Recent Posts
Cindy
Topic: HI
So I just wanted to say HI and to let everyone know that I really have not fallen off the face of the earth. Just been through a lot of crap! I also lost my job, and had the whole pity party thing going on. So now I have a new job, much closer to home, but still can't seem to find the time to sit at the computer for any length of time! But will try and do better.
The good news is, since I lost my job, and got a new job, I have lost 5.8 pounds!!! Yeah me!
The good news is, since I lost my job, and got a new job, I have lost 5.8 pounds!!! Yeah me!
Topic: RE: Venting
Hey Xico...
I had the same experience, my surgery was pushed back because of vacations and such. You made it back though. I will be thinking about you on the 17th....I may even be able to get down to see you!!
Sorry, I have been kind of absent....trying to make an effort to be back on here more often!
Keep your chin up, and NO MORE SANDWICHES!!!!!
I had the same experience, my surgery was pushed back because of vacations and such. You made it back though. I will be thinking about you on the 17th....I may even be able to get down to see you!!
Sorry, I have been kind of absent....trying to make an effort to be back on here more often!
Keep your chin up, and NO MORE SANDWICHES!!!!!
Topic: RE: Surgery in 4 days!
Thank you so much for your comments. it will be so helpful to have someone who is just ahead of me on the journey to compare notes with. I went to my last pre-op meeting last night, that was kind of weird to be able to say "this is my last meeting....surgery tomorrow!" I hit 51.8 pounds down as of this morning's weigh in...and I do get on the scale every day. Thanks for the tip not to get on the scale...I'm sure that is swelling from the operation. I will be looking forward to hearing your tips and how you cope going forward. I have heard from many that your tastes change after surgery, so I am a bit worried about not liking shakes afterward. The other thing that is bothering me is this whole phase two strained soup. I keep thinking if you strain cream of anything soup, what could possibly come through the holes of a strainer and be left to eat?? It is so thick I just don't see as any would go through the strainer? Maybe it is just because I have never actually made a creamed soup, maybe once and I and see the consistency I will be all set. I am so excited I have been up since 3 and have second load of laundry on ! I have been a bit concerned about keeping the stockings on 24 hours a day especially at this time of year ! no capris for awhile I guess!
I am also new to this message board so am just trying out where to go to read the newest information. I just found your reply this morning even though I have been on a few times before !
I am also new to this message board so am just trying out where to go to read the newest information. I just found your reply this morning even though I have been on a few times before !
Linda112
Topic: Surgery today !!
I cannot believe this day is finally here !! Went to my last pre-op support meeting last night and surgery is this morning in a few short hours !! I am so excited I have been up since 3 a.m. ! I hit my personal goal of losing 50 pounds before surgery just yesterday and I am so ready for the next step.
Linda112
Topic: RE: Actigall
Those are the worst, aren't they..... I found the best way to get it down was in SF pudding but I still had to choke it down...it wasn't easy. The good news is that at my two week post op appointment my surgeon said I could swallow them, phew. Good luck! Are you feeling good otherwise?
Topic: RE: Actigall
I am not sure what that is, but I would try some Greek yogurt. If you are emptying them into something just do it all in 1 spoonful then use the rest to get rid of the taste. Wish I were more help.
You may be only one person in the world, but to someone you are the world
Topic: Actigall
Anyone have any ideas on how to take Actigall post op? I have to open the capsules and take other meds crushed but I can't find a tolerable way to get them down. That is some nasty stuff.
Topic: RE: Surgery in 4 days!
Hello Linda!
As for my experience, don't be surprised if once you tell people, they find it okay to tell your personal business to the entire world. I nearly strangled my mother after I found that she had announced it to several unnecessary people: the mailman, the bus driver, the mechanic, a very distant cousin and I think everyone she came into contact with for 7 days! The only secrets you have is the ones you don't tell!
Dr. Campbell and the nurses at CMC were fabulous! I wanted to take all of them home with me. The hospital stay was a breeze. I agree with other people who say to bring a pillow with you for the ride home. I didn't have one and can imagine it makes you feel more secure.
Other things that nobody told me:
The first time I tried to pee on my own, I actually had to push. I've never had to push to go pee, it just sort of happened. I think your whole body is confused, or maybe still under anesthesia, don't be afraid, it went away and all is natural again.
Those fashionable white compression stockings (TEDS) they make you wear? Be prepared, Dr. Campbell wants you to wear them for a month! A MONTH! Not cute with flip flops, let me tell you.
They tell you to crush all your pills or open the caplets to get just the powder (Actigall), but nobody mentioned how I was supposed to actually take them after that. It's been trial and error, mostly error. Don't mix with water... Yuck. Don't mix with yogurt.... Double Yuck. Mixing with Pudding is better, but now you have powdery pudding. Most of my meds are okay, but that Actigall is some nasty stuff. I don't know if it's better to just put the stuff in your mouth, take a sip of water and swallow, I haven't attempted that. Nasty, nasty, nasty. Not fun.
DO NOT get on the scale the day after you get home. Talk about a shocker! I had gained 10 lbs. since the morning of my surgery. I was pissed! Apparently it was swelling and constipation because the very next morning I was down 13 lbs. That was only 24 hours later. Probably better to just weigh yourself once a week.
I had taste testing some protein drinks prior to surgery and didn't mind them. I picked up what I thought I needed for when I got home, but then I found I had a REALLY tough time swallowing them. Everything feels thick and frothy and disgusting. They best thing I've found so far is the single serving packets of Syntrax Nectar (available at Nashua Nutrition). I couldn't finish 8 oz of anything, so after hearing something and looking it up on their website, I've found you can eat the powder like candy! It's the only thing that's helped me get my protein these past few days. I manage to sip water or Crystal Light for hydration and eat that magical little powder for protein. Tonight, I'm going to try mixing that with the Actigall powder, maybe that will help hide the nasty taste with the sweetness. Fingers are crossed!
