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What was I Thinking?



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5 days from surgery and I am thinking to myself. What is the world was I thinking? I expected this to be a difficult process, but I had no idea that it was going to be this difficult. I can barely drink anything that isn't Water. I'm can feel the liquids pass through my band and the incisions in front are killing me. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be the most difficult challenge I am going to have to face in my life. How hard should this be? Drink a little, take your vitamans, and exercise. Heck the 2 weeks of full liquids pre op were so easy compared to what I'm dealing with post op. I ask you, in your present place in the process, do you feel you would do this over again? I can't say at this point I would....... Yes I wanted an extreme approach to weight loss, to get healthy for myself and my family but this is really really tough!:laugh:

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I just had my surgery on the 29th of Oct., and I feel great. You should start feeling better each day. I had no problems drinking anything, I just made sure it was 1/4 a cup to begin with. As for the incisions, same with them, each day they will feel better. The pain that lasted the longest was where they put the port but within a couple weeks it was gone. I did have a problem with diarrea for a while, but I guess that beats being constipated. Good luck and just believe this was a good decision for you and it will be. Maggies:shades_smile:

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You did this for a reason. Stop doubting yourself. Look at the stats., I don't see many major weight loss people who keep it off on other plans. That's why I did it.

IMO, you made the right choice.

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You might want to pop in and see your surgeon. I am 5 days post surgery and I have no problems drinking --- well I'm only on broths, juices, Water, tea etc. But maybe you are on a different liquid diet then I am. I'm only on Clear Liquids.

But I don't feel it going through my band and my incisions are not painful at all. They itch a lot. But no pain. I'm not even taking Tylenol anymore.

So you might just want to check in with your doctor.

Hope you feel better.

Tracy

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When people say its a quick or easy fix, neither is true. I have been banded since 2006, and can tell you that if I would have worked this hard prior to the band I don't think I would have been so overweight. The band has been my lifesaver, because it has given me the extra push that I needed. But it is Work! You should start feeling better physically every day. But, you will go through a tons of ups and downs as far as emotions and weight go. Don't put a time line on anything, remember what one persons body does may not be the same for you. If you remember that it will make things easier. Good Luck and keep us informed on your progress.

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You will feel better soon. I felt good after about a week and great after two. I agree that if you are still having trouble getting liquids down or the incisions don't get better soon, you might want to call or go in and see your surgeon. Do you have a post-op visit scheduled?? I have not doubted my decision for one second and I would do it over again in a heartbeat. I was feeling pretty bad before my surgery - all that extra weight that I was carrying around made my quality of life not so great. I feel SOOOOO much better now and it is exciting to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Try to stay focused on why you chose to have this done and take good care of yourself!! Keep us posted on how you are doing. Becky

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I thought the same thing. I was 5 days post-op and I was in so much pain. I went to the doctor and I had an impacted colon. Ouch! Everyday since I was cleaned out, I've been better. My incisions still hurt a little, but they are getting better every day. Good luck. You did this for a reason & everything will improve.

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I know what you are feeling. My surgery was 11/17 and I dont feel there was enough depth as to what REALLY you will experience in the next couple of weeks. Whats done is done. Focus on daily goals, broken down into hours to try and get everything in you NEED to heal and begin feeling better. Had a few moments of human today :laugh: Chin up...and focus focus focus.....

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I felt horrific for the few few weeks post-op. I kept telling everyone I wish I didn't do it. If it would have been an option I probably would have had the doc remove my band that first few days post-op. Everything HURT...I was miserable!!

Then I started feeling better as far as surgical pain and had EXTREME fatigue. I could barely keep my eyes open after working for a few hours.

Once I started eating more, things got MUCH, much better and the pounds began falling off steadily.

Now if I am asked, I don't hesitate to say I would definitely do this again! I am re-newed and feeling amazing!

Give your body some time to heal.

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I was banded the day after you. I was in alot of pain and made sure I took my prescription pain meds at night and tylenol during the day the first few days. Yesterday was the first day that I took nothing during the day - not even gas-x. I can see how each day is getting a little better. last night - for the first time, I was actually hungry, craving food - Protein Drinks & Jello were not cutting it but I ignored that feeling and realized huw much better I was stasrting to feel. Make sure you are taking your pain meds and moving around as much as you can.

Also take something for gas - then try to get some Protein Drink in - just a little at a time. Good luck!

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5 days from surgery and I am thinking to myself. What is the world was I thinking? I expected this to be a difficult process, but I had no idea that it was going to be this difficult. I can barely drink anything that isn't Water. I'm can feel the liquids pass through my band and the incisions in front are killing me. I have come to the conclusion that this is going to be the most difficult challenge I am going to have to face in my life. How hard should this be? Drink a little, take your vitamans, and exercise. Heck the 2 weeks of full liquids pre op were so easy compared to what I'm dealing with post op. I ask you, in your present place in the process, do you feel you would do this over again? I can't say at this point I would....... Yes I wanted an extreme approach to weight loss, to get healthy for myself and my family but this is really really tough!:thumbup:

Follow the guidelines from your surgeon. When you reach full liquids you will begin to get a little more energy. Are you getting any Protein intake from Clear Liquids? If you aren't able to drink the amount of Clear Liquids you need, you definitely need to call your surgeon.

Everyone bounces back from the surgery differently. Most recover quickly and easily, I did not. It took a little longer for me. I couldn't even get out of bed unassisted for 5 days. I couldn't stand up straight for almost a week. I was miserable.

Now let me say, I don't regret it at all. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am three sizes smaller and 50lbs lighter already. My husband says I carry myself differently and I have more self confidence. I eat about 1/3 of what I did pre-banding and I am never hungry. I am satisfied.

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It gets easier, there comes a time when you just follow the plan and it doesn't even require effort. You just have to find the fill level that is right for you.

Did I have doubts in the early days post surgery where I was suffering and HUNGRRRYYYYY???? . . . absolutely, we all do. It is completely normal.

However, now that I am a pound or two away from 100% loss of my excess weight,, I have no doubts this was the right decision for me. There were tough times in the beginning . . . but after a while you learn, your tastes change, food becomes an afterthought instead of your world and life goes on . . . for the better.

Give it your all during these early days knowing that better days, and your eventual success, are right around the corner.

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Hang in there it does get better. Make sure you are up and moving and at least sipping your Water. If you are having a hard time getting it down, I would call the dr office and let them know - no reason to be a hero!

Would I do it again, in a minute! I wish I could have had the band years ago. I feel like I am getting my life back and realize how much I missed out on the past 16 years! Each passing day will get better!

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Today is day 7 and what a difference a day makes. I'm still sore at the port incision, but for the first time in a week, I was able to drink one Protein drink completely and I didn't get nausea.:thumbup:

I appreciate all the kind words and uplifting thoughts. Yesterday was a down day for me and I'm sure I'll have many more. I see my surgeon on Dec. 3rd for the follow up to surgery, but fortunately for me, my office is right next door to our bariatric clinic so tomorrow when I return to work, 1 I can weigh in and see what the result of 7 days on liquids has done and two talk with the bariatric coordinator for some tips on the post op diet.

Thanks everyone!

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Give it a couple of weeks and you will feel so much better. Your not even a week out, so you need time to recover. I had my surgery on 11/11/08 and today is my first day back to work and I feel great! Give it time, your body is healing and you will get better. :-)

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    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

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