SCSleeve

I'm seven months post op and have been vegetarian for 20+ years. I still have one protein shake most days and am trying to get more adventurous with other veggie protein sources. It's totally doable, but I do have to be more conscious of carbs than meat eaters seem to since I can't just have a piece of chicken or fish for dinner. Talk to your nut - mine modified the preop diet for me and gave me some info on veggie protein that wasn't in our manual. If you eat eggs, as I do, it'll be easy to get in some good (and cheap!) protein.

Yep, I gained 8 and it came back off the first week I was home.

I had mine starting a few days before surgery and they didn't allow tampons or underwear, but they put a big absorbent pad under me on the bed and it was just fine. It honestly was the last thing on my mind post op even though I stressed about it before. The nurses are used to it and it did seem to slow down for a day or two. You'll be just fine!

Oh, I was in surgery for about an hour and a half I think.

No problem! I started the preop diet at 254.5, was 243.5 on surgery day, and am now 230.5. I came home from the hospital having gained 8 pounds from IV fluids, but it came off quickly. As for pain, it's mostly just been abdominal soreness. Every once in a while the incision sites itch or are sore, but that's rare. The day of surgery I was in pain, but the pain meds they gave me took care of it. Don't be afraid to ask for meds when you need them - it's hard to heal if you're in pain! My doc stressed that before I went in, so the nurses had orders to provide it. I still get sore when I do a lot (like after taking down holiday decorations yesterday), but it's totally tolerable. The only incision that ever hurts now is the largest one where they removed the stomach, and that's only once or twice a day tops. I'm sure all of this will be a blur six months from now.

My HW was 258, started preop at 254.5, SW 243.5, CW 234! Down 24 lbs total, and when I came home from the hospital I had gained 8 lbs of fluid. Thankfully it fell off quickly.

So far everything has gone smoother than I thought it might. I had major health problems last year, so I went into it feeling weaker than I would have liked, so I worried my recovery would be slow and frustrating. It's been picture perfect, and I felt like my doc fully prepared me for what recovery should be like. The preop diet was rough, but knowing I was choosing this surgery and the benefit it will help me achieve made me not tempted to cheat even once. I repeated my mantra of "I chose this and I picked this doc to tell me how to do it, so I'm going to follow the instructions." That helped, especially not being able to enjoy Christmas food. The surgery itself went quickly, and the hospital made every effort to reduce pain and nausea, so they provided meds any time I asked. I was discharged after two nights and came home on a full liquid diet. That got old, but I'm already on puréed foods since yesterday and variety is great. Since I started the preop diet, I'm down 20 pounds total (9 since surgery weight). I came home from the hospital weighing 8 pounds more than surgery day because of all the fluids they pumped in, but that came off in a couple of days. I'm feeling stronger every day and have been walking as much as I can tolerate. Today's adventure: walking through costco while it's so cold outside. . I think the key is knowing what to expect going in, so that every little gas pain, muscle soreness, nausea, etc., seems normal and doesn't frustrate or derail you. I know that was part of the deal and it's been totally tolerable. Everyone is different and I'm lucky not to have had severe symptoms, but at least I was prepared for the ones I've had. 2015 is going to be great!

I'm in SC and was sleeved on December 29. Happy to answer any questions!

Good luck, everyone! Bag is packed, broth has been sipped, about to shower with my antiseptic soap and try to sleep. Ready to be on the other side!

Not sure why that cut off my reply... I've also tried CVS brand and mixed them with soy milk. I'm ok for he rest of this week as I'm allowed lean protein and veggies, but I'll have to figure something out before I get to full liquids post op.

I've tried both the unjury and the CVS brand whey Protein mixed with soy milk. I've allowed to have lean protein and veggies through Saturday, so I'm making do without the shakes while traveling for Christmas, but I'm going to have to figure out a strategy before I get put on full liquids post op. I'm excited, though! Best Christmas present we could give ourselves, right?

I've been having nausea with my protein shakes for a few days now, too. I'm going to try another brand tomorrow and see how it goes.

We can totally do this, y'all! I'm on day 7 of the preop diet (lean protein, no starchy veggies and protein shakes) and it has gotten better. The first 2-3 days were rough, but it's bearable now. Christmas will be the toughest, I think, but honestly now that I've detoxes from carbs, I'm not tempted to cheat because I don't want to have to detox again! Plus, next Christmas the same food will be there in tiny portions. We can all make it through this week, I'm sure of it. Next week we won't even be thinking about this part. ????

Mine was sent on a Monday, approved by Wednesday!

Me too! Started the preop diet today, but I'm allowed lean protein and non-starchy veggies, so it's tolerable so far. I would kill for a banana right now! ????