defwen

I was diagnosed with A-fib about 18 months or so before my VSG surgery on April 15, 2014. I was on medication for the A-fib pre-surgery and the symptoms were controlled nicely. My cardiologist supported my decision for surgery. After surgery I was switched to a non extended release version of my meds. Symptoms recurred. I was switched back to the extended release that had worked well for me previously, and I'm still having daily, sometimes severe palpitations that last a while. I immediately went to my cardiologist who suspects that my new "baby belly" is preventing me from fully absorbing my meds. She has a treatment plan for me which includes assessment via a cardiac monitor that I will wear for two days so she can see what is going on with my heart rhythm. Based on that she will consult with an Electrophysiologist (specialist in the electrical paths of the heart) to determine whether to switch to a different medication or perform an ablation. My question to my fellow sleevers since I haven't found any posts on this: have any of you experienced this absorption issue of a-fib meds post surgery? Thanks so much in advance for any words of wisdom and support. This was surely an unexpected side effect, but I don't for one second regret my decision to have my sleeve and I've recovered really beautifully. Weight is coming off and its so awesome fitting into clothes I've not been able to wear and have people commenting on my weight loss.

The suspicion that my cardiologist has that I wasn't fully absorbing my meds is exactly why I posted. I know I definitely chose VSG instead of RNY precisely because I didn't want the malabsorption aspect. My cardio freely admits to not having experience with patients who had WLS, so that's why she's planning to consult with a specialist after she gets the results of my heart monitor. I was hoping there was someone else with this experience out there who could share their experience with A-fib treatment post surgery, especially because I can't find any information about this! Thank you so so much LilPrincessS for replying and for your words of support and your prayers. I appreciate it so much!!

I am 12 days post surgery. Like many of you, I'm also really tired of the sweetness of the shakes. I am using flavored protein powder such as Nashua Nutrition or unjury to add to my water. I find I can't handle the sweetness, so usually use 1/3 to 1/2 the powder in my 20 0z water bottle, but at least its still getting extra protein than I would otherwise. Any other ideas along these lines?

Smallnavajo. I'm right her with you in the pre- op room with IVs compression stockings etc. like you trying to keep my mind busy while waiting for surgery to begin. Thinking positive thoughts for safe recovery, good healing energies and a whole new us for everyone in our April sleevers group. So so glad to have this site cuz the support from you all is amazing! Warm hugs to all!!

So my surgery is in two more days. I started the full liquid part of the program today. So between the nerves and even less food, I knew I needed a plan. So I gave myself goals of cleaning the house, doing laundry, getting all my shakes and liquids together for next week, packing for the hospital, washing my hair ( i have a lot so its a project), and did some work work. I know its not very exciting, but not only did it keep me busy and not think so much about what is coming, but I feel good about being so productive. Also this week I've been wearing clothes that are not very flattering on me. Kinda another mind trick to remind me this will all be changing very soon!! Tomorrow I go to work (this is good cuz I have a crazy busy job). After work I'm gonna get a mani-pedi which I think will help with distraction and a little pampering. Tomorrow night I guess I'll be a bundle of nerves. Since I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am, we decided to stay at a hotel near the hospital. It all worked out pretty well today with my plan. Wishing all of us April sleevers the best and keeping our eyes on the prizee...a whole new us!!

I'm April 15th. I'm on my 3rd day of pre-op diet. Thank goodness I read on these posts about the headache. Folks were right, the headaches do start to lighten up around day 3. Would love love to share experiences with other April sleevers. One tip i found out that I haven't read anywhere is to go to the hospital with bikini type underwear because the incisions are around the waist. Any other tips to share? What are you bringing with you to the hospital?

I am a brand newbie too. I just started my pre-op diet today!! It wasn't as bad as I feared, but I do have the headache that I've read that others have had too. On my pre-op plan I can have veggies and fruit for the first 5 days and the last two is liquids only. I wanted to share what I think is going to save me: Pho broth with just vegetables. I was even able to sit with my family with my soup while they ate. This was a huge dread of mine. Then next week when I'm newly post surgery, I can have just the broth. The broth is really tasty and not very salty. Hope this helps someone else.

Starting my pre-op diet on Tuesday. My bariatric clinic said I can have veggies and fruit for the first 5 days and only liquid the last two. How did you do it? Did you drink shakes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner? Then fill in with clear soup (I love pho so I'm hoping that will be ok with just the veggies, of course), sugar free ice pops and jello? Please do share your ideas for food choices and timing! Thanks.

I start my pre-op diet on Tues (surgery is on 4/15). I live with husband and kids. What have some of you done about dinnertime the week before surgery when you're hungry and only having your shakes? Do you go to a different room, stay with family and have shake while they eat dinner? I'm planning on shakes, SF ice pops, SF jello and Pho soup with only the veggies (which I can do for the first 5 days of the liquid fast). Anything else you guys have done?

Thank you all so much for these replies to my post. Definitely worried about having an appetite next week but on such a restrictive diet. Guess I'll do whatever it takes to get through. My surgeon only requires a week of pre-op liquid diet so when I see so many of you doing it for 2 weeks and surviving...it gives me the courage to know I can do it too.