I am on the losers bench now :-)

Hi everyone! I hope all of you are doing well. The past few weeks have been one heck of an experience. I survived the 2 week pre-op liquid diet. The surgery was rough. I did not realize that it was going to be that painful. It completely makes sense why it was so painful. My q-ball ran out and was removed today, that was really helping manage the pain...wi**** would have lasted a little longer!

It is so exciting and weird (weird in a good way) that a couple of bites of jello fill me up! It is amazing! I am trying so hard to do everything right. I would not want to do anything to cause a leak or to stretch my stomach.

Is it normal to have pain at this point?
Is it normal to have some trouble transitioning from clear to full liquids?
What are the main "do nots" for making sure the sleeve doesn't stretch?
I want to do this right and I want it to work so bad!! I have officially started my new and healthier life! I also have not smoked since May 15th!!

I am trying my hardest to get all of my protein in!!

Any suggestions and/or advice is more than welcome.
Thanks for all of the support!!

Michele

First off, let me say congratulations on the new you! Yes, the surgery is very rough. I had the DS, which the first part is the VSG so I know what you are going through. The q-ball is a God-send isn't it? I started hurting in the hospital a little worse and couldn't understand why, and then discovered, aha! my q-ball is empty-refill please!!! LoL Anyway, it is very strange learning the new amounts we can eat. You will be amazed on almost a daily basis for a while, or at least I am. LoL Yes, it is normal to have pain at the point you are. Or at least I did. Infact, I still have some soreness from time to time and I'm 7 weeks out. It's not bad though. I had a very hard time transitioning from clear to full liquids, and from full liquids to solids. Now, from what I understand, I'm not the "norm" on that, I just had a lot of nausea. I think the main "do not" for making sure the sleeve doesn't stretch is just to listen to your body and don't overdo it. When you're full, stop, even if you want more. Like I said though, I'm only 7 weeks out so hopefully some of the "vets" that are farther out and know more about it will chime in. I will send up a prayer for you for success on your journey! Oh, and congrats on the quitting smoking also!!! That is a BIG step and I'm proud of you! Keep up the great work and you'll be rocking that sleeve in no time! Hugs!

Thank you, Gayla!! I loved my q-ball until it ran out yesterday!! Last night was the worst night I have ever had. Pain, nausea and fever. I called the office first thing this morning and spoke with Dr. Chu, who is on call. I have really been impressed with all of the surgeons at south west. Dr. Chu called several times today to check on me and if things get worse tonight or they are not better tomorrow she may admit me. I am hoping to avoid that since my insurance stinks and will not pay. Please pray that the antibiotics and 2 others medications she called in will work!

I really appreciate your response and I am glad to hear you are doing well!

They ARE great! I had a problem over the weekend and had to call and Dr. Chu was on call with me as well. And she called several times to check on me. They admitted me into my local hospital and the very next morning, Dr. Stevens was calling my cell phone wanting to know when I wanted to be sent back to Lafayette. LoL I LOVE Southwest! I will definitely be praying that the meds work cause being in the hospital sucks!! Please keep me updated!! Hugs!

I'm so proud of you!

AWWWW... I LOVE hugs!!!  Thanks for being proud of me...I owe a lot of my success to you! You've been a good support system in yourself! Hey, I need to talk to you about the upcoming weekend of fun on the 22nd. Call me when you get a minute! Hugs!!

Congratulations on being on the losers bench and giving up smoking.

Congrats to you and welcome to the loser's bench!  I had my gallbladder out at the same time as my vsg and I think I am very atypical.  I had no real pain, just a little soreness.  I had no pain meds after I left the hospital.  I just think everyone is different, but from what I can tell, most people are pain free by the end of the first week.  Just an occasional twinge.  Best of luck to you!