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Overnight only. Surgery was 7:30 am Thursday and I went home at 2pm Friday. Had no complications *knock on wood* and thank you!

I knew it was inevitable. Aunt Flo had an extended stop over somewhere on her latest round trip, being due more the a week pre op but waiting until just over a week post op to arrive and decimate my abdomen. I had been so happy needing no pain killers these last few days and buzzing about doing my Mummy duties like normal since I came back from hospital. Then I had a little spotting two days ago as a pre warning, before the flood gates opened late yesterday. I have ALWAYS had really heavy painful periods (except when moderated a bit by the hormonal pill) and was knocked off guard by it not hurting too badly yesterday and overnight, though I did take my prescription 1000mg paracetamol/acimetophen with 60mg codeine before going to bed. This morning an hour after I got up though, the devil started throwing a party in my abdomen and I was doubled over in pain. I've now taken my prescription pain killers and one of my few remaining post op endone tablets and an curled back up in bed feeling sorry for myself. I am really really hoping that as I lose weight and have less adipose tissue contributing to my oestrogen load that the monthly pain lessens. Have any other experienced sleevers found this to be the case??? I had a terrible experience with the Mirena IUD triggering massive anxiety and worsening depression, and hubby had the snip once we decided 2 kids completed our family so I no longer need to take hormonal contraception and didn't want to continue it and risk other long term pill use complications (it's possible that taking the pill from age 12 because of excessive pain and migraines contributed to my ballooning weight as a teen). I need to get this pain under control as I'm hosting an early mother's Day dinner for my husband's mum and older sister tonight (since we are at my mum's house tomorrow on Mother's Day). As I'm still on liquids I didn't want us taking them out to a restaurant as that'd be too difficult/awkward for me, plus at home I don't have to worry about the kids running riot somewhere. Thankfully dinner will be simple roast chicken wings, steamed veggies and a potato and pumpkin mash so nothing too fancy or complicated. Thanks for anyone who made it all the way to the end of my whinging rant. *Hugz*

has anyone on here already been approve from Kaiser with their BMI lower that 40 and no other health complications?

G'day fellow sleevers! While I'm slowly forcing down another meal replacement shake for "lunch" (even though it's almost 3:30pm now) and can smell my pot of pea and ham soup cooking away, I thought I'd post an update on how I'm doing 9 days post op. (If nothing else, it may help encourage other newbies who are frightened by posts about hunger and complications etc). I've been lucky to have quite an easy time of things. I've been obese since my late teens and stopped dieting over a decade ago because it always left me heavier in the long term, and in worse physical and mental health. I did however work on improving my eating behaviours and thinking, which made me a lot healthier (but still fat, 121kg BMI 49 fat). After progressively cutting out processed carbs and caffeine ahead of my 3 week pre op diet, I found the VLCD diet easy to tolerate and was rarely hungry, despite being on 600-750 calories a day. I was really surprised by this. My surgery went without issue, and for the most part my recovery was swift and very good. I'm still waiting to see if I get in trouble with my surgeon next week for discharging myself from hospital the night before he wanted me to leave, because the buzzers kept waking me frequently overnight and I couldn't safely eat any of the hospital provided food (optifast and reconstituted soups, loaded with aspartame and MSG (in various forms) which are both massive headache triggers for me). I had been off IV and taking all medications by mouth already for two days. I did not need to be there. I stepped down medications over the past week at home, only continuing the one for reflux. I was cleared to drive 5 days post surgery, and was back to most normal stuff at home immediately (just getting hubby to empty dishwasher and hang up washing to prevent risk of tummy strain). Like most people I'm really keen to get out of liquids stage and have some decent food to chew, but I've been feeling ok still serving up the regular meat and veg dinners for the family while I have my soups, and I haven't felt overly jealous when making the kids sandwiches etc. Today I even bought some lovely 2.5 inch thick T-bones for my hubby to enjoy over the next few weeks (I keep reminding him he is damned lucky lol). I decided I wanted some more variety beyond my current pumpkin, and cauliflower with sharp chedder soups, so I'm making pea and ham soup today and will make some chicken and sweet corn soup soon too. I'm also making myself use up more of my remaining meal replacement powder for lunches before there are far more appealing lunch protein options available from next Wednesday. I made 3 dozen birthday cupcakes for my daughter to share at school yesterday and managed to only have a couple of licks of the batter (quality control requirement ) In summary, I'm doing well, I'm feeling well, I'm being well. I worked hard over the past decade to sort out a lot of food and other mental demons and have been able to commit myself to this change fully. 15kg down, already 25% of the way to the finish line, and I am determined to be in the minority of successful sleevers that make it all the way to normal BMI and keep themselves there. I've missed out on enough of life due to my weight. The new version of Taoz will be fearless and unstoppable (except still not doing sky diving, because that **** is just crazy lol, hubby will have to try that on his own). Love and best wishes to everyone chasing their dreams of a lighter and brighter future. Taoz

