WLS Wagon...RNY, Lap Band, etc. - JUNE, 2008

[Nancy291]

Tracy~ WTG!!!! I was in the 170's for about a week in high school.... I forget how it felt now . You are gonna look HAWT in Vegas!

Kyla~ I second that!! If you had asked me 5 yrs ago I might have said yes to another one, but I wouldn't want to go through all the hard stuff again. I just love them and send them home now. Thats the biggest joy of being Mamaw.
I know you have to be excited right now. 5 days will fly by. I had a hard time sleeping last night just thinking how close I am.

Mysti~ hope you have a good time at your friends today.

Jennifer~ July 5th is just around the corner....10 days is nothing

[Kingschild]

Kyla - I wish I was close to you so I could help you out post-op. It's painful...at least it was for me. And I went from the bed to the couch everyday for awhile. I wanted to do more, but geesh, this fatigue kicks your butt.

I was thinking everyone could give you some tips about recovery....

Here's mine...
*Buy a knee wedge for your bed at home. My dh has one for his back and I slept right through the night from day one of returning home because I was able to wedge it under my knees. Everyone else I talk to can't sleep because they couldn't get comfy in their flat beds. You can't lay on your side for awhile, so when you're on your back it's best to take the pressure off your lower back.
*Also, if you don't have an ice shaver (sno-cone) machine type thing, I would get one. I still get to where all I can do is crunch on ice. But in the beginning, I ate a TON of ice. Water just doesn't go down the same post-op.
*Sugar-free fudge or popsicles! I never ate these before, but I eat at least one or two a day right now because they count towards my fluid intake. They are so much easier to eat than anything else.
*Baby spoons - I bought the disposable ones that I found at Wal-Mart or Target. They are a smooth plastic with a long skinny handle. They're perfect. And for forks, the kids ones are too chunky. You can't pick up things with them, so I bought some cocktail forks at Bed Bath & Beyond. They are $2.00 each, but totally worth it...and they're stainless steel.
*And you have a bunch of support here so ask us anything at anytime. LOL

[JennyV]

Good idea, Mysti.

I did a lot of research on recovery and what I'd need and bought everything on the list, but then I didn't end up needing hardly any of it. If anyone wants Gas-X dissolving tabs, Mylanta, or boullion cubes, I've got plenty to spare!

I took a small (like airline-sized) pillow with me and held it against my tummy whenever I needed to cough or to sit up and it really helped to have something to brace myself against. It also helped me sleep for the first couple of nights after surgery, as I propped it against my stomach and slept on my side (normally I sleep on my stomach, but that wasn't possible for a couple of days).

Don't be afraid to use the pain meds! They give them to you for a reason, and a few days' worth of narcotics won't turn you into a junkie. I wish someone had beaten me over the head with this, as I thought I'd get by without anything other than ibuprofen. Dumb move. On the third day of being unable to sleep, my doctor asked me if I was taking the liquid pain meds and I said no and he told me I was being stubborn and to use it if I wanted to sleep. He was right. Kyla, I know you're a nurse, so you're probably a little smarter about this than I was.

I've never had any problems with water (and I think Lap-Banders generally don't have many of the water problems I've heard from a lot of RNYers), so I might advise you to wait and see if it's a problem before going out and buying an appliance like a sno-cone maker. Though your 7-year-old might enjoy it anyway.

Disposable child's/small silverware is a good idea to reinforce the portion/bite control aspect until you get used to it.

Honestly, I would buy enough stuff to cover you feeling crappy for several days, but my recovery time was pretty short and I was able to go to the store at the end of the week (though I got tired pretty easily for a couple of weeks). I'd stock up on several days' worth of food, whether that's soups/broths, protein drinks, or whatever your doctor suggests, but try not to overbuy, because by the time you move on to mushies you're not going to want to look at chicken broth again for a long time. Trust me.

And of course feel free to ask any questions you think of.

[Nancy291]

Great idea girls. I'm making my list and stocking up on protein powders now so this is a great help. Thanks!!

[mycattaz]

Hi ladies... its been along day... left the house about 9, worked out in the pool until almost 11:00 and then went to my support class then I had a pre-surgery class that i had to take...didn' get home till about 4:00

One of the ladies at the support meeting gave me a hug jug of Nectar Protein to use.... so I will have to go and get me some frozen fruit to make me smoothy...

I now have everything completed and now I wait till the date... Kyla i am like you nervous and excited all at the same time... I guess its always in the back of your mind things might not go well, something could happen... you might not ever come home...

I talked to my support leader today, she said people like me are the ones that do good and she said the surgery is so much better then it was 20 years ago and for me not to worry.....

I found out today, that the weight I was at this past monday at pre-admission testing will be the weigh the use for my begining weight..... I was thinking they would weigh me the morning of surgery for some reason

[retroworx]

Originally Posted by Kingschild

*Sugar-free fudge or popsicles! I never ate these before, but I eat at least one or two a day right now because they count towards my fluid intake. They are so much easier to eat than anything else.

