January 2017 Surgeries

[Louisex21]

I was wondering about pre-paid fruit vouchers for the canteen. What's really not fair after all this is that they have weighed me this morning and I am 10 kg heavier than when I came into hospital. Mind you, I have blown up like a blimp!


Yes, how has everyone else got on with their operations post 9th January?

had nine the 16th had severe wind for 4 days only just started feeling better. Fluid intake wasn't all that good up till today I've managed 1ltr with some stew juice.. head hunger is my main gripe at the minute but cooking for family seems to be helping it but I'm starting to miss food a little now but then realise that it's normal thought. Went for long walks yesterday and it seemed to ease my wind pain... people wanting to do this must read a lot into it and not just jump into and think it's an easy option because it's so hard not being able to eat with the family and having to change your relationship with food. Also not being able to drink before or after a meal.. you need to of tried other revenues before having a sleeve because psychologically wanting food and physically being able to eat it is so much harder... I don't regret it because I know why I had it done but doing my research first and feeling like this. Maybe I would of tried harder with diets xx hope your feeling better xx

 

[Louisex21]

Hope the pain has eased hun sending hugs xxx

Sorry @Sweetcheeks84 only just seen your comment. Feeling much better today since the wind pain has eased still struggling to go toilet but hey ho will come out when it's ready. Only advice I have enjoy food whilst you can it's so much harder on the other side just constantly thinking of food and what I can have when I can eat... but never mind ay it will soon be time to go on to purée xx

 

[Louisex21]

So since Monday I've lost a whooping 8lb I'm so overly happy tho so that has cheered me up massive today

 

[Louisex21]

Oh bless you sweetie xxx Ive just called and Im now first one the list instead of second...saves the nerves kicking in and i find the exit lol!!!!!!
Hope you feeling better@Louisex21 ....Im a proper mummy person and I do worry that peeps are having tough times xxxxxxxx As you said there is light at the end of the tunnel and your getting through it whop whoop xxxx

sorry just seen this... how did your surgery go got worried when I never seen you comment on here.. feeling so much better lost 8lb since Monday so extremely happy... really craving food at the minute but trying my best to keep me occupied xx

 

[SAM55]

So since Monday I've lost a whooping 8lb I'm so overly happy tho so that has cheered me up massive today

Every cloud has a silver lining Just keep thinking of all those pounds coming off.

i know it is hard at the moment as you have been through a trauma, but it will get easier and you will find new ways of doing things, and your head will find new ways of coping. Once you have reached 6 weeks you will be able to eat a lot of what others are eating, just a lot less. You will also experience the joy of shopping for new clothes on a regular basis as it shifts quickly.

Diets may work for some people, many can get it off but cannot keep it off. Your tool should help you be able to do that.

Keep talking through your feelings with us as you adjust to your new life as it will help your head adjust to what is happening. Start trying to identify what else might be going on when you feel hungry and see if you can identify the feelings. Grief for your previous relationship with food, something to do with your hands, painful feelings you suppressed with eating. What can you replace it with? A hug, a shower, a good book, a craft activity, a chat with a friend... Also don't underestimate the need for sleep as a hunger trigger, particularly whilst you are recovering and have less energy. It took me a while to pick that one up.

I found this thought helpful so wanted to share it... Your pouch is your first baby. You had 9 months (ish) to get used to the idea, but the reality may have been very different. Pain, restricted social life, tired, but a whole new future to look forward to.

You are doing so well - so keep on onwards and downwards...

 

[Louisex21]

Every cloud has a silver lining Just keep thinking of all those pounds coming off.

i know it is hard at the moment as you have been through a trauma, but it will get easier and you will find new ways of doing things, and your head will find new ways of coping. Once you have reached 6 weeks you will be able to eat a lot of what others are eating, just a lot less. You will also experience the joy of shopping for new clothes on a regular basis as it shifts quickly.

Diets may work for some people, many can get it off but cannot keep it off. Your tool should help you be able to do that.

Keep talking through your feelings with us as you adjust to your new life as it will help your head adjust to what is happening. Start trying to identify what else might be going on when you feel hungry and see if you can identify the feelings. Grief for your previous relationship with food, something to do with your hands, painful feelings you suppressed with eating. What can you replace it with? A hug, a shower, a good book, a craft activity, a chat with a friend... Also don't underestimate the need for sleep as a hunger trigger, particularly whilst you are recovering and have less energy. It took me a while to pick that one up.

I found this thought helpful so wanted to share it... Your pouch is your first baby. You had 9 months (ish) to get used to the idea, but the reality may have been very different. Pain, restricted social life, tired, but a whole new future to look forward to.

You are doing so well - so keep on onwards and downwards...

