It has been exactly 14 days since the surgery. Also, Happy Halloween!
I started on Full Liquids last week per my doctor, and I have been feeling okay though my stomach has been hurting a little.
I started my first day back at work today. I did not realize that walking back and forth in the office would make my stomach start to hurt a little. I should spend more time resting before working a lot again. I am going to stop walking around a lot to let my stomach fully heal first.
Weight wise I have not lost any since Thursday. I think that is me switching from a clear to liquid diet greatly increased my calorie intake. My blood sugars are up. If they stay around 140, I need to start taking meds again.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
10/27: Week 2 / Day +10
Had my 10 day follow-up visit with my doctor. Good news all my stitches are out or disolved and I can start brushing off the scabs from my surgical site. I still cannot scrub the areas but I can brush it with my hand. A few more weeks till I can swim again.
Because I have no pain, no nausea, and my bowl movements are fine, I am able to go to the full liquid diet. I bought a bunch of canned soup, beans, and lactose free milk. I can finally make protein sakes with non-plain powder.
Just had some V8 strained butter squash soup. I actually feel very full after 1 serving.
Because I have no pain, no nausea, and my bowl movements are fine, I am able to go to the full liquid diet. I bought a bunch of canned soup, beans, and lactose free milk. I can finally make protein sakes with non-plain powder.
Just had some V8 strained butter squash soup. I actually feel very full after 1 serving.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
10/25: Week 2 / Day +8
It is over one week over since I had the surgery. I am actually feeling a little more discomfort because of the way I sleep.
Also, because of my propensity for bloody noses, my nose has been drying up and bleeding in the morning. I think this is more because of my own personal issues versus the surgery. Just in case I'm going to ask the doctor about it.
As for my diet its going well though I can not weight to eat full liquids. Flavored protein shakes taste a lot better than normal ones. I have been adding crystal light to all my current drinks so it is not that bad but I want some warm and tasty liquids too, like plain chicken soup.
I see my doctor on Thursday as you are suppose to see him 7-10 days after surgery so he can check the stitches. They seem fine and hopefully all goes well.
Also, because of my propensity for bloody noses, my nose has been drying up and bleeding in the morning. I think this is more because of my own personal issues versus the surgery. Just in case I'm going to ask the doctor about it.
As for my diet its going well though I can not weight to eat full liquids. Flavored protein shakes taste a lot better than normal ones. I have been adding crystal light to all my current drinks so it is not that bad but I want some warm and tasty liquids too, like plain chicken soup.
I see my doctor on Thursday as you are suppose to see him 7-10 days after surgery so he can check the stitches. They seem fine and hopefully all goes well.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
10/23: Day +6
Its been 6 days after surgery and I feel fine. The one thing that worries me is I am not sleeping 8 hours a day. I am so tuned to sleeping only 5-6 hours that even if i stay in bet i do not fall asleep again.
I hope my doctor allows me to do full liquids next Thursday when I see him since I really want to drink flavored protein sakes versus just isopure and water with unflavored protein powder.
As of right now, I have Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappuccino, Truffle, and other flavored protein powders I am not allowed to use, but can on full liquids.
My blood sugar is actually within the high side of the normal range since surgery which is good. I am not taking any pills but I am also not drinking anything with carbs or sugar. I hope it stays low when i get back on a normal diet.
I hope my doctor allows me to do full liquids next Thursday when I see him since I really want to drink flavored protein sakes versus just isopure and water with unflavored protein powder.
As of right now, I have Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappuccino, Truffle, and other flavored protein powders I am not allowed to use, but can on full liquids.
My blood sugar is actually within the high side of the normal range since surgery which is good. I am not taking any pills but I am also not drinking anything with carbs or sugar. I hope it stays low when i get back on a normal diet.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
10/22: Day +5
It has been 5 days since my surgery and everything seems fine. I did have some concerns my stiches were infected. There was some redness on them but that did not seem like an issue when i took a picture of them. I took a picture so I could send it to my doctor's office. It was actually stretch marks from me losing weight.
The liquid diet is getting easier, but I am starting to get cravings for real food. I am doing lots of random activities to keep that out of my mind including writing and updating this blog. The liquid diet is not as tough as people made it out to be but that might just be because its only been 3 days on it. We'll see how I feel when I am 1/2 way done.
I have been checking my weight every day and I either stay flat or lost 1-2 lbs. When I entered the hospital, they weighted me and I was at 294 right now I am 282.
The liquid diet is getting easier, but I am starting to get cravings for real food. I am doing lots of random activities to keep that out of my mind including writing and updating this blog. The liquid diet is not as tough as people made it out to be but that might just be because its only been 3 days on it. We'll see how I feel when I am 1/2 way done.
I have been checking my weight every day and I either stay flat or lost 1-2 lbs. When I entered the hospital, they weighted me and I was at 294 right now I am 282.