Hi Everyone, I was sleeved 5/3/18 about 5PM. I want to share my experiences so far, both pre and post op. PRE OP: Pre surgery I went through what (I think) pretty much everyone else goes through...anxiety. I worked so hard to get insured and then approved and was focused on that and the need to get the surgery done. Once I was approved and it was really going to happen, it finally occurred to me that I was going to have surgery for the first time in my life (I'm 65) and I got VERY scared. I wrote about it many times here. It was actually a roller coaster for me cuz I kept fluctuating between "This is going to happen." and "I don't have to go through with this." My husband, God Bless him, told me he was ok with whatever my final decision was. The day of surgery when he left me with the nurse he said "I have my phone, all you have to do is call and we're out of here." His attitude definitely helped me deal with this. Many people on this forum kept reassuring me that the risks for the surgery are very low. I researched this and it's true. I have a specific medical condition that had me particularly concerned. I had to advocate for myself and not give up and be a pain in the axx until I got my questions answered to my satisfaction. I kept saying "This is something I know I need to do, but I'm doing to so I have better quality of life and longer life, the last thing I want is to die on the table." There were times I was in a panic. I was afraid of general anesthesia as much as the surgery. The truth is, there's actually an extremely low risk of death from this surgery. Ultimately, I had my wonderful husband's support, either way, and I made the decision to ask God to watch over me and keep me safe throughout my journey. I'm not religious, but consider myself spiritual. Meaning I pray everyday and I do trust and believe God loves me and cares about me and will take care of me. I was rolled into the operating room and I swear, I had no anxiety and hadn't been given any anxiety meds. Once in there, while everyone was gathering in the room and setting up, I said loudly "Can I please have everyone's attention?" they stopped and looked at me in surprise and I said " I know I probably won't ever see any of you again after this so I want to take this opportunity to thank you all for taking such good care of me." Everyone came to me at the table, very surprised, and each assured me they'd take good care of me. I felt completely at ease. Soon after the anesthesiologist asked me to breathe into a mask and the next thing I knew, I woke up in my hospital room. POST OP IN HOSPITAL: Husband was waiting in the room for me when I got there. I was out cold. He asked how I was & I told him it hurt but I just wanted to sleep and to go away. Nice, huh? After all his support? He stayed another 45 minutes until he realized all he could do was watch me sleep. Again, my surgery ended around 6:30-7PM, so it's now like 10:30PM. I slept through the night and have vague memories of people coming to take my vital signs, test blood, etc. throughout the night. I was VERY sleepy the next day. The call buttons in my room (2, me & roommate) were malfunctioning and kept going off without being pushed. The nurse would ask what we want and we'd say we didn't touch it. They'd have to come in to check on us anyway and were getting annoyed after a few hours that it kept happening. I'm thinking "You're annoyed???" I would just fall to sleep and one would go off again. I had been told it's possible to just stay one night and decided I needed to do whatever I had to do to get out of there and I thought it was just another barium swallow to check for leaks and started reminding them this needed to be done. I nagged and dozed until they brought be down for the test. I felt weak and wasn't even sure if I could stand, but had to. Good news, I didn't have to drink barium or a big quantity of anything. I was afraid I'd have to do exact same test as before surgery, nope. They gave me an 8-10 oz? cup, half filled with some clear liquid in it. I got it down and no leaks. YAY! Back upstairs I'm asking when I'll be released and was told I had to drink, and keep down, 4 cups of water or crystal light before I could go. They were 10-12 oz. cups. I panicked. It was like 2:30 and I really just wanted to sleep. I remembered to SIP VERY SLOWLY. I was fine. I just paced myself. Slept a bit, more vitals, etc. Then was reminded I also had to be up and walking around by myself before I could be released. So I did that, making sure to walk by the nurses station so someone would see. Eventually (around 4:30?) I threw one of the cups of water into the toilet because I knew I couldn't do it fast enough. Talked my husband into drinking another 1/2 of the other cups, then he refused. He said "If you really need to do this before you're released, then you have to do it." He had a good point. If they'd told me earlier in the