Inner Surfer Girl

I have a high BMI and was sleeved April 20. I couldn't be happier with the ease of my recovery and my progress so far. As far as I'm concerned, you need to choose the procedure that is best for you. I am convinced that RNY would not have been right for me. I also do not believe based on everything that I have learned that I will be less successful with the sleeve than if I had chosen bypass. So far, the keys to success are getting enough Protein and Water, exercising, and following my surgeon and NUTs instructions.

You only eat 400 calories? That may be too little. What is your protein goal? Are you getting in all your protein every day?

According to my surgeon, the two biggest risks from the surgery are blood clots and pneumonia so there is reason to be concerned. They should have given you lots of instructions on how to avoid both. Walking is number one. Also, you were given blood thinners in the hospital and were probably sent home with either blood thinner shots or pills. I was also given leg compressors to use at home. My instructions for coming home from the hospital was to get out and walk every thirty minutes (I live over 45 minutes away from the hospital). The best thing you can do is walk.

I have had a Bi-Pap for years. A few weeks after surgery, I noticed that the pressure was much too high for me so I made an appointment with my sleep doctor. He actually changed my machine to one of the new one's where it automatically adjusts the pressure and I have an appointment with him next month for an update. So, yes the weight loss will make things change and you will need to stay in touch with your sleep doctor. How quickly you improve enough not to need a machine I can't answer.

I don't know but some things to think about and plan for are: You may experience some brain fog after surgery due to the anesthesia and change in diet. It's hard to say how long it lasts but I think I noticed it at least a couple of weeks after surgery. You won't be able to lift much weight until your incisions are healed so you won't be able to carry a very heavy book bag for about four weeks. You will need to be sipping Water and Protein supplements/liquids just about all the time while you are on the liquid phases so will need to have them on hand with you at all times. People heal at different rates. Some people on here have experienced complications and pain that lasted weeks, others were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready to take on the world the next day. Most are somewhere in between. You won't know which you are until after you have experienced it. I don't know if you are in high school or college, but you will definitely want to talk to someone at your school about possible accommodations if you do choose to go back sooner than later. Best of luck with your surgery!

Then never mind. Hopefully someone who has had bypass will have more insight.

Did you have the sleeve or bypass? According to my NUT Sleevers don't have to follow the waiting for liquids rule like bypass patients since we still have a pyloric valve. You will get contrary advice from others on this forum but I trust my NUT. If you have bypass, then follow your program instructions.

Since its your first consultation I would just recommend you listen carefully, take notes, and ask questions based on what is covered. They should be covering the specifics of surgery, etc. your surgeon should be very open about complication rates and risks but feel free to ask if they don't bring it up.

Just focus on the protein for now. At 8 days out it is more important that you get in all your protein and fluids than anything else. Just make sure your protein shakes are low carb and avoid added sugar and starches and you should be ok.

At two days I was on clear liquids, so if there are no bits and pieces and you can see through it should be ok. My NUT suggested Pacific brands bone broth because it has more protein than most clear soups. I never tried it but you might want to consider it.

I liked ProtiDiet tomato basil and creamy chicken soups (15 grams protein) in addition to protein shakes, yogurt, etc.

I have an exercise peddler. I peddled it with my hands pre-op while watching TV. If you are fidgety and need something to do with your hands you might want to consider it. Also, Dumbbells or resistance bands as others have mentioned.

Mine were glued and my instructions were not to scrub or immerse in water. Basically leave them alone but keep an eye on them to make sure they don't look infected.

Exactly. My observation is that the daily weighers crave the illusion of control. It is an illusion. We can control the inputs (food, water, exercise) but not the outputs (numbers on the scale). Weighing no more than weekly gives me one piece of information that I can use, along with other information (energy, the way my clothes fit, mobility, etc.) to create a snapshot of progress. Then, I can compare to existing data and determine if something needs adjusting. Weighing more frequently just creates noise and can lead to irrational decisions.

Agreed. Just be open and honest. The psych eval is for your benefit.

There are lots of recipes by phase in the Food and Nutrition forum.

I am allergic to housework, but you could always do a task like sweep the porch, fold some clothes, wipe down the shower, etc.

I couldn't imagine getting on a bike, let alone pedalling/balancing for any length of time or sleeping on the ground without risking serious injury now let alone 100 pounds ago. To me, this kind of extreme attempt to lose weight (like The Biggest Loser) reaks of self abuse and eating disordered behavior. Of course, this is my first impression without reading any details.

When I was on clear liquids I liked the ProtiDiet liquid concentrates. They are 15 grams of protein per packet and rather than dilute them, I poured them over crushed ice and ate them like a slushy. They were very helpful in helping me get my protein in early.

It is a challenge. I am three months out and have to stay on top of my fluids all day. At least all your liquids count toward your water goal when you are on the liquid stages. Keep sipping!

1200 calories is doable. My protein goal is 100 grams of protein and I am about 1200 calories a day. I eat lots of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, turkey, tuna, etc. I still supplement with a protein shake most days. One way to up your calories a little bit is to add some healthy fats.

She needs to talk with her surgeon about her specific needs and issues. My surgeon said that steroids were the biggest cause of leaks.

My mom was with me so I gave her my phone so I wouldn't drunk dial or drink post while still loopy. She texted the folks who wanted updates. I didn't ask for my phone back until I was discharged. It was very nice to stay unplugged for a couple of days.

You mentioned calories but not protein. Maybe you aren't eating enough. What is your protein goal? Maybe you should up your protein. What does your NUT advise?

It's very normal at this stage to struggle to get in both your protein and water. Just keep sipping like it's your job. Getting in all your protein is critical for healing. Just keep working at it even if you don't feel like it.