Thinking Of Having The Sleeve Done , But Im Scared Any Words Of Wisdom ?

[Lioness813 52]

Loved reading everyone's story! Thank you SO much for sharing! Getting sleeved in Dec...can't wait to start this exciting journey!!!

[luv2plumb 315]

I feel your pain , I bet your going to be one of these great story's about how it wasn't as bad as we all thought. Good luck

[Susysleever 265]

Looking forward to ex husband seeing what he doesnt have any more.

[newlife281013 98]

Ok wisdom, I have none the grey hair is a rouse that's why I dye it. Hahaha. I am nearly 5 weeks out and happy to give an honest recap. Remember everyone is different and I believe how you prepare is as important as what you are doing and why. After years of yo yo dieting and always ending up worse off (gaining more than I lost). I researched and talked to my GP for nearly a year. In June 2013 I finally had my appointment with my surgeon. I knew in my head what I needed to do. I had severe back pain with spinal issues after an accident, very high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnoea, and was just diagnosed with a sugar problem and just generally miserable.

I have a high pressure job and a life to live that was going to be cut short. I lost both my parents young and wanted to be around for my son and the possibilities of grandchildren. Ok shiet out of the way. I chose the sleeve for several personal reasons I did not want a band inside me and did not want the refills etc. the bypass was too severe for my liking for several reasons, although is a better option for some your clinic surgeon will explain why it might be better for you if necessary. The waiting was probably the hardest part for me but if you set a goal and still live while waiting it is easier. To stop over load I limited the time I spent each week reading and stressing and tried to have days where I didn't go online and thing about it. I had a to do list with dates and a diary wholly for this change in my life, to not let it consume my thoughts. If you are self funding get your applications in early if you need super released or confirm with your health cover what is and what is not covered. In July my surgery was booked for 28th October. I had a 4 week pre op diet (every surgeon is different). I weighed 121 kgs pre op with a goal to loose 10 kgs before (this also aides in reducing the size of a fatty liver which helps your surgeon get to your stomach and your recovery ). Choose your surgeon and clinic carefully, mine has a clinic with psychs, dieticians, and nurses of which you become a life member for any help and follow ups for the future to ensure you get the best from your tool. Also the surgeon Dr George Hopkins was also known for being efficient but gentle (so less brushing and pain). With the preop diet try and train yourself to eat slower with small bites that you chew well and wait between swallowing and the next bite (this will really help once the surgery is done as eating a pizza in 10 mins because you have little time before the next meeting and you won't eat till after a long night of overtime will no longer be possible). Try and change this silly life issue because eating well and slowly is just as important as the next meeting at work remember you want your life to be longer and why you want to do this. I had surgery on the 28th. It went well but hiccup I'm allergic to most pain meds (I vomited for 3 days out due to the anesthetic and the pain meds hooked up in the IV so this slowed me getting up). I gave up the pain meds the first night and just had panadol in the drip. Amazingly the pain was not more than panadol could handle. I am a wooz and don't like needles at all so the heparin shots in my leg (too help with clotting) were the only thing I didn't like and on the second day realised my only brushing was from those and none from surgery. My surgeon has a swallow test ( to ensure no leaks) usually on the morning after due to being sick. I had it in the third day. I went home that same day after the test was clear and I could drink, Water and apple juice and broth and yes once I had passed wind. (All drinks were sipping 20 mls at a time. Walk as much as you can short spurts as it will help with the gas and the moving of the loquats you are drinking. (I had more pain in my back for other reasons and the shiet bed than from surgery). Once home I followed the sipping rules and walked my backyard resting in between. I had 3 weeks off more because of the commute to work 1 and 1/2 hrs each way than the pain this also helped me get passed the liquid only diet before going back and get a routine than pain also just healing. Remember it is major surgery so NO lifting etc and you should not drive a car for at least 3 weeks after major surgery for your safety and others. Each week I have lost a little more and as I say I am 5 weeks out on the Monday coming and I am currently 104kgs feeling great and looking good. I had buyers remorse at 3 days and for a week but with the support of my son and this site each day was a new one and I am now very happy I did it, my sugar is no longer a problem and my blood pressure meds are now half. Energy is a problem for a little while but berrocca helped not the fizzy in water one there are tablets you can get and a blood test will have you NUT (nutritionist/dr/dietician) advise any vitiatmins you need. Everyone is different but I have experimented with foods as different textures are easier to eat. Suggestions buy a blender/ dish or stick to smash the food or blend for Soup etc. slow cooked meat and fish can be blended down when you are ready for it and great source of Protein. Find a shake you like nothing worse than throwing out a 5kg dish of crap shake and do drink WATER. Dehydration is your enemy, remember you will no longer be able to make up your water needs by chugging down a whole bottle in one go so sip constantly to ensure you get you water needs start this now. Good luck I know this is long winded but hope it helps. Everyone here is only to happy to support and answer questions no matter how silly you think they are, ease your mind and ask. Oh and don't take to much creed in the friendspert (the friend that never had it done, isn't a doctor but read a horror story and now knows everything). There is risk in any surgery be aware, you can make an informed decision with a good surgeon).

