CJ Sunshine

Well, I've been at it for about 3 weeks now...still not easy. The other thing I did, that they did not require me to do, was weaned off coffee. Last week, I had two days with pre-op testing that I needed to be fasting...since I couldn't have coffee two days in a row in the morning, I thought now is as good a time as any to give it up! 5 days coffee free!

This is the hardest thing for me!! I ALWAYS have something to drink when I eat, so I struggle with eating an entire meal with nothing to drink. I'm thinking that will become easier after surgery since the meals will be so small.

I don't have any caloric restrictions...although by doing the things I mentioned, I am in fact eating fewer calories. I've lost 15 lbs almost effortlessly.

I agree...i'm enjoying that there is not so much restriction now...yet, I'm working on building some necessary habits for after the surgery.

Unfortunately, there is no shower on the first floor, so I'm most likely going to have no choice but to do the stairs once or twice a day. My wife suggested I might want to stay upstairs for the first few days...but I know I will need to walk...and I'm not sure circles around the bedroom will be enough...besides, I cannot imagine being comfortable in bed all day. I have very bad knees (one of the reasons I've decided to have surgery) so I know this part is going to be challenging.

Lol! I'm still pretty impressed you could drive yourself home after a sleeve! You sound like one tough cookie!

This is fabulous to read! And so encouraging to those of us still waiting for our surgery. I hope you continue to thrive and recover smoothly!

Did you have a DS? I've been told two days overnight in the hospital, which seems consistent with what I've read. I'm shocked to hear you were discharged the same day and drove yourself home! My hospital requires a responsible adult pick you up on discharge. While it is laparoscopic, I certainly would not describe this as a minor procedure and nothing I've read indicates the norm is less than 60 minutes. My doctor says an hour and a half to two hours surgery. I'm curious if we are talking different procedures or if practices are just that variant.

Wow! Sounds like you are coming along!

Thanks! That's good to hear!

Synthroid! Darn autocorrect!!!

I started telling people about my planned surgery once it was scheduled. I figure people are going to notice anyway (I hope they do!) and for me, it felt important that it not be secret...that I let go of the shame I felt at not being able to do this alone. I've received nothing but support. Only one person tried to tell me how surgery of any kind scares her due to personal experiences. I very kindly told that person that sharing bad surgery experiences is not helpful to me and that while I do welcome support, I have no room for opinions!

I weigh about 395. I am in great health except for my knees. My doctor recommended a modified DS SIPS procedure. He said he would do a sleeve on me, but believed it was unlikely that I could lose enough weight for knee replacement with a sleeve alone. So that is the operation I will be having next month.

I'm wondering how you are doing since this post? I am scheduled to have SIPS with Dr. Roslin in a few weeks.

I have a similar BMI and I am scheduled for surgery next month. My doctor did not have any specific weight loss requirement for me. But I am also otherwise very healthy. A lot will depend on your surgeon, how you carry your weight and your other health risks.

Hi Everyone. I'm CJ and I'm new here and thought I'd introduce myself. I am scheduled to have a SIPS modified DS on September 14th. I've been lurking, trying to decide which forum I liked best. I finally decided to join here, because people on this site seem warm and friendly, without judgment. I see lots of support, without too much advice giving (except when asked). A few forums I looked at seemed to have some very dominant personalities that were very anti SIPS which kind of scared me off. I'm excited and nervous about this new phase of my life. Today, I had my pre-surgical Upper GI series...gotta love that barium. The radiologist promised me he'd have something that tasted even worse for me after my surgery (keeping a sense of humor)... Since I couldn't have coffee before my test this morning...and I have some other tests that need to be done fasting, I decided I'd use this as an opportunity to go off coffee before the surgery...I'm a little sleepy and a touch cranky, but thankfully no headache! Anyway, I'm sure I have a million questions I want to ask all of you, but for now I just wanted to say hello.

Thank you! Yes, reading through other threads has already eased some of my concerns.

I'm not sure I can swing more than two weeks...can't make money if I don't work! Being self employed gives me more flexibility but no such thing as paid sick time. @sleevedshereen

Well, I'm self employed, as an attorney. So I'm planning to take a full week off and then probably work from home for a week...which mostly means keep an eye on emails and phone calls. Based on what I've read, it seems that 2-3 weeks is common for DS patients...

YES! I'm finding it very hard to remain present in today! I'm highly distracted. I'm not as productive at work as I need to be, especially to get my office in the shape I need to take off for the surgery....and I feel terrible that 2 friends were having medical procedures of their own this week and I completely forgot to send them a text or call to see how they were doing! Ugh!! That's so not like me... I get it's normal, but I am trying to figure out how to work around it...

Oh, I have my date already. My surgery is scheduled for 9/14. Anticipation and a little nervousness...I'm kind of finding it hard to concentrate.

Today is my pre-surgical evaluation by my primary care doctor. I went this morning for bloodwork (because it had to be fasting) and I'm going back this afternoon for the rest...not nervous, but definitely a little excited...this surgery will be here sooner than I know it!

Howdy Back!

I don't think loose and frequent BM on a liquid diet is a probable indicator of IBS. Sounds perfectly normal to me.

Good luck!