OneManWolfpack

Hello November Sleevsters, I'm a late OctoSleeever less than one week out and I thought that you guys might want to hear some of the details of what "little things" to expect as surgery day approaches. I remember how I was constantly flipping between excitement and nervousness as my day approached. Fortunately with this site and my doc's office I felt I was fully informed as I could be, but still, there was much "unknown." I'm posting this on two different Nov Sleever threads I have seen so sorry in advance for the repeat. Obviously bear in mind each doc and facility is different, and each person's circumstances are different, but you all already know that! First: my personal stats: mid-30's male, borderline diabetic, sleep apnea, hypertension, very high BMI (59 at highest weight) Pre-op: No specific liquid diet other than days pre-op clear liquid only, NPO after midnight night before surgery. But my doc required 5% weight loss pre-op, and NUT recommended min 2 weeks of high protein/lo-carb diet consisting of 2 protien shakes a day, one 4-6 oz lean protein meat dinner with some veggies, and "healthy" snacking (greek yogurt, cottage cheese/string cheese, tuna, etc) Day before surgery: Pre-op hospital check in with administration (ID card, insurance, any pre-payment if needed, etc), and Nurse (review medical history, meds, allergies, planned post-op care, weigh-in). Day of surgery: Check-in pre-op 2 hours before surgery, led back to a curtained bay where I was instructed to "take it all off" and put on hospital gown, compression stockings, and non-skid socks. Instructed to use the bathroom to empty bladder, met briefly with surgeon and anesthesiologist, nurse took vitals, started IV, administered a heparin shot in my belly, and placed a scopolamine patch (for nausea) behind my ear and administered an anti-nausea med Iv as well (either phenergan or reglan I think), and also an oral zantac for acid reduction. I waited in the bay on the gurney watching TV for about an hour as all this was going on, and then they came to wheel me back to the OR. I slid over to the OR table and they put some warm blankets on me. The anesthsiologist gave me some "happy juice" through the IV and I really think I was out in less than 10 seconds. When I woke up in recovery all I felt was extreme pain all across my abdomen and rising up to my ribcage. I'm pretty sure I heard someone say "Dilaudid." The next thing I really remember I was already in my room. It was about 4 hours after my surgery start time. A nurse was standing over me and I felt I could barely talk because of extreme dry mouth and dry/sore throat, but I was extremely nauseous and in pain. They gave me Dilaudid for the pain, Phenergan and Zofran for the nausea, and some glycerine swabsticks for my lips and mouth. For the next three hours I was in and out of sleep, waking up only by the gas pressure/bloating. That was really the worst part, the extreme sense of fullness/pressure in my abdomen. The surgeon visited with me that afternoon and told me it went well, that he also removed my gallbladder because it showed a lot of scarring (I already had known gallstones and this was a possibility going in), and told me he did not visualize any hiatal hernia or ulcers. I had four little wounds for the ports, the largest of which was at my belly button and barely visible. No sutures or staples, as all were closed with Dermabond (surgical glue). Finally around 5 pm (surgery was 9 am) I got up to walk around the nursing unit with a nurse's aide, used the restroom (they measured all urine output - my first was 600 cc which they said was good enough. I did that two more times that night, about 8 laps total. I was told that walking was the best way to relieve the gas pressure. They wouldn;t allow Gas-X strips that first day. The next morning they gave me a tray of clear liquid to try after the PA came around to visit me. Broth, water, tea, and crystal lite with Juven mixed in. I really couldn't tolerate even two sips due to the ridiculous pressure I felt it placed in my stomach. I felt SOOOOO Full. I did many walks that day and they tried several different anit-nausea meds. I didn;t really ask for any pain meds because it was not that kind of pain, just extreme fullness. Finally after my doc saw me they gave me Decadron by IV, and within a couple of hours I was starting to feel better. But by that time it was late evening and they had decided to keep me an extra night because I couldn;t tolerate the liquids. The next AM I was able to tolerate about 4 oz of fluids and they allowed me to be discharged. FYI no "leak test" performed -- I know docs vary on this nationwide. Meds at discharge, in addition to the multivit, calcium, and iron, was liquid Lortab for pain. I've only used it once. It makes me groggy and really doesn;t help the bloating/gas pain, which is the only pain I really had. I declined any nausea med. Things I brought to hospital and used: Toothbrush/paste (which also made me dry heave after gargling the first 2-3 times), Gas-X strips, iPhone, deodorant, change of underwear/socks. Things I brought but didn't use: cell charger, biotene rinse, cepacol throat spray, house slippers, headphones, a book, robe. Post-op course so far: No complications, just getting fluids in is the hardest thing. Combined with the diarrhea (sorry), risk of dehydration is greater. Doc recommended at least 64 oz fluid and 60-70 grams protein. First day home (post-op day two), I only got in about 6 oz (plus the leftover IV in the hospital), next day 14 oz, next day 28 oz, and yesterday 36 oz. I have to force myself to keep sipping and keep walking, but every day is getting a little better. I have no hunger whatsoever. I drove post-op day 4 for the first time (since I wasn;t taking pain meds), just to the pharmacy and back to get a liquid calcium since the chewable I had was making me nauseous. Showering was fine as soon as I got home, just told no soaking in a tub and pat the wounds dry. No creams or lotions on the wounds for at least a week. Fist post-op visit is next week, but had post-op phone call with the nurse already. Full liquids only until post-op check. I'm off work for two weeks. Hope that helps some. Sorry it was so long. Good luck to all of you!!!!

