dsmith_rn

That's pretty normal, but you have to have confidence in your surgeon. Remind yourself WHY you are doing this, what your rewards will be! We can't get where we want to be without some sacrifice. This is the price we are willing to pay for health and happiness.

How are you all keeping track of your fluid intake? Paper and pencil? Remember it in your head? Phone app? What?

Please remember you are having MAJOR SURGERY and take the time you need to heal! Nursing School is very stressful!!! Don't set your recovery back by trying to do too much, even if you feel well, you know this. Sending thoughts and prayers your way, Diann

I only had 1 day of liquid diet pre-op, but I used the Chike shakes, Jello, hot tea, crystal light. I called in sick the last day because I was up til almost 2am and still had so much to do before going to the hospital. I kept myself very busy so didn't notice hunger too much. I'm feeling great. I wasnt prepared for how awful I would feel the first 8 hours post-op, mostly from the anesthesia I think. But every hour since then has gotten better! I am drinking, peeing, walking and resting in between, taking my meds, and using my incentive spirometer whenever I think about it and I'm feeling very well, just a little sore. I got home today around 3:30 and been resting with my little dog at my side. Having a body pillow really helps me get comfortable on my side by supporting my incisions. I haven't used my heating pad yet but might at bedtime. I've already had my 64 oz of fluids for the day and it's not even dinner time yet. I've been real thirsty so that has helped, probably from the anesthesia. My nurse advised me to take my pain meds on a schedule the next couple of days, as the inflammation peaks on day 3 post-op, so that is my plan. No worries, I will friend you. Message me anytime. HUGS, Diann

The drain is to give excess fluid a place to go after surgery. I'm not sure why my surgeon doesn't usually use them or what makes him decide to use one. They can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful.

Thank you, Kate! I got really nervous about a week before, but it was all Zen after that. I was all smiles going in! I have to say I wasnt prepared for how awful I would feel the first 8 hours after surgery. I did throw up in recovery but no nausea since then. I haven't had unbearable pain, mostly just soreness up high where the hernia repair was done, but the anesthesia just made me feel tremendously sleepy and weak, like my arms and legs had heavy weights on them. I was worried because I couldn't stay awake l long enough to drink or walk. Once it wore off though I've done nothing but drink and walk. I've already had my 64 oz of liquids for the day and it's not even dinner time yet! It helps that I've been really thirsty, probably another effect of anesthesia. I'm home now and I will say that having a body pillow helps tremendously with being able to lie on my side and be comfortable supporting my incisions. I haven't needed my heating pad yet; maybe at bedtime. My nurse advised me to take my pain meds on schedule the next 2 days even if I'm feeling OK since inflammation peaks on day 3, so that is my plan. Hope they don't make me nauseas, but I have meds for that too if I need them. Every hour that has gone by since those first 8, I have felt better and better. I'm sipping, taking my meds, peeing, walking, resting in between and using my incentive spirometer whenever I think about it, and I feel well on my way to recovery! You will be there soon! Message me if you have any more questions, I'm here to help (and I'm a nurse, too! ) Diann

My docs not worried about protein the first 2-3 weeks, we have enough stored, and dietician says it's tough to tolerate at first so no Protein Shakes for me for awhile. Maybe you will be better able to tolerate the protein in a few more days? Until then try not to worry too much, your body has what it needs. HUGS, Diann

The SF Popsicles have a nasty aftertaste to me, SF Jello too, but tea, juice, broth, and Gatorade are great! I used to be a Splenda girl, but not anymore I guess. I haven't had any hunger but I've been SO thirsty so that helps me to remember to keep sipping. Good luck to you!

IDK if this will help you any, but my nose is all dried out from the oxygen I was on and kinda plugged up, so I've been doing a lot of mouth breathing. This makes my mouth dry and gives me motivation to keep drinking.

