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Topic: 2 things I'm glad I have post-op!
I'm almost 3 weeks out post-op. I am finally off liquids and gradually re-introducing myself to soft/mushy foods. There are 2 things that have made my post-op life easier and highly recommend them to other recent post-ops. Imo, it probably don't matter what WLS you have had and you will still be able to find a way to use these.
The first item is a snow cone maker. I picked up the Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver from Targets for $26 although there are other brands that vary in price. I don't use any syrups with it, even though sugar-free syrups are available. I just love the shaved ice and it helps me get my fluids in. One tip, use small to medium ice cubes for best results.
The second item is an immersion/hand blender. It can make great protein drinks/smoothies and it helps me break down meats and eggs to get them to that soft/mushy texture so I can tolerate them better. There is no way I could get meat to that texture by hand! I already had one but while I was out shopping I came across an improved model. The item I purchased is by Oster. This model came with a chopper and cup that have rubber bottoms so they don't slide around when you mix...and the rubber bottoms also work as lids! Also the blending rod is detachable for easy cleaning...unlike my old model. It has variable speed settings too!
I just wanted to share how much these items have helped me. Maybe you might find them helpful too!
~Roxy
***I will cross post
The first item is a snow cone maker. I picked up the Hamilton Beach Snowman Ice Shaver from Targets for $26 although there are other brands that vary in price. I don't use any syrups with it, even though sugar-free syrups are available. I just love the shaved ice and it helps me get my fluids in. One tip, use small to medium ice cubes for best results.
The second item is an immersion/hand blender. It can make great protein drinks/smoothies and it helps me break down meats and eggs to get them to that soft/mushy texture so I can tolerate them better. There is no way I could get meat to that texture by hand! I already had one but while I was out shopping I came across an improved model. The item I purchased is by Oster. This model came with a chopper and cup that have rubber bottoms so they don't slide around when you mix...and the rubber bottoms also work as lids! Also the blending rod is detachable for easy cleaning...unlike my old model. It has variable speed settings too!
I just wanted to share how much these items have helped me. Maybe you might find them helpful too!
~Roxy
***I will cross post
Winning isn't everything, but wanting to win is.
DONT BE AFRAID TO FAIL......BE AFRAID NOT TO TRY!
highest weight 313/ surgery 255 / current 185 / goal 135 Height 5'6"
DONT BE AFRAID TO FAIL......BE AFRAID NOT TO TRY!
highest weight 313/ surgery 255 / current 185 / goal 135 Height 5'6"
Topic: RE: JULY 27TH
One more day! So excited for all of you! Be positive and you'll do great! Remember, chill your Mag Citrate and try not to taste it. Use your incentive spirometer like they tell you even though it's not easy at first. It gets better. Must work your lungs. Pneumonia is evil!
My best advice to you is to walk as much as possible. Your gown is ugly, your hair is crazy, and I swear NOBODY cares! Walking is the best thing ever. It's like a tiny shuffle at first, then your zooming around with your IV pole. It churns all those damn gas bubbles wreaking havoc on your insides and you feel stronger every time. As you walk around the nurses' station, you feel them trying not to look at you because they know you feel lousy and then when you get good they cheer you on!
Good Luck. God Bless. See you on the other side!
My best advice to you is to walk as much as possible. Your gown is ugly, your hair is crazy, and I swear NOBODY cares! Walking is the best thing ever. It's like a tiny shuffle at first, then your zooming around with your IV pole. It churns all those damn gas bubbles wreaking havoc on your insides and you feel stronger every time. As you walk around the nurses' station, you feel them trying not to look at you because they know you feel lousy and then when you get good they cheer you on!
Good Luck. God Bless. See you on the other side!
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!! 
Topic: RE: Do you have a WLS relative/spouse/friend?
I have several friends that have had WLS. My good friend and her daughter both had RNY. Mom was 11yrs ago, dtr this Jan. Another friend had the band then converted to RNY. Another friend had a lap band. The best is my friend J, (RNY) she is about 5'10" and wears a size 6. When I told my teenage son that she used to weigh almost 400lbs, he said he wouldn't believe it even if I showed him photos!
I work with many women who have had successful WLS and I also work with two women who are WLS disasters, but their surgeries were many years ago and they may not have had the best surgeons, techniques, or most cooperative anatomy, so I know there are exceptions to every rule.
A good friend of mine wants to do it so badly, but her husband is completely against it. He's very athletic and he thinks that you can run 5 miles a day and eat grilled chicken and salad and look just like him. I feel her pain because my son is of the same mindset. Support is key!
Des
I work with many women who have had successful WLS and I also work with two women who are WLS disasters, but their surgeries were many years ago and they may not have had the best surgeons, techniques, or most cooperative anatomy, so I know there are exceptions to every rule.
A good friend of mine wants to do it so badly, but her husband is completely against it. He's very athletic and he thinks that you can run 5 miles a day and eat grilled chicken and salad and look just like him. I feel her pain because my son is of the same mindset. Support is key!
Des
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!!
Topic: RE: Surgery Tomorrow!
Hey Brandnewme,
I just saw your post (a little late) and I hope you're feeling good about your decision! The first three days were miserable, BUT, I had my surgery 2 days after you and I feel GREAT!!! I can't even understand why I feel so terrific. I'm up and about, running errands with my mom. I tire out a little too quickly for my liking, but hey, I just had major surgery. What do I expect? I couldn't drive for 10 days of course, so when I got behind the wheel yesterday, I rubbed my van and told her how much I missed her and that grandma wouldn't be driving me around any more. So silly, I know, but hey, I'm very independant. I go back to work Monday night and I'm actually enjoying this time off as a vacation rather than a recovery. I walk every day, and every little bit helps.
