greek yogurt has been a good protein source, plus I add some protein powder to it without changing flavor.

Maybe try a bit of salmon? I could do tuna and salmon on week 4 which helped with that "full" feeling as you always lead with your protein. Scrambled eggs are also good for that fuller feeling.

Let us know how you tolerate them - just remember to go slow [emoji4] I made a mistake once with scrambled egg and a small bite of toast - apparently didn't chew it enough and couldn't eat another bite. It was not fun - just forgot for a moment to slow down and chew chew chew chew chew (like 29 times!)

I tried Salmon last night and it came back up. I have tuna but now I’m scared to try it. Do you think chili with no beans will work?