As for going out, I came home on Thursday and only took the Roxicet (liquid pain med) once. I found I didn't really need it. I've been out doing my exercise (three 6 minute walks, now up to three 8 minute walks daily). I laid low on Friday, then went out to my in-laws for a party on Saturday and a party today at my parents house. I've been to the grocery store (with no lifting) also. Have someone else carry all bags. Do not lift over 10 lbs., about the weight of a gallon of milk. So.. I think you'll be fine for the 15th, barring no complications!
Recovery has been good. If I'm being honest, on Friday I had surgery regret BIG TIME, I hated the stockings, the pills, the trouble eating, the protein drinks and I was crying and mad at myself. Luckily, that quickly went away. I was having trouble adjusting and missed chewing. Even at the parties this weekend, it was a little tough sitting there with 2 tbsps. of pudding when others were having what looked like the most amazing food I'd ever seen in my life! : ) I had to remind myself that I will eat and chew again someday.
Best of luck to you! Hope all goes smooth and quick!
As for my experience, don't be surprised if once you tell people, they find it okay to tell your personal business to the entire world. I nearly strangled my mother after I found that she had announced it to several unnecessary people: the mailman, the bus driver, the mechanic, a very distant cousin and I think everyone she came into contact with for 7 days! The only secrets you have is the ones you don't tell!
Dr. Campbell and the nurses at CMC were fabulous! I wanted to take all of them home with me. The hospital stay was a breeze. I agree with other people who say to bring a pillow with you for the ride home. I didn't have one and can imagine it makes you feel more secure.
Other things that nobody told me:
The first time I tried to pee on my own, I actually had to push. I've never had to push to go pee, it just sort of happened. I think your whole body is confused, or maybe still under anesthesia, don't be afraid, it went away and all is natural again.
Those fashionable white compression stockings (TEDS) they make you wear? Be prepared, Dr. Campbell wants you to wear them for a month! A MONTH! Not cute with flip flops, let me tell you.
They tell you to crush all your pills or open the caplets to get just the powder (Actigall), but nobody mentioned how I was supposed to actually take them after that. It's been trial and error, mostly error. Don't mix with water... Yuck. Don't mix with yogurt.... Double Yuck. Mixing with Pudding is better, but now you have powdery pudding. Most of my meds are okay, but that Actigall is some nasty stuff. I don't know if it's better to just put the stuff in your mouth, take a sip of water and swallow, I haven't attempted that. Nasty, nasty, nasty. Not fun.
DO NOT get on the scale the day after you get home. Talk about a shocker! I had gained 10 lbs. since the morning of my surgery. I was pissed! Apparently it was swelling and constipation because the very next morning I was down 13 lbs. That was only 24 hours later. Probably better to just weigh yourself once a week.
I had taste testing some protein drinks prior to surgery and didn't mind them. I picked up what I thought I needed for when I got home, but then I found I had a REALLY tough time swallowing them. Everything feels thick and frothy and disgusting. They best thing I've found so far is the single serving packets of Syntrax Nectar (available at Nashua Nutrition). I couldn't finish 8 oz of anything, so after hearing something and looking it up on their website, I've found you can eat the powder like candy! It's the only thing that's helped me get my protein these past few days. I manage to sip water or Crystal Light for hydration and eat that magical little powder for protein. Tonight, I'm going to try mixing that with the Actigall powder, maybe that will help hide the nasty taste with the sweetness. Fingers are crossed!
As for going out, I came home on Thursday and only took the Roxicet (liquid pain med) once. I found I didn't really need it. I've been out doing my exercise (three 6 minute walks, now up to three 8 minute walks daily). I laid low on Friday, then went out to my in-laws for a party on Saturday and a party today at my parents house. I've been to the grocery store (with no lifting) also. Have someone else carry all bags. Do not lift over 10 lbs., about the weight of a gallon of milk. So.. I think you'll be fine for the 15th, barring no complications!
Recovery has been good. If I'm being honest, on Friday I had surgery regret BIG TIME, I hated the stockings, the pills, the trouble eating, the protein drinks and I was crying and mad at myself. Luckily, that quickly went away. I was having trouble adjusting and missed chewing. Even at the parties this weekend, it was a little tough sitting there with 2 tbsps. of pudding when others were having what looked like the most amazing food I'd ever seen in my life! : ) I had to remind myself that I will eat and chew again someday.
Best of luck to you! Hope all goes smooth and quick!
Topic: RE: Gas?
Hi! I just had my surgery May 3rd. I had a small amount of "tooting" and very little pain on the IV meds. I was given Roxicet to take at home and only took it once, the night I was released from the hospital. I can't say that I've had pain, just feels like a little upset tummy.
BUT, what I hadn't heard of, but I'm told is common, is shoulder pain. I had the most extreme case of pain in my left shoulder. I was periodically miserable. I was told that the CO2 they pump in your abdomen can transfer to that area and cause problems and/or it could be nerve damage from going through the ab muscles. Let me tell you, I was so mad at myself for doing the surgery for about 24 hours because that pain was so nasty.
The pain subsided by the time I was sent home THANK GOD!
Best wishes and good luck!!!
BUT, what I hadn't heard of, but I'm told is common, is shoulder pain. I had the most extreme case of pain in my left shoulder. I was periodically miserable. I was told that the CO2 they pump in your abdomen can transfer to that area and cause problems and/or it could be nerve damage from going through the ab muscles. Let me tell you, I was so mad at myself for doing the surgery for about 24 hours because that pain was so nasty.
The pain subsided by the time I was sent home THANK GOD!
Best wishes and good luck!!!
Most Active
Recent Topics
