POSTED UNDER Gastric Sleeve Surgery REVIEWS
46 Years Old and Just Plain Tired of Being FAT
ORIGINAL POST
I have been a member since April of last year and...
$200
I have been a member since April of last year and found this site useful as reading others experiences. I felt that it was necessary to give an update and to explain why it is taken me a year to get to my surgery schedule date.
First - I had to go through 6 months of nutrition counseling, testing (endoscopy, psych eval, cardio release, bloodwork, etc), then the holidays came up...got busy and then BAM in the hospital 4 days after Christmas with double pneumonia. UGH!! Major set back!!! I was in the hospital through the new year and was released on Jan 4th. It took me a good month and a half to get myself good with my breathing etc.
Fast forward to approximately about a month ago...had a scheduled appointment with my surgeon and then received a call that he had a family emergency and would have to be rescheduled. Another UGH!! Anyway, it was scheduled only about 4 days later...but before my appointment with him I received a call to schedule surgery..I was like WOW that was quick!! So they wanted to perform the surgery two weeks out however I needed to be on a special liquid diet (Robard) per my surgeon for 2 weeks prior to surgery. So I scheduled on the 3 week mark...which is this coming Monday.
Can you say nervous, skeptical, optimistic and excited all at the same time?? I know it's crazy but I am sure there are many of you out there that have felt the same way...LOL!!
I weighed 335 in the beginning, currently I weigh 321 so that is what like 14 lbs down in a year...yeah I fell off the wagon when the holidays came and then in the hospital....put most of the weight I lost back on. Yet another UGH!! So thankfully my surgery date is fast approaching and I think I am really ready. Better yet....I AM READY!!
So I will do my best to post more as the progress starts. I am really just wanting some insight on what types of liquids that I can have that won't taste so bland and gross. Any suggestions on protein drinks, broths, jellos, etc?? It would be GREATLY appreciated!!
The picture you are seeing is when I was at my heaviest...weighing in at 345 lbs. Sickening!! So ready to be able to go shopping and something actually fits and doesn't look like a grandma (no offense)...LOL!
First - I had to go through 6 months of nutrition counseling, testing (endoscopy, psych eval, cardio release, bloodwork, etc), then the holidays came up...got busy and then BAM in the hospital 4 days after Christmas with double pneumonia. UGH!! Major set back!!! I was in the hospital through the new year and was released on Jan 4th. It took me a good month and a half to get myself good with my breathing etc.
Fast forward to approximately about a month ago...had a scheduled appointment with my surgeon and then received a call that he had a family emergency and would have to be rescheduled. Another UGH!! Anyway, it was scheduled only about 4 days later...but before my appointment with him I received a call to schedule surgery..I was like WOW that was quick!! So they wanted to perform the surgery two weeks out however I needed to be on a special liquid diet (Robard) per my surgeon for 2 weeks prior to surgery. So I scheduled on the 3 week mark...which is this coming Monday.
Can you say nervous, skeptical, optimistic and excited all at the same time?? I know it's crazy but I am sure there are many of you out there that have felt the same way...LOL!!
I weighed 335 in the beginning, currently I weigh 321 so that is what like 14 lbs down in a year...yeah I fell off the wagon when the holidays came and then in the hospital....put most of the weight I lost back on. Yet another UGH!! So thankfully my surgery date is fast approaching and I think I am really ready. Better yet....I AM READY!!
So I will do my best to post more as the progress starts. I am really just wanting some insight on what types of liquids that I can have that won't taste so bland and gross. Any suggestions on protein drinks, broths, jellos, etc?? It would be GREATLY appreciated!!
The picture you are seeing is when I was at my heaviest...weighing in at 345 lbs. Sickening!! So ready to be able to go shopping and something actually fits and doesn't look like a grandma (no offense)...LOL!
UPDATED FROM ObesitySux
9 days post
9 days Post Op
Well I hadn't had the energy to post on here to give everyone an update. The anesthesiologist gave me a block in my abdomen which I TOTALLY recommend because I honestly did not experience much pain after surgery at all. It was sore but not the extreme pain as you would expect. I stayed in the hospital one night and have had a good recovery along with an awesome support system.
I am now 9 days post op and I must say the first 5 days to me were pure hell!! I had a hard time with nausea...not something you want after having abdominal surgery..trust me!! Today I am doing much better and I would do it all over again. My weight the day of surgery was 318 and today my weight is 305. So, I think that is a good start. So from the beginning of the whole entire process I have lost 40 lbs. I have a way to go but I will do it!!
I am now 9 days post op and I must say the first 5 days to me were pure hell!! I had a hard time with nausea...not something you want after having abdominal surgery..trust me!! Today I am doing much better and I would do it all over again. My weight the day of surgery was 318 and today my weight is 305. So, I think that is a good start. So from the beginning of the whole entire process I have lost 40 lbs. I have a way to go but I will do it!!
