Hey Gang I am back!

I am home and for the most part am feeling outstanding. My surgery went off without a hitch. I do get full very easy but that is to be expected. I am having a problem with itching. Anybody else have that problem? My hands especially are itching and driving me crazy. I am literally drinking benedryl to get some relief. I won't be able to talk with a doctor until Tuesday. I am still extremely sore but each day appears to get better. I feel myself getting stronger each day and look forward when I can begin walking but I have a g-tube and that makes it pretty painful to withstand a whole lot. I can't seem to get on a meal plan just yet, any ideas. I was depressed for a while because my first week post-op check I gained 7 pounds but the doctor said it was water weight, I hope so. I am okay now. Can anyone help me with trying to get on a medication and meal plan. I will take any advice considering I am new at this thing. Well I am getting sore just by sitting up this long, I will return later on today when the pain medicine kicks in. Thank you to everyone who sent up prayers for me. Look forward to hearing from you all. Lots of love, Annette Cowell

Annette, Where did you have your surgery? At Barics Clinics they gave me the meds and the meal plans already for me. Also, they said that walking is the best thing for water retention. I know it is hard, but even through the house is better than nothing. The g-tube, is that a drainage tube? Mine was removed before I came home, so I don't have that do contend with. The only advice I can offer is what I know from what I am going through now. I know it is hard and I will be praying for you continually as you recover. When was surgery for you? mine was on Aug 31, 2005. God bless and I will reply soon. Bsnyder - toledo oh

Hi Annette, I had a hard time getting in enough food at first as well. I was not eating or drinking enough and I was starting to feel the effects of it. I finally just began setting a timer and when it went off every hour, I made myself eat several bites of something, and then drink atleast 8 oz. of water 30 minutes after that. It helps if you have two timers because you can set one for food and one for water. That helped me develop the habit of watching the clock and becoming aware of when I was supposed to eat and now I do my small meals every two hours like my doctor suggests. I do not know if that will help you, but it helped me. I am glad you are home and doing well, and trust me, the eating and drinking will definitely get easier as your new pouch heals. I am hoping I will get more sensation soon so I can actually know when I am hungry and full. I have just learned how much I can eat comfortably and I do not vary from that. Best wishes to you. I look forward to transforming with you! Kimberli