FollowingMyPath

I meant to post this last month....but during the holidays, time disappears. I’m posting this because before and just after surgery I was ravenous for information. I don’t come to this forum much anymore, as life has adjusted. But I’m hoping this will help anyone like me who wanted to know as much as possible, and from as many people as possible. Please remember....everyone’s journey is different. This is just some notes about mine. 6 month lessons Yup, it’s a long post. Settle in. Lol. So, I just had my 6 month appt. I know all of our experiences are so unique, but I wanted to share mine as a reference of what you may expect. A bit about me. I had gastric sleeve in Las Vegas with Dr Atkinson. In august of last year I had just begun this process and wouldn’t have surgery until April. My HW: was August 2016 at 345, SW: April 2017 was 343, CW: is 240.5, that’s a 103lb loss. Yay me! (Side note, my insurance didn’t require any pre surgery weight loss....and I had almost zero loss. The only rule was I couldn’t gain). My dr was amazing. If you’re near vegas, I completely recommend him. Surgery went perfectly, recovery was difficult (this crap is hard), but I had very minimal incision pain. There was no 2 week pre-op fast, the leak test was performed during surgery so I had liquid/ice chips right away (liquid was no good, but ice chips are perfect after surgery).....I had super glue stuff on my incisions so no pain and no dressing issues.....he’s one of the highest ranked and most experienced gastric surgeons in the country. I could go on....but I think you get it. His skill and his post surgery protocols are awesome. I had zero problems. I’ve looked many times on here for how many calories at 7 weeks....how many carbs at 3 months. I couldn’t find anything and now I know why. My surgeon and nutritionist really only care about protein until 6 months. Unless, of course, there is a specific problem or deficiency. It’s nice to now have some specific nutrient goals, but the focus is still on protein. And even at 6 months, I still struggle to get 90g daily. It’s super important to keep trying!! Get all the protein you can. Let’s talk hair. Yup, it’s falling out in chunks. Chunks. It’s more than a little heartbreaking. But, I knew it was coming. Doesn’t help, but it is expected. It started at 4 months. As of now, still going strong. I also know it will stop. But while you’re in the falling out phase....it’s stressful. Which just makes more fall out. So try to keep positive. And take your vitamins. I swore I’d never fall off of that, but I have periodically. It happens. Just get back on track. Biotin supplements and the hair treatment Nioxin has helped too. (Update...at 7 months this has slowed dramatically. Still losing a bit, but nothing like before. I see the light at the end of the tunnel [emoji4]) Skin. Saggy saggy skin. Another thing I knew was coming, but it’s been difficult. I didn’t start working out as early as I wish I had. Now I feel a bit like I’m fighting a losing battle. But....this is a problem with a fix. When I reach goal I will worry about the cosmetic stuff. But trust me when I say....get working out as soon as possible. Weights. Lift some weights. Sweets. Stay away for as long as you can. I went 4.5 months without. Then I had some chocolate and it was easy. Not like trying to eat meat. Meat you have to chew to death and if it’s dry, it’s still hard to get down. I can only eat (at most) 2 oz of meat at a time. But chocolate, that went down easy. I had an entire bar in one day. Now, before surgery I’d have 4 bars in a day. But 1 bar is still a lot. So I locked that down and now only allow myself 1 square a day. Now, you might find that that’s too much for you. Again, we’re all different. But if I deny myself entirely....I’ll go nuts and eat until I get sick. Keeping myself honest, and savoring only a small piece is something I can maintain. And maintaining is my ultimate goal. Emotions. Hear me.....get a therapist!! You are going to go through so many changes you’re head will spin without you even understanding that is what’s happening. Addiction transference is very very real. I really struggled with this and for a time, behaved completely out of character. You absolutely must deal with your issues. It’s the same as getting protein or taking small bites. In my opinion, it’s a must. Emotions part 2. I had a hard time with the expected things. Hair loss, fatigue, heartburn...check check and check. These are struggles I knew about. But there are others that blindsided me. Like how hard it is at 6 months to still be able to only eat 2-2.5 ounces at a time. Frustrating!!!!!!! You have a craving, you make a meal that fits the bill, you take that first wonderful bite....and 2 bites later you’re full. I struggled hard with this. I know....that’s the entire point of surgery. But the actual experience was so much more frustrating and unsatisfying than I imagined. For a brief time, I tried to force the issue. Eating more than I could hold. That hurt. And it scared me, as the very last thing I want to do is stretch my new tiny tummy (not all fears are rational). My advice...be patient with yourself. Let yourself be frustrated or even angry, but keep working on getting adjusted. I still have moments of “can’t I just eat a fricken chicken breast already?!?!?” Lol. But listen to your belly and take it slow. Weird side note, for me....I know I can’t eat another bite when I get hiccups. Happens each meal. I eat slow, plan out the portion. But if I get the hiccups....I stop even if there’s some left. This has helped cut WAY down on feeling sick after eating. Everyone has their own signal....mine is hiccups. Finally, once again this procedure is different for everyone. Don’t set too many rules on yourself. Example: I’m hungry roughly every 3 hours. My dr is big on only 3 meals a day. That doesn’t work for me. I still can’t eat enough at any one time to fill me for 4-5 hours. So, I adjusted. I eat a small (1.5-2oz) meal every 3 hours. Mostly really small portions of meat, cheese, sunflower seeds, etc. This works for me. Keep adjusting until you find what works for you. I’d like to end with what I think are the most helpful things I’ve learned (in no particular order). Good luck on your journey!! It’s hard, really hard, but the good WAY outweighs the bad [emoji4] See you at 1 year!! I’m hoping I’ll have good news to share. 1. Drink your fluids 2. Take your vitamins 3. Be patient 4. Expect to be emotionally unsatisfied (if food is emotional for you) 5. Workout 6. Log your food 7. Avoid sweets as long as possible, then adjust until you find the “sweet” spot of what you can handle. And if that’s zero...so be it. You be you. 8. Talk to someone about what’s happening to you. 9. Take something for heartburn. Not only is it uncomfortable, it mimics hunger and will make you miserable. 10. Stick to the no liquid 30 minutes after a meal. It’s a golden rule.