day it was a requirement and I had started earlier, it would have been easier to do. By 5:30 I had finished what was left at the same time my doctor came in to check on me and tell me I could go. YAY! Truth be told, if it weren't for the malfunctioning call buttons going off practically nonstop, I would have been very happy to stay and rest and spend another night. We live a couple hours from the hospital, so was home and in bed by 9PM by the time they got my release papers together, the wheelchair and me downstairs and plus, it was rush hour in Boston. Soon after I got home I did vomit. It's the Oxycontin. I took once before and the same thing happened. All that came up was clear liquid and what looked like shards of dried blood. Because I really wanted my tummy to heal, I chose to stop taking it that night and haven't vomited since. POST OP AT HOME SO FAR: I slept like a baby that night. Out cold. I remember feeling pain throughout the night but not enough to wake me up. 40 hours post op, I switched to Tylenol only 1000mg. 3 X a day. I had some nausea that day as I figured out what to drink and how much. Trial and error. I drank 2 sips and waited. Fine. So, 4 sips and after the third went down, the 4th was in my mouth but I knew it wouldn't go down. It sat in my mouth for a few minutes, then went down, but I could feel it in my esophagus. So I stayed with 2 sips at a time with 10 minutes in between for a couple of days. Then 3 sips, yesterday I got up to 4 at a time with no problem. The first day home, I did not get all 60 ounces of fluids down. Second day I got close, probably 45 oz. Third day I got the full 60 oz. down comfortably and have stayed that way. I want to be sure to allow my new stomach proper healing and not do anything to aggravate it. By Monday night, I actually forgot to take nightly Tylenol. Took just one dose yesterday and probably won't take any today or from here. As far as my pain goes, I would describe it more as tenderness on the skin where the incisions are and I've had some internal pain that I'd really describe as spasms or cramping. Everyday it gets better. I did rest a lot the first three days wanting to heal and because I was weak and tired. I noticed I couldn't take a deep breathe. Like my breathing was restricted and I posted about it on here. An Angel answered me and told me to use the Spirometer they sent me home from the hospital with. My husband did pack up everything that was on the table, which included this weird blue thing. I didn't remember anything about it or any instruction on it's use. Once I was told what it was and how to use it and how often, my breathing got better, my alertness and energy got better and I was up and walking around more. I can't emphasize enough how important the Spirometer is! It's made a bid difference in my general overall feelings of wellness. My husband was able to "walk me" (he's been walking our dogs, but now also walks me! LOL!) the day after first using Spirometer for 10 minutes with 2 rests. Next day 20 minute walk with one rest. We'll see what today brings. I still feel somewhat unsteady on my feet at times because I'm somewhat dizzy. I have a problem with dizziness even without surgery, but it's worse now. I hold onto railings, my husbands hand and other stationary objects to make sure I don't fall. I move slowly on purpose. Plus I'm still a little mentally foggy. That part comes and goes. Surgery last Thursday night, it's now noon the following Wednesday and I can say all my panic and anxiety has proven to be for nothing. Not in pain today, just sporadic, temporary internal spasms that are getting better and fewer. Likely no pain meds today or after. I was very afraid I'd be STARVED, but no. I haven't found that at all. My husband has been eating his dinners in a different room and they do smell good but, so far, I have no interest in eating anything. So far. This was a huge worry for me ahead of the surgery. I was really afraid I'd need to eat something and not be able to and I'd hurt myself or make myself sick. This hasn't happened. I'm still concentrating on getting my 60 oz. of liquids down. I have noticed a bit of gas. Is it I'm now lactose intolerant? Is it cuz I'm making my protein drinks in a blender so they're like a milk shake with lots of air in them? Is this my intestines adjusting? Time will tell. I also didn't have a bowel movement 4 days post op and didn't think much of it until I was reading posts on here. I thought I hadn't actually eaten anything for 6 days so there was nothing to pass. Turns out there was. My doctor said to take 2 tablespoons of Milk of Magnesia and that worked within 2 hours and I haven't had a problem since. It's possible we all need something to get started. Bottom Line at this point: No complications or problems up to 6 days out from surgery. A few minor aggravations or inconveniences. Feeling pretty good and better every day.

