kunkelgw

Not true if you want to use FMLA. You have to have a signed document with reason of leave listed from the physician. I had to provide to HR and to then it must be approved by my boss since VSG was considered an elective surgery. Because I am an RN, they do not want to be short which would be worse for our patients especially during COVID times. I would guess if you request your time off as PTO of course no more information will be needed and not necessary to divulge. In the world we live in, people are too judgmental and feel they have the right to be condescending. That is why these groups are so important for people to feel safe and gain supportive words.

Wishing you the very best and you have a wonderful attitude. I will be thinking of you everyday and you got this!😎

I had to follow my Weight management center's "New Direction" shakes, soups, bar or sloppy joe meals only for 12 days and then clear liquids for 2 days. I just counted off everyday as one day closer to my surgery and new life. Everyone survives but it is not easy. I used a lot of healthy self talk to keep going. I have to admit when my husband made pizza the good smell was over whelming but I did not cheat at all. Because all the foods I had to use were very high protein I experienced the Keto "flu" by day 3-4 but it went away. Keep your head up and maintain a good attitude. This to will pass. 😁

Please follow your dietary instructions. If you eat foods that are not allowed especially in the early stages you could end up with a gastric leak and would be in much worse condition and pain. I personally could not have a regular diet until 2 months post surgery. 2 weeks liquids, 4 weeks pureed, 2 weeks very soft (had to be able to cut with a fork) and then regular. I am in the first week of regular and still am careful and want to chew well with small bites. My doctor allowed me to have sugar free lifesaver mints to suck on occasionally. I have a big sweet tooth and that is what got me into being obese so the further I avoid candy and sweets the better. I had this discussion with my mandatory psychology visits before I even had surgery. Maybe you need to revisit this information if you had this expectation prior to surgery. Try to hang in there and remember why you started this method of weight loss. Revisit any information you were given pre and post surgery. This time will pass and I found the first 2 weeks hard due to the drinks (I was really sick of them but choose success vs. cheating)

I agree that it really does get better. Just keep "sipping" because fluids are very important. For me ice cold was best and it took me at least 2 weeks before tea and decaf coffee. I was very lucky as I have a high pain tolerance so I did not notice any abdominal pain but did have the shoulder strap discomfort especially on the left side. The best advice is to follow the directions from your doctor/dietician and eat as they direct you. I had a very hard time with the protein drink brand that our Weight loss center promotes but now find that any made by Pure Protein are best for me to tolerate. Even while I experienced severe nausea after surgery for 2 days post surgery and had to stay an extra day, I had no regrets because I want a healthier life and to feel normal instead of being obese. The mental game in your head is hard at times. Best of luck.

I also only told my immediate family, sister, parents and best friend. I have a friend at work who was sleeved six months before me so she is my support buddy. I work from home at this point due to Covid so no one from work knows except my supervisor (unless she shared my private medical information; HIPPA issue then). I had my procedure Dec 14 so I took "PTO" on the schedule to "get ready for Christmas" with a staycation although it is really FMLA related. At this point, 61 pounds less in total I do look smaller and may or may not share depending on how I asked about my appearance. I am so happy I did this and last week was the first time that my husband stated "you are so small" now and I shared with him how much this meant to me. He was just more concerned if I was eating my protein, feeling good and able to exercise. Life is really good and I am happy so that is important.

I experienced that same as to no visitors and just a drop off and pick up at the hospital door. I liked not having anyone so I could just concentrate on recovery but it was very hard for my husband. I only brought the lip balm, toothpaste and brush, hair brush, lotion, phone and charger, magazine, and underware. I wore the same clothes home. I did end up staying an extra night due to severe nausea but found that ice chips for a god send. I could not eat the broth or jello and the protein shakes were hard to swallow. They did offer crystal light lemonade which was ok. Walk as much as you can. This moves the gas and I found lifted my spirits also. I found that watching cooking shows on the TV made me nauseated also. Best of luck and use this time to read up and get ready for your surgery and new life.