Replies (5)
April 20, 2017
Dear Obesitysux,
I am so glad to hear from you ! YAY that you are done with the surgery and 40 lbs. down already. That is awesome ! I am sorry the first 5 days were so bad. I only had one bad night then I was OK. I am sure you are probably still either on clear or full liquids. I hope that you are up and about in your home, and that you are doing OK with your diet.
It will be absolutely amazing to you how fast the weight will fall off. I lost all of my weight the first year, and then about 10 more pounds when I started exercising after the first year. I still have to work at it (As do all wls patients, but the sleeve certainly makes it easier to not overeat.) It does not; however, affect your choice of foods, so you will still have that battle. Eat your protein first. Then if you are still hungry, go to vegetables.
Do not drink with meals. And do not drink your calories. (No calorie laden shakes, coffees, etc.) You need to chew your food well, and eat slowly. I cannot tell you how many times I ate too much too fast, only to vomit later on. Save yourself from this, and eat slowly.
Once the first 3 or 4 months is over, you will feel somewhat better. By the first year, you are really able to tell what you can and cannot tolerate. Take things slowly. Sometimes you might feel scared because your life is changing, but it is changing for the better. You will be happy once you can mentally accept the fact that you are no longer obese, and the space that entire identity took up in your life will now be replaced by healthier behaviors. Please let me know if you need anything at all. I will be happy to share whatever I can.
Take care,
Txmom
I am so glad to hear from you ! YAY that you are done with the surgery and 40 lbs. down already. That is awesome ! I am sorry the first 5 days were so bad. I only had one bad night then I was OK. I am sure you are probably still either on clear or full liquids. I hope that you are up and about in your home, and that you are doing OK with your diet.
It will be absolutely amazing to you how fast the weight will fall off. I lost all of my weight the first year, and then about 10 more pounds when I started exercising after the first year. I still have to work at it (As do all wls patients, but the sleeve certainly makes it easier to not overeat.) It does not; however, affect your choice of foods, so you will still have that battle. Eat your protein first. Then if you are still hungry, go to vegetables.
Do not drink with meals. And do not drink your calories. (No calorie laden shakes, coffees, etc.) You need to chew your food well, and eat slowly. I cannot tell you how many times I ate too much too fast, only to vomit later on. Save yourself from this, and eat slowly.
Once the first 3 or 4 months is over, you will feel somewhat better. By the first year, you are really able to tell what you can and cannot tolerate. Take things slowly. Sometimes you might feel scared because your life is changing, but it is changing for the better. You will be happy once you can mentally accept the fact that you are no longer obese, and the space that entire identity took up in your life will now be replaced by healthier behaviors. Please let me know if you need anything at all. I will be happy to share whatever I can.
Take care,
Txmom
May 2, 2017
Hello I'm thinking of surgery myself how soon after are u able to get back to work and do everyday stuff
May 3, 2017
Hi Kelakela,
That is a tough question for me to answer, as I do not know anything about your pre-surgical health. However, in general, I would say that taking off a week should be sufficient, as the gastric sleeve is a laparoscopic surgery. (Meaning they use a tube to go through your belly button and do not need to cut you open.)
However, if you do have complications, depending on what they are, then this might prolong your return to work. Please make sure that you have adequate time off stored up, and some extra money in the bank in case you run into complications and/or have to be off from work for an extended period of time.
Also, please be sure to choose a board certified bariatric surgeon for this surgery.
The success of your operation will depend a great deal on the skill of your surgeon.
Good luck and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Txmom
That is a tough question for me to answer, as I do not know anything about your pre-surgical health. However, in general, I would say that taking off a week should be sufficient, as the gastric sleeve is a laparoscopic surgery. (Meaning they use a tube to go through your belly button and do not need to cut you open.)
However, if you do have complications, depending on what they are, then this might prolong your return to work. Please make sure that you have adequate time off stored up, and some extra money in the bank in case you run into complications and/or have to be off from work for an extended period of time.
Also, please be sure to choose a board certified bariatric surgeon for this surgery.
The success of your operation will depend a great deal on the skill of your surgeon.
Good luck and please let me know if I can be of further assistance.
Txmom
April 25, 2017
Wow that's amazing 40 lbs keep
It up. You should be so proud of yourself. Very exciting on your way to a new journey in your life.
It up. You should be so proud of yourself. Very exciting on your way to a new journey in your life.
April 25, 2017
So even though you were so so sick you said you would do the sleeve again? Are you still in a lot of pain? Hope you feel better real soon.
Replies (4)
Hey! I just wanted to wish you lots of luck for your surgery today. I hope things go smoothly! Please update us when you feel able.
Congratulations on taking this step. This surgery can change your life !! The liquid I chose was Crystal light. I took it to the hospital with me....chicken broth is good. Avoid anything carbonated. Do not drink through a straw. This puts air in your stomach. Sugar free jello and popsicles.....When you move to "Mushies", try runny grits, mashed potatoes and cream of wheat.....1/2 cup is all you can eat.
If that. Do not overeat as you will vomit.
Make sure to follow all of your doctor's instructions!!
Let us know if you have questions & please post updates so we can follow your progress...
Good luck,
Txmom