vsg2410

I had my surgery 6 months ago at 25 years old! I think this thread could be very helpful as every age range has different struggles! I thought because I was young and active I’d be up and exercising within days after surgery. Unfortunately, I was wrong and the anesthesia hit me hard!! I was nauseous and exhausted for 2-3 days post op and only tolerating 2 20 minute walks by one week. I used my nausea and pain meds around the clock for at least the first week and as needed there after. It was definitely a bigger adjustment than I had thought, so I was happy to have my family to support me through it. I also connected with a therapist pre op to have them as a support throughout the process. It’s hard to find people to relate to in their 20s who’ve had the surgery so therapy has definitely been helpful for me. I’m happy to elaborate on anything or answer any questions!

I commend you for making this decision! One of my doctors first brought up surgery when I was in college. At that point, I knew I wasn’t ready to take my health that seriously. I wanted to have a “normal” college experience. I 100% do not regret waiting until after college to have the surgery since I knew I wasn’t ready. I’m still in my early 20s and it’s a tough life adjustment. My social life lessened a lot early on due to not being able to eat out or drink alcohol. I’d say in terms of college life that would be one of the bigger struggles post op. Also, depending on your dining options at school it can be difficult to track and have good options. At the beginning about the first 2 months it may be difficult to hide from your roommate that you’ve had surgery. The food options are pretty limited and the quantity is very small. But, a lot of college aged students have not struggled with weight yet and have no idea about bariatric surgery so they may never catch on! Also something to keep in mind, most people at my surgery center are out of work for 2 weeks. I know a lot of people say they feel fine after surgery, but it hit me hard and I needed the full 2 weeks off of work. I’ve heard that younger patients can have more side effects from anesthesia and that was definitely the case for me. So I’d definitely recommend at least 2 weeks before move in day. In terms of approaching the conversation with my parents, I told my mom that I had something important to talk to her about and I wanted her to support me in my decision. Later after I had gone through the pre surgical processes and had a date, I told my dad I decided to have surgery to improve my health and gave him the opportunity to ask any questions. Best of luck to you!

I agree with other posts - talk to your surgeon or PCP and consider getting a therapist. I had my surgery about a week before you and have also noticed an increase in depressive symptoms. It’s a big adjustment, and adjusting is not easy and takes energy. You’re not alone! But make sure you are using your resources!

Calcium citrate is preferred for better absorption, however I was told calcium carbonate is fine - it just has to be taken with food for optimal absorption. Not sure if the same goes for bypass patients, other surgery centers may also have different recommendations.

I’m 25 years old and just got my sleeve in November. I have no regrets thus far. Like others mentioned, the first few weeks were ROUGH so it’s important to have support - whether it be friends, family, therapist.

I would follow your surgeons recommendations if they have them, mine recommended celebrate. Unfortunately, any multivitamin that was chewable or tablet form led to extreme nausea so I switched to gummy vitamins and my surgeon approved them. For calcium I use bariatric fusion calcium chews in caramel flavor, and Adora calcium chocolate for a daily treat. I would recommend not buying in bulk until you know what works for you!

I went on a trip about two months post op also. What worked for me eating out was splitting an entree with someone else. We split the main protein exactly in half and I just had a bite or two of the sides. It seemed to be a good amount of food for my travel companion also. Or if they didn’t want to share I just ordered a protein focused appetizer for my meal. Ultimately getting enough protein is the main goal so that’s really all I focused on and it went well. So if chicken tenders were my only option, that’s what I had and I picked off some of the breading. For snacks I kept jerky, protein bars, and nut packs in my purse. Pretty much every convenience store or gas station has protein drinks so since we were flying I didn’t worry about bringing them with me, but if you’re driving I’d keep a case in the car. At that point I was pretty religiously eating every 3 hours on the dot so it’s good to have protein snacks handy! I also kept liquid iv packets in my purse to help keep up with hydration.

Not really. When it was really bad I drank Gatorade zero or fit daily. Now it’s the worst when I get up from laying down so I make sure to sit on the edge of the bed/couch for a minute or two before standing up.

Often when you stall you do need to up your calories, for a day or two! I’d definitely follow your dietitians recommendations. I also get positional lightheadedness - I have not been doing weights for this reason but am able to tolerate stretching and cardio including walking and jogging. It might be something to consider!

My office told me which visit would be considered my preop weight. I would ask them. My bmi was exactly 40 pre op so I had to be careful not to lose weight on the pre op diet until that appt. The day of my surgery the nurse entered in my weight wrong - 254 instead of 264 so my bmi was in the 38 range. I didn’t end up having any issues with insurance thankfully.

Also No Cow bars are good! They taste good and have fiber.

If your like me and can’t do built bars - I recommend Aloha, NuGo, or fit crunch. They’re yummy and I can digest them more easily. Built bars and quest bars are not good for my stomach, but everyone is different. Clif builder bars are good but they have more sugar.

I’m going through the same thing. I am taking an extra hair skin and nails supplement and making sure I hit my protein goals. I’ve also started using Nioxin - a hair regrowth shampoo, conditioner, scalp treatment set. A family member of mine used it when they had hair loss from chemo. It’s hard to say whether or not it works because I wouldn’t know otherwise but I’m hoping it’s doing something!

I freeze fairlife protein drinks mixed with 2 tbsp of sugar free pudding. Then mix in lily’s chocolate chips. Turns out delicious!

I had my surgery in November and my hair loss is really starting. I’ve been taking a hair skin and nails vitamin in addition to my regular ones but I just started using the Nioxin set. I figured it can’t hurt and it’s supposed to be pretty helpful and they have color safe options. It’s $55 for the set at Ulta/Amazon but my hairdresser sold it to me what she buys it for ~$25.