batty_vsg

Yes, trust me, I'm actually a little on the terrified side (thanks GAD!) But I know that I am in good hands and that my thoughts are definitely making things more than they actually are. Like, don't get me wrong, it IS surgery, but it's has a low rate of serious complications.

I have my surgery this Wednesday (excited and terrified all at once!) I am crossing my fingers that everything will go well and I will be able to come home the next day. The question I wanted to ask is about when would be an appropriate time to start walking my dog. I have an 8 year old Boston Terrier mix named Willow who LOVES LOVES LOVES walks. Prior to the surgery, we walked around the neighborhood for between 30-45 minutes (upwards of an hour.) There are a few hills, but it's generally flat. I don't expect to walk her the day I come back, but would I be okay walking her the next day? I plan on asking my team on Wednesday, but I thought I'd see if anyone here had experience concerning it. I'd like to start walking her ASAP!

That's what I was thinking! My girl pulls a little, but she's only 18lbs so it's not a whole lot of force. We'll take it nice and slow!

Spray some Lysol on him for making you so worried!

True! I incubated the cold I had for a few days, while stomach flu viruses are definitely the cheetahs of the virus world. If you're hurling and having bowel problems, they'd probably reschedule. But a question, are you sure its a stomach virus or maybe something he ate?

Like we've been talking about, the surgeon's nurse said that they will still operate on me if I had a cold if I didn't have a fever and I wasn't coughing up anything nasty. While I am not sure you would get sick right away, there is definitely a chance you could be sick post-op. Any chance you can pick up some disinfecting wipes on the way home and clean E V E R Y T H I N G. Even get a face mask while you're going to town on cleaning everything.

I went to Wal-Mart today and found the coconut water PROTEIN 2o drinks. While they are delicious, I've noticed that there is a weird. . . slimy texture in my mouth afterwards? TMI (and a little gross) its almost like a loogie. Anyone else experience this?

Carnation's Breakfast Essentials has a LIGHT START variety that was approved by my team. I add Fairlife milk to it. All in all it's about 18g of protein, but it has a wonderful thin consistency and tastes like a yoohoo.

Hey you all! How are you doing? How are you preparing? Are you nervous at all?

Oh definitely! As much as I want this surgery, me not lending out pertinent information is not going to do anyone any favors. Thank you for reminding me

Not only do I share a house with my husband, but this cold too. My surgery is December 12 and I got sick two days ago. Though, in hindsight, I could see it a mile away. I thought it was just "allergies," but I was naive then. When I was at work and my throat started to hurt, I knew something was up. The next day I was fatigued and my throat hurt badly, so I stayed home and slept it off. Since then I've returned to work and am currently dealing with mild-moderate cold symptoms (post nasal drip, productive cough to rid my throat of the stuff gathering there, a bit sniffly) but definitely not feverish and the mucus (TMI) is nice and clear for right now. I told my surgeon's nurse and she advised that as long as I am not running a fever, or hacking up green mucus, I'm in the clear. I'll be elevated during surgery and post-op. But I'd rather have the most mild of symptoms during my surgery and while I have a few days to get well, does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make sure my lungs are nice and clear for the surgery? Mind you, I'm drinking PLENTY of liquids. Salt water gargle rinses. And trying to get as much sleep as I can. I wash my hands constantly. I've also been taking DAYQUIL as the go-ahead from my nurse.

So update on the cold. I think I slept a little funny, so I am feeling extra tired today. I have mild congestion, but I am at that part of the cough where a deep breath sends me into a coughing fit. I can take a deep, controlled breath and not worry about coughing too hard. I'm just worried I am going to knock a stitch out. However, I am not coughing hard enough for my sides or back to hurt. I don't think I have an infection, since everything coming up is clear, but I am just tired of worrying about this sick. My husband is telling me to RELAX, but I'm like, "BUT THE HOUSE NEEDS TO GET READY." He's working right up until my surgery so he hasn't been able to help clean the house.