Celebrate the new you and let go of the apprehension! I'm on Long Island, so I can't join your walk/support group, but I will definitely support you here!
Des
I just saw your post (a little late) and I hope you're feeling good about your decision! The first three days were miserable, BUT, I had my surgery 2 days after you and I feel GREAT!!! I can't even understand why I feel so terrific. I'm up and about, running errands with my mom. I tire out a little too quickly for my liking, but hey, I just had major surgery. What do I expect? I couldn't drive for 10 days of course, so when I got behind the wheel yesterday, I rubbed my van and told her how much I missed her and that grandma wouldn't be driving me around any more. So silly, I know, but hey, I'm very independant. I go back to work Monday night and I'm actually enjoying this time off as a vacation rather than a recovery. I walk every day, and every little bit helps.
Celebrate the new you and let go of the apprehension! I'm on Long Island, so I can't join your walk/support group, but I will definitely support you here!
Des
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!!
Topic: RE: Hunger Headaches
As a long time migraine sufferer, I have to admit that I haven't had any headaches since this journey began so I am truly thankful, but I must expand on your previous advice.
If you are a medicated headace sufferer, you must tell your surgeon! Bringing the meds with you to the hospital is a good idea ONLY if you hand them right to your preop nurse. Your surgeon is medicating you for pain, nausea, and blood clot prevention right off the bat. There are drug interactions and/or side effetcs with nearly every medication so it is up to the doctor and pharmacist to know which combinations are safe. If your surgeon is completely aware of your history, and believe me, there's a ton of preop assessments in your chart, he or she will order your headache meds to be given as needed. Some of the less common drugs are not readily available in small community hospitals so the doc can write a "may use own" order, but that doesn't mean you get to self medicate. You have to tell your nurse and they will dispense it.
I am happy all went smooth for you jwest, and I wish healthy success for all of those who are in this with us!
Des
If you are a medicated headace sufferer, you must tell your surgeon! Bringing the meds with you to the hospital is a good idea ONLY if you hand them right to your preop nurse. Your surgeon is medicating you for pain, nausea, and blood clot prevention right off the bat. There are drug interactions and/or side effetcs with nearly every medication so it is up to the doctor and pharmacist to know which combinations are safe. If your surgeon is completely aware of your history, and believe me, there's a ton of preop assessments in your chart, he or she will order your headache meds to be given as needed. Some of the less common drugs are not readily available in small community hospitals so the doc can write a "may use own" order, but that doesn't mean you get to self medicate. You have to tell your nurse and they will dispense it.
I am happy all went smooth for you jwest, and I wish healthy success for all of those who are in this with us!
Des
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!!
Topic: RE: Surgery On the 13th - 8 Days out...
I'm right there with ya! I don't see a difference in my clothes or the mirror yet, but I've yo-yo dieted my whole life. We look at ourselves in the mirror and it's hard to see the gradual changes. My mom said after about 6 days, "Do you know your face is thinning out?" Two days later my sister and brother in law came over for brunch. (I had a protein shake, they had my famous french toast) He looked at me and said, "Hey Des, your face is thinner." Holy cow that's what mom just said. Two hours later, my brother asked if I was losing weight already cause he could see it in my face; Totally oblivious to the conversation I'd just had with my mom and brother in law.
The point is, they see it. We don't. It doesn't get obvious till somebody tells you it's time to buy new pants. Last time I lost weight, my best friend told my my ass was saggy and I needed new scrubs!
Keep it up!
Des
The point is, they see it. We don't. It doesn't get obvious till somebody tells you it's time to buy new pants. Last time I lost weight, my best friend told my my ass was saggy and I needed new scrubs!
Keep it up!
Des
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!!
Topic: Hunger Headaches
waist @ 29.5 in, chest @ 33 in, hips @ 35 in, thighs @ 21 in...inspiration can lead to greatness whether it comes from within or from others, rock it out girls and guys!
I have seen several persons post about the hunger headache during the pre-surgery diet. I did not have to adhere strictly to any specific pre-surgery diet, just low-fat, low-sugar, and no huge meals of any sort. The point is, I did not suffer any headaches prior to surgery. Afer surgery is a totally different story, by the end of the second day I had such a miserable migraine it was unreal! So word of advice, if you suffer migraines or frequent bad headaches...take your normal meds for this to the hospital with you! I don't know what made me decide to take a couple of doses with me but I am very grateful that I did. Luckily I take the type that is inhaled nasally so there were no problems with taking it. After effectively treating that, it has been fairly smooth. Good luck to those of you still awaiting your big day!
waist @ 29.5 in, chest @ 33 in, hips @ 35 in, thighs @ 21 in...inspiration can lead to greatness whether it comes from within or from others, rock it out girls and guys!
Topic: Surgery On the 13th - 8 Days out...
I don't know if my scale is broken or my eyes... I can swear I look like I haven't lost an inch. I wore big clothes before surgery cuz I love being comfy so I can't tell by the clothes. My scale says 232 today I haven't weighed that since who knows when. But I can't see a difference. Does this happen to you in the beginning... I'm not depressed or sad just wondering if anyone else thought this in the first few weeks.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Topic: RE: Surgery in 11.5 hours...
Congrats on your surgery :) and thank you.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Topic: RE: Surgery in 11.5 hours...
My answer is yes. I second guessed myself, and third, and fourth, and so on. Took me a year to make up my mind. I am thrilled that I had the nerve and went through with the RNY.
Yay for coming home! Today is my first post op visit.
Feel good and remember this is the start of an amazing new journey!
Yay for coming home! Today is my first post op visit.
Feel good and remember this is the start of an amazing new journey!
Lap Band 12/6/06. Band Removed 6/18/10. RNY 7/15/11. GAME ON!!!
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