carcan73

I am scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery on Aug 21, 2017. I am 5' 1 1/2" and weigh about 167lbs, so my BMI is about 31. I was an over weight teenager and had to lose weight to enter the military. After my first child, I gained a lot of weight and was worried about being discharged from the military so I began dieting and exercising. I was able to lose all the weight and went from a size 8-10 to size 2-4 and stayed that way for many years. I had two more children and both times was able to get back down to a size 2-4. When I turned 35ish, I found it more and more difficult to lose the weight and began to put on about 2-4lbs a year (I'm 44 now). About a year ago, I retired from the military and since I don't have to do unit physical training 3 times a week, I have managed to put on about 20lbs. Obesity runs in my family, and at this rate, I will be morbidly obese in a matter of a few years. I figured it was inevitable that I will need this surgery, so why not get it now while I only have to lose 45-50lbs. My biggest fear is that I will have the surgery and not lose any weight. I would love to hear other peoples experiences, especially from those who had a low BMI. I've read stories about people who've had this surgery and gained all the weight back. My doctor told me those individuals are probably not following a high protein diet and not exercising. He told me if I eat a high protein diet, control my portions to my new stomach size, and add power walking, I will lose it and keep it off. Your thoughts????

I've always heard that a very low calorie diet can mess up your metabolism and in the end, you will gain weight because your body is trying to hold onto as many calories as it can. I don't know how true that is, but I feel like I lose more weight when I consume 1000 calories a day versus 500 calories a day.

I purchased at Sam’s Club, but I believe you can get them from Walmart also. They are very sweet and I don’t particular like the after taste it leaves in your mouth. After surgery I couldnt even take a sip without gagging because it was so sweet.

I returned to work after one week and didnt have any problems. If I needed to lift something heavy I asked co-workers for help...but luckily my job is primarily office work. I did have to crawl around under a desk to set up a new computer...and I didnt have any issues.

I tried the first couple days, but I couldn't get it down. So I just focused on water for that first week. My doctor said my water was by far more important as dehydration could cause a lot of complications. But suddenly on day 7, I was really hungry and slowly began to drink a shake that morning....by lunch time it was gone and I drank another one in the afternoon. Each day after that got better and better.

I have a friend whose 5 years post-op and there are still a lot of foods she still chews to liquefaction. I know she says hamburger patties (i.e. if the family is running thru fast food....she gets a hamburger and just eats the patty). If she doesn't chew till its liquid she feels a lot of pain as its going down and it sticks in her throat. And when she chews breads, she makes sure its liquefied too. She doesn't even eat rice because she can't chew it to liquid and it just gets stuck and causes discomfort. And although its extremely had to chew steaks and pork chops to liquid, she tries very hard as these types of meat seem to get stuck too (she also takes extremely small bites when eating these types of meats). Yet things that I would think would be hard to get down, she has no problems with. She eats popcorn, hot dogs, bratwurst, and corn chips normally...but I would think these are things that would be dry and hard to get down too.

I've always had a terrible time with nausea after being put to sleep. My doctor gave me a prescription for Emend, but my insurance wouldn't cover it and it was close to $200, so the doctor told me not to buy it and they'd give it to me when I checked in for surgery....which they did. I didn't have any nausea after or surgery (surgery date Aug 21, 2017) or anytime during recovery.

I just had my surgery on Aug 21, 2017. When I went in to see the doctor the beginning of July, I was 31.8 BMI, 174lbs, 5'1". My doctor only put me on a 3-day pre-op diet, and on surgery day I was 31.1 BMI, 170. It has now been 35 days, and I am down 17lbs. I am so glad I did this surgery. I was afraid the doctor would tell me no when I first went in, but he was completely understanding and agreed it was better for me to get it done now before I was 40 BMI. I should also add, I did not have any co-morbidities. He gave me other options like lap-band and the balloon, but after much research, I decided gastric sleeve was a better option because it is permanent. I didn't want a temporary fix, because I knew once I lost the weight, I would have a really good likelihood of gaining it back once these devices were removed. I had such an easy surgery and recovery. The only issue was the bloating from the CO2 gas they use to blow up your body cavity....and that was just discomfort...not horribly painful. Ask your doctor if he uses Exparel....that was what my doctor used in my surgical site and I really had zero pain.