Thank you that is a massive help. Very true words what you said. I don't feel hungry at all I'm getting used to the gurgling noise when I have a cup of soup so knowing that is the noise it makes when it has had enough and I'm not pushing myself with fluids either but had a 1ltr today so it is improving.. people are commenting saying I'm losing weight which is giving me the kick up the bum to continue focusing.. pain is bearable at the minute no need for painkillers at the moment so I'm happy. It's a journey I'm learning xx

 

[SAM55]

Thank you that is a massive help. Very true words what you said. I don't feel hungry at all I'm getting used to the gurgling noise when I have a cup of soup so knowing that is the noise it makes when it has had enough and I'm not pushing myself with fluids either but had a 1ltr today so it is improving.. people are commenting saying I'm losing weight which is giving me the kick up the bum to continue focusing.. pain is bearable at the minute no need for painkillers at the moment so I'm happy. It's a journey I'm learning xx

Each day is another step. Well done on the fluid, I couldn't have managed a litre at your stage.

 

[Julia56]

I'm still in hospital and likely to be here until at least the end of the week. I agree with you Louise, knowing what I know now I don't think I would have put myself through this. One nurse today said she had seen hundreds come back like this over the years but I'm not sure how much I believe her. The bariatric nurse said I am the first open case she's seen since she came into this job 9 months ago. Now I am coming out the other side I am damn well going to make it work as I truly saw it as my only option of permanently losing weight. You can forget any further elective surgery such as excess skin removal.

I sympathise with you having to feed a family, at least there is only myself and OH to worry about and he says he wants to go low carb high protein and cut out alcohol when I get home. I am really looking forward to my first poached egg which is 2 to 3 weeks off for me.

 

[Louisex21]

Each day is another step. Well done on the fluid, I couldn't have managed a litre at your stage.

I'm still in hospital and likely to be here until at least the end of the week. I agree with you Louise, knowing what I know now I don't think I would have put myself through this. One nurse today said she had seen hundreds come back like this over the years but I'm not sure how much I believe her. The bariatric nurse said I am the first open case she's seen since she came into this job 9 months ago. Now I am coming out the other side I am damn well going to make it work as I truly saw it as my only option of permanently losing weight. You can forget any further elective surgery such as excess skin removal.

I sympathise with you having to feed a family, at least there is only myself and OH to worry about and he says he wants to go low carb high protein and cut out alcohol when I get home. I am really looking forward to my first poached egg which is 2 to 3 weeks off for me.

thanks @SAM55..yes it is hard going but sometimes you have to take drastic action.i keep telling myself this isn't forever I'm a week post op tomorrow and I think the next couple of weeks I am going to find difficult as I'm back in my feet and feeling abit better. I'm not hungry just gravy a little taste of food but you have had a rough journey so far and I hope you get back on your feet soon. Bowl movements seems to be a big issue for me at the moment. But I think doing wls surgery should have some sort of counselling before the surgery because it is not a walk in the park it is hard psychologically and it is not by all means an easy option. Xx

 

[Julia56]

Bowel movementscame OK for me Friday and I had the catheter out last night si I'm busting to go fairly frequently. Fortunately taking liquid on board has not been an issue for me at all.

 

[Louisex21]

Bowel movementscame OK for me Friday and I had the catheter out last night si I'm busting to go fairly frequently. Fortunately taking liquid on board has not been an issue for me at all.

That's great news so glad your on the mend xx

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

Sorry @Sweetcheeks84 only just seen your comment. Feeling much better today since the wind pain has eased still struggling to go toilet but hey ho will come out when it's ready. Only advice I have enjoy food whilst you can it's so much harder on the other side just constantly thinking of food and what I can have when I can eat... but never mind ay it will soon be time to go on to purée xx

So glad your feeling better. I have been told by someone who had there op in Oct that was there biggest issue was that they can't have the meals the family have and the mental torture was tuff and tho they try to prepare you for it its tuffer then you think. I think that must be why they tell you there is high chance of depression in the first few month.
I hope things get better for you my lovely. It must be so hard I'm dreading it but I need this to be healthy n to have a family. My gf will have her meals separate to me although she said she is happy to have liquid with me and eat big meals at work but I think that's a little unfair (might change my mind) lol
Can you move freely now? Is there any pain in your stomach? Xx

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

So since Monday I've lost a whooping 8lb I'm so overly happy tho so that has cheered me up massive today

Oh fab that's great! So what can you eat\drink at the moment? Was you in for just one night? X

 

[Louisex21]

So glad your feeling better. I have been told by someone who had there op in Oct that was there biggest issue was that they can't have the meals the family have and the mental torture was tuff and tho they try to prepare you for it its tuffer then you think. I think that must be why they tell you there is high chance of depression in the first few month.
I hope things get better for you my lovely. It must be so hard I'm dreading it but I need this to be healthy n to have a family. My gf will have her meals separate to me although she said she is happy to have liquid with me and eat big meals at work but I think that's a little unfair (might change my mind) lol
Can you move freely now? Is there any pain in your stomach? Xx

