I'm 3 days out from surgery and on this stupid clear liquid diet.  I'm so miserable that I'm having a lot of regrets.  I know that after this week, I will be able to eat something but this week is killing me. My husband and family have gone to a party to celebrate a birthday with food, etc.  I couldn't go. The idea of watching them eat that delicious food was enough. I couldn't go and watch it.  Additionally, I'm having difficulty getting my liquids all in. This sleeve won't hold but 2 ozs. How am I suppose to keep from dehydrating when I can't get enough liquids in?  I think I am getting dehydrated. I have a headache, strong heartbeat and i'm exhausted. I know this may not be the place to post this, but I"m just at  a lose as to what to do now. I can't take it back.

Hi Skinnyme, so far I am down 43lbs. and I am able to eat just about anything I want. Of course there are good and bad choices. I now know that a cheeseburger (no bun) is a HORRIBLE protein choice and I can eat way more than I should because it's fried and slides through. I've always had trouble with fast food, so it's hard that I CAN eat it, but shouldn't eat it. Some of the best protein choices for me are tuna, steak or ground beef. They make me feel full longer. You'll learn as you go. It's like starting all over again.

I find that the warm liquids often settle best with me too.  I never tried the Isopure so can't help you there.  I found the EAS protein shakes to be pretty good but everyone's tastes are different.  Also the Chike was delicious but kind of expensive. You can find that online.

I still have some problems with the "head hunger".  I still never feel hungry so remembering to eat has been my problem.  I know what you mean by the taste of food though, I was really grateful for that egg and beans!  Funny thing is you probably won't even enjoy it but it beats the broth.

Sauces and things definitely help.  You just have to use no sugar stuff. I use salsa on a lot of things and that helps too. Also you might try the greek yogurt like a sour cream substitute.  It's pretty good that way.

I didn't have the churning and burning so I'm not sure.  It could just be your actual stomach being angry because it doesn't have anything to do anymore.  Definitely ask the office when they call you back.

Hi Debbie:

My surgeon was Dr. Blackstone  too. She is so impressive. The dietician and exercise girls are great as is her Nurse Practictioner.  I love, love, love all the support they provide. They really try very hard to make sure you are prepared prior and to support you after it's over.  I will go to my post-op seminar next Tuesday where we will eat our first meal all together. This impresses me. Dr. Blackstone doesn't talk to you "like a surgeon" but more like one of your caring girlfriends.  I've had too many surgerys to name so I have a good frame of reference. She is very personable. And, who wouldn't want a surgeon that contracts a SPA to give you massages, facials and manicures?  The SPA girl showed up to my room right when I needed her and man did that ever help relax me.

Additionally, you absolutely cannot beat Scottsdale Shea. All the nurses were so helpful (especially pre-op) I wasn't crazy about my night nurse, but that's just night nurses, I think.

Okay - pain - first out of surgery (during post-op) the pain was about an 8 out of 10 for a very short while.  You tell them a number and they fix it pretty fast, along with a ****tail of anti-nausea drugs. I never had nausea and still haven't. After that, it's morphine in the IV every two hours.  So, you really don't feel any pain.  At some point, it was the next morning for me, they switch you to Loritab (vicadin).  This was first given to me in a syrupy awful liquid which I could not drink.  I let the pain over take me because of this instead of asking for a pill cut in half.  Once I asked for that, I got the pain under control.  Don't be brave or think you can handle it, just take the meds and if it's something you don't want, ask for something else. They are very accomodating.

I still haven't found a protein drink but I think I'm going to try the cyrstal lite in the Isopure in a little while.  This is definately something you want to start looking for now.  I wished I had.

I am journaling everything I am experiencing so that when I'm asked months down the road, I will have a references. If you'd like, just send me a message,  I will be there for you then to tell you "yes, that happened to me" or no, it didn't" .

So far - no regrets.  I'm not hungry at all but I do miss food right now.  Weird, huh?

Hi Jerri,

Just got confirmation that my surgery will be May 3rd.  Ugh....seems like such a long time out from now.  The email they sent me has me concerned too....it says Bypass not Gastric
Sleeve.  I have sent them an email back to confirm.  I hope they got the correct surgery approved thru my insurance company and this does not slow things down.  I'm so glad to hear that you are doing OK.  How bad is the pain?  If you find a good tasting protein drink please let me know.  Also, who was your surgeon?

Deb