MrsOptimistic

Just checking in to see how you're all doing.

YAY! I had my surgery yesterday. It occurred at Des Peres Hospital in Des Peres, ( St. Louis) MO. I know everyone will have different experiences based on where they have the surgery, but here's what I experienced: 10 AM REGISTRATION: Registered (even though I pre-registered the day before on the phone) and made a payment on my portion after insurance 10:45 PRE-SURGERY PREP: The nurse took my vitals, reviewed my medical history, took urine, and had me change into a gown. 11:30 HOLDING: I laid in a bed in an area called "pre-surgery". It was kinda awkward because there were 7 other people in the room waiting for various surgeries. Some were staring at each other. You could here all of their machines beeping. Some were moaning. I asked for magazines to avoid getting nervous. The anesthesiologist came and asked me a bunch of questions and explained the process to me. Then Dr. Minkin showed up and answered any final questions I had. 1:30 SURGERY: I was wheeled into the OR. I was given some medicine via IV and was out cold within seconds. 3:00 RECOVERY: This was the worst experience ever. I woke up and though I was having a heart attack. (I must state that I was not aware that they put gas in your stomach to make room for the surgery.) The gas was all up in my chest and I truly thought I was dying. My throat was so dry that I was begging for someone to help me. They finally gave me some wet gauze to suck on.: 4:30 ARRIVAL IN ROOM: I arrived in my room ( all rooms at Des Peres are private). My nurses got me all set up, took my vitals, and gave me pain meds, nausea meds, and pepcid. They also hooked my legs up in some cuffs that would help with circulation and prevent blood clots. NIGHT TIME: It's impossible to sleep. Nurses and techs are in your room all night checking on you. MORNING: I went for my swallow test where they give you shots of dye and take X-rays to make sure there are no leaks. 11:00 food: My lunch arrived. It consisted of a bombpop, broth, crystal light lemonade, Jello, and an Optifast shake. I took it very slow and ate the lunch over 2 hours. I took very small sips. 1:30 ROUNDS: Dr. Minkin made his rounds and told me everything went great with surgery. He answered any more questions I had and gave me verbal post-op instructions. He then released me. 3:00 DISCHARGE: The nurse came by with my discharge paperwork and instructions. TIPS: Walk as much as you can. That's the only way to get rid of the gas. It's almost impossible to fart (odd, I know) so I mainly burped a lot. The gas is no joke! Don't forget to take something to wear under your gown the next day (sweats/undies) to make you more comfortable while cruising the halls. I gained a couple of pounds while in the hospital. I think it was from all the fluids being pumped into me. Overall, I had a GREAT EXPERIENCE! I am so proud of myself for taking this step to improve my health and life. I am also so proud of all of you for making this choice too!

Hello! I just wanted to introduce myself. I am starting the pre-op diet @ midnight for a surgery date of 9/25/2014. I see that there are several other September sleevers on here and wanted to encourage everyone to join the group "September 2014 Sleeves". I was not the one who started the group, but I am the second member. It would be great if all of the September sleevers could join. To join: Click on the "Patients" tab Look for the group September 2014 Sleeves

I am 5 days post-op and I'm having trouble getting in all of my protein. I am mixing the powder with 4 oz of water. The shakes taste fine to me, I'm just not hungry. Anyone have any tips? Thanks!

@@TeacherMommy Congrats! I'm 5 days post op. Remember to walk, walk, walk to elevate the gas. Here's to a speedy recovery (I say as I raise my Protein shake to you)!

I realize that most of you won't read this until tomorrow, but ....CONGRATS!

@@Dragonfly1111 I had no issues with the staff. I just wish I would have known that the dumpster was right outside my window. The trash truck was super loud.

I am so excited about my surgery tomorrow.

@@sherrie1957, That's awesome! My surgery is tomorrow!

I'm on day 2 of the pre-op diet. I find I'm not as hungry as I thought I would be. Why do I need to drink the protein shakes? I mean, what purpose do they serve?

I am 9/25! Close enough.

Soooooo when's the big day? Good for you!

My pre-op diet consists of clear liquids, 3 protein shakes, and unlimited jello and popsicles. BOO!

mavsfan3521, I completely understand about not being able to eat certain foods again, but I know it will be worth it!

Thanks everyone. You had me at hair loss.

I have the chocolate flavor and I add it to my coffee each morning. It makes it taste just like creamy, rich, hot chocolate. You can also add it to milk (if approved by your nutritionist) or Water.

Welcome!

Autumn Punkin, Thanks so much for sharing. I was very curious about what the extra skin will look like, and this really helps.

Congrats Lovelytrl!! I agree with the list above offered by Sleevarilla. I also suggest asking about the kind of access you will have to the office staff. For example, @ my surgeon's I will be able to communicate with the nutritionist and nurses anytime I need to. They also offer post-op support groups.

Poginut, My sleeve date is 9/25! I'm so happy for ALL OF US! Check out the group September 2014 Sleeves under the Social Groups tab!

So I started the pre-op liquid diet today. So far, so good. I'm using the Target brand of chocolate whey protein. I mixed it with coffee and it was awesome. It made it taste like awesome hot chocolate. I tried the Swanson brand Mexican broth. It is amazing!!! I'm a big fan of tortilla soups and Mexican gumbo, so this stuff is perfect for me. It's just like the soups, but without the goodies. I am so glad I discovered this stuff! I also bought the Louisiana flavored broth. I'll let you guys know how that taste. I hope everyone is doing well on their diets, if you've started. What liquids or proteins have you guys found that are satisfying and tasty? Good Luck!

I'm so excited about this group! Thanks for creating it Rayanna.

Rovobay, I'm so glad I found this group too! I saw a couple of posts about people looking for other who were close to them for surgery dates, but I think this is the best method of communicating with a bunch of people, rather than having to search through the forums. Congrats on you success too! That's an awesome amount of weight loss. Good for you.