Red, obviously ask your doc and/or NUT for their personal recs for you, but in general after surgery you'll need either a liquid or chewable for your vits and minerals. My doc said even no to gummies for the first 4 weeks, and no "regular" pill-form Vitamins for 8 weeks. The important thing with the iron (per my NUT) is to make sure it contains Vit C as well (most now do, since it increases iron absorption), and to not take iron and Calcium within a few hours of each other (because calcium may interfere with iron absorption). Best of luck to you!

Chad, I am using the Celebrate chewables now after first trying the Bariatric Advantage and felt they were rather blech! The multi does not have iron, and I ordered a separate iron + C chewable from celebrate to take one a day. Although everyone's tastes differ, I find the multivit grape flavor to be easy to take and you don't don't even really need to chew it, as if you keep it in your mouth it dissolves over 5-10 min and tastes like a sweet-tart without really being either too sweet or tart (if that makes sense). Per my NUT, I do that twice a day along with a liquid Calcium + D (I had to find a tolerable liquid since all the chewables I tried were too chalky for my taste -- I use a brand called Wellesse. It tastes OK I guess. I'm more looking forward to the chocolate and caramel calcium chews but I'm still one week post-op so only liquid or chewables for now). Oh, and since the multi has 350 mcg of B12, I don't need to take a separate B12 unless my lab values indicate otherwise in the future. The Celebrate grape Iron +C is actually my favorite tasting of the non-Flinstone/non-Gummy chewables I have ever tried. Once a day separated at least 3 hours from the calcium so as not to inhibit absorption. Hope that helps bro. Keep up the great work!

I'm feeling the same way as you shewolf. Of course, I'm less than a week post-op so things will probably change, but right now even though I used to have a huge sweet tooth, the Isopure Protein drinks are now too sweet for me, and I even have to Water down crystal lite because it's now too strong/sweet. And absolutely zero hunger. I have to force myself to stay on schedule with my fluids. Now I'm just waiting for the trick-or-treaters tomorrow to take all my candy because just the mere thought of eating even one of those is making me nauseous... in past years I could have finished off a bag by myself! :ph34r:

Dannysgirl, my pre-op diet instructions were very similar to yours. I did two Protein shakes and a sensible high protein dinner and sensible Snacks for two weeks (about 1200 calories/day), clear liquids beginning two days pre-op, and NPO after midnight before my surgery.... Now I'm 5 days post-op and focusing on getting enough fluids in. Good luck to you!

Wow, great to hear such accomplishments! I had never heard of the C25K app but after reading this thread I just downloaded it. Running any kind of distance has always seemed like a pipe dream to me, but I'm motivated to give it a try. I'm less than a week post-op right now but since I'm just now starting walking again, this may be a great time to slowly incorporate this program into the routine. Thanks everyone and keep up the great work!

