I'm six days post-op and I think I finally turned a corner. While the pain from the "big" incision still hurts pretty bad, it has become tolerable. The gas/bloating seems to be subsiding, and the cramping I had after swallowing seems to be going away (though not completely - it's just not as bad and less frequent, but still super painful when it does happen). I also haven't had a normal BM, but I have been "productive", which I guess is better than what I've read some of you have gone thru. In other words, no constipation! So, I guess my question now is, when does this damn weight start disappearing??? LOL!!! I'm still having a bit of trouble getting all my fluids in (up to about 40oz. water, one 11oz. protein shake and various SF popsicles, pudding, yogurt, soup, etc.), and have zero appetite. That said, while I'm not the least bit hungry, I'm starting to crave the taste of certain things. Now it's like my tastebuds are on extra high alert! Is this normal? Does it go away? I've never had food issues before and I hope this doesn't trigger something. Anyway, now that I'm feeling better, I'm looking forward to LOOKING better! Almost everything I've read, either a post or an article says the weight will literally start "falling off". I really hope that's true. I've come this far, and I can't even imagine this not working. I'm still 1# heavier than I was the day of surgery, so I'm chalking that up to the last bit of air and fluids they pumped into me. ? The weather here is supposed to be super hot & humid all week, so I don't know how much walking I'll get in, but I plan to be up & about around the house...doing housework or whatever else I can to keep active. Thank you all SO MUCH for all the kind and supportive words. It really does mean a lot! ?

P.S. Downside of pain meds... Norco makes me HYPER (as opposed to sleepy or loopy). It's now 1:00am CT and I'm wide-the-flip awake... 4 hours past my bedtime! Argh!

not everyone loses weight the first week. You were pumped full of IV fluids in the hospital, and it can take a few days for it to work its way out. I've heard of people gaining up to 10 lbs while in the hospital.

also, once your weight loss starts up, be aware that the rate can vary tremendously between people. It doesn't fall off rapidly for everyone. So many things can affect it - gender, age, metabolic rate, activity level, starting BMI, how closely you follow your plan. The only two of those you really have any control over is your activity level and your level of commitment. You aren't starting out at a particularly high BMI in comparison to some other patients, and that is one of the factors. People who start out at 300+ lbs often lose faster than someone who starts out at 200 or 250.

if you're committed to your program and rarely stray, you WILL lose the weight, whether fast or slow. I was a slow loser throughout the whole journey, and I managed to lose all of my excess weight. Just be patient and stay committed. As others say, it's a marathon rather than a sprint.

Day 6 after sx.Going to tylenol tomorrow to see how that goes. Still left side hurts but getting better.

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