It started about 6 years ago when my doctor told me that bariatric surgery would add 10 years to my life. I did a ton of research, but my insurance at the time wouldn't cover the surgery. I moved and got a new job a year and a half ago. My new doctor also told me bariatric surgery would add 10 years to my life, so I decided I had to do it. My current insurance covered the surgery with minimal Co-pay, I'm very lucky! I already knew the surgeon I wanted. We have a Bariatric Center of Excellence, and everything just kind of fell into place. I have zero regrets. Add me to your friends list if you like, I'd like to keep up on your journey! Diann

eel 10x better today. The first 6-8 hours were pretty rough. Not a lot of pain really, just a lot of discomfort and feeling yukky from anesthesia. I couldn't stay awake to drink and walk like I wanted to but didn't sleep well either due to discomfort. I'm drinking well without stomach pain. Mostly pain in my shoulders from the gas they pump in during surgery, and in the middle of my chest from hernia repair. I didn't know I had a hernia, glad it's fixed. My blood work looks great this morning, just magnesium a little low so they gave me some in my IV. Minimal blood loss. Dressings look great, just a drop or 2 of drainage. I have no drain thank God, they took of the oxygen, catheter, and IV. Pain is very bearable. I have no hunger but am managing to get my fluids in by just sipping as much as possible. I cleaned up and brushed my teeth and got my own nightgown on. Took a long walk. Looking forward to getting home this afternoon.

Feel 10x better today. The first 6-8 hours were pretty rough. Not a lot of pain really, just a lot of discomfort and feeling yukky from anesthesia. I couldn't stay awake to drink and walk like I wanted to but didn't sleep well either due to discomfort. I'm drinking well without stomach pain. Mostly pain in my shoulders from the gas they pump in during surgery, and in the middle of my chest from hernia repair. I didn't know I had a hernia, glad it's fixed. My blood work looks great this morning, just magnesium a little low so they gave me some in my IV. Minimal blood loss. Dressings look great, just a drop or 2 of drainage. I have no drain thank God, they took of the oxygen, catheter, and IV. Pain is very bearable. I have no hunger but am managing to get my fluids in by just sipping as much as possible. I cleaned up and brushed my teeth and got my own nightgown on. Took a long walk. Looking forward to getting home this afternoon. Hope you are all healing well!

I'm in pre-op, waiting...I'm in great spirits and ready to meet you all on the Loser's Bench!

Thanks to all of you! I'm in pre-op, waiting......I'm in great spirits and just anxious to get to the other side. You have been a wonderful support and I am grateful to have found this place!

Thanks everyone! Today is the first day of the rest of my life..... everything changes today!

Just found out they bumped my surgery tomorrow from 0830 to 1230. I'm a bit upset about it because I wanted a morning time to be sure my surgeon is fresh, because I can't even have a sip of Water after midnight and I know I will be suffering from hunger and that all morning, and because I'm concerned it may delay my discharge the next day. Spending the day trying to stay busy. Good luck to all having surgery today. Sending you healing thoughts!

Tomorrow I start my one-day pre-op liquid diet. I have scheduled myself to work that day (I work 12-hour shifts as a nurse) so hopefully I won't notice it too much. I had Breakfast food for dinner tonight because money is tight, but I really haven't felt a need for a "last meal." I have had plenty of delicious food in my lifetime, actually more than my share, and I have no regrets about "missing" anything. I had my pre-op appointment with the surgeon today. It went very well, and I wasn't nervous at all, just excited. My anxiety level was pretty high last weekend, but I have settled in to being 95% excited and only 5% nervous. I know this is the right thing for me to do at the right time and I'm ready. I also have tremendous confidence in my surgeon. He has been a surgeon for 26 years, teaches surgeons from around the world, and his office has earned a Bariatric Center of Excellence designation which few facilities in this country have. I have also spoken to at least 10 people who he has done surgery on; they all have nothing but glowing things to say about him. We discussed my gallbladder which is full of stones, and he said he may or may not remove it on Friday, depending on what he sees when he gets in there; he will ultimately make the decision based on what is safest for me, and I have full confidence in him. The last thing he said to me before he walked out of the room was, "Let's get you healthy." Then they sent me downstairs for blood work and an EKG. He gave me my prescriptions I will need post-op (Hydrocodone for pain, Compazine for nausea, and Emeprazole for stomach acid to help my stomach heal), and he also gave me a card I can show at restaurants that will allow me to order off the kid's or senior's menu since I won't be able to eat a "normal" size portion of food anymore. I go in at 6:30 on Friday and my surgery is scheduled for 8:30am. He said when I wake up I will be on oxygen, IV fluids, and have a urinary catheter in place; also I will be on a PCA pump (that's the kind where there is a constant drip of pain meds and you can push the button to get some extra medicine if you need it). I was thankful he said that very rarely is an external drain required. They will have me walk as soon as I am good and awake. I will do lots of walking as it will speed healing and prevent complications. They will also have me start sipping small amounts of liquids as soon as I'm awake. The next morning the PCA pump goes away and they switch me to oral pain meds. When I can get out of bed by myself the urinary catheter comes out, and when I'm drinking OK my IV comes out and then I can shower. As long as I'm drinking well, my pain is under control, and I have no nausea, I will be discharged from the hospital after lunch. I will be on Clear Liquids for a week, then full liquids for 2 more weeks (including strained Soups like potato, thinned cream of wheat, applesauce, yogurt, etc.), then pureed foods,(refried Beans, ground meats, pureed veggies, etc.) for another 2 weeks before moving on to "regular" foods. No carbs (bread, pancakes, tortillas, Pasta, etc.) for 6 months as they get "gummy" in your stomach and can cause a blockage. I'll pack my little suitcase when I get home from work tomorrow; lip balm, Gas-X strips, my own pillow and satin pillowcase, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, body wipes (not allowed to use deodorant before surgery--ick!) and facial cleansing wipes to help me feel fresh, cellphone and tablet with chargers. I'll bring my own socks and slippers, ear plugs and sleep mask to help me sleep, and a heating pad for pain. Seems like a lot of stuff for just an overnight stay, but I like to be comfortable. My fiance will be with me constantly, and though he still thinks I don't "need" the surgery he has been wonderfully supportive. He will be a big factor in my healing process, as will be my darling little Yorkie, Lyla. I feel as ready as I can possibly be, and excited to start my new life! How are all of you doing who were sleeved early in the month? Please update us!

