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Hi everyone. I'm new to the forum. Was really hoping to get some advice from those who have been through the gastric sleeve. A little background. I'm 45, BMI 43, history of arteriosclerosis (2 stents) and T2 diabetes (under control with meds). My cardio has recommended I consider the gastric sleeve and I've been working towards it since end of last year and I am 8 days away now. I was excited and all ready for it but lately the more I read of some people's experience the more I'm scared, and I am suddenly getting second thoughts. I've been trying to find out more about what to expect after surgery but can't seem to find a good source from people who have actually gone through the surgery, so I'm really hoping you would be willing to help to share your experiences. Some of the things that are playing on my mind: 1) How long will we struggle to drink water? I've read that even after healing completely it may take 15 minutes to drink even half a teacup of water without vommiting, is this true? 2) I've seen that some people say they will almost always vomit after eating or drinking? Is it really that common? 3) I am on quite a few meds which my cardio says I need to start the day after the surgery. Will I be able to swallow the meds? 4) Will we feel tired and impaired due to the limited food and water we can take? I'm on my pre-op liquid diet now and I just feel so weak and hungry, is this the constant feeling to expect after surgery? 5) I was made to understand from the doc that dumping isn't common for the gastric sleeve, yet I've read quite a number of accounts that say otherwise. Is this something common as well? 6) I currently do not have GERD, but is this something I should expect to occur after the surgery? I've read some people can't even lie down without getting acid reflux. I know it is a long post, but I'm really hoping to get some idea of what to expect as the fact it is permanent and (for example) I may be stuck with not being able to even stay hydrated without being nauseous just scares me. Thanks in advance for any advice or help. Cheers.

I've really been struggling with Protein shakes until my bff who has had rny suggested chocolate fairlife shake with a shot from my nespresso pods. GAME CHANGER! Just wanted to share in case anyone else would like it as much as me!

I sent all of my clothing away before surgery! Byeeeeeeeee! I kept some tees and leggings to wear, but I am NEVER going to be that size again.

My doctor had me up and walking a couple of hours after surgery. I continued to do laps on my hospital floor throughout the night when I would wake up until discharge the next day. At home, I did the same. My gas pain was gone within a few days and I think it had to do with all the walking. Good Luck!

It’s natural to have some concerns the closer you get to your surgery date. The thing to remember is that everyone heals & recovers from the surgery differently. Some people fly through others take a little longer. It’s a surgery so allow yourself time to heal & recover. If you have a lot of swelling post surgery, you may struggle to swallow for a few days. I did. I found warm liquids easier & more soothing to drink. I did struggle to swallow the pain meds in hospital & it was a bit painful but I was swallowing my vitamin capsules by day 4 pretty easily - just took a break between taking each one. You can crush any meds you can’t swallow at first & mix them with a little of your protein shake or soup. Yes, you have to sip slowly & often. Your tummy is healing & you don’t want to strain or stress it & all the internal stitches &/or staples holding it together while it heals. My surgeon was ok with me not meeting my fluid & protein goals at first as long as I was working towards reaching them. Remember everything you drink (shakes, broths, soups, etc.) count to your daily fluid goals. At 26 months, I can really only swallow two mouthfuls at most at a time. Take a third one & my restriction kicks in. Again that is just me. Others can guzzle fluids easily after a few months. Vomiting or the foamies (saliva not food) can happen. Eating too quickly, eating too much, food too dry or your sensitive tummy just doesn’t like a certain food (it can be very fussy to begin but it passes too). If it happens it tends to occur in the early stages but at 26 months post surgery, I can get the foamies if what I eat is too dry but that’s me & I can easily avoid those foods. You’re right, dumping isn’t very common with the sleeve. If it occurs it’s usually because you’ve eaten too much fat or sugar. Yes, you will experience periods of low energy. It passes. I found electrolyte drinks helpful but get your blood work done regularly to ensure you’re not lacking in any essential nutrients like iron or the B vitamins. I was doing all my house hold chores, grocery shopping , etc. by weeks 2 & 3. Just took it slowly & at my pace. Gerd is a possible side effect of the sleeve. I had a little reflux before surgery. I changed a lot of my diet when it was diagnosed to reduce symptoms (low fat, no spicy foods, limited carbonation, no rich creamy foods) I still have it post surgery. It manifests differently but is easily managed by meds which I take every day now versus as I needed in the past & still avoiding foods which can aggravate it for me.

Hi I am 3 months post op, and I have lost 36lbs. I started at 245. I’ve been feeling discouraged with the weight loss after I had one month stall, but it’s started coming off again. I run 30 Min four to five times a week. I eat 1000 calories daily. Protein intake is 70-80 grams daily. I hope things work out for us ladies and maybe it’s just a waiting game now :) we didn’t put the weight on over night :)

I just started this. I started at 8xl shirts now I’m buying 5xl. It really does something great for your motivation and self esteem to buy those smaller sizes

Thank You. Yes I'm home and recovering. Trying to slowing take in my liquids, but Thank Goodness everything went well and I'm home with my boys . Thank you so much

Yes, I think everyone is at least some. I was scared until they put me under anesthesia. I had plenty of second thoughts, but now it’s been seven months and I’ve lost almost 100 lbs and I feel so much healthier, I’m so glad I got over my nerves. I think you will do great! You got this!

Your weight is basically meaningless for the first few weeks. You just went through a major surgery and your body is catching up with the changes! It is virtually impossible to gain actual body weight right after surgery (weight fluctuations of a few pounds are very normal and usually just related to water retention), so right now, you need to focus on healing and getting enough water and protein. You might even want to stay off the scale for a while so you don't stress out about it needlessly. A lot of people just weigh in once per week so they don't see those fluctuations. You're doing great -- just stick with your program and you'll keep losing.