So, I had two c-sections - also had my surgery 13 years after my last baby. VSG was a walk in the park. Literally. I had surgery Tuesday, came home Wednesday and was at the grocery store on Friday - made the family carry the stuff in and had one of the nice kids at the market load the car, but other than a 10 pound lifting restriction for two weeks - this was amazingly easy. Now, I did have trouble at first finding a temperature at which my new tummy liked liquids. And it was fickle. But I had no complications. In fact, today, having my blood drawn for an 18 month post-op check up (a little late) the tech looked at me and said - you're not planning to lose any more are you - you look perfect! (I want to put on more muscle and get rid of some fat - it's not about numbers now.) Best of luck.

Some people experience problems with ulcers after surgery. According tot he internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present.

My surgery is tomorrow as well...RNY. I am scared and nervous but also excited lol. I am just hoping for no complications. sucks but I also started my period but that’s whatever...the pain meds will help with my cramps as well lol

That’s what I worry most about, the complications post-op.

I am one month post sleeve tomorow. It has been harder than I anticipated. It has been an extremely isolative process. I had to go back in for 4d after the surgery for minor (mostly preventable) complications. From the surgery on 4/11 to 5/1 I was drinking maybe 20-30 ounces a day (that's being generous). I was taking about half my vitamins and eating maybe 3-4 ounces a day of the program recommended 6 ounces per dy. Popscicles have been my best friend. I couldn't get enough protein, barely 8oz. I had to be put on infusion week 3. Now at week 4, after the infusion of fluid and vitamins, I feel relatively normal. I drink water when I wake and take my vitamins. Then I drink close to a complete protein shake. By 10 or 11 I can maybe tolerate something to eat. I got VERY conflicting info about what constitutes puree. The surgeon said if I can mash it with a plastic fork it's ok so I have been going by that which has widened the availability of foods I have eaten. I've had oatmeal made with a little butter and skim milk (very liquidy), carrot pasta (with tomatoe sauce until I realized no tomotoes on my list opps), pureed chicken salad, chicken with zuchini pasta and alfredo (until I realized alfredo even homemade isn't on the list), all kinds of mashed well chewed fruits, tons of yogurt (not light because I don't eat artifical sweetners) and soups/broths. I haven't been nauseous nor have I thrown up (though my carrot pasta and eggplant no sauce dinner just now gave me cause for concern). I do get hungry mid-day and evening, my sugar seems to drop because by hungry I mean hangry, otherwise I'm fine. I do think about food, food prep and what I can or sometimes sadly what I can't eat. I am probably grieving a little. I have an extremely strong faith so I stay positive. I have lost 30lb from my highest and 23 since surgery day-I can't see it which makes me a little sad. I am extremely self conscious and wear mostly my bigger clothes. Now for anyone who is still reading this extremely I know long post, is my experience similar to anyone!?! Mostly referring to the food as I am not certain if I am eating the right things and since the infusion I haven't spoken to the dietician because they said focus on the protein so I have and now I get at least 40g a day not including the 3 proteins I eat a day. Also the sense that I haven't really lost. I know what the scale says but that doesn't connect with my brain. Also I still can't get enough water which is odd because I LOVED ice cold plain water pre-surgery but now the gurgling sound it makes and the way it feels going down grosses me out. Also the only thing cold I can tolerate is popsicles . All of that to say.... any logistical insight anyone can give great. Mostly it just feels good to get all of this off my chest because I haven't talked to many other bariatric patients (missed the support group with readmit and infusion). If you read all this wew God bless you!

