dsmith_rn

It's not just to look better, you know that. It will add years to your life! You will get to see your grandchildren grow. Hang in there, don't forget to BREATHE, and let us know when you wake up!

Glad you are doing well. Thanks for checking in! Anyone else? Tell us how you're feeling! Inquiring minds want to know.

Good luck to ask of you! I've got 10 more days to wait, but I'm with you all in spirit. See you when you wake up! Update us when you can! Warm Hugs, Diann

Good luck my friend. I'll be thinking about you. Update us asap!

Narcotic pain meds are very constipating. That's one reason it's good to get off of them as soon as you can. Walking helps a lot with the constipation, as well as drinking plenty of Water, both of which we have to do anyway. I'm glad you updated us and that you're doing well. ... Let us know how your post-op appt goes! T-minus 11 days and counting for me......

Sheriann, Hope things begin to go much more smoothly for you. Sending positive thoughts for rapid healing your way. Please keep us updated.

My surgery is scheduled for April 25th. Only one day of liquids required for me, and I'm grateful. I will work a 12-hour shift that day so hopefully I won't notice it much. I'm happy to hear those who just had it done are doing well! Please keep us updated!

My surgery is April 25th. My surgeon only requires one day of liquid diet before surgery, just to make sure there is nothing heavy in the stomach (nothing after midnight of course; stomach should be empty). I feel lucky. I have given up caffeine and soda, it wasn't nearly as difficult as I expected. Quitting smoking has been FAR more difficult. I'm still smoking one cigarette a day, I can't seem to give it up completely. I feel pretty ready now, although I have to say that each day that passes I'm more nervous than the day before. I'm certain this is the right decision for me for the right reasons, with the right surgeon and the right hospital, but change is always difficult and scary for me and I'm well aware that this will be a huge (but mostly positive) change. Good luck to us all.... speedy healing and great success!

Mine is scheduled for April 25th. Good luck to us both!

Does anyone know if those of us who start out with a lower BMI have a greater or lesser chance of success with the sleeve than those with a higher BMI? My definition of "success" being that you lose at least most of your excess weight and keep it off for greater than 5 years....

I've finally got a surgery date: April 25th! The manometry was NOT a fun test (those of you who have had it understand what I'm saying) but at least it's over with and its all over but the waiting now. I've been collecting protein shake recipes and WLS cookbooks, I think I'm ready. I'm much more excited than nervous, but I expect those two emotions to swap in the next couple of weeks, LOL How is everyone doing?

CONGRATULATIONS! Way to go!!!

I'm looking forward to getting off my bp meds, being able to wear a necklace or bracelet "off the rack" and looking good in my wedding dress! Oh, and also being able to wrap a standard size towel around my body.

Janey, thanks for sharing that. I too wish to avoid those same questions. Has anyone approached you yet about how much you've lost? Surely they've noticed? What did you say?

I told my manager what type of surgery I'm having because I will need to have water with me at all times, which goes against policy in our Unit. I did ask her not to tell anyone else. I'm telling everyone else I'm having my gallbladder out (which is also true). My manager was very supportive and encouraged me to take whatever time off I needed in order to feel strong when I come back. I've decided to take 3 weeks off. Good luck!

Susy, I pet her for you. Tiny thing, all of 1.5lb, decided it was play time at 0130 this morning. And I had to get up at 0500 for work. Ugh. I love her but I'll be glad to get past the puppy stage!

Update: I got my insurance approval last week (yay!) and I have just one more test (manometry) on Monday, if all is well then I can set a surgery date. At work I have only told my supervisor about my surgery. A few close friends know, but most of my family doesn't. That is what I am comfortable with. My fiancé doesn't really want me to have it done, he is worried about the risks and loves me the way I am (and he is a skinny guy!) but he understands my reasons and has been nothing but wonderfully supportive. I cannot WAIT to marry that man, in a "normal" size wedding dress! In the meantime I have prepared as best I can. I quit smoking, exercise more, been increasing my water intake, and eating meals off of a small salad plate (a suggestion of my surgeon). I lost 4 pounds in the last 3 weeks just doing that. I have read many WLS books, talked to other WLS folks, and ordered samples of many different types of protein powder to try after surgery (I hear your tastes can change, post-op). I have purchased WLS cookbooks for the benefit of myself and my family. I have ordered (I love Amazon) a set of small plates, bowls, spoons, and forks to help me with portion control and taking smaller bites, as well as a food scale and good quality measuring cups and spoons. I even bought myself a tiny Yorkie puppy to keep me company as I recover from surgery. OK, so I was going to get a Yorkie anyway eventually, but I figured it would be nice to have a lap dog to cuddle with while I'm off work for 3 weeks. She is a doll and a cuddle bug and we're all madly in love with her. How is everyone else doing? Anyone on their surgery countdown? What have you done to prepare, or what changes have you made that have helped you after surgery? {{{{Hugs}}}} to all my fellow nurses!

