1poundatatime

There are 5 stab sites. The one up near my sternum and the one on the lower right don't bother me at all. The 3 on the lower left are tender. The first few days my abdomen was sore all over (as if I had done tons of sit ups), now just the incisions themselves are tender to touch or if I move/twist to quickly. Bring gas-x strips along. I think they did help with the gas. And definitely walk frequently! I hope the gas doesn't give you too much grief!

Good! I was up and walking a couple hours after surgery and didn't have the awful gas pains I've heard described. I've been getting my fluids in without much trouble - I even reached the 64 oz target today. Protein is harder but I'm getting a closer to goal each day. Walking definitely helps and just keep sipping little bits all day long to keep the fluids adding up. You'll do great!!

Wishing you well! I'm day 6 post-op. It feels so good to finally be on this side!

Congratulations!! Isn't it a great feeling??

Once I booked my surgery, the nutrition expected me to start a low carb, high protein diet. So I had a month of that before starting the pre-op liquid. I also start tracking every bite that went into my mouth. Like the above poster, I am very grateful for that time. It allowed me to take a hard look at what I was eating and work out what life will be like long term. I cut out sugar, rice, pasta, bread, potatoes... The carbs I did eat where either from fruits (limited), vegetables, or dairy. I learned that by bumping up my protein, I don't miss the carbs! If I were in your shoes, I would just start making small daily changes. Giving up soda is awesome! Maybe work on your snacks next? Instead of a cereal or granola bar, how about a piece of fruit and some nuts? Or veggies and dip or hummus? Cottage cheese? Hard boiled egg? Wasa crackers are fairly low carb (for a cracker) and might help you slowly limit the carbs. I like them with laughing cow spreadable cheese and antipasto, or tuna or avocado. Try looking for a greek yogurt instead of a sugary brand. Focus on making the small changes consistently and you'll get there! And definitely make the most of the time you have to start creating that new relationship with food! Try not to let other get you down and keep your chin up! You can do this!!

Your doctor should give you an outline of what they want you to do. Different doctors have different plans. I did 2 weeks of 3-4 protein shakes/day and unlimited veggies.

Congrats!

I like chocolate protein powder, almond milk, and a splash of peppermint extract. Or I did a vanilla shake with a squirt of water flavouring added to it. Pina colada is yummy.

Thanks! Down a couple pounds this morning now that the surgical fluid retention is gone!

Surgery was on Thursday! I'm back home (had to travel out of country) and doing well. I managed to avoid the awful gas pains I've heard about and have been tolerating fluids well. I know it's early (only day 5), but so far I'm so pleased with how things went and the overall experience. My post-op is clear fluids days 1-3, then full fluids days 4-17 before moving on to to purees, softs, then finally at day 40 normal food. My goal for the full fluids phase is 64 oz liquids and 40 gm Protein. I'm able to get in around 50 oz liquids and will be 24 gm protein today. Looking forward to what the future holds!!

My surgery was on Thursday. I was so so nervous in the days leading up to surgery, but once I got there I was strangely calm. And post-op, everything has gone amazingly. Minimal pain and an easy, uncomplicated recovery so far at day 5. It's normal to be nervous. Try to focus on the reasons you've made this decision and a keep your eye on the finish line.

I don't think gum is allowed because it can cause you to swallow air.

I'm on day 5 and my second day of full fluids, aiming for 64 oz of liquids and 40 gm of protein. Today I'll be at 50 oz liquids and 24 oz protein. My nutritionist was very clear that she doesn't expect us to meet those goals right away. It is a target to shoot for. Don't get discouraged if you don't reach the goal at first, just work at getting closer every day. Just keep sipping away! That's my motto (I am on full fluids from days 4-17)

Hi everyone I want to say thanks for all the information shared, wisdom from the vets, and encouragement from the newbies! I'm leaving tomorrow for my sleeve on Thursday. Excited and nervous! I'm ready for all the preparations to be done and to move forward! I've lost 23 lbs so far. 4 weeks of low carb, high Protein and then 2 weeks of a liquid and veggie diet. Good luck to everyone having surgery this week!

Good job!

I'm still pre-op (surgery in 5 days) so I'll keep an eye out for the post-op suggestions. My main pre-op tip is to be prepared. Read up on what your prep requires (mine is shakes, fat-free-sugar-free liquids, and veggies). Fill your cupboard with whatever you can eat. Tea, flavoured water, shakes, broth, etc. I bought some sugar free jello but really don't like it. My fridge is crammed full of vegetables. Something I wish I had done more of in advance was meal prep for the rest of the my family! Despite my pre-op diet restrictions, my husband and 5 kids still need to eat And I really don't feel like cooking while I'm not eating... Food has definitely taken a back seat in my priorities. If I were to do it again I would have gone into this with a freezer full of meals make life easier. Something to consider if you've got a family to feed.

I'm having surgery in 5 days and this sums up how I feel. But, honestly one of the main reason I want to do this now is that I am healthy, why wait until I have a bunch of obesity caused problems and am a higher risk patient? I have had to take a hard look at where the current path I'm on will inevitably take me and I've decided that isn't what I want for my life. I think it's normal and good to be nervous and take this seriously. It's a big decision and I think a laissez faire attitude about it would actually be a warning sign that you might not have fully thought things through.

Good luck!

Yes, two Dr. Ortiz's just to confuse things! I'll let you know how things go! I'll be a month out when you head down.

Depending on the nail polish or false nails, the oximetre won't pick up your oxygen saturation. I'm a nurse and most of the time it works fine, even with nails, but sometimes it won't pick up and it's a pain in the arse to have to deal with that as they are trying to get you set up for surgery.

Good job!

You look great!!

Fantastic!!

How excited! We'll be looking forward to hearing all about how things go!! Well done losing 25 lbs pre-op! That's a great start!

That's tricky, but I think I would go ahead with surgery and have a good talk with her about how you wished it hadn't come to that.... Use your surgery as a springboard to change the eating habits for the whole family and hopefully help her avoid obesity down the road.