I’m super excited for you! Good luck [emoji4]

First.....Please understand that what I'm about to say is not real complaining. I just need to get it off my chest and I don't think any of my friends or family can possibly understand. Also, I DO NOT regret surgery. I'm 2.5 months in and have lost 54lbs! I'm working on my issues that lead me to my surgery weight of 338lbs, and overall...my life is really good right now. It's hard, but good. But.....oh how I miss food! I miss being hungry, eating a good meal, then being satisfied. Eating is still work at this stage. Tracking, counting, measuring and all the rest. Then, when I finally get to the eating part...I'm full after 5-8 small bites (I'm only able to tolerate about 1.5 ounces). I swear I can hear the 'wa wa waaaaaaa' horns in the background. Lol. I know small meals are a good thing. That's the whole fricken point of surgery! But it's definitely not satisfying. And I miss that. However I don't miss walking 10 feet and being a sweaty mess, not fitting in seats, not fitting in clothes, going to dr apt after dr apt for my increasing poor health, and a million other things that I am working to leave behind. The good definitely outweighs the bad. But still....I miss enjoying a satisfying meal.

I second the peppermint. Oils aren't usually my thing, but after surgery I was plagued by nausea on and off. A friend suggested it and I was desperate enough to give it a try. So glad I did!! It works wonders for me. Stay positive....it gets better!

I regretted surgery the moment I woke up from surgery. The pain, the nausea. Misery. It got better every hour, then every day. 7 weeks out I'm down 40 lbs, my energy has returned and I'm feeling fine. I still have the occasional struggle, but would do it again in a heartbeat. When I occasionally feel low....I just remember it's only temporary [emoji4] And remember, you're not alone! We're all going through this together!!

Dehydration is a scary thing for us, especially post op. A lot can go wrong really fast. Please be careful with yourself.

Wow, what a thread! For me, it comes to this....if the only way you can be honest is to be rude, you have a problem. Yes, there is tough love. But if that's the only way you can communicate, you have bigger problems than weight. You don't need to be a jerk to be honest. That's a choice.

I had surgery 4/17/17. I'm beginning my 7th week post op. I won't lie, the first week was rough. But even then....each day was a little bit better than the last. That pattern has continued since day one. And now, I have much more energy and have lost 42lbs. (Starting weight 345). You will be great! If it gets hard....just remember it's temporary. You will feel wonderful soon [emoji4]

I know it's normal....but this fatigue is no joke! I'm 2 weeks out and I had to leave work early today because I was falling asleep at my desk. I feel fine, but always so tired. I slept 8 hours last night. But no matter how long I sleep, I can hit the fatigue wall at any time. Please.....tell me this will get better fast!!

You should do whatever works best for you. How I've done it....I've told many people, but I don't rush up to people just to tell them. I can't concern myself with what other people think of my life. Why the heck would I care? If they want to be bit$hy....so be it. Not me. I'm happy, and that's the finest answer to rude people. I'd say if you don't want to answer, don't. For work, a simple 'that's not an appropriate question' works for me every time. Don't let yourself be lowered to a game of 'my witty zinger will one-up your rude question'. Especially with someone who really doesn't matter.

I have glue too. I was sleeved on 4/17 and there's still glue covering each incision.