Friday, October 21, 2011
10/21: Day +4
Yesterday was my first full day back from the hospital and being on a full clear liquid diet. It was actually pretty tough to drink all that liquid down. I used to drink 6-8 bottles of water a day but 4 was tough having my tummy so small.
BTW a clear liquid diet is as follows:
BTW a clear liquid diet is as follows:
- Diet Coffee/Diet Tea
- Low Sodium Broth (realized i hated the beef and chicken version buying vegetable tonight)
- Water
- 5 calorie crystal light packs
- Isopure - get zero carb
- Medical Grade Protein Powders (100 calories / 20 grams of protein)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
10/20: Day +3
I had surgery on Monday. First day out of the hospital and on my own. Both the hospital and the doctor's office called to make sure I am doing well which is good. I am trying to drink 65 ounces of water and 70 grams of protein which is hard now since my stomach is so small. I'm always full and have gas. I am not drinking too much water which is good i'm limiting it to around four ounces.
What I did learn the last few days is get IsoPure Zero Carb not IsoPure Nutritional Drink and its hard to get BeneProtein! Make sure you order all this before you go to surgery or it will be difficult.
Also, make sure to have test strips and a thermometer. Also, you'll cannot watch yourself to much its more like rinsing so have good soap or by wash cloths.
As for the day of Surgery and up to now, it was all a blur. I got into the hospital early in the morning. Did a lot of paperwork met everyone involved in the operation. Fell asleep then woke up 3 hours later and it was done. I had 5 stitches and a drain attached to me. As expected, I walked around in a circle later that day as it is important to help get your body working again. I watched TV in bed while stuck to fluids. I had a catheter which so I did not have to pee. It was very weird....
The second day, I felt more pain so I actually asked them to turn on the pain meds which I did not have turned on since I didn't feel any. The pain was more from my stiff shoulders than my tummy. In the morning, you drink a some weird kaopectate tasting item and they watch it go down your new digestive track to make sure everything is fine and the stitches are holding. They then took off the catheter and let me go to the bathroom on my own. I had to pee into a container so they could measure if my output was good compared to all the liquids i was getting via an IV. later that night i got diarrhea and a lot of gas. Both are expected. The nurse said that as long as its not bright the diarrhea was fine. The next day, I spent a lot of time walking in my room trying to get my strength back and using the bathroom as I was still on IVs. I was given breakfast and lunch was discharged that evening. I was not able to each much cause i was pretty full since my tummy was small.
What I did learn the last few days is get IsoPure Zero Carb not IsoPure Nutritional Drink and its hard to get BeneProtein! Make sure you order all this before you go to surgery or it will be difficult.
Also, make sure to have test strips and a thermometer. Also, you'll cannot watch yourself to much its more like rinsing so have good soap or by wash cloths.
As for the day of Surgery and up to now, it was all a blur. I got into the hospital early in the morning. Did a lot of paperwork met everyone involved in the operation. Fell asleep then woke up 3 hours later and it was done. I had 5 stitches and a drain attached to me. As expected, I walked around in a circle later that day as it is important to help get your body working again. I watched TV in bed while stuck to fluids. I had a catheter which so I did not have to pee. It was very weird....
The second day, I felt more pain so I actually asked them to turn on the pain meds which I did not have turned on since I didn't feel any. The pain was more from my stiff shoulders than my tummy. In the morning, you drink a some weird kaopectate tasting item and they watch it go down your new digestive track to make sure everything is fine and the stitches are holding. They then took off the catheter and let me go to the bathroom on my own. I had to pee into a container so they could measure if my output was good compared to all the liquids i was getting via an IV. later that night i got diarrhea and a lot of gas. Both are expected. The nurse said that as long as its not bright the diarrhea was fine. The next day, I spent a lot of time walking in my room trying to get my strength back and using the bathroom as I was still on IVs. I was given breakfast and lunch was discharged that evening. I was not able to each much cause i was pretty full since my tummy was small.
Monday, October 17, 2011
10/17: Day 0
Morning of the procedure. Leaving for the hospital in 10 minutes. Have been nervous the last 3 days that I have been waking up super early. Well I guess that is to be expected as I need to change the way I lived the last 30+ years of my life. Hopefully my doctor is right and I should have no complications.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
10/16: Day -1
It is the day before surgery. I did not have do the bowl cleansing regiment, but according to the pre-op diet some people need to do that. I have been drinking water and isopure all day so far.
Woke up early and have been on my liquid diet since then. I have been drinking clear liquids every hour. I don't feel hungry but we'll see how I feel after the surgery since I will be on this diet for 2 weeks.
Also, yesterday I had a lot of protein. Protein is very important in helping you lose weight as I found out. I lost 4 lbs in 1 day. I am hoping the Surgery will help me keep my discipline in eating well, but also help cure my diabetes, sleep apnea, and other weight related issues.
