If there's one thing you think pre-surgery members should know...

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

Whether you are paying for your surgery out of pocket in Mexico or going through insurance hoops, prepare beforehand. Find out about the surgeon, what he or she requires for surgery, and be able to ask questions. Also, don't leave the insurance handling to the people at the clinic be an active participant in getting your surgery covered. I think that is really important.

Thanks. I have a habit of letting the doctors do the insurance work, but it is a good idea for me to get involved, too.

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

I felt I was prepared prior to surgery but did I really know how much this would change my life?

Wish I would have learned to eat more slowly, drinks separate from meals prior to surgery

Wish I would have realized how special my surgeon was and asked more questions about post op care.

I have no regrets, wish I would I would had the sleeve surgery earlier.

I hear you about the drinking/eating together issue. I find myself automatically getting something to drink with my meal and am really going to have to stop that now and get prepared. Thanks.

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

Here's mine:

Try not to get too complacent with the fact that initially, the sleeve really does do the work for you, through pure and simple restriction. You couldn't not lose weight if you wanted to. Even when you get to solids, you're still so tight and restricted that you can have a little treat here and there and not have it affect your weight loss, so it's way too easy to not work hard enough on your eating habits.

But here's what can happen: You get a few months out, and not only does your weight loss slow down naturally as you get closer to goal, but pretty much all the swelling's gone down inside, and you can eat a lot more. Suddenly the freedom to eat like you're in maintenance instead of the losing phase isn't there, and trust me, it is SO HARD to get both the body and especially the mind back where it should be to get the pounds off.

So, my advice is that no matter how great the weight loss is going, no matter how easily the pounds fall off initially eating "normally," remember that it WILL NOT LAST that way and stay on track until you hit goal... don't count on the sleeve to do the work for you, just know that it enables you to actually DO the work yourself for the first time ever, and that you WILL have to do it yourself.

Thanks for your insight. I found a book a lot of people suggested ("Emotional First Aid for Bariatric Surgery") and just finished it and it really made me realize how much my issue with my weight is in my head and I know my issues with food will be a lifelong struggle, but hopefully one I will be able to manage along with the surgery. surgery+ lifelong dietary changes + exercise = success!

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

I agree with Stacy- that would be the most important! I also think immediatley post-op take the SIP-WALK-REST approach seriously. Walking really helps you feel better! Good luck with your surgery!

Thanks! Walking has been a big problem for me with having all of the extra weight and plantars fasciitis, so I'm looking forward to being able to walk comfortably again!

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

My advise is eat your Protein 1st, then some green veg and then you will be full and you will lose weight. I cut out carbs for my weight loss phase and that worked brilliantly.

I'm actually going to buy a placemat and write the things I need to remember on it (protein first, chew chew chew, etc). and hope that will help. In 3 weeks I start a 10 day liquid diet pre-op and know that will be one HUGE hurdle to clear, but I have to remember it's to make the surgery easier. Thanks!

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

Pretty much the first month sucks, and if you happen to one of the few that it doesn't suck, CHERISH it.

Sip, walk, repeat is a motto to live by. Your body needs to recover. This is MAJOR surgery, you are opting to remove 85% of your stomach, it's not just a gallbladder or appendix surgery.

Do NOT think for one minute that the sleeve is responsible for your success 100%. You have to diligently work on your relationship with food, find other coping mechanisms if you use food to soothe your emotions or fill some other void.

Getting skinny, petite, average sized does NOT and will NOT make your life immediately perfect. If you have your self-worth tied to your pant size, sadly being skinny doesn't automatically mean you're gonna love yourself. You might be like me, hate your increased wrinkles on your face, or your deflated boobs. But, I never thought any less of myself at 270lbs than I do at 125lbs. I love myself more than anyone else every could ! ! !

The mental aspect of this journey is one that has many ups and downs. Throw in several physical changes, lifestyle changes, and above all a level of compliance that is required for lifetime success.

Stalls happen. Water weight sucks, and we surely didn't get fat overnight, so stop expecting to get skinny overnight.

I'm defintely going to try to come up with lots of positive thoughts and long term goals to think of for the 1st month (and thereafter). And, like you, I know I'm going to have some post surgery body issues (loose skin, kangaroo pouch minus the baby kangaroo, droopy boobs). So I'm preparing for the excitement of losing the weight, but the reality that the body I'm left probably isn't going to be what I had expected...but the benefits of losing the weight will way outweigh the physical issues. :-)

SeattleSue · July 25, 2011

I hardly have any experience yet, but so far...being 2 1/2 weeks post-op my advice is this:

Find a Protein shake(s) that you can live with because you are going to become best friends. This is your go-to staple for some time and don't be afraid to experiment with adding flavors, etc. It is a fundamental thing that there is NO getting around. You must have Protein.< /p>

NewPath4Me · July 25, 2011

Having the support of your friends or family are very important. If you have the support, it will help you with this life changing experience and make it much easier. My wife has started eating much better and is losing weight with me, it makes it much easier when everyone in the family is eating healthy. I think a big sign for me is know when you are full and stop eating. Your newly sleeved stomach will let you know when you are full. Eat Protein first and you will do fine. I am so glad I had this surgery, I just wish I would have had it a long time ago.

I haven't told my entire family yet (parents know and are supportive), partly because I don't want to be judged, but I'm going to have to bite the bullet and just matter of factly tell them. Some family members may see my surgery as "the easy way out" but as everyone on this site knows, that couldn't be farther from the truth as there's nothing easy about it. I'm amazed at the committment I see on this site and am encouraged.

I also have to learn what it feels like to be "full". I know perfectly well what "overstuffed" feels like and manage to breeze right past full. Being overstuffed with the sleeve is not going to work, so I'm going to try to do the recommended 20-30 minute meal time to let the full response kick in. Glad your surgery went well!