Here are some tips from me (if I can remember -- I'm almost 3 years post-op!)

Before your surgery, make your own pudding pops (plastic mold or dixie cups are fine) out of SF pudding mix AND ADD SOME PROTEIN POWDER. Thay way when you're home after surgery, and all you can do is suck slowly on something for thirst, you'll be getting some protein in with your liquids. Killing two birds with one stone at that point really helps. Sneak that protein in wherever you can -- mix some unflavored (I recommend AnyWhey, sold here by Netrition or at most GNC stores) protein powder with some broth (read label direx for mixing into hot liquids, kinda trickly). Later add some powder to soft foods like custards, ricotta cheese, mock cheesecakes, etc.

I encourage all the newbies to check out Susan Maria's Bariatric Eating website (google it) for newbie hints, tips, recipes, resources.

Best of Luck!

[Kingschild]

Oh man...I'm an idiot! Kyla, I got confused and thought you were having the RNY surgery.

Forget all my tips. They're more for a RNY patient.

[JennyV]

You're certainly not an idiot. Most of those tips apply pretty well to lap-banders too.

Retroworx, I love the pudding pop idea! I may have to make some of those now to try to a) up my protein and b) stop with the desserts already.

Just 2 pounds away from the 50 pound mark now (and 3 days away from my 5-month bandiversary). It's gone by in a flash but it's also felt like it was dragging soooooo slowly at times. I'm smaller than I've been in 6 years, but it still doesn't feel like it. I'm still surprised when I put on a size 16 top and find that it fits. When I was shopping with my mom a couple of weeks ago she picked up a top and I said there was no way it would fit but I'd try it on to see how far I had to go. To my utter surprise it fit perfectly, which is great (of course!) but it's also disconcerting. My brain hasn't caught up yet and I wonder how long it will take it to do so.

Have a great day, ladies!

[TracyinKS]

GOOD MORNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just printed my boarding pass for VEGAS BABY!!!!!!

I'm trying to figure out what I really NEED to take and what would just be a waste of space... My sis has us booked on a double decker bus tour, and she wants to go to a drag queen show! OH MY.. I guess Dorothy won't be in KS anymore! HOPE I SURVIVE!!!! (I'm usually in bed by 9p) I hope I can keep up with her...

[Kingschild]

Tracy, when are you leaving?

[Kingschild]

Jenny, that's great about your weight-loss! I know you've worked hard for it. People just think once you have wls that the weight just falls off. LOL They don't know that we have to work hard too. Congratulations.

[Kingschild]

I'm off to help a friend unpack. Nothing over 10 lbs., I know. LOL

Have a great day, Ladies!

[TracyinKS]

our flight leaves tomorrow at 6:30 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!

My mind is just bouncing all over the place... sorry if I'm scattered

[mycattaz]

HI everyone...

tracy have a good time on your trip....

Jenny you are doing great....

Yesterday at my support meeting... our bariatric support leader, said that she went to a convention for bariatric last week and was told that they no longer believe that people that had the gastric bypass need 1,000 mcg of calcium.... now they say its better for them to have 1,800..

Also she said that its very important to get your B-vitamins in...


dh went for his stress test this morning and made it all the way thur.... now all i think he has to do is go to the phycitric before his surgery... we don't have a date yet....

[Nancy291]

Tracy~ have a great trip!!

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by mycattaz

HI everyone...

tracy have a good time on your trip....

Jenny you are doing great....

Yesterday at my support meeting... our bariatric support leader, said that she went to a convention for bariatric last week and was told that they no longer believe that people that had the gastric bypass need 1,000 mcg of calcium.... now they say its better for them to have 1,800..

Also she said that its very important to get your B-vitamins in...


dh went for his stress test this morning and made it all the way thur.... now all i think he has to do is go to the phycitric before his surgery... we don't have a date yet....

Also another thing to think about ladies-I was just diagnosed as Vitamin D deficient-I am now on prescription Vit D. I am 8 yrs out and follow my vitamin & supplement regimen religously. The endo also told me my body won't absorb and use my calcium and magnesium supps I take when Vit D is low. So start and keep up your vitamin and supplement regimen!

[mycattaz]

Lisa I have a friend of mine who had gastric bypass 3 years ago, she just recently hurt her back, when they ran test on it, they said she has a back of a 80 year old.... she is only in her early 30's...

calcium can only be absorb 400 mg at a time... so you have to spread it out during the day..... they are also finding out that viactin is better to take then tums for calcuium...

If you don't get enough vitamin D/ Calcuium you body will take it from your bones... so make sure you getting your vitamins in

[clmoore]

I’m scheduled for RNY on August 6. What can I expect with the drainage tube(s) and what are they draining? How big are they? Do they show under your clothes? Is there only one tube? How long do you have to use them? Etc.

Thanks!

[Kingschild]

15 minutes in the sun each day will get you your D vitamins too. I was out there for about 30 yesterday while helping my friend move. It sure zapped my energy though.