Had surgery on Wednesday and went back to work Monday. I would have gone back Friday except I had already turned in my time sheet for the week. No complications and no issues. I am a Computer support Specialist. I was able to do all aspect of my job except to lift the heavy printers. Climbing under desks and moving desktop computers was a little slow going but I was able to do most everything.

Ok - I'm a bit crazy, but I'm in a profession where I only get paid if I bill time - no vacation, no sick time, nada. I work from home 3 days, in the office 2. Surgery Tuesday. (Worked Monday.) Home Wednesday. Slept Thursday.. Worked half a day from my couch Friday. Monday, went into the office from 10-3 instead of 9-5. Tuesday worked full day from home. By Wednesday - one week after hospital release - I was back to my routine of office Monday and Wednesday and work from home remaining days. I can control my breaks and bathroom time. I can eat and drink at my desk. I also had two prior C-Sections and had to go back to work( (and try a case in a courtroom 1 hour away from home) six weeks after the birth of child 2. So maybe I have different tolerances. I had no complications. My doc said go back when you want or stay out as long as you need. I'll sign the note either way. Best of luck

I had surgery in Mexico. In theory, I follow up online or by phone but I'm not good at that and it is just as easy to use my local doctor. My primary doctor is the one I see at 10 days post surgery and every 3 months to run vitamin levels and labs. That's all I need. My Mexico doctor and nutritionist sent home the post-op diet and I just follow it and email or call with questions. Plus there is loads of info online to help. I don't know why I would need to follow up with a bariatric doc here in the states unless there was a complication my primary doc couldn't handle. Hopefully, that won't happen!

I had it done 12/17. I had some complications but I’m doing good now. My weight loss is so much better with the bypass, and I don’t have that stuck feeling you get with the band. Congratulations and best wishes for a speedy recovery!

I don't know anyone who's had WLS who HASN'T been nervous at some point. You're about to alter your body forever. But rather than freaking out about complications that haven't happened yet, what if you put your focus on the fact that complications WILL happen if you DON'T have weight loss surgery? Take your same mental energy, focus it differently, & you'll achieve a different outcome. Good luck. You are not alone.

Elective surgery? You're not having a facelift. You're having surgery to deal with a disease that will only get worse the longer you wait. Tell your surgeon that you're having problems at work and have some certificate as backup that you need the surgery now to avoid further complications (believe me, someone in your bariatric team will do that, it's more common of an issue than you think). Now with a medical note that you need it, you can plan it whenever the hell you wish. If they try to even move a finger against it, it's a HR/legal nightmare. And doctor patient confidentiality is a powerful tool. You don't even have to tell your boss it's a bariatric surgery (sadly, you already did, but no reason to panic, the following still stands). You only need a medical order that says that you need surgery. So... is your boss against something with medical experience ordered? Is your boss actively trying to sabotage your health? My, my... that looks like something that would be frowned upon... to say the least. Go for it, the law is on your side.