All I know before my surgery, I was searching for any information on suggested products for post op dieting. So I thought maybe this would be a good topic to start. I can tell you the Choice Bariatric Soups are disgusting and have a terrible smell...they also dont mix well and are very clumpy. I just tried the Protidiet Chicken Flavor soup and its really good (15g protein/3g carbs). Its expensive ($13 for 7 packets) but it was a life saver for me during the liquid phase. I just ordered the Protidiet tomato basil so I'll let you know how that tastes. It helps to get more protein in when your sick and tired of the sweet shakes. Also, I dont know about you, but I have an extremely difficult time choking down the premiere clear protein fruit punch. But I was able to drink Wonderslim Liquid Protein Concentrate in Orange flaver. It isnt as sweet and doesnt have that disgusting after taste that the premier fruit punch has. Let me know if you have any suggestions!!!!

Even early on in ur surgery you can go out to restaurants with friends. I was only 4 days post-op and went to Japanese Hibachi...of course all I could eat was the clear onion soup and drink water, but I got to socialize and be with friends. I asked the waiter to bring me a bowl with everyone elses appetizer and then i ordered another bowl during main course....I didnt finish either and just sipped on it, but at least I had something in front of me while everyone was eating. Last night (7 days post-op) I went to the local bar with my friends and drink very diluted cranberry juice...it looked like a mixed drink to everyone else. There are ways to still socialize and be with those you love in public eating places...u just have to b creative and the socialization may help to get ur mind off what ur dealing with emotionally.

I laughed so hard when I read your post. My surgery was 8/21 and I just started full liquids yesterday. I absolutely feel your pain!!!!

Had my surgery yesterday at 7:30am. I woke up from surgery in some pain and asked for several doses of pain meds, but within the hour I was very comfortable and in little to no pain. My Dr also removed my gallbladder and repaired a hernia, so I have 6 incisions. I have a pain in my shoulder which I was told is normal and is due to the CO2 they use to inflate your belly. I feel a little blotted but no gas pains and just a bit of burping. I was released from the hospital about 5pm that same day. I've only taken Tylenol since I've been home. Woke up this morning with no pain. My Dr administered something called Exparel in my wounds which is a long term pain blocker and I think this might be why I dont have any pain. I've had no nausea and have not taken any of the prescribed promethazine. I drank just water the day of surgery. I woke up this morn and had 1/4 cup of chick broth cuz the Dr said to have warm liquids in the morning to break up the flem. So far, the first 24-hrs have been very easy. I will write more updates. I absolutely loved my Dr and the hospital staff. If your in the Fort Worth area, I highly suggest Dr Novak at Ultimate Bariatric Clinic. They do the surgery at the Trophy Club Medical Center which is newer and very clean. The staff of nurse's were so awesome and friendly.

I had my surgery Monday, Aug 21, and I have not been in any pain, just a lot of discomfort from the bloating. But today is day 4 post op and the majority of the bloating is gone. I went shopping at the mall yesterday for about 3-4 hours and I've ran errands most of today. I drove with a friend yesterday, but today I drove myself and have not had any problems. I took a narcotic pain pill the first night to help me sleep and because I was afraid the pain would wake me, but I probably didnt need it. Other than that, just tylenol on day 2 and nothing on days 3 and 4. I just also add...not only did they do my sleeve, but they removed my gallbladder and fixed a hernia I didnt know I had, so even with all that, I'm getting around great. I am having a hard time getting my water all in, and the clear protein is way too sweet, so I have had 1 sugarfree popcicle, 1 sugarfree jello, very diluted apple juice, and broth everyday. I wish you well on your surgery next week!!!

TrulyKendra....don't be nervous...its really not bad at all. Ask your doctor if they use Exparel in the surgery site....I really think this is a huge reason I haven't been in pain. I'm on day 3 and still not taken any narcotic pain meds with the exception on the first night because I was afraid the pain would start in the middle of the night and I thought it would help me sleep. I took tylenol regular on day of surgery and yesterday morning, but havent even needed that. I'm on my way out of the house to go grocery shopping and mail a package so that should tell you how well I'm feeling. The bloating feels like when you overeat Mexican food and all the beans make you gas but you cant pass gas...so although is not comfortable, its also not painful. I do have a pain in my shoulder from the CO2, but its a lot less today. The doctor told me the CO2 discomfort will subside day 4-6. I will keep you updated on that. I wish you well and cant wait to hear from you after surgery.

