I'm home and have questions...

Well, I have made it to the loosing side. I am not feeling the best but I guess that is to be expected. I had a rough ride through recovery and it really has me scared. When I came to in recovery, I was having severe chest pain that they could not control. I was given nitro gliserin. That helped a little but I still have a little of the pain. I remember one of the nurses saying she thought I was having a heart attach. (just remember I have had no heart problems ever). Does this sound normal? They took out my central line and drain this morning and sent me home. I am so confused with what I really need to be doing because my dr went out of town right after my surgery and no one seemed to know what was going on. Do you know at this point how much water and liquids I should be getting a day? Do I need to be doing a protein shake now? I will be calling the surgeons office in the morning but thought you all could help me until then. Thanks Finally on the loosing side. Shelley

Welcome to the Losing side. Yea, that's why I find weird that Doctor's do their surgeries on the weekend. Never there. Anywho, I think you should stay on clear liquids at least until tomorrow. Sip VERY slowly. Do you have instruction on what your menu looks like? As far as what to eat and such? I think that until you reach your surgeon, I would stick to clear liquids. Don't do a protein shake. I think that will be too heavy for your new pouch. Unless, like i said, you have a specific menu that you should be following. Walk around alot. Do your breathing exercises. Good Luck to you. Gracie 270/168 18# to Doc's Goal

Shelly - I have no advice as I am still pre-op but wanted to say that I am glad that you are home. Sorry about the complications but it sounds like they are in the past now. Gracie - Wow - you are almost at goal already. How wonderful for you. Do you have any secrets that helped you along the way? You are doing great! Nancy

I was on liquids for 10 days. That included sf popsicles, jello, but not pudding yet. Broth was ok too. I pretty much just sipped and sipped all day long. I only could take about 2 tbsp broth at a time. If I was awake I was drinking! I am only 3 weeks out so I am not an expert, but I am just passing along my info. Sorry you had a rough go of it! Kym

Hi Nancy. Thank You. I have really been my own enemy when it comes to excerising. I make sure I do it. At work I wear ankle weights so running back and forth between screaming moms-to-be works. My problem area (Stomach) I wear a plastic garbage bag and then wear a Waist cincher (SP?) I exercise then take a shower. And rub cocoa butter all over me . When I crave something, I eat it. I don't deprive myself. Moderation is Key to Success. We are only human and will crave certain things. Instead of a butter cookie i'll have a sugar free cookie. I just try to make healthier decisions. Grant it, I've learned the hard way lol...and occasionally try to trick Gretchen (the Grouchy Pouch) but NOPE she lets me know who's the boss. Most of all eat your protein and drink plenty of water. You are also doing wonderfully, Congrats! Gracie 270/168 18# to Goal 28# to Personal Goal

Shelly congratulations!!! I am so happy for you! As for your diet goes, I am not sure what to tell you. It seems all the surgeons differ on their after care and diet. I would paly it safe until you can contact him when he is back and do clear liquids. Shelli

I swear these doctors! Where are your instructions for take home for your diet? You should be trying to get in at least 48oz, sip sip sip. Your liquid proteins are something that your doctor should touch base with you on. I was to get in skim milk, broth, Boost to name a few. And it was to be no more than one of those small medicine cups they give you in the hospital. I think that it was about 1-2 oz. I was having one of those every waking hour.

Thank you all. I am glad to be home but don't think I am getting enough. If it cools off, I am going to go for a walk around the block. I hope that will help with the gasses. Gracie, You are looking wonderful!!! I have emailed you a few times. Is you address not the same as the link on your site?

Shelly, Thank You Yes my email is the same as my link to the site. I have received only one email and that was the other day thanking me for the advice. The other's I have NO idea about. Congrats again for finally making it to the Losing Side Take Care Gracie

Everyone is giving you good advice on a liquid diet. My one piece of advice is don't force liquids if you are feeling full. Your pouch is really small, so, easy does it.