Getting fluids in has been the toughest part for me so far as well. Post-op day 2 (my day of discharge from the hospital), I only got in 6 oz of fluid (plus the 250 cc remaining from the IV that morning) Post-op day 3 only could manage 14 oz Post-op day 4 I made it up to 28 oz (14 oz each protein drink and water or gatorade G2), but really felt like I was pushing myself and felt really full despite walking, Gas-x, etc. Today is post-op day 5 and I'm on pace for about 36 oz total. Still way under the Doc's recommended 64oz and 60-70 g protein. Plus I'm still having loose/watery stools (sorry for the graphic) so I know I'm at greater risk for dehydration. When I called my Doc's office the nurse recommended I measure my urine output (fun!), and that if I'm not making on average at least 150cc every 4-6 hours to give them a call back. 10 oz a day seems like very little, and with no protein to boot? I'd keep trying to get a hold of the doc's office...

Hello Folks! So glad to finally be joining you all on the losers bench! I was sleeved 10/25. I couldn't go home post-op day 1 because I couldn't tolerate liquids: nausea/dry heaves all day, and the gas/bloating sensation was horrible. Finally went home post-op day #2 after I took about 4oz of Fluid and didn't hurl. But still felt (and still do feel) very full. Got a liquid Lortab Rx for pain but only used it once because the only real pain I'm having are the gas / bloating pain. The Gas-x strips and walking help that, but only some. My biggest current problem on post-op day 4 is getting fluids in. Yesterday I only got 14 oz TOTAL (1/2 Protein drink and 1/2 water), and so far today I'm on pace for about 24 total oz, which leaves me way short on protein and Water recommendations. I mean, I feel thirsty, but just can;t seem to drink more than a half-ounce at a time, and need at least 15-20 min in between sips or I feel so full I get those fullness pains rising up my chest. The prilosec helps only minimally. Oh yeah, and the diarrhea ain't no picnic either Sigh. I know from having read all your stories that this will slowly improve with time and I just have to stick with the program, so I'll just keep sippin' and walkin' Still happy to be a loser....

Tomorrow! OMG TOMORROW!!!!!!!

(Ring, ring) Um, hello kettle? This is pot. You're black. (click)

Good luck to all this week's OctoSleevers!!! Holy crap! That includes me! (Taken from Susan's list without any permission whatsoever) 10/22 -- ( 19 ) xmasbpig Riaa90 Donny Strangefruit bethxxx DebInAZ brandy79 jplummer3 clynn mendymeyham whitneymalae My350z06 mefred fatgirlslim75 justsleevin49 Ruffus Kentucky Girl KLNorrod wonkastocks 10/23 -- ( 16 ) littlemiss0428 mrsjones075 time2getskinny kymbo jennifer4444 healthiermom shanti4758 MKate73 JANNCS BRAT Androfan cali4nan Kalipso2 nomorebigsam lovinjacobe smithpy 10/24 -- ( 8 ) bethanyruff pamalam shayv123 I'msexy&ILoveIt jusstice janda927 Cosmogirl70 Tamster jlfinmn (switched to RNY due to Barrett's) 10/25 -- ( 13 ) this.time.its.4.me meeshluv81 jrabbit81 lifechanging sleclerc lovex5 Robbino OneManWolfpack LDallas funkeechiggen EmilyG mzzroxy brennie 10/26 -- ( 3 ) mandymae tina1026 JoJo1026 10/27 -- ( 1 ) zenoosh

Good luck to all the 10/15 sleevers tomorrow!!!! BTW Susan, I added a name to your list who is also tomorrow: 10/15 -- ( 18* ) Susan 2.0 Cyn Hnbc1986 kmoore change4life2012 Jackie6 welittle1 Bella86 Geauxforit Happydash drexelgirl phatmomof2 chelbroyer Susan0178 Aimstergal njgrl22 lula carmelguy (*I added him... he posted in The Man Room that his sleeve is tomorrow) Looking forward to joining you all on the losers bench in Loserville next week!