It's been about 2 1/2 days and still no pain, but the gas pressure is very uncomfortable. Not feeling hungry, but I do miss being able to chew...sipping liquids and letting ice melt in your mouth is getting old. I can't drink the clear protein drinks because they are too sweet, which is very strange because before surgery I had a huge sweet tooth. But so far so good.

Had my surgery yesterday at 7:30am. I woke up from surgery in some pain and asked for several doses of pain meds, but within the hour I was very comfortable and in little to no pain. My Dr also removed my gallbladder and repaired a hernia, so I have 6 incisions. I have a pain in my shoulder which I was told is normal and due to the CO2 they use to inflate your belly. I feel a little blotted but no gas pains and just a bit of burping. I was released from the hospital about 5pm that same day. I've only taken Tylenol since I've been home. Woke up this morning with no pain. My Dr administered something called Exparel in my woulds which is a long term pain blocker and I think this might be why I dont have any pain. I've had no nausea and have not taken any of the prescribed promethazine. I drank just water the day of surgery. I woke up this morn and had 1/4 cup of chick broth cuz the Dr said have warm liquids in the morning to break up the flem. So far, the first 24-hrs have been very easy.

heycrystal2052 I'm not afraid to lose too much weight because that will never happen. I love food too much. Not losing the weight at all is what scares me the most.

JKC2016 I received did receive your response. I'm hoping my experience will be as good as yours. I'm getting nervous. 5 days till surgery :-0

JKC2016....how was your recoverey period? Did you have alot of nausea afterward? How painful were the first few days? I think my biggest fear is the amount of pain and having to deal with nausea.

I'm so glad to hear that. I pray my recovery goes as well as yours has. I have a desk job and I'm hoping to go back to work after 1-week. 22lbs in less than a month is amazing. I bet your excited and feeling so much better. I am looking forward to losing enough weight to comfortably/easily cross my legs, walk up stairs without feeling like an 80 yr old woman who needs an oxygen tank, and fitting into clothing without being self conscious of how they fit and look...oh and of course looking foward to my inner thighs not rubbing anymore...yuck. A lady at work made a sarcastic comment to everyone in our meeting that I just wanted to be model stick skinny (insinuating I was vain)....but that's not the case. I just want to be comfortable. My body frame will never be model skinny...and I that's not what I want. Its just that right now I dread waking up and facing the day knowing how uncomfortable I am in my body and I just want to lose the excess weight so I can look forward to each day with more energy and excitement.

Carmellax....so it's been nearly 3 weeks since your surgery....do you mind if I ask how you're feeling? Have you go back to work yet? Have you started to eat any solid food and if so, how is your digestive system feeling? And thank you for the encouragement. I've told everyone at work and my family/friends....I get 50/50 response. I have a few friends who've had the band and they say that they were talked into the band due to their lower BMI....and that if they had it all to do over again, they would have done the sleeve (my banded friends either didn't lose the weight, or regained most all of it back).

Thank you everyone for the information. It helps me to feel better when I hear from people going thru the same thing. Wasntme...hope everything goes smoothly and you recover quickly. Mem1 & NightPilgrim...so glad to hear that even people with low BMI's do really lose the weight. I know this seems like a drastic measure, but I'm uncomfortable in my skin right now, and I know it will just get worse. I spent many years on the yo-yo dieting and it just gets harder and harder as I get older...not to mention my will power continues to get weaker and weaker. I do believe I probably have an extremely large stomach because I feel like I am always hungry...I will update you on my stomach size after surgery. But, my doctor explained that after this surgery, a lot less of the hunger hormone is produced and therefore I would be more likely to be able to resist temptations and stay on track with a healthy diet. And I know after I lose at least 20lbs, I should be able to start running again, but its too uncomfortable to do with this much extra weight. With the smaller portions and power walking, I hopefully will get the first 20lbs off quick. As for pre-op diet, my doctor is only having me on a 5 day high protein/extremely low carb diet prior to surgery because my liver is not as enlarged as someone who would have more weight to lose. Again, thank you for your input and I would love to hear more from others in the same situation.

How many days did it take you before you could return to work? I am considering the surgery, but I just started a new job about 8 months ago and I don't want to be out too long. I have an office job with no manual labor, would it be possible to have surger on a Friday and return to work on Monday?