Dsmith… I feel the same way. My surgery is thursday. N im sooo nervous… but I cant back out cause because I realky need to do this I have too many weight related health problems… my daughter did it last april and is down 120lbs and is doing great.. But its still so nerve racking… I just wish today was next tuesday already cause we woukd both be over this feeling We are almost there! We must stay the course! I have found some comfort the last few days in watching YouTube videos by post-ops. Just do a YouTube search for "VSG" and there are tons and tons of them! Watching others go through it and hearing their experiences makes me feel more prepared. .. And seeing their "before and after" photos is amazingly motivating! Can't wait to be on the other side of this. Won't be long now. ...

Thank you so much for your kind words, they are a great comfort to me! Hugs, Diann

I was hoping to find a thread about this on the forum, but so far haven't been able to find it. If there is one, I would deeply appreciate it if someone could share the link to it! I'd like to know what sorts of things I need to buy before surgery to prepare for my new life. From reading various books and posts on BP I have come up with the following list...please share if you know of other helpful items! *Bathroom scale (no, I really don't have one!) *kitchen scale (for measuring food) *set of measuring cups and spoons (I have some, but ordering a better set from Amazon since I will be using them ALL the time) *small, demitasse spoons (to help with taking smaller bites) *set of rubber spatulas to help wipe food out of measuring cups *tiny skillet, just right for cooking one egg *blender *small food processor *several different flavors of Protein powder *several different flavors of sugar-free Torani syrups *case of ready-to-drink Protein shakes and Protein Bars, for grab-and-go meals *ice cube trays (for freezing small portions of food) Those of you who have used a small food processor, which one do you like? Is the "Magic Bullet" more of a blender or food chopper, and do you like it? Anything else you have found helpful? Thanks so much for your help!

Great idea, I love this! ♡

My surgery is on Friday. I'm scared to death, my anxiety level is through the roof! I won't cancel because I know I need to do this, but I'm sorry I quit smoking. Lol!

I have heard there is a mouth moisturizer spray you can buy at the pharmacy. Some people have talked their nurses into letting them crunch ice in their mouths as long as they promise to spit it out. If nothing else, you can ask your nurse for mouth swabs. They are like little sponges on a stick they can moisten with mouthwash or water and you can swab the inside of your mouth with them. Is it very unlikely you will be sedated after surgery since they want you up and walking ASAP to prevent blood clots, relieve gas pains, promote bowel movements, prevent pneumonia, and accelerate healing. ♡ My surgery is the day after yours. I haven't found anyone else with an April 25th date. I'm also getting a little nervous but also more excited. The book I'm currently reading on my Kindle is "The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients" which I highly recommend. Good luck to all those having surgery this week, and speedy healing to all the fresh post-ops! How are you all, by the way? Hugs, Diann

April 25th here. I haven't found anyone else having surgery that day. Guess only my surgeon does surgery on Fridays?

It depends on your surgeon. For instance, my surgeon only requires one day of liquids prior to surgery. He also wants his patients to start drinking as soon as they are good and awake. He doesn't require the leak test, because he does a double suture line during the surgery. Always best to follow your own surgeons instructions. :-)