CG, Welcome fellow OctoSleever! Yes, we are all here with you, even those of us who, like you, are still pre-op and a little nervous..... Just focus on your ultimate goal of why you decided to do this in the first place and the positive changes it will have on your health and your life in general. I have to believe that whatever pain there is from the surgery itself will be far outweighed by that. (Besides, I'll put it this way since you said you were watching the 49ers game: surgery can't hurt worse than the hurtin the giants put on the Niners today) Good luck to you. I'll be joining you on the losers bench soon!

LOL! Iggy, you are welcome in the Man Room anytime! BTW, I read your story (The One I Didn't Want to But Should)... and I'm so sorry for all you went through, and I'm really glad you're around to share with us and give us "chit!"

Wow.... I can't wait to lose "only" 25 lbs in a month. 16 days to go!!!!

I think this pretty much sums it up: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/TmWLISun9BY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> BTW, ever since joining this site last month, my wolfpack has grown by hundreds if not thousands. Thanks everyone! Now who's up for Vegas????

I'm getting sleeved on the 25th. Things I will miss, in no particular order: Beer Diet Coke Regular Coke Beer Pepsi Beer Diet Pepsi Hmmmm.... am I forgetting anything? Oh yeah: BEER! P.S. Sorry for invading the powder Room ladies... but if it's any consolation, you are all always welcome in the Man Room P.S. #2: no I'm not an alcoholic, in case you're wondering. I actually don't drink a lot, usually just when watching football or out with the guys

Holy Sh**!!! This topic is 67 pages long! Octosleevers rule!!!!

Ditto. Any of you have to start a 2 week pre-op diet this week? Here's the "official" 10/25 VST sleever list according to Susan 2.0: 10/25 -- ( 10 ) this.time.its.4.me meeshluv81 jrabbit81 lifechanging sleclerc lovex5 Robbino OneManWolfpack LDallas funkeechiggen Let's rock this!!!!

Nice! I just ordered 12 cases.... problem solved!!!!

Ugh............Grrrrrrr!!!!

Hello fellow OctoSleevers (and everyone else)! As I approach my one month until surgery countdown, I just wanted to get a general idea from others what your pre-op diet recommendations are by your doc and/or nut. Like how long before must you start, when do you start liquid only (if at all), or if there is a goal weight loss (or % of total weight) needed prior to surgery proceeding. My doc gave me a "general guideline" of 5% weight loss pre-op, with a low carb / high Protein diet (like a Protein shake for BF and lunch then a "sensible" dinner of a small portion of lean protein and a veggie) starting 2 to 4 weeks pre-op (depending on total pounds needed to lose), then liquids only for 3 days pre-op. He said the typical reason given is to shrink the liver pre-op (although it is unclear how much this is really needed), and more importantly, to ensure that the patient can actually follow a restrictive intake program, which is what we'll be doing post-op and really for the rest of our lives. Anybody else have recommendations given to them that vary greatly from this? Thanks and good luck to all!

OMG! It's amazing how much some of us think alike! McD's grilled chickn snack wrap (honey mustard, no tortilla), and wendy's chili (no crackers) have been my go-to's for fast food fixes lately. Sadly (or, um, excitedly), my two week pre-op starts in two days, so I'm dumping all fast food (even the "healthy" stuff) for quite a while....

Thanks, but it's already well known in my community that I suffer from a severe case of phallumegly. Sadly ladies, despite all the recent advancements in modern medicine, there is no known cure.

Lloyd, PdX, Butter, Longhorn, et al, Appreciate the comments and advice. I'm glad most posters understood that yes, these are good friends, and good friends do bust each others balls -- constantly. And yes, they WILL notice I'm not drinking. Not sure though if I'm gonna mention surgery or just maintain that I've committed to a healthier lifestyle (no lie there). That being said, I certainly will follow Justine's advice and prepare my comebacks and one-liners and plan on using them early and often. P.S. Longhorn: Thanks for making me snort Protein shake out my nose. Hope to catch you at the next Jonas Brothers concert!