jsmiles

Send Message

Block

Add Friend

Thanks for taking the time and interest to join this group! Does anyone have suggestions for the group?

I had my first post-op appointment with my doc and he answered my 2 million questions with ease and comfort! My doctor has truly walked me through the process and prepared me for most of what I will feel and endure. At first it does seem overwhelming but when I walked in with my list of questions and he answered every one of them, I walked out feeling more confident and excited about my journey. My doc also showed actual color photos of my band in place! I saw the laproscope and my stomach. I didn't expect to see those images but seeing them confirmed the doc wanted to keep me informed and abreast of it all. I told him how I didn't feel 'prepared' once I was home after surgery but I told him everything I had been doing and he confirmed I was on-track; maybe it was just my paranoia! He didn't discuss all the incisions with me beforehand or immediately after surgery because you cannot decipher pre-surgery if you will need to make more incisions and I was too drowsy post-op to have such a discussion. I had 3 incisions in addition to the 2 standard incisions {belly button: entry for Laproscope & the incision for port placement}. Those 3 incisions were to insure placement. Although they are very small (look like scratch from a baby) I was worried because it wasn't something we discussed.
 
I purchased the last bottle of Pepcid from the Rite Aid near the hospital! I also have a 'swallow test' scheduled to confirm placement of the band and insure I don't have any issues swallowing. I have clearance to return to work on Thursday and I walked for 30mins with a heavy bag on my shoulders and I didn't feel weak or uncomfortable!! He also gave me approval to start purees/semi-liquids on Friday (8 days after surgery)! Is it weird that I'm excited to eat baby foods & desserts? My cupboard is stocked with baby food since my godson spends some weekends at my house. I don't think he will mind sharing his food with me!
 
The hardest part is yet to come, returning to work. As I've said before, I didn't tell anyone except my boyfriend that I was having WLS. I don't think that is something I will ever share with anyone aside from my mom, brother and children, if I have any. I told my supervisor I was having minor surgery and needed a week off and all he wanted to insure was that it wasn't anything life threatening. But some of my closest friends will definitely ask why I was off and why I'm no longer eating certain items or baking my famous White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake or Key Lime Pie. The easiest answer is, I'm changing my eating habits, which I changed 1mth before leaving work. But I know they will question baby foods and there really isn't an answer / work-around for that.

I had surgery on 1.13.11 and so far I've lost 12lbs. It has been 4 days since surgery and I have some mixed emotions. It seems like every other commercial is a Nutrisystem or Slim Fast commercial and it makes me think, 'If I did Nutrisystem a little longer, would I still have considered surgery?' Seeing those commercials caused mixed emotions but I know surgery was the best choice for me long term. I woke up from surgery with 5 incisions instead of the 2 my doctor discussed with me so I have plenty of questions for him tomorrow at my first appointment. I had the usual symptons, drowsiness & sore throat but I didn't have any need for pain meds. I've been drinking broth, diluted apple juice and water since surgery. I haven't had any protein supplements since surgery because I have nausea when I drink them. I wish there were more after surgery support groups/teams instead of the bevy of handouts I received from my doc. I have all those handouts on my desk and even some on the fridge but I don't feel as prepared as I thought I was pre-surgery. As I search this site, some people have mentioned schwag bags with dietary/protein supplements so they could try them before making actual purchases. I haven't been able to find Pepcid Chewables 20mg. It seems there has been a shortage since early December. I've been taking my multiviatims and my Vitamin D supplements (I had low Vit. D before surgery)

My goal in terms of support:
I'd like to set up a pre & post surgery support group that is more informal but more informative than the one I attended with my doctor. If you have any suggestions or would like to join, feel free to message me. We're taking this journey together!

My advice 4 days in:
-take the week or more off of work that they advise
-attend more post-op support groups
-have a close friend/family/significant other stay with you for the extra mental and physical support

Today marks 3 days before a new smile! The hardest part of this journey is that I am at work while taking it. I'm not taking off until the day of surgery. Imagine drinking Banana Creme Muscle Milk while our office chefs are serving up gourmet meals 200ft from my desk! The only person I've told about my surgery is my boyfriend and he's supporting me the entire way. I weighed today at 246lbs, lets see how much I can lose before surgery.

Breakfast: 14oz Muscle Milk

Lunch: No Sodium Chicken Broth & Vegetables

Dinner: No Sodium Chicken Broth & Vegetables