[Abigal 13]

I have had a terrible pain in the left side of my abdomen. Was told they suture in muscle. Somedays are terrible. Sounds like most others gave not had it

[tiffanylovesthebeach 6]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement! I am scheduled for 12/10 and am that CRAZY person who is consumed by the one-in-a-million negative outcome possibility. Hearing everyone's positive stories really helps to move me along. I have been comtemplating WLS for 3 years or more and have backed out once. I guess it is now or never...

[Seela 1,187]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement! I am scheduled for 12/10 and am that CRAZY person who is consumed by the one-in-a-million negative outcome possibility. Hearing everyone's positive stories really helps to move me along. I have been comtemplating WLS for 3 years or more and have backed out once. I guess it is now or never...

Once you do it you'll be kicking yourself that you didn't do it earlier!

[Abigal 13]

It's okay to have expectations but try not to compare your progress to others. Work your program and trust

[Coachdk 72]

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement! I am scheduled for 12/10 and am that CRAZY person who is consumed by the one-in-a-million negative outcome possibility. Hearing everyone's positive stories really helps to move me along. I have been comtemplating WLS for 3 years or more and have backed out once. I guess it is now or never...

I have been considering it at least four years...maybe more! My date is the 10th, too. Hooray, us!!!

[Only1likeme 69]

Laura

I've been stalking the boards for awhile now.. And I read many of your posts and advice to fellow sleevers. I really to appreciate all words of wisdom from you.. I'm on day 3 if my liquid diet.. Getting sleeved 11/25..

Thanks!

How are you spicy 3

[No game 14,437]

How are you spicy 3

Yes update!!

[Ms_Dee 4]

I had surgery on 11/13. I'm 5'2" - Highest Weight: 240lbs, Surgery Weight 227lbs, Current Weight 210lbs.

The surgery went well but I felt horrible in the hospital. Once I got home, everything progressed very well. What really messed me up was the liquid you have to drink to do the x-ray to check for leaks the morning after surgery. It was disgusting!! And it made me so sick I couldn't eat or drink anything the rest of the day - that's why I had to stay in the hospital for 2 days rather than 1. They won't let you go home unless you are eating and drinking.

I was sore when I got home but every day I got better and stronger. I took the pain meds for a few days because I'm a baby but I didn't take any after the first week. I was out of work for 2 weeks and that was plenty of time - I have a desk job. Just remember: no lifting or bending until your doctor says its OK and DRINK CONSTANTLY!! I have such a hard time getting all the Water I should in a day. It's frustrating not to be able to chug it down like I used to. But I don't regret the surgery at all!! I mean, losing 30lbs in a month!! I've never done that before!

[Arts137 1,811]

Great thread, friends!!! Thanks for the personal stories!!

[familyguy 147]

I was sleeved on Nov 25 putting me at 10 days out. Surgery was smooth. Definitely some pain in the hospital but meds helped a lot. Day 2 I was home. Day three I started walking on the treadmill and was off the narcotics. Day 5 I was off Tylenol because all pain was gone. Back to work day 7 with no problems. The only thing that reminds me that I had surgery is when it comes time to eat -- really the quantity I can consume before feeling very full is laughably small -- but that's the idea right? I started the pre opp diet at 258, day before surgery I was 246 and 10 days later I'm 232. No hunger whatsoever, but it's really strange not eating anything.

[M2G 1,836]

I was sleeved on Nov 25 putting me at 10 days out. Surgery was smooth. Definitely some pain in the hospital but meds helped a lot. Day 2 I was home. Day three I started walking on the treadmill and was off the narcotics. Day 5 I was off Tylenol because all pain was gone. Back to work day 7 with no problems. The only thing that reminds me that I had surgery is when it comes time to eat -- really the quantity I can consume before feeling very full is laughably small -- but that's the idea right? I started the pre opp diet at 258, day before surgery I was 246 and 10 days later I'm 232. No hunger whatsoever, but it's really strange not eating anything.

You will totally get used to not eating much, and after about 6-9 months your sleeve will relax (ie swelling will go down) and you will be able to consume more. I'm 3+ years post-op and usually my meals consist of 3-4 oz of Protein and 1-2 ounces of other (veggie, whole grains, fruit, etc.) Congrats on your sleeve, sounds like you are feeling great!