How are all our post-op March Sleevers??

Thinking of everyone and hoping things are going well for you!!  Please let us know how you're feeling! 

And, best wishes to all of our 3/11 Sleevers!

I feel GREAT!

Surgery was Tuesday March 8th, came home yesterday evening, Thursday March 10th and went to Kohls this morning to buy my son a coffee grinder.  I'm planning on a nap really soon here.

The surgery went as planned without any hitches and the staff at St Joseph's in Burbank is suberb.  I don't remember being in the recovery room at all just waking up in my room.  I tried to move and it hurt.  Not horrific but enough for me to say, I hurt.  So they popped something very wonderful, special and oh so good in my IV and I didn't hurt anymore.  The first 24 hours I was uncomfortable.  I wouldn't call it pain at all, just uncomfortable.  The more I walked the better I felt.  I really really wanted to just lie in bed and nap.  But noooooooooo, they don't let you do that and thank goodness.  After 24 hours it was like magic.  I felt really good.  

Don't be afraid to ask for pain meds and for nausea meds.  I asked for way more nausea meds than pain.  I ended up throwing up once (gross) and that was it.  Actually after I threw up the nausea pretty much disappeared.  The last time I asked for pain meds they gave me a shot of motrin instead.  That shot also stings but I felt wonderful after I woke up from my two hour nap and did 6 laps around the corriders.

Probably the most painful part of the whole experience was the Heprin shots.  Man those sting, especially at 1am.  They had me take a couple of crushed up pills mixed in a teaspon with my bariatric shake and that went well.  Lots of things I was apprehensive about just didn't come about.  For instance, I expect that first sip of liquid to be painful.  Not so!  I thought some liquids other than water would sting or something ...not so. 

This morning it took me 2 hours to get 8 oz of protein shake in but it tasted fine and it accounted for 1/2 of my protein for the day.  It's 2pm now, I'm not hungry but I'm pushing protein.  I have 8 oz of V8 here with 1/2 a pack of Unjury flavorless protein mixed in over ice.  I'm calling it the Bloody Mary Sleeve!

Kelly

3 days out doing great

Hey Mrs. C., I'm checking in.  Things are going very well for me.  The only pain I have currently is in that largest incision, that's it.  And I don't really think of it as pain, but more like occasional discomfort.  I still have little to no appetite, but I am getting all my fluids and protein in.  I'm really looking forward to moving up to the next food level.  I can't wait to CHEW SOMETHING!!  I'm tired of all the sweet stuff, and ready for something savory.

Best wishes to all who are having their surgeries today.

Eydie

Doing well.  Although today I am experiencing a little discomfort on left side.  It stings most when I  get up from sitting or laying down.  Anyone else have this problem?  

Hi there! And thank you to Cathi for this group!

Doing great 5 days post op. On full liquids since yesterday. Trying to get my energy back...Used to be a coffee drinker...big time..sweet N low half and half or Coffee Mate. Now drinking decaf tea with no milk..just sweet and low. I was surprised that I didnt have the caffeine headaches since my last cup was Sat. Bought a can of Maxwell House Decaf...might put a drop of Skim Milk Plus in it....

No real pain since leaving the hosptal Tues nite. No percoset or Tylenol. The dr. took my drain out Tues morning. (that was the only pain). Besides that drain incision(which is all closed up now), I have one on the left, and the one above the naval. The position of that one above the naval is awkward..and I feel stiff when I get up. Otherwise...feeling good.

Trying for find the Calcium citrate with D in a chewable or liquid form. Have the pills that are supposed to be smaller..but cant seem to get them down...

Walking my dog...to get leftover gas out...feels good..Still swollen tummy..........

Hows everyone else doing???

Linda M. from Jersey

Hi all Got home today! I have a wonderful Hubby!! I won't lie it hurt when I woke up burt not hell.I was in recovery for 6 hours due to my room was not ready! Horibble bed but when they finally got me in the bariatric bed which was soft and wonderful I was thankful. My tummy bye my belly button was very sore not really pain.The nurse made a comment that I didn't usae much morphine.No cather here I had rquested not to have one when I woke up he said no problem.Lot easier to walk I think without that thing which I did every 2 hours. Doing great gor home about 2 on 2/11/11.Going for a walk now .ASny questions just ask!!!!

Well I am Post Op day 11. I can't believe it has already been 11 days since my surgery! I am still having some pain off and on across the middle of my stomach where there is a line of incisions. It hurts to bend over so I try not too. I also have a hard time sleeping because of the discomfort in my tummy. But overall I think I am recovering well, considering everthing I had done during the past week and a half.

Let's see, I had VSG and my gall bladder removed, 3 root canals with crowns, 2 dental implants, and gum surgery. I had so much dental work done, my cheeks are still swollen and hurt.

Since March 3rd, I have lost 8 pounds. To be honest, I was expecting more because of my size. But I think that all the "work" I had done has slowed my lose a bit this first 2 weeks. I also felt like the broths I was eating in Tijuana were very salty, which could also be a problem. 

I still don't feel physically hungry but the smell of foods makes me think I am hungry. However, just the thought of eating that food and what it would do to my tummy at this stage scares me enough to not want it.

I know I'm not getting enough water or protein. Yesterday I probably had the most "food" since surgery. I had:
1/2 a bottle of Muscle Milk
1/4 cup gelatin
12 oz Gatorade
3 cups water

My Dh has a Dr. appt with our PCP on Tuesday but my appt isn't until the 31st. I may try to get our dr to squeeze me in on Tuesday so I can talk to him about everything and get an appt with a nutritionist. I think seeing a nutritionist will be very helpful to me.

Tracy

Hey March Sleevers!
      Today is post op day #6 and I am feeling so much better.  Yesterday the weather was absolutely beautiful so I got dressed, hair, make up the whole shebang (felt like a woman and not like a patient) and went window shopping and browsing!   I didn't buy anything (my husband did! ok it was for me!) but he carried it.  I had my abdominal binder on, the hospital gave it to me and OMG it really helps my tummy feel supported.    
     The hospital also gave me a food journal it really helps me keep track and make my choices to get my fluids and protein in.  Yesterday I got 70 grams of protein in!!! I love bariwise hot chocolate 15 grams of protein.
    I have been sleeping most of the night in my bed but usually wake up around 4am and need to sit up; so I go downstairs get comfy and start sipping water dozing on and off.  I try to get a bottle in before breakfast to hydrate early.  I am down 23 lbs since the beginning of my 2 week liquid diet pre op (lost 18 then).  I am on full liquids, went home on clear and was told that I can advance to full as tolerated.  I have been experiencing discomfort mostly from gas (never trust a fart) but that seems to be improving also. 
Each day a little better; a little closer to goal!

Hang in there sleevers!

Doin well..but the portein shakes make me want to throw up from the smell..but other than that..pretty darn good!!  I go back to dr tomorrow, 2 week check up.  I have already lost 16 pounds...so that is AWESOME..and I love SF pop cycles..and G 2 gateorade...yummy!!