jslitzker

Hey Guys - Just thinking about life post-op, how I'm going to look, etc. I've always been known as a 'big guy' for as long as I can remember. Anyone else worry about not being a big guy post surgery? I know that sounds weird, because, well, that is the point of the decision to have surgery, but along with the many downsides to being a overweight there are some advantages to being a big guy. Just wondering if I'm the only one that thought of this or if anybody else thought that too?

Has anyone tried Big Train products? http://www.bigtrain.com/t-wls-weight-loss-surgery-protein-drink-mixes.aspx I picked some up today from Sams, the Mocha Fit Frappe - just mixed one up as a blended drink and it's pretty darn good! I did need to add a splash of milk to it as it was pretty thick, but I'm ready to order some new flavors already because it was so good. At 21g of Protein, it's an excellent Meal Replacement. I just wanted to post in case someone wanted to try something new, or to solicit comments if you've had it before. My wife hates Protein drinks but she really liked this because it didn't have that protein chalky taste. Comments?

Has anyone tried Big Train products? http://www.bigtrain.com/t-wls-weight-loss-surgery-protein-drink-mixes.aspx I picked some up today from Sams, the Mocha Fit Frappe - just mixed one up as a blended drink and it's pretty darn good! I did need to add a splash of milk to it as it was pretty thick, but I'm ready to order some new flavors already because it was so good. At 21g of Protein, it's an excellent meal replacement. I just wanted to post in case someone wanted to try something new, or to solicit comments if you've had it before. My wife hates protein drinks but she really liked this because it didn't have that protein chalky taste. Comments?

So today was my day! I had VSG surgery at 7:30am. Most of the morning is a blur thanks to versed and anesthesia. The nurses have really been pushing me to get 5 oz an hour of dilluted gatorade down using 1 oz medicine cups. I just cant do ir. I'm lucky to get 2 down in an hour and that;s painful! I"m scheduled to be discharged tomorrow but i'm worried about dehydration without an IV. I've looked around on the forums, but can someone please share their experience with me and tell me this is normal?

Thanks for the advice everybody! I got discharged today and am home feeling pretty good. I still have some pain and some gas pains in the shoulders but I got sent home with some meds to help with nausea and pain. You were right about the fluid intake getting better today. It's still not perfect but it's improved, and now thanks to your advice, I expect it to be even better tomorrow. @LipstickLady - I particularly enjoyed your advice and actually used it! I was drinking from medicine cups while I was walking The nurses said that was the first time they'd seen anybody do that but hey - i was able to get 5 oz in before bed. I still don't think it's quite set in that I lost 85% of my stomach! Not sure when that's going to click in, but I'm ready for the pain and gas to go away so I can go back to 'normal'. I just can't imagine what's ahead, yet when I started this journey I thought I had it all figured out. It's very exciting, and I just want to hit Fast Forward!

You guys are doing great, and it's good to hear from someone on day 6...at least I know what to look forward to. I'm starting Day 3. Days 1 and 2 were much easier than I expected, almost too easy to be true. I'm on 5-6 carnation instant breakfasts, up to 1 cup of sugar free jello, and up to two sugar free popsicles. Day 3 is beginning with some hunger pains but I'm just going to load up on water and hope it helps. If I can get through a few more days I'll be on the downhill slide to surgery day and will be able to encourage myself by not wanting to screw it up this far into the game. The scale has also been encouraging. I'm down 20lbs so far between the NUT diet and the liquids. I'd say I've probably lost 7+ lbs in two days just due to liquid diet, so the scale is becoming my friend!