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

Protein, Protein, protein. Fluids. Exercise even if it is walking. I'm a little over 12 weeks out. I'm lifting weights now. It feels wonderful. I have eliminated certain carbs from my diet. I do eat watermelon, lettuce and a little Tomato. I haven't had bread, potatoes or Pasta since before my surgery. And I don't miss or crave them. I also don't miss sodas either. It's been almost a year since I had a mtn. Dew or pepsi. I think giving up all of those has made my transition a lot easier than if I didn't give any of those up. I don't regret having the sleeve done at all.

Deb

Thanks, Deb. Where do you get your Proteins from? I know initially we have to drink a lot of Protein drinks, but what foods do you eat for the protein?

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

My piece of advice is to join and actively participate in a support group - whether in person or on-line. I didn't realize how important this step was and didn't start attending my clinic-sponsored support group until after my surgery and recovery. I now know that my group would have been a great source of information and inspiration!

Thanks, Marie. I'm thankful this site is here so we can all talk about our expectations, concerns, successes, temporary set backs (not failures). Even though I'm pretty alone in my day-to-day life, I'm glad I have a great group of supportive people online.

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

Hi and welcome to you and all newbies. . . well you certainly come to the right place for advice and hints and such. . . I've noticed lots of advice and that is good. . so I won't say to much other then do your research. Be sure this is what you really want. Remember that this surgery is permanent there is no going back once you have it. . .it's not a cure all either, you still have to work at it and I mean work at it. . . your body does great in the beginning but then slows right down and you don't lose fast at all anymore, then you have to kick in and increase the exercise, follow your diet plan, etc. . . it's tough, it's not a easy ride like a lot of people think. . . . good luck with the decisions you make. . .

Thanks for the well wishes. The only thing I really seem to struggle with at times is that there is really no long-term data on this surgery. Will any issues pop up in 20+ years or when I'm elderly that we didn't think of? It's good to see that a lot of improvements have been made with bariatric surgery since it first came out and that education/research and active participation/compliance on the part of the patient has really been emphasized because bariatric surgery is definitely not a magic pill.

Adri · July 26, 2011

My own personal insight: Your stomach is a stranger to you after surgery. It acts different, works different and is a brand new sleeve now. I get why no one on the boards ever calls it a stomach, it is now a sleeve. Every new food is just that a new food and my point is that after surgery, there are continuous new challenges to face. Get the Water in, get the Protein in, get the supplements in, get the exercise in. Many foods taste funny at first, many things you loved before do nothing for you now. This journey of firsts and can be unsettling if you are like me and like routine. I am on solid foods now in week 8 and am still finding new foods and how I react to them. Remember, you're in it for the long haul. This is no quick fix. But it is totally worth it, I am now at a weight that I have not seen in 30 YEARS...to me that is miraculous!

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

I think the one thing I would want pre-surgery sleevers to know is that THIS WORKS!

You need to do your homework - make sure you understand the surgery and what it will and will not do. Find the right doctor -- one that has lots of experience with VSGs and make sure you are comfortable with him and his staff. You don't have to love him or his bedside manner (I find that most surgeons don't have a lot of it), but you do need to trust him and have faith in him (or her!). Remember, you are looking for a skilled professional, not a friend. You also need to follow the instructions you are given by your surgeon and the nutritionist. If you do that, I think it is difficult NOT to be successful with this procedure (at least in my experience).

Here I am -- 11 months out today - and my life and body has changed in the following ways:

Weight: 300 pounds to 179.2 pounds (as of this morning)

Suit Size: 54 to 42

Pants: 44 to 34

Sport Shirt: XXL to L or M

Dress Shirt: 19 neck to 16 1/2 or 16

sleep Apnea: Gone

High Cholesterol: Gone

High Blood Pressure: Under control with decrease in meds.

I struggled with my weight each and every day for about 25 years and this surgery has allowed me to lose weight in a way that was never before possible. It has, without question, been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and my three children. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Good luck to each of you.

Brian

Quite an inspiration! Thanks, and congrats on your success!!!

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

My own personal insight: Your stomach is a stranger to you after surgery. It acts different, works different and is a brand new sleeve now. I get why no one on the boards ever calls it a stomach, it is now a sleeve. Every new food is just that a new food and my point is that after surgery, there are continuous new challenges to face. Get the Water in, get the Protein in, get the supplements in, get the exercise in. Many foods taste funny at first, many things you loved before do nothing for you now. This journey of firsts and can be unsettling if you are like me and like routine. I am on solid foods now in week 8 and am still finding new foods and how I react to them. Remember, you're in it for the long haul. This is no quick fix. But it is totally worth it, I am now at a weight that I have not seen in 30 YEARS...to me that is miraculous!

Thanks Adri. I had heard foods you used to love no longer taste good, so that will be really interesting for me. I, too, am a routine person, so it'll be interesting to see your success that I can try to incorporate. :rolleyes:

NewPath4Me · July 26, 2011

Hi. I'm new to this site and haven't had the sleeve performed yet, but joined because I want to learn as much as I can about what to expect, understanding that everyone is different, as are their experiences. So, if there is one thing you think I should know about gastric sleeve surgery, good or bad, pre or post op, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for your time.

7/25/11: I apologize for it taking so long for me to reply to your posts. I didn't know how to navigate this site completely and didn't realize there were any replies until today. Thanks for all of your input and support and a great big CONGRATULATIONS on all of your successes! My tentative (awaiting insurance approval) surgery date is 8/26 and I'll definitely be glued to this site until then.

:unsure: :rolleyes: (my range of emotions lately)