Yeaaaaaah, I don't know why I couldn't see it but it's there! I'd love to try the mixed berry one. I will try some of the other Wal-Marts around me to see if I can find them!

Nope, nevermind. It does say to shake and chill. Oh boy! XD

It didn't say to shake, so I didn't. I actually like drinks at room temperature (I hope that keeps the same post-op) but I will try putting the rest of them in the fridge. Where do you find the other flavors? Maybe The Vitamin Shoppe or GNC? Wal-Mart only seemed to carry the coconut ones.

Oh wow! It's certainly an interesting texture! LOL

Seconding this. Even the mild sugar alcohols cause me to have a reaction. The only artificial sugar that I do not have an issue with is Splenda.

Also, hey guys. Did anyone else not lose a whole bunch of weight during the pre-op diet? I've been following it pretty well and the weight loss has been about 5 lbs (like, I had some honey for a few days to help soothe this sore throat/tickly cough I've been having for the last few days.) Granted, I AM short (5'1") and so the caloric deficit that I'm currently at isn't the worst in the world.

Yeah, this post-op diet doesn't give me a whole lot of energy but I'm dealing. I am just really grumpy at everything. I'm (slowly) getting over a cold, so there's that too. Bone Broth has a really weird taste to me. I hope maybe post-surgery I'll like it!

I really want to thank those who took the time to say those awesome words to me. We always end up being our worst critics right? But, for once, I'm doing something for me. Not my family, not my friends - for me.

A lot of people give Splenda crap, but it's one of the very few artificial sweeteners I can deal with too!

I was allowed to have vegetables (non-starchy) and 4oz of protein on top of my two shakes a day. With that said, I think the reduction in calories set up my immune system to be compromised and is one of the reasons why I got sick. In the meantime, during my pre-op, I suffered from pretty gnarly nausea. . . and just feeling under the weather. Some chicken broth (like the above post) will help out a lot. Also, lots of sleep if you can manage it.

I'm all about that Emergen-c!

Your scars look great! You got this! I am, too, starting to feel really nervous and almost scared of the surgery. I was laying in bed this morning and the realization of the surgery was so disassociating that I almost wanted to cry. "Is this me? Am I really doing this?" I was asking myself. The future me and the present me were having difficulties connecting with one another. "Why am I doing this to myself?" I asked as well. I was almost a little upset that I had let myself get to this point. . . that I hadn't been strong enough to get down to a normal weight by myself. But that's my mental illness talking. Anyway, if I could get some kind words, I would greatly appreciate it.

I have told a pretty good number of people. I would have to say that the reception that I have received has been mainly positive (though I'm not sure what is said when I am out of ear shot.) My husband was initially hesitant about me having the surgery. He felt that it was a drastic solution to a problem that I had been fixing previously (I lost 90lbs on keto.) But he was heavy himself. However, after he lost weight through a diagnosis of a medical condition he has - it kind of put things into perspective for him, I guess? I also researched the topic heavily and brought the information to him. I explained to him that I had a combination of factors against me and though I could lose weight on keto, it was not sustainable as a long-term solution for me. I also told him that there were scientific studies that advised that the body is so resistant to diets, that they almost always fail to maintain a long term loss (like Weight Watchers.) I explained to him that like his weight affecting his joints (he had a bad back and knees), my weight was affecting me in ways that were starting to become difficult to deal with. Now, my husband has stated that he'd love me regardless of the weight I'm at, but he wants me to be happy and healthy. He's been on board for awhile now and even went to a support group meeting with me. My brothers, who I'm close to, have been incredibly supportive as well. My mom? Not so much. But like someone mentioned previously in this chat - people are resistant to change. The only thing is that I wish people would ask me MORE questions about the surgery. I don't mind telling people that I am having the surgery, but I would like a chance to explain to them why it is a solution for me. I am also a huge medical geek and love explaining medical procedures. Thankfully, I've had a lot of support.