I'm going ahead with it. - Page 3 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Vickichacha · 03-23-2009, 03:42 PM

Really need to get to work but thought I had to reply.As for your birthday and fluids.When was the last b'day you could sit down and have cordial,jelly,diet ice-cream,custard.choc mousse etc TOTALLY guilt free and seemingly non-stop AND with no-one giving you those little looks that say "should you be eating that? " There is much more freedom even post-op on fluids than pre-op with the guilt.Only disadvantage is that I still off chocolate due to my choc flavoured fluid stage binges.

The next blessing.My husband was totally disinterested in my op.Yesterday he was the one taking my 10kilo loss photos for me.I would've been too embarrassed to ask him before and even if I had of his comments would have been like a knife.As I have said on other threads I feel like the man I met 26 years ago has walked back in the door.He has been gone for a long time!!All the hugs make you feel so good.I was so used to not expecting any from him for the rest of my life.It is MAGIC.
So probably it is the anticipation of knowing that you are going to witness the same magic being sprinkled on someone else that builds our connections on this forum.
Have fun
Vicki

Hychap2009 · 03-23-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vickichacha

Really need to get to work but thought I had to reply.As for your birthday and fluids.When was the last b'day you could sit down and have cordial,jelly,diet ice-cream,custard.choc mousse etc TOTALLY guilt free and seemingly non-stop AND with no-one giving you those little looks that say "should you be eating that? " There is much more freedom even post-op on fluids than pre-op with the guilt.Only disadvantage is that I still off chocolate due to my choc flavoured fluid stage binges.
Vicki

Once again thank you, l look forward in great anticipation, lol. Some of my favorite things. It would still be nice to spend my birthday at home though, I'll be spending around 5 days in hospital all being well. Well it's all about timing, so lets see. Hubby, well we'll just have to see how that works out. At the moment my life is stagnant, due to my weight and health I don't go out much, I depend a great deal on my hubby to take me from A to B. Of course there are occasions where I make the journey's by myself. What I see for myself is having back the independance and energy to go out more with friends, be more active and get my life back. So, we'll have to see how he copes with that. I don't think I'm going to be the wifey that's guaranteed to always be at home anymore.

I've just been looking at some of the protein drinks available, and really like the look of the Isopure Protein drink, comes in different flavours. Sometimes you find a great product like this one with 40g protein in each ready prepared drink, no carbs, no sugar and water based rather than milky. If it's possible to drink 1 bottle each day, added to protein foods that should go a long way to meeting an adequate amount of daily protein. Yeah, even if its sip, sip, sip., I don't know how much milky protein shakes I could take in one day. I love chilled drinks even water. I hope i will be able to enjoy drinking liquid just as much as I do now. My problem right now is that most of things I find online are supplied in America and not in the UK. 'Pain in the neck'.

Have a great day,

Regards

Hyacinth

Vickichacha · 04-18-2009, 07:18 PM

Hello Hyacinth,
Any definate op date as yet?
I have lost track of where you are up to.
I am about 9 weeks post-op.Not knowing exactly is funny in itself as I am not counting days/weeks anymore.
I was getting frustrated with my slow weight loss until this week.My large tummy was always the same as before but this week it is starting to flatten.So thrilled.Now happy again!
Those water based drinks are great.I have only been able to find one brand in Australia and it is not readily available.I stock up on them as they are the only way I can be sure of getting in my protein.
Get back to me with all the latest.
Vicki

Hychap2009 · 04-19-2009, 03:48 PM

Hi Vicki

I'm trying not to get too frustrated.

Great to hear from you and to know you're doing well. Wow 9 weeks has gone by quikly, don't you think? I too look forward to the day when I can look down and reacquaint myself with my lower part of my body. lol including spotting my toes. loool. We've been disengaged for so long.

i'm trying not to get frustrated and focus on my new lifestyle, haha. i've just joined the gym with the intention to increase my cardia exercise. I've not lost any weight yet. I thought I had until I went to the hospital recently and they said I'd put on 3lbs since my last visit. I don't quite understand that. I've still not heard anything from the hospital about my date. I'm probably going to call them this week. I spoke to another TT member who has is seeing the same surgeon, she had her pre assessment appointment. I asked her what the process was for Dr Patel. Bummer, she says that she has to do a 2 month diet, that being true, then I could have quite a way to go. Anyway, I give them a call soon. If I think about it too much I get myself stressed out. I was just telling my husband today that I'm worried about my blood pressure and health issues, will I make it to my surgery date. A bit gloomy I know. I had two party invites yesterday and at the last hour decided I didn't want to go. This is a regular thing. Truth is I just don't feel good about myslef in terms of the way I look. I'm always told I look nice when I go out, but I don't feel comfortable, most of my clothes are bought not so much because I love them but more because they fit. My husband had to along be himself. I cowardly sent an email to apologise and say I wont be able to attend. You never give the real reason, how do you explain that to people, all they say is stop being silly.

I'll keep you posted with any progress that I make. Here is hoping.

Take care

Hyacinth

Aviator · 04-19-2009, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hychap2009

As some of you may already know I had what I was told was my final appointment with the obesity clinic. At that appointment in January I was told I would be on a 4 months waiting list and even discussed the possibility that it was likely to be around May or June this year. They said If I had not recieved a confirmation letter within a month to phone. Well I phoned today. Oh My Days!, the women told me that i have not yet been allocated a date and that the waiting list was 6 months. I'm so P....ed off. In truth July's not that much more, but I've become so committed to having the op and it took me some time getting here, (my head that is). I don't want to have too much time to think about negative aspects of the op. Hip hip araay though to people like Aviator, an inspiration.

