New surgery folks, where are you?

We had a bunch of new surgery folks last week (and more this week).  Has anyone heard from our folks from last week?

I had my surgery on July 19th, so I'm one of the new surgery people.

I'm having a great recovery and have no complaints at all.  I had my 1 week post-op appt and everyone was happy with my progress and lack of complications.  I asked my doctor if he had a goal weight for me and he said no, that he didn't but wanted me to just let my body lose as much as it wanted to.  He did tell me a number he thought I could get down to (120) and it shocked me, as the lowest weight I remember being when I was in high school was in the 130s and I wasn't even picturing myself getting that small.  I was thinking somewhere between 140-150.  150 would put me at a BMI of 25.  So, we'll see.  I don't have a ton to lose and he said to expect it to come off fast, so we'll see.

I was out and about the day after I got home from the hospital, walking around, doing some shopping with my sister, doing stuff around the house.  The only problem I had was with gas accumulation and Gas-X helped with that in a major way.  I did take my liquid Lortab the first 2 nights I was home at bedtime to help me sleep comfortably, as sleeping on my side was squishing my incisions plus the gas was making it hard to get comfortable.  I haven't needed anything for pain since.

I'm doing my pureed foods now and am enjoying trying new things.  I haven't had any problems getting in my 64 oz of fluid per day (have gone over most days) and am getting 60+ g of protein in every day (the last few days I've been getting close to 90).

I'm feeling great, my incisions are almost all the way healed, including my drain incision.  My blood sugars have been in the normal range every time I've taken them and my blood pressure has been good.  I'm having no issues with nausea, vomiting, keeping things down and am getting into my new eating routine.  I get to have more textured foods on Friday and am looking forward to that.

I'm going back to work next Tuesday and think that I'll be ready by then.  I have been enjoying the time off, spending time with my kids and animals and getting used to my new way of eating, drinking and living.

To sum it up: Life is good! 

Thanks for asking!

Kateri

Kateri, welcome to the Loser's Bench.  I'm glad you are doing so good!!
Linda

Sounds like you are doing great...

Liz

hurray.  that is exactly how it is suppose to work.  glad you are doing so well.  don't worry about a goal yet, all that will happen in good time. 

I had my surgery on the 24th. Not as wonderful as above but no real complications or complaints. I was only in the hospital overnight and the only pain has been the pulling of the staples and the gas. I have had some very painful back aches but try to walk to help with that.

The issue I seem to be having is getting in the calories needed. For the past week I was on theclear liquids and did good with proteins averaging 40-50/day but fluids were 36-48oz and my calories were around 500 or less. I have moved to cloudy liquids and back to shakes but having some challenges.. I can't have the same ones I had before surgery with ice and blended. They don't taste good and are too frothy... Takes me hours to eat half of one. Soups are better but only small amounts at a time.

I mistakenly tried some puréed veg beef heart heathy soup and it didn't go well and then realized I was supposed to be eating only cream soups. So here I am at 10pm with around 300 calories.

I will just keeping try until I get up to 800 calories and a good routine. I will meet with the NUT tomorrow when I get the staples out and I have an amazing support system so I will get it all worked out.

 800 calories for someone newly post-op, I think, is quite a bit.  Don't worry about it and just do what you need to do - get your protein shakes in, keep hydrated and it will all come together.  

I think 800 calories is extremely optimistic and not healthy at this point. Concentrate on getting your fluids in and protein shakes as you can. Hydration, hydration, hydration. :)

--gina

At this point, don't even look at your calories. If you are "eating" the right number of times a day (my plan was every 2 hrs) , your 1/4c or whatever your dr says, getting your fluids in (everything counts, protein, jello, etc) you are doing fine.  Many folks never count calories, just protein and fluid.  I did best early out with room temp or warm fluids.  I added protein powder to my decaf coffee or herb teas.  There are several protein chicken soups that go down very easy and up your protein and fluid intake. Unjury is a good one but Bariatric Choice has one too.

Glad you are home and healing.  sounds like you are doing great.

Glad you are home and doing good.  I'm with everyone else - 800 calories is alot.  I was never given a calorie goal.  Just to make sure I got my protein and fluids in.  She said the calories will take care of themselves if I stayed in my guidelines.

Can't wait to watch your journey!!

Linda