Riller

No worries! I'm a few years post-op, so I can help you out. For vitamin pills, make sure it's a chewable. If you need to, you can break it in half so you don't have to do it all at once. I'm not going to lie, the first few weeks are HARD but it's worth it. Just take it a day at a time and FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS! I found out that most of the people complaining about not being able to keep food down and dumping syndrome weren't following the plan. You will eventually find out through trial and error what foods your "new" body likes and doesn't like once you can eat different things. Also be sure to use your cellphone's timer function so you know when to take a drink and can make sure you get enough fluid during the day.

Dang, you brought this thread back from the grave after 3 years without any replies! Just take it slowly, little sips at a time.

Don't listen to that little voice. You can do the pre-op, and the pain post-op is manageable. It requires some changes, but they will pass. I'm 36, and I know what you mean about body aches and pains. I was worried that they weren't going to be able to do laparoscopic on me either, but they were able to and everything went very well. I would say to plan for at least a month off of work, maybe more. FMLA should protect your job status while out on medical leave. I'm currently 10 days post-op, and the worst part of it has been gas pains and not being able to sleep on my stomach. It's been hurting my hips to sleep directly on my side, so I can only sleep for a few hours at a time. I tried sleeping in our recliner but had the same results. I've been taking the prescription gas pills (chewable) from the hospital and they have helped a lot. Yesterday and today I was able to go out for 30 minute walks, but I built up to it by walking around in the house the past week. I'm really looking forward to being cleared to eat soft foods on Thursday and I'll be glad when the pain is gone so I can sleep normally. I haven't experienced any nausea or other complications. The wounds from the procedure are almost healed up but I'm still pretty sore on the inside. In all, not too bad.

Just had my surgery today and feeling pretty good for having my insides rearranged. The worst parts are the dry mouth and the catheter, which makes me feel like I have to pee. Everyone here at Duke Regional is fantastic! God has opened the door to a new chapter of my life, and thanks to Him I know I'll have a speedy recovery.

Hey, I just found this post while searching for other 12/18 patients. I just got the call that my surgery is at 7:45am tomorrow. I was overcome with a wave of fear and anxiety that this is actually happening, but once that passed I'm back to being excited. I feel a lot like I did before I went on my first roller coaster as a kid -- anxious, and wanting to go but afraid to, and once I did it the first time it was over before I knew it and everything was okay. I feel like that's how this surgery is going to be and that once we wake up it will be downhill from there.

Good luck ILO! I'm scheduled for Thursday. I'm 36 with similar weights as yourself. Keep us posted on your progress.

I was going to suggest the GasX strips as well. I've heard that they're great since they dissolve and you don't have to eat a pill. I guess I'll find out firsthand in a week!

December 11th surgery date here. As for drinks, I've started using the Ultramet shake packets from Champion Nutrition. They pack 42g Protein into one drink, and you can find a box of 60 for about $100 on Google Shopping.

My doctor recommended Flintstones chewables, 2 a day. He stressed to get the name brand, and NOT the imitation because they taste a lot worse, according to other patients.

Graham, NC here - near Burlington. Having surgery on 12/11 at Duke Regional.

New here and just thought I'd add myself to the short list of guys on the site. Officially 4 weeks until my surgery as of today. I'm a bit nervous but very excited about a new life!

Graham here, near Burlington. Surgery date is 12/11 at Duke.