Oh fab that's great! So what can you eat\drink at the moment? Was you in for just one night? X

hi lovely yes mental torture is so bad because you know you can't eat all I think about is food... some days I've regretted it when I've drank to fast and the pain was aweful or when I accidentally drank my husbands sugary pop and experienced dumping thought I was going to faint and had aweful diarrhoea.. pain is ok at the moment feeling a pulling sensation in my tummy and on ora morph. I was in for 2 nights and still have wind pain.. I'm currently on just nas squash and 2 half protein drinks a day.. lost 11lb in a week so made me realise why I was doing it but in all fairness I think you have to have it done to know how mentally hard it is I mean I thought when others said it. Ok how hard could that be you can't have it so you want won't it that was my thinking but it was such a stupid thing to think... any updates on yours yet xx

 

[Sweetcheeks84]

hi lovely yes mental torture is so bad because you know you can't eat all I think about is food... some days I've regretted it when I've drank to fast and the pain was aweful or when I accidentally drank my husbands sugary pop and experienced dumping thought I was going to faint and had aweful diarrhoea.. pain is ok at the moment feeling a pulling sensation in my tummy and on ora morph. I was in for 2 nights and still have wind pain.. I'm currently on just nas squash and 2 half protein drinks a day.. lost 11lb in a week so made me realise why I was doing it but in all fairness I think you have to have it done to know how mentally hard it is I mean I thought when others said it. Ok how hard could that be you can't have it so you want won't it that was my thinking but it was such a stupid thing to think... any updates on yours yet xx

Try to drink as much water as possible as oralmorph clogs you up trust me I didn't go to the toilet for 14days once. I still have it now but learnt to drink more.
I get what you mean u can read till your blue in the face but until your rite there you have no clue. I'm under no elusion its going to be an upsetting and angry time my partner said she will have the same as me to support me but I wouldn't want two grump women in the house that's asking for trouble lol
I have my appointment at clinic next Wednesday with my nurse if iv lost the stone they asked thennshe will forward me to the surgeon. I have been so good and weighed on Tuesday and so!show gained 2.5lbs!!!! I was so upset I have followed it to the letter drank more and done everything possible even done Jo wicks DVD and cross trainer and some weights but only did that one day as crippled myself for the rest of the week but gave it my all that day. Then to gain I was so upset and still have so much to lose for next week. But I'm on it and if I don't lose the weight then I can say I done myself proud. But won't be easy if she refuses to refer me.
Although i got a letter for an appointment with the surgeon for 16th march? So I'm assuming she referred me anyways knowing how hard im trying I don't know but I won't give up.
I just hope for my sake I lose enough as this feels like torture being messed about so much.
How are you feeling today any better? If you new what u do now would you still have done?
Have you heard from Angeline? How did she get on? Xx

 

[JackiB]

Hi all, I had my surgery for gastric band on 15 th Jan. I am sick of soup lol. It's been a long two weeks but I feel good now and lost 17 lb already.
Starting soft foods on Sunday. Sooooo looking forward to it.

 

[JackiB]

I was wondering about pre-paid fruit vouchers for the canteen. What's really not fair after all this is that they have weighed me this morning and I am 10 kg heavier than when I came into hospital. Mind you, I have blown up like a blimp!


Yes, how has everyone else got on with their operations post 9th January?

Hi I had my op on the 15th and was tough, not as tough as yours from what I've read. I suffered quite badly with the shoulder pain/ gas pain but I think that has finally gone now thankfully. I am feeling quite good now and looking forward to starting soft food tomorrow that is 14 days since op.

 

[Julia56]

Home at last! You know when they give you the consent form and you have to initial all the risks, even the rare ones? Well I've taken the hit on all the complications for everyone else. I start soft foods Monday because I lost a week in ICU. I've no idea what I weigh and quite frankly couldn't care less right now. What I do know is that I've still a lot of recovery to do but I should get a little bit better every day.

 

[JackiB]

Glad you're home and feeling better. You will feel better each day, and just remember the tiniest improvement is all good.I don't blame you not worrying about it either- when you're feeling rubbish you just want to feel ok . Even after reading every bit of info you are given and I have a family member who had hers done 4 yrs ago it is still a big shock to your body and going with the flow is the best thing for your body.

I can't believe how today I am feeling so good even the discomfort under my rib cage is going - yaaay!!

 

[Suffolk Joy]

Home at last! You know when they give you the consent form and you have to initial all the risks, even the rare ones? Well I've taken the hit on all the complications for everyone else. I start soft foods Monday because I lost a week in ICU. I've no idea what I weigh and quite frankly couldn't care less right now. What I do know is that I've still a lot of recovery to do but I should get a little bit better every day.

So glad to hear you are over the 1st hurdle and back home. I can imagine that the last thing you are concerned about is hopping on the scales which is not the priority now. You now need TLC and to get your strength back. I am dreading having the op - not the outcome or the decision to have it done but the operation is scary as I am soooo bad with anesthetics and initially recovery period. I do not have sleep apnoea but I tend to stop breathing after an anesthetic and for the past two ops I have landed up in high dependency post-op being shouted as to breathe!

Anyway, best wishes for a steady recovery and keep us all up to date on your progress.
SJ x