Surgery on 16 February 2015 - getting scared

[Sophieteel 8]

Hi I have been thinking about gastric sleeve for a couple of years and in 15 days it will be a reality. I am getting nervious and think about it constantly. I have a really good supportive family and friends and have 3 friends at work who have had this procedure and are doing very well - they are my mentors. Even with all of this I am a bit scared. I am worried about the pain as I believe I have a low pain tolerance. How long are most of you in hospital and how long before you go back to work if you work. I work in an office so no lifting etc. I start the pre preparation tomorrow with the Optifast and vegetables - last week was my birthday and my sister gave me a present of High Tea with her not knowing that I had two weeks preparation. I did not know what to say. So I cannot do that. But otherwise I try to keep thinking positively. I have a gym membership and have a personal trainer - how soon can I get back to the gym?

Do you keep a journal of what you eat. I thank you all for your answers. I admire you all for your journey you have taken.

Cheers

[abutterfly15 3]

I get mine 2/17!!!! Where are u going

[minniegirl 258]

I cant answer any of your questions but I wanted to tell you I wish you the best of luck, easy recovery and joy in your new tiny tummy!! Mine is 2/24 and I cant push away the fears even though everyone who has had this says almost all good things, they says "its hard at first but it will quickly be the best decision you have ever made". I really have faith that this will be true but I think until I am on the other side of it I am just going to be scared. This is ok.

[Sophieteel 8]

Thank you Minniegirl - I think we have similar feelings. I read your earlier post. Good luck - lets try and catch up on the other side of the operation. I am having the operation in Canberra, in Australia. My weight etc is incorrect on my profile as I am actually 129kgs which is 284 pounds. I have to try and get that fixed.

Cheers

[Matida 5]

Good Luck!!!???? I have mine the same day and my emotions are similar to yours.

[Newlife@55 31]

@@minniegirl - my feelings are pretty much the same as yours too! Very nervous! I'm a nurse and know the good, the bad and the ugly of surgeries, hospitals etc..... I honestly think that it's a "loss of control" issue for me, lol! I just know that I have a good surgeon, and I believe God will take care of everything! Just want to get past it and move on with my new life.....because it's going to be awesome! Stay in touch, my surgery is the day after yours (25th)!!

[minniegirl 258]

Yes sophieteel and newlife LETS DO keep in touch, please send me a message anytime, I will always love to chat, vent and support

[JenStaes 3]

I just had surgery on Friday, 2/6, I was only in the hospital 1 night and came home yesterday. I feel pretty good just a lot of abdominal soreness. Feels like I visited the trainer from bell and did a bazillion sit ups and then some more. Getting used to taking sips of liquid instead of gulps is challenging but I am sure I will get used to it. The worst part for me was the leak test they do and you have to drink this barium dye stuff so they can see if there are any leaks in the sleeve. I had nausea and didn't throw up....until the leak test. ???? good luck!! I am sure you will do great!! ????

[minniegirl 258]

^{Oh Jen that leak test sounds awful. How much did you have to drink?? Glad you are home & doing well!}

[Grrrrrrr really? 20]

@Sophieteel We are scheduled for the same day!! Im so excited. I work in a hospital so I know that some feel pretty rough for a couple of days but on the flip side, some do not! The leak test can be nauseating so I hear. We are all so different in how we respond to things! I refuse to borrow trouble, so to speak! I am determined to stay positive. I have prayed and consulted, pondered and thought myself silly preparing for this day. I know God will be with me giving me the strength to get through what ever comes my way! I will be thinking of and praying for you, Matida , abutterfly15 and minniegirl & Newlife@55 too!

@JenStaes So glad you are doing well!!

As far as exercise I would totally let your surgeon determine when and how to resume as we all recover and heal at a different rate. For the food logging, it has been mandatory for me from day one to document everything I eat & drink, as well as what exercises I do and for how long. I have had to print them off and take them with me to every appointment. This applies to my Pre-Op diet as well. I have to take them to my Pre Surg visit this Wednesday! I am using My Fitness Pal to log everything. It is very user friendly and also has a social community with groups. I have connected with the Bariatric groups on there also. There are a LOT of Bariatric patients using this app.

If any of you would like to add me as a friend please feel free! I would be nice to keep in touch with all of us being Sleeved so close together!

Take Care ladies We can do this!!

[Matida 5]

@ we can do this thanks for the support and encouragement ????

[JenStaes 3]

@@minniegirl you don't have to drink a lot of the stuff for the leak test, maybe equivalent to 2 shots...but everything besides that was fine. I came home on Saturday (1 night in the hospital) and have been doing well. My stomach is still a little sore but it's getting better each day. Have to remember not to try and do too much to soon because I can definitely feel it!

[kelliep 6]

Hi all,

My surgery date is feb 19, and so so so nervous

Staying positive that all will go well!

Best wishes to you all, good vibes and prayers x

[Sophieteel 8]

I have five more sleeps and I just cannot look at another optislim meal or vegetable. Tonight I lost it - just drinking Water and chewing gum. My husband is such a wonderful support - took me for a walk to try to help me. He will do anything to help me. I am more positive now about the op after reading all your story's and preparations. I know have a fantastic surgeon and spoke with the nurses from the ward and anaesthetic team today and they are so supportive. I know we will all do well. Any suggestions to get over this dislike of vegetables and Optislim at this time. I am normally a lover of veggies but to eat them morning noon and night!!!

Thank you all to Minnigirl, Matida, Newlife@55, and LLB2015 and everyone else that has written. We are a strong team and need to forge forward.

Maureen

[Doll64 6]

My surgery is 2/26 and I am beginning to wonder if there is something wrong with me. I keep reading about everyone being scared but I don't feel that I just feel ready and relief that I am doing it. I have spent 30 years going up and down that I just need to stop the cycle. Good luck to all of you.