A Few Post Op Questions - ThinnerTimes

HAMPTON5555 · 01-05-2005, 11:47 AM

Hi everyone,

I am doing well and feeling great. so many of you have given me such great advice and has made getting throught he first week so much better than i could have imagined.

I am down 19 pounds!!! I can't believe it. The cream soups have made me feel so much better. I was getting a little light headed just before that.

Anyway, my questions are:
#1. Am I supposed to be using that breathing thing still? (sprirometor incentive???)

#2. Do I leave the tapes on the incision or remove it?

Thanks to you all for your support!

Rain

triciaknox · 01-05-2005, 12:09 PM

Rain,

The spirometer you can use if you need to. If you are moving around well then you can quit. The tape? It will fall off on it's own. Let it. Congrats on the 19 lbs!!

watergirl · 01-05-2005, 12:12 PM

So glad to hear that you are doing well.

The incentive spiramotor sp? use until you are up to original lung capacity and you no longer caugh when you try to blow out really deep.

Tape - I was told to let it fall off on its own.

HAMPTON5555 · 01-05-2005, 02:36 PM

Great!! I have been up to lung capacity for a while and not coughing. Too bad, about the tape it is 1/2 on and the little ends tickle and itch me. oh well, small price to pay!!

rain

Dara · 01-05-2005, 02:44 PM

Rain:

I have to confess that when my tape was about halfway off, I peeled it the rest of the way off. I can't stand stuff like that--I pick at hangnails too.

I know it's technically against doctor's instructions...but it didn't seem detrimental to my incision. My rationale was that if the tape hung up on my clothes, it might rip off and actually hurt my incision!

I know, I know...I was stretching the logic!

bridgetgirl · 01-05-2005, 03:22 PM

Hijack... only half a freaking measly pound til goal? Holy moly! Way to go Dara!

Dara who picked your goal? You, Dr C or Dr Phil.. LOL?

Dara · 01-05-2005, 03:37 PM

Bridget:

I know...I tried sooooo hard this morning to exhale that half pound and it just wouldn't budge! I even tried peeing and it didn't work. Oh well, I figure it's gotta come off sooner or later.

Actually, I set the goal of 150 lbs. myself. I had been there before (in 1999) after fasting for 4-1/2 months. I liked the way I felt and looked at that weight.

At my six-month checkup, Kelly told me that she would be fine with less than that for me. I'm not so sure about that...I think I'd start to look sick. When I FINALLY get to 150, I'm going into maintenance mode rather than loss mode.

I'll just wait and see...

bridgetgirl · 01-05-2005, 05:23 PM

thaks Dara... good to know. See Dr C or Kelly, who ever put my goal at 141.. I couldnt imagine. You saw me at Christmas, could you imagine me losing another 30 pounds? Ewwwwwwww Anywho, I set 165 as my goal weight... its what the charts say for a gal with a large bone frame.. I do have a 7 1/2 inch wrist! Its just a matter of days now before Im at goal and then calling a nutritionist!

Dara · 01-05-2005, 05:36 PM

Bridget:

After I reach goal (hopefully soon, like you), I'm going to consult with a nutritionist for a healthy maintenance plan. I really don't want to lose a lot more weight, even if Kelly approves it.

I remember you telling me that Kelly talked about looking at the clavicle bone as a guide for weight loss. Well, my clavicles are starting to really stick out--I think I should be finished soon!

I agree with you that you're at a really good weight now. You look fabulous...thin but still feminine. If you lose another 30 lbs., you will definitely look too thin!

Isn't all this talk bizarre?! I never thought I'd be talking about a plan to stabilize my weight. It's a miracle!

Davey · 01-06-2005, 08:39 AM

Concerning the tape, on my one week follow-up, Kelly looked at mine and they were half on and half off, she said that I could very carfully peel them off if they were already about off. She just suggested to gently start to roll the tape off at the edges and go from there.

And by the way Bridget, you should not lose another pound. When you were so very nice to come and visit me in the hospital, you looked awsome. You really looked great. It was an inspiration to me, especially that first day after surgery. I was wondering what the hell did I do to myself. But looking at you, I thought ok, this is going to be ok. So thanks a lot!!