Wow, 1800 mg. is a lot. Especially if you don't eat/drink a lot of dairy. Hmmm, have to think about how I'll get that in. LOL I'm lactose intolerant (always have been), so I can't just drink milk straight. Not even Lactaid...makes me feel bad. I'm sick to stinking death of yogurt. However, I can make smoothies with yogurt...I'll have to figure out what to do.

I'm sick with allergy crap today. I have to start doubling up on my Zyrtec D. One in the a.m. one before bed. Mucinex to thin the mucus. Nasacort to reduce swelling in my nose. Nasal irrigation to get the pollen out of my nose. A million tissues a day. Patanol to help with itchy eyes. Good-grief, no wonder I'm broke all the time. LOL I just LOVE this time of year!

I haven't lost any weight since Sunday, BUT, I bought some size 2x shirts at Wal-Mart a couple of days ago and my friend said, "Return them and buy 1x. They are too big." I always buy tops that fit over my hips...so I went home retried on all the tops...looked in the mirror and she was right. They were way too big around my armpit area. If only my bottom half was a 1x. I am able to wear 24s on bottom now. I'll try to take a pix today to show you the enormous difference. But I'll wait until I get some makeup on and my hair done.

I'm going to an indoor fun park today. I'm sure I'll be sitting down reading most of the time...unless they have Guitar Hero. Then I'll be smokin' all the guys. I know they have pizza there, so if I can't find anything else to eat I'll just eat some toppings. I've been making this pizza topping thing for dinner recently. I take 4 pepperoni and cut them up really small (like the size of my pinky fingernail), then I put 2 tbs. pizza sauce over them. Then I add some shredded mozzarella and microwave it for 20 seconds. Yummmmmmm.... I'm going to buy some turkey pepperoni to cut down on the fat. It's really good though.

Geez, I'm chatty again this morning. LOL Have a wonderful day everyone and I'll check in after my trip to Bigg City!

[mycattaz]

Originally Posted by Kingschild

Wow, 1800 mg. is a lot. Especially if you don't eat/drink a lot of dairy. Hmmm, have to think about how I'll get that in. LOL I'm lactose intolerant (always have been), so I can't just drink milk straight. Not even Lactaid...makes me feel bad. I'm sick to stinking death of yogurt. However, I can make smoothies with yogurt...I'll have to figure out what to do.

what are you taking for calcium.... viactin makes a carmel and milk chocolate chew... It has 500 mg of calcium.. caltrate is another good one to chew....

[mycattaz]

Originally Posted by clmoore

I’m scheduled for RNY on August 6. What can I expect with the drainage tube(s) and what are they draining? How big are they? Do they show under your clothes? Is there only one tube? How long do you have to use them? Etc.

Thanks!

I haven't had my surgery yet... July 1st for me... I too am curious ... maybe someone will come alone shortly to answer it

[Kingschild]

Originally Posted by clmoore

I’m scheduled for RNY on August 6. What can I expect with the drainage tube(s) and what are they draining? How big are they? Do they show under your clothes? Is there only one tube? How long do you have to use them? Etc.

Thanks!

I have an incision about 1/2" long under my right rib cage. The tube is probably 1' long that they have in there. It's stitched to your skin so it won't move. They insert it while you're under, so you don't feel a thing. It's to drain any blood that's in your mid-section after surgery. Like if your stapled areas are bleeding some on the inside. The little bulb on the end looks like a soft hand grenade. It's kind of clear so you can see how much blood is in there. The nurses will check it when they come in to see you and if it's getting full they will take off the bulb and drain it and then reattach it. It doesn't hurt (at least for me). Your inside hurts so much that you don't even notice your incisions. I think it was the day of or the day before I left the hospital that they removed it. I didn't get stitched up they said it would close up over the next week or so. They did put a bandage on it when they removed the tube.
Now, my best friend's tube filled up all the way each day, so she had hers in longer. Everyone's different.
Oh, and it doesn't hurt when they take it out.

Congratulations on your date! I know it's a long process to finally get one. How are you feeling about this life-changing step you're about to make?

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by mycattaz

Lisa I have a friend of mine who had gastric bypass 3 years ago, she just recently hurt her back, when they ran test on it, they said she has a back of a 80 year old.... she is only in her early 30's...

calcium can only be absorb 400 mg at a time... so you have to spread it out during the day..... they are also finding out that viactin is better to take then tums for calcuium...

If you don't get enough vitamin D/ Calcuium you body will take it from your bones... so make sure you getting your vitamins in

Also your calcium cannot be absorbed without magnesium.

[lisabinil]

Originally Posted by mycattaz

I haven't had my surgery yet... July 1st for me... I too am curious ... maybe someone will come alone shortly to answer it

You don't come home with them-I didnt anyway and I had an open RNY. They drain bodily fluids and blood until your intestinal tract is healed-your insides have just been rearranged-of course there will be leakage until it heals. Are you having the lapband or RNY?