FMLA paperwork just holds your job while you are away from work. You will still continue to use your PTO, but if anything were to happen (complications & you needed to be out longer), the FMLA will hold your job for up to 12 weeks I believe. your doctor should be lenient in the days that you will be away from work in the FMLA paperwork so that it protects him/her & you. So for example, my doctor put me out at 6 weeks when I am only taking 3. Your job should give you a return to work form that your doctor/office can fill out/sign on your post-op appointments saying it’s medically ok for you to return to work & any restrictions you may have ( light duty, more breaks etc). With the date of return listed FMLA’s can also be adjusted (from what I remember) if your condition changes, meaning if you get complications fr surgery & you’re dealing with another issue and need to be out longer, but only the date(s) will change on the FMLA paperwork, not the 12 week period in which they will hold your job. I believe you’re only allowed one use of FMLA a year but the time can be divided; for instance, if you take June-July off and then November of the same year. I would make sure you run everything by your HR Director and get your companies policies in your hand and keep a copy for yourself.

I get what you are saying but, this group does teach good nutrition and lifelong skills needed to succeed as well as requiring the 4 week pre op diet. My thinking is that it speaks more about the fact that people that actually follow the pre op diet are more likely to follow the post op diet/instructions. As for having a better outcome when losing weight pre op, the surgery is safer and not as many complications if the patient loses weight pre op. I could be wrong. I will have to take another look at it tomorrow.

I have been working towards surgery since the end of last year and started my appointments in January. I’ve finished my nutrition classes, psych evaluation, gallbladder ultrasound, two rounds of blood work, met with the surgeon, everything I have to do. My surgeon’s office is just waiting to get the approval letter from the psychologist and then they will call me back to schedule my surgery. Realizing I’m getting this close, though, has me suddenly nervous. If I do this, it will change the way I eat and drink for the rest of my life. The finality of it is making me worried. What if something goes wrong? What if I have complications? What if I regret having the surgery? I’m 28, close to my highest weight, and feel like this is a last option for me, but I’m worried that something will go wrong or that I’ll be one of the few that has complications that make me miserable. Has anyone else experienced this? Do you have any advice? Thanks for your help!

I am 2 days before surgery but I have mixed emotions. I am nervous because I worry about complications because I am a VSG to RNY revision. But I am excited because I am one step closer to starting this new journey

I did find that part strange. I would think that the balloon would not be as invasive and therefore would have less complications??? I had heard of band leaks and adjustments, but i haven't heard that about the balloon. I would trust my surgeon- unless you feel like he is trying to sell you something.

Yea my surgeon said he could easily give me the balloon but that based on my struggle with weight loss and body he recommends the sleeve! He said it has less complications.

Howling at the moon would be nothing new for me [emoji23] But so far I’m still excited and not nervous. I’m sure the night before I’ll be panicking out though. At my pre-op testing the nurse told me “make sure you get 8 hours of sleep before your surgery!” I just looked at her. And then we both laughed. I’m just hoping for no complications, no staple line leaks and that I only have to stay the one night as planned. If the WLS gods could throw in only slight nausea, I’ll be pleased as punch! HW: 311 CW: 257 SW: We’ll see on May 10! First goal weight: 191 lbs Second goal weight: 159 lbs Goal weight: 142 lbs 5’6” 34 yo female in NC

Hello there, Yes, my surgery was at Medical City Dallas by Dr. Michael Sutker. The doctors and staff are very efficient. My experience with them was great even though I had complications. If I had to choose again I would still go back to them.

Thanks for the thoughts- my food relationship definitely must change. I'm too young to have the medical complications I do. My wife has been sending me posts and questions about VSG. I think she is starting to play around with the idea it. But I'd never even bring it up as a suggestion. It has to be completely her journey with me walking beside her, never behind pushing. Maybe at this stage I'm looking for reasons to worry.