Boy....do I feel your pain!!! I was sleeved on 4/17 and I've been pretty good since I've been home. No nausea (except the first few days which were horrible!) and no real problem with getting fluids/protein. Well...yesterday was my first day where I felt hunger. I've missed eating all along, but now I'm starting to be legit hungry. It's manageable, but I've been considering moving forward a few days early. But.....I'm going to wait. It's only a few days, and the VERY last thing I want is to go back to the hospital. However, It is nice to know I'm not the only one [emoji4] Hang in there....that egg will come soon enough!!

So....surgery was yesterday! And man, did yesterday suck!! But now I'm home and feeling better today. I'm a bit worried that I have a slight fever, but Doc says it's ok as long as it stays below 101. Currently 99.4, so I guess I'm good for now. It's been near impossible to keep liquid without nausea. But I'm pushing it as I definitely don't want to be dehydrated. I will post my experience later. I would have loved to know specifics beforehand. I'm in vegas with Dr Atkinson whose procedures are almost completely different than most of the accounts I've read. Anyway....I'm firmly on this path now!![emoji4]

Thank you [emoji4] Yes, I had the sleeve. The pain is almost nonexistent now. I can't do more than walk until two weeks out (5/1), so I anticipate a bit of pain to return, but for now....I feel just fine. Tired a lot, but no pain!

First, he doesn't require a pre op diet. Not even full liquid the day before surgery. Just advises to not have a large dinner. Then, there is no swallow test. Most of the blogs I've read the patient isn't allowed any liquid until the next day, after they pass a swallow test. He does a test during surgery to check for leaks, so you're given ice chips immediately after surgery. That night you're encouraged to try jello, water and a shake. These are good differences from others....as I'm pretty sure that pre op diet would have done me in. I'm 7 days post op, and feel pretty good. With the exception of head hunger and fatigue. But, both are manageable.

I had surgery Monday 4/17 and I had a bit of a scare yesterday. My calves have been tight for a few days. My left leg would loosen as I walked, but my right calf was still very painful and tight even after a long walk. I have bad knees. I've had multiple surgeries for my left knee, and my right knee has gotten increasingly worse just before surgery. So.....I was worried and called the Bariatric nurse, who contacted my surgeon and they ordered me to the ER to check for blood clots. I was really scared. But, thankfully, after some bloodwork and ultra sounds on both legs....I was given great news that nothing was wrong!! Even though I HATED going to the ER, I'm so glad I did. Has anyone else had similar problems that didn't involve a blood clot?

I had my surgery on the 17th too! I felt horrible in the hospital, but better every day I've been home. I'm finally getting all my fluids and proteins. I've slept a lot, so I need to increase my walking and decrease sleep. I drove today and walked the park. Felt so good to do something as normal as drive. My diet is full liquid for 2 weeks. Luckily, I'm still good with the premier protein shakes and I'm enjoying broth more than I thought I would. I haven't weighed myself. I think I'll avoid the until my 1 week checkup. I don't want to get discouraged in case I'm still carrying extra fluids from the hospital. Anyway, all in all....it's pretty good Hope it keeps going well for you too!!

My surgery was Monday....and the first few day have sucked! But, each day does get better. Being nauseous is the worst thing for me. Luckily....that's only occasionally now. I never vomited blood, but from the moment I woke I have had "close calls" with puking. Thankfully walking does help control it. From what I've read and researched....we are in the worst part now (first 2 weeks). We can get through it!

Awesome work!!

I'm tomorrow too! 9am for me. Good luck to you, me and all the rest [emoji4]

So.....I'm a weekend away from surgery. I'm definitely feeling some anxiety. There was never a spot in this process where I considered not going through with surgery. I've fretted over the money, the lifestyle changes and all the possible outcomes (good, bad and mediocre). But through all that....I've never swayed from the necessity of this surgery. For me, it's not a matter of am I ready?....it's a matter of do I want to live? Now, 3 days out I'm feeling anxious. For the first time I'm concerned about safety. I trust my dr and have done enough research to know he's exceptionally qualified and experienced. I know the statistics for surgery. I know that in all likelihood, all will be well. But.....now I'm having a niggle of worry. A small tingle of "what am I doing". So I guess this post is just to remind myself that the danger of doing nothing is far worse than the danger of surgery. So, I'll put my head down and push through. Because on the other side of this is my life....and meeting that life head-on is worth a bit of anxiety.

Thanks everyone. The support from this site helps so much [emoji4]

They just moved me up to April 17th!!

So.....I'm scheduled for May 2nd, and my dr doesn't require a pre-op diet. Which is awesome! But also not awesome. I trust my dr, as he is very well respected and has been doing these surgeries for a very long time (and I know several people who have used him). But, I still feel a bit anxious that I have no required diet. So, I thought I'd do it on my own. Can't hurt and I'm hoping it'll help me get into the right mindset. Can anyone share the kind of pre-op diet they're following? Thanks!!

They just move my surgery to the 17th today!! I guess I'll only get 1 week in....but it's got to be better than nothing. Good luck to you!!