Ms. Brightside

Thanks for the update! Sounds like you are doing very well.

Congrats, how excited you must be!

I don't have a surgery date, yet, but these boards have been a great "mentor" themselves. Outside of that, have you looked into local support meetings? My surgeon is a big believer in them.

My surgeon recommends 2 weeks for most folks, however he will ok 1 week for those with a sedentary desk job. I'm planning on taking off 10 days.

My surgeon's post-op orders are 3 days of clear liquids. Full liquids (including protein shakes) start on day 4.

Holding a pillow against your torso/stomach when you sneeze, cough, or laugh helps. Hope you are feeling better soon!

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Hope you are feeling better soon! Listen to your intuition if something doesn't seem right.

My surgeon keeps eveyone at least 1 night, sometimes 2. There is a large surgery group in Dallas that releases it's patients the same day as surgery.

I have jumped through all of the hoops that were laid out by my insurance company. My surgeon's office submitted my information for insurance approval yesterday. Now, it's time to sit and wait. Except, I am not the "sit and wait" type. I shall prepare to divide and conquer. List making has begun: Items to pack for the hospital Books to read after surgery Movies/TV shows added to my Netflix queue Additional questions for my surgeon at my final pre-op appointment Food ideas for the full-liquid stage (which lasts for 5 weeks post-op!) I have also decided to implement life-long lifestyle changes now, rather than later. Per my nutritionist, adults can only handle 2-3 major changes at once, so I figure I by starting now, I am setting myself up for success. Some of these changes I will be working on over the next several weeks are: Eliminate caffeine Eliminate refined sugars Have several smaller meals throughout the day Chew food more thoroughly Eat slowly No liquids with meals No straws No gum Find replacement activities for when head hunger or the urge to boredom eat kicks in Start walking more Additionally, I have started the process of cleaning out my pantry and freezer, getting rid of any food items that are not in line with my new lifestyle. If it is something I shouldn't consume after surgery, I certainly do not need it now. I am not one to waste food, however, I do not want to "waste" my health any further and these items will be removed from my home. Anything that can go to the food pantry, will. Lastly, I have begun taste testing various protein shakes and "clear liquids" for those stages after surgery. I plan to use my blog as a place to post my reviews for me to revisit when the time comes. Here goes nothing. Or everything.

@HeatherS. - thanks! I am definitely a list-maker. Helps keep me sane.

@HeatherS. - I absolutely agree! The book is fairly new (released about a year ago, I think), so your library may not have it, but it'd be worth requesting! If not, my copy was only $10 through Amazon.

Sounds like you are on the right path!

Have you read Proteinaholic by Dr. Garth Davis (who is a bariatric surgeon in Houston)? I'm currently making my way through it and Dr. Davis certainly has some convincing arguments in favor of LPHC. Thanks for sharing the link! I plan to read through it over the weekend.

As soon as I am cleared to do so, I plan to spend a lot of time in the pool for low-impact exercise. Also, the elliptical is good for a low-impact activity. I am contemplating investing in one.

I have a very sedentary desk job and my surgeon ok'd me to return to work after a week, if I am feeling up to it. I am planning on taking 10 days off and may only work half days for my first week back.

Are you exercising? If not, you may want to start (if OK by your surgeon). If you are, you may want to increase the time you spend exercising. This was something my nutritionist really hammered home as an important part of the process.

This is a good list. To add to it, I also plan on taking some unscented baby wipes for ease of clean up. Also, my own pillow and a favorite blanket, as I will be spending at least one night, per my surgeon. My theory is that it never hurts to be prepared. You could end up spending a couple of days in the hospital and I would regret not having some comforts of home in that case.

Thanks for sharing, @Ginie. I'm pre-op, so unfortunately, of no help to you, except to say that you may want to visit with your nutritionist regarding your intake, if it is causing you issues. Regarding back pain, I have read that is a common occurrence, as things shift and get out of whack. A chiropractor may be able to help you. How exciting to be so close to Onederland! I bet you are there before you even know it!

My surgeon allows 1 caffeine-containing beverage (8 oz) and an unlimited amount of decaf beverages starting 3 days post-op. I'm still at least a month out from surgery at this point (don't have a firm date, yet), however, I have been working on weening myself off of caffeine for other health-related reasons. I likely will stick with decaf from now on.

Ah, ok. My prescribed post-op diet is 3 days of clear liquids only and then 5 weeks (!) of full liquids. At least 64 oz of liquids each day.

Way to go!!

Amazing!

Nicely done!!!

My surgeon & nutritionist gave me very specific guidelines to follow at certain stages post-op. Did you get anything like that? If not, I would call your surgeon's office.