I'm in a Level III NICU and my surgery will be late April so we have a lot in common! I could use a "buddy" to walk through this journey with. .. What do you say? PM me If you like. I should have an exact surgery date this week sometime. Good luck, everyone!

I'm taking a "need to know" attitude with telling people about my surgery. At work I only told my boss. I have already faced negativity from my niece and her husband (due to their misinformation of the procedure) and I definitely don't need any more of that! As I lose the weight, when people ask I will tell them I'm eating a lot less and exercising more, which will be the absolute truth. I had my endoscopy today (I was nervous but it was a total breeze), and my required nutrition class tonight. That was the last of my requirements, so now just waiting on insurance approval so we can set a date. I'm ready for this, and very excited! A sleeve friend of mine advised me not to fall into "last meal syndrome" and to get my fill of carbs now because it will be 6-8 months before I can eat bread, rice, and pasta again. Sounds reasonable to me. After talking to several people, I have decided to take 3 weeks off work since 12-hour shifts are so exhausting. I feel pretty good about that time frame. Any pre-ops here have a surgery date yet? Let's talk!

For those of you who work 12.5-hr, non-desk jobs, how much time did you take off of work after your surgery? I'm trying to plan ahead. My surgeon says 2 weeks, but doesn't seem reasonable to me, as I will barely be starting soft foods and I can't imagine having the energy for a 12.5-hour shift? Any thoughts?

Hi Cheri, If it helps you at all, the statistical difference between the RnY and the VSG is only about 5% weight loss. Meaning that according to the studies a VGS patient will lose (on average) 60-65% of their excess weight, and the RnY patient will lose an average of 65-70% of their excess weight. So for someone who has 100 lb to lose, that is only a FIVE POUND DIFFERENCE! That was the selling point for me. Such a tiny difference in outcome, with the advantage of not having malabsorption problems or being worried about becoming deathly ill if someone's potluck item contains sugar I wasn't aware of. That's how I know the Sleeve is right for me! I wish you the best of luck in making your decision. If you DO decide to go with the sleeve, make sure your surgeon has done MANY of them. Since it's still a relatively new surgery, some aren't that experienced with it yet. It is gaining popularity because of its statistical similarity of success with the RnY without re-routing the intestines, but check with your own surgeon first, and ask him/her the tough questions! {{{{hugs}}}}

I've been told not to buy large tubs of Protein powder until I have tried samples of them post-surgery to see if they are still palatable. So far I have had difficulty finding a way to order small samples. Does anyone know of a source for getting samples to try? Also, what are your favorite Protein Bars? Thanks in Advance!

It's policy for the NICU. Bringing in any foods OR drinks is considered an "infection control" issue for our babies. I really fail to see how my bottle of Aquafina is a threat to my patients.

Thank God! I've been looking for a group of nurses to join! I am an RN in a Level III NICU. It is both stressful and rewarding. The 12.5-hour shifts can be GRUELLING, and I'm very concerned about how long I should take off of work after my surgery. As it is, I'm just plain exhausted at the end of my shift. Another worry: we are not allowed to have ANY drinks (even water) with us, they have to stay at the clerk's desk as we can't leave the room to sip on them unless there is another RN in the room, so I'm very concerned about dehydration and stamina afterwards. I'm having sleeve surgery done at the end of April with Dr. Keith Boone in Fresno. {{{hugs}}} to all my fellow nurses!

Regarding using a blender for making Protein shakes and having them come out "frothy," I thought I would share something I read the other day in a WLS cookbook: "recipes for Weight Loss Surgery Success" by Chef Dave Fouts, and Vicki Bovee, RD. http://www.amazon.com/Recipes-Weight-Surgery-Success-Step--ebook/dp/B0056H2PIM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393738538&sr=8-1&keywords=recipes+for+weight+loss+surgery+success Chef Dave says, "Only blend your shakes until creamy. If you blend too long, your shakes will be frothy, foamy, and just plain awful. We have tested these recipes and blend times so they will come close to your home kitchen blender times. If you have a commercial-type blender such as a Vita-Mix or a Magic Bullet, your blend time will be less than the time recommended in the recipes. Remember, we are making shakes and smoothies, not frothies and foamies!" Hope that helps someone, as you have all been very helpful to me! Thanks so much for your suggestions!!!