I guess I'll just have to readjust my mind set again and keep looking forward; keep up my preparation, I should be going to the pool tomorrow, the first time in years and I mean years lol.

Regards

Hyacinth.

....of socialized medicine. Is this what the US has to look forward to?
Good luck Hyacinth.

cloverfield · 04-20-2009, 02:04 PM

For Hyap2009-looking for post op experiences with VSG:
Surgery was on February 18, 2009 with Dr. Rosenthal at Cleveland Clinic in Florida-My surgical wounds number 7 small 'slits' as the surgery is non-invasive. The clear fluids on the first post op day went well-small amounts, sips and the leak test went well. On the 2nd post op day, I moved to liquid protein shakes, broth, jello, sugar free-and frozen pops. Amount of liquid is immediately an issue as it is hard to take in fluids without slowly pacing; too fast and you are uncomfortable. When I moved to soft puree type foods after a month--it was difficult to eat much without some vomiting. Too much or too fast and the last couple ounces came back up. I became adept at measuring and slowing down. I take a couple bites and rest--if it goes well--I take in more food. All this eventually goes away. After six weeks, eating became somewhat easier. After 8 weeks, the types of food I could tolerate improved--the amounts are more reasonable. The no liquids 30 min before and after is fine. Liquid centrum, liquid felosol, liquid B-complex, liquid zinc-B-12 sublingual and Tums for calcium were staggered throughout the day. Iron is taken at night, sometimes with C or B. Too much vitamin at once makes you queasy.
Last week, I went to the hosp for severe cramps and running to the bathroom; ended up with colonic ischemia-or "heart attack' of the colon! wierd, huh. Doctors say unrelated to surgery. who knows. Gas attacks are common, have some alka seltzer on hand!!! Lots more to write later,
clover

Hychap2009 · 04-20-2009, 03:13 PM

Dear Cloverfield

Thank you so much. I'm particularly keen to gain some insight into the post- op experience. I'm sure it may be a little different for everyone, but your account is very useful to know. Any updates welcomed.

Regards

Hyacinth

ardita · 04-20-2009, 07:56 PM

thanks, clover. as i prepare or my vsg next week, i need all the advice i can get to know what to expect.

ajzmom · 04-26-2009, 06:25 PM

I, too, decided to proceed with VSG a few weeks ago. I'm both excited and terrified. I feel like I'm in labor again but the person I'm giving birth to this time is myself. I'm in the process of all the pre-op tests. I think they make us go through all of this just to make sure we are committed to our decision.

My surgery is scheduled June 4th. I think my biggest concern is the 10 day liquid diet my doctor is requiring before the surgery. I know it is to make the surgery itself easier, but it is going to be a great challenge.

My goals post WLS are quite simple (1) ride bikes with my son who will turn 4 in a few weeks (2) take my son to Disneyland and be able to go on rides with him. All of the other stuff is just bonus to me.

Any experienced VSG patients, I welcome your advice pre and post op.

cloverfield · 04-26-2009, 07:14 PM

Last Wednesday, had the 8 week post op-before that, I went in for a fasting blood work incl lipids, D, Iron, liver panel, calcium, folic and more. We meet with three staff-a doctor, a nutritionist and a nurse to go over blood work and issues. Nutritionist said, 'this is the honeymoon period'-just because you can tolerate carbs, don't eat them; only protein and now add in soft veggies. I went below a big number this week. Under 200 pounds now. Turned another corner, don't feel like I get nauseous any more. No incidents in last two weeks of any note-running to the toilet to vomit. I have appetite and enjoy the food I have-it is so little that you imagine you must eat more often to keep up calories. I try to drink when I feel like that. On hosp: I didn't have any pain with the surgery and was comfortable but very very sleepy for the next two days. I did not start exercising much until I felt more alert. I was walking the day of the surgery with the help of the nurse. I'm swimming now again-at first six weeks, no swimming. I liked using 'habiclens' a hand wash you can get at the pharmacy. I showered with it to keep the wounds clean -didn't get any infection.
The nurse also said, 'remember why you had the surgery and be good to yourself and gentle with yourself'.
So, I had three visits to a spa: a pedicure, a back massage and this week, a small refresher facial. Now, I'm putting money aside each week to save up for a trip to Tahiti in the fall. I gave another bag of clothes to the Viet vets-My closet is nearly bare and will stay that way until I stabilize. Next visit is in six months for post op. I feel lucky to have had the VSG-very fortunate as it has taken the stress of fighting fatigue and feeling uncomfortable away.
good luck to those waiting for their VSG. During the 4 week liquid pre-op stage, I used 'Pro-cal" and liked it. Also Isopure is very good tasting. I admit that I carefully had a couple emergency pieces of sushi and was worried-I asked the doctor in this hosp if my liver shrunk enough, etc. and he said it was good prep. whew...I would probably not feel compelled to eat solid food if I was doing this again. The patient in the next room had a bypass and he was really proud that he had a bowel movement on this 2nd day--they don't like to release you until your bowels are working. I was worried --then the nurse wanted to make sure I could tolerate liquid protein before I was released without vomiting--Nothing was easy on both of those but I didn't worry about it-