Woke up early and have been on my liquid diet since then. I have been drinking clear liquids every hour. I don't feel hungry but we'll see how I feel after the surgery since I will be on this diet for 2 weeks.
Also, yesterday I had a lot of protein. Protein is very important in helping you lose weight as I found out. I lost 4 lbs in 1 day. I am hoping the Surgery will help me keep my discipline in eating well, but also help cure my diabetes, sleep apnea, and other weight related issues.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
10/15: Day -2
Last day to do errands as tomorrow I'm supposed to drink only liquids and drink 4 ounces every hour.
To my dismay, found out that beneprotient is not sold in austin so I decided to order Medial Nectar. I love Nectar protein powder because it actually taste great! I have also tried Baratric Advantage and that does not easily dissolve so you need a blender. It also taste like Optifast, Glucern, Slim Fast, and other protein sakes. They make you full, but the taste is very thick and after a while you get sick of it easy.
Speaking of protein shake flavor diversity. One of the support personnel told me that you can add jello flavoring or extract to make the powders taste good. I just need to find a powder with NO TASTE so i can add coconut extract! I love coconut...
To my dismay, found out that beneprotient is not sold in austin so I decided to order Medial Nectar. I love Nectar protein powder because it actually taste great! I have also tried Baratric Advantage and that does not easily dissolve so you need a blender. It also taste like Optifast, Glucern, Slim Fast, and other protein sakes. They make you full, but the taste is very thick and after a while you get sick of it easy.
Speaking of protein shake flavor diversity. One of the support personnel told me that you can add jello flavoring or extract to make the powders taste good. I just need to find a powder with NO TASTE so i can add coconut extract! I love coconut...
10/14: Day-3
I have am on the last day of my pre-op diet of 30 carbs and 5 grams of fat a day. I have lost 14 lbs since I started. I am currently 290 lbs and 5'5" (well a little less than that).
What I discovered during my pre-op diet is that if you love sushi and turkey you can find low fat and low carb options pretty easily. I also turned to lean sandwich meats. A slice of turkey is only 0 carbs and 0.5 fat and lean ham is 2 carbs and 1 gram of fat. Hamachi AKA yellow tail sushi is also very low in carbs and fat.
Since it is the weekend before surgery, I have talked to a lot of people regarding the surgery itself and the results. Everyone said the first 3-4 weeks is tough since you can only drink clear fluids for the first 2 weeks. Ironically my psychologist (you get a eval as a requirement for surgery) said you have a lower chance of being depressed or straining your relationships with your loved ones when you live by yourself. I guess it makes sense that you won't be tempted by others who can eat real food!
Today is Saturday so I am buying all the items that I need for post operation care. I already got Prilosec, pain killers, tons of water, bariatric food (isopure), and gauze and tape. I need to get some gas ex strips (I got chewables but the pre-op support team said strips are better) and looking for other food on the list of clear fluids such as low sodium broth and beneprotien.
I now I need to change my lifestyle to live a healthy life and get better self confidence.
What I discovered during my pre-op diet is that if you love sushi and turkey you can find low fat and low carb options pretty easily. I also turned to lean sandwich meats. A slice of turkey is only 0 carbs and 0.5 fat and lean ham is 2 carbs and 1 gram of fat. Hamachi AKA yellow tail sushi is also very low in carbs and fat.
Since it is the weekend before surgery, I have talked to a lot of people regarding the surgery itself and the results. Everyone said the first 3-4 weeks is tough since you can only drink clear fluids for the first 2 weeks. Ironically my psychologist (you get a eval as a requirement for surgery) said you have a lower chance of being depressed or straining your relationships with your loved ones when you live by yourself. I guess it makes sense that you won't be tempted by others who can eat real food!
Today is Saturday so I am buying all the items that I need for post operation care. I already got Prilosec, pain killers, tons of water, bariatric food (isopure), and gauze and tape. I need to get some gas ex strips (I got chewables but the pre-op support team said strips are better) and looking for other food on the list of clear fluids such as low sodium broth and beneprotien.
I now I need to change my lifestyle to live a healthy life and get better self confidence.
Introduction
This is a blog to share my personal day to day experiences as a gastric bypass patient. The main reason is so that I have something to keep my mind occupied during recovery.
I should add my stats before from 1 year ago. My BMI was over 55 and I was not controlling my blood sugars. I did the surgery to both lower my BMI to normal and control my blood sugars.
My peak weight was 327. I had to reduce my weight to 300 before the procedure and got to 307. The pre-op diet and other things got me down to 294 before surgery.
I should add my stats before from 1 year ago. My BMI was over 55 and I was not controlling my blood sugars. I did the surgery to both lower my BMI to normal and control my blood sugars.
My peak weight was 327. I had to reduce my weight to 300 before the procedure and got to 307. The pre-op diet and other things got me down to 294 before surgery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)