Hey everybody! I've been a lurker, but decided to finally post something. I got a surgery date, and am scheduled for 5/21. I'm super excited about the life changing journey ahead of me. I've done really well with the high protein/low carb diet mandated by the nut, but this weekend had pizza and italian for one last time. I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Don't get me wrong, it was definitely yummy, but just not as good as it 'used to be'. I guess subconsciously I also knew how unhealthy it was. My wife is having the surgery 2 weeks after me, and while at dinner, she asked if i was nervous. I told her I'm more nervous about the 2 week pre-op diet than I am the surgery or even the post-op life after. Has anyone else been in my shoes? I've read several stories on here so far but no 'real experiences' on how the entire two weeks went, so I think that's where some of my fear comes in - just the unknown of how this two weeks is going to go. My 2 week pre-op diet consists of 5-6 Carnation Instant Breakfasts (no sugar added version) mixed with Water, except one may be mixed with 1 cup slim milk. The only other thing listed as allowed is up to 1 cup sugar free Jello and 2 sugar free popsicles. I'm not much of a sweets eater and more a savory eater so this is a lot of nothing but sweet for two weeks! I'm considering sneaking a cup or two of broth in the mix, other than the sodium, it's only about 15 cal's per cup - anybody know of a major reason I couldn't do that? I know I should ask the nut, but I haven't gotten that e-mail sent off yet. I know everyones pre-op has been different based on your surgeon but I'd be really interested in hearing experiences from someone who has gone through the 2 week carnation instant Breakfast diet and how it went? I plan to stay loaded down on water and deal with the hunger pains. I'm anticipating them to be so distracting and it being one of the most challenging things I've experienced. I do think that it's 80% or more a mental game, but I'd love to hear from someone who's been there so I know what to expect!

Well, it's day one of the liquid diet. I've only had 3 of my allowed 6 shakes so far and it hasn't been too bad. I had to attend an event today where lunch was catered in (BBQ of course - something with a strong scent). I just got on my laptop and tried to not think about it. I did take the opportunity to share with the group my reason for not eating as I think it held me accountable somewhat. How could I tell them I had to do liquids and then talk myself into getting a plate? I'm really beginning to think it's a mental game, and I'm positive I haven't hit the rough points yet but I'm hoping I can get into a routine. I know the weekends will be the most difficult because I have the most time on my hands. I have had a few episodes of dizziness already but I think my blood sugar is just trying to adjust and even out. T-minus 2 weeks to the goal (a safe surgery)!

You guys aren't hijacking the thread at all. I enjoyed reading the conversation. It's great to know I'm not the only one in that boat. I appreciate hearing the post-op perspective, and I agree, it will totally be worth it and it certainly doesn't have me concerned to the point that I'm contemplating not having surgery. liquid diet starts tomorrow and I'm T-minus 2 weeks. I can certainly relate to what you're saying about it being your identity and almost a sense of pride. I'm 5'11", so I'm average height, but several that I have told I'm getting surgery were surprised I even qualified. I guess I do a good job and hiding my weight or I just carry it well, but I also think I'll still be a somewhat 'big guy' but just a lot more fit. I too am persuing this for health reasons much beyond any physical reasons. My BP is under control but am maxed out on dosage for BP meds and had to start taking a second. My resting pulse rate is >90 and sometimes over 100. I also got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea through the pre-op process and have to wear a cpap at night. At 30 years old, I'm too young for all that, and I want to do something about it before I'm old and it's either too late or I regret not doing it sooner. Jeff, I hope everything has worked itself out with your wife. I know that's a common situation that can arise, and have had those conversations already with my wife so we expect it - and know to be aware of it and work through it. Luckily, my wife is getting sleeved two weeks after my surgery, so not only will we get to go through the life changing surgery and recovery together, I hope we get to experience the positive effects of surgery together too.

Thanks for all the replies everybody! I'm going to a support group meeting on day 7 of the diet so if I can make it that far, maybe I can get some encouragement and help to continue on for the 'downhill slide'.

Mark, I think we likely share the same line of work. I guess that's what I was really referring to. On one hand (post-op), they are less likely to run, but currently I'm less likely to get into a physical altercation just based on my physique. Hoping for the best of both worlds.

Thanks for the replies, both of you. Melissa, I think it's almost a bragging right for guys. You're the tough one, the strong one, and the one that can go out with the guys and eat a big meal. I know it's total opposite for girls, and in that sense guys are lucky. I honestly think I'll always have my stature, I just couldn't imagine myself any other way, but we'll see. My health is the most important thing and the driving force for doing this. I guess it's just the unknown of what to expect, and how life will change. It's exciting and scary at the same time!