GreenThumb

I'm 4 days post-op and I've started referring to my new stomach as "Chatty Cathy" because she never shuts up! She's always talking to me. It's been interesting trying to interpret what the different sounds mean. I'm sure this will become more apparent as time goes on.

That sounds ... absolutely atrocious. I'm glad you have such a great attitude about it! I'm dealing with a "deep stitch" issue. I woke up and it looked like I had a swollen ridge across my abdomen (still does). After three nurses and the surgeon, they decided it wasn't actually swollen, it was just a very deep internal stitch that was pulling things inward and making everything around it appear swollen. The bruising is also pretty impressive!

Glad things went well for you! I don't think the docs are clear enough when they tell you to sip. I assumed that meant 3 sips per ounce (tiny cup), but no, in the first couple days it needs to be 8-10 sips per tiny cup. THAT would have been helpful info before I attempted to down ice water. OMG.

I'll be moving over to the post-op section now, but wanted to check in and say hi, I survived This was not an easy surgery and the past few days have been rough. I really hope this is worth it in the end.

I'm almost done with my two-week pre-op liquid diet, but I'm having trouble with nausea. It comes and goes in waves, isn't constant, and doesn't seem to be related to any specific product. I mentioned it to my team and they suggested trying a plant-based protein. I've tried Vega before and HATED it, so I'm not keen on this. Anyone else have this and figure out the issue? Nerves? Sheer volume of protein? Hunger presenting as nausea?

Today’s the day!!!!! *muppetflail*

How are you feeling? I started my FMLA today to do laundry, clean the house, and do all the crazy pre-op stuff they've asked me to do. At least if we're keeping busy, there's no time to freak out, right? (I'll save that for when they're wheeling me in, lol.)

My doc never gave me a goal, but the dietician did ask if I had a goal in mind. They also told me what I could “expect” to lose if I followed the program. That number lined up with where I want to be, which is still considered obese according to BMI. I’m not a huge fan of it because it doesn’t take into account muscle mass v. fat. As the saying goes, I don’t want to look skinny, I want to look like I can kick your a$$.

Sorry, it’s called Orgain, not Orlean (lol, wishful thinking?!)

You know, @catwoman7, you may be right about the hunger. Nausea and hunger feel pretty similar these days and if I let it go too long, that’s when nausea hits. It almost feels like low glucose (but it’s not). I drank a shake too quickly while hungry and it bounced back up. Good to keep in mind moving forward ... In the meantime, I did order Orlean (?) plant-based powder.

Will they let you use a heating pad in the hospital? (And is the average cord long enough?) I do plan to use mine when I get home.

Aww, that seems like a great idea! I assume you've had a puppy before? Because I remember it being almost like having an actual newborn at times, lol. With everything going on, that would probably be a real positive for your kiddos and you're right, with warmer weather coming, it's a good excuse to go for a w-a-l-k. (Sorry, I'm afraid to even type it out because somehow my dogs will KNOW and start jumping all over wanting to go for one!) I've seen a lot of people start blogs or Instagram accounts where they document their progress. That might be a decent distraction, yet not stressful. Do you garden? You could always plan one out with the kids to get them excited for spring and growing their own food. Pick out seeds/starts together, etc. Whatever you choose, it sounds like you've got a good grasp on what works for you!

Great ideas, both of you! I'm currently doing laundry so I can start packing. I have my toiletries all ready to go. Aside from the usual things, I've also got lip balm and Biotene mouth spray. I had to order it online but I've heard it's great when you're feeling dry and dehydrated. I already use their mouthwash and love it. I also have a wall plug and extra long charging cord. I have a fuzzy robe, but it's actually too big and thick to fit into my overnight bag. It would take up the whole thing! I might pack a thinner one just to cover all the important parts while walking the halls. Speaking of walking, can we just wear the shoes we come in with? Mine are slip-on Vionics and I really don't care if I look homeless wandering around in a robe and sneakers I'm also bringing face wipes. I don't see myself showering there if I'll be out in a day, but it's still nice to wipe away some of the day's grime, real or imagined. Anyone bringing a book? Do you think we'll have time or the concentration to read? I kinda think my phone is all I'll need. It's getting really real, now. I've had a few more mini-meltdowns, especially after the two-hour online class. I've heard it all before, but it's still overload.

You didn't say if your anxiety was specifically related to your upcoming surgery, but yeah, I think it's pretty normal to be all over the map while you prepare for this. If you're talking about chronic anxiety, then perhaps it's time to talk to your doc or a therapist? All these body changes can mess with our meds/dosages, etc. And I know for me, personally, this process has brought up some issues I didn't expect. I plan to find a therapist who has experience dealing with bariatric patients, both to address issues that might keep me from being successful, but also the things that have surfaced. Take things one minute, one hour, one day at a time!

I guess this just goes to show that everyone's program is different - and sometimes REALLY different Day 6 of the 2-week liquid diet is mostly done, and yet I'm not in ketosis. How on earth does that work? (They checked urine this morning.) I've averaging 650 calories per day, less than 35 g. of carbs per day (usually way less) and yet no ketosis, which makes me worry a little about my liver not shrinking. Down 8+ pounds. My hospital apparently has a complex program to address narcotic abuse, so the medicine regimen in the days leading up to surgery is crazy - celebrex, gapapentin, anti-nausea meds, Colace, Tylenol, some sugary drink to prevent your glucose from tanking, all timed out. I walked out with 17 pages of instructions, lol, and that doesn't include the binder full of info for this Friday's class. Also met the surgeon for about 5 minutes. It was a good day, but for some reason I'm not excited about this. Not sure if it's because I'm being realistic or if something else is off. Maybe overcompensating so I don't have a freak-out? Not sure. I'd be interested to know how others are feeling as they get closer to surgery.

Five days into the liquid diet and the mind games are insane. My poor family. Tomorrow (Monday) I'm meeting with anesthesia, getting blood drawn (again), and doing the big meeting with the team and finally meeting my surgeon in person. OF COURSE we're supposed to get our most significant snowstorm of the year tomorrow, too. Fingers crossed that the roads are decent. Nine days until surgery. NINE. MORE. DAYS.

Before the pre-op diet I made shakes with whatever powder I had (Walmart Equate, ALDI Elevation) but for the actual clear liquid pre-op I'm finding that the pre-made ones are the way to go because A) Everything is already measured and the nutritional info is spelled out, and B ) I'm too freaking cranky to want to mess with all of it anyway. I really love FairLife CorePower but it can get pricey. The vanilla and chocolate are both good. I also like the Premier salted caramel and cinnamon roll, though some find it too sweet. I also have a large tub of Bariatric Fusion chicken soup protein powder. It's ... interesting. I had heard good things and that it satisfies when you're sick of sweet stuff, but IMO it's pretty disgusting.

How did your pre-op appointments go, @NiceAnkles?

Yep, a new hair day for sure, though I don't think I'm going to tie it to a specific weight-loss goal. It'll be more like, "I'm 2 months out, it's time for a haircut to hide the thinning!"

Thanks for all the ideas! I brainstormed with my husband last night and another good one he suggested was family photos! I love this because it’s something that has meaning and will last. Will probably save this for closer to goal weight.

Feb. 3 after being postponed from November due to COVID. Liquid diet starts Wednesday and I keep flip-flopping between being emotional/crying to absolutely psyched and ready! (I'm a LOT of fun to live with right now, lol)

Mine is Feb 3 after being postponed in November due to COVID. Starting the liquid diet Wednesday. I was in a really great headspace in November, but not doing as great after losing momentum. I hope your surgery goes great and that you have support at home!