Newbie Here :)

[nyxn 19]

Hi everyone! I'm Nyxn and this is my first time here. I have been through a weight and lifestyle management for the past two years and my bariatric surgery has been scheduled for April 20th. I'm currently 320 lbs and have been overweight most of my life. I had hoped to manage my weight through diet and exercise, but it has been a huge struggle, so I've decided gastric surgery is the best option for me and have chosen to have the laparoscopic sleeve done. Has anyone gone through the surgery recently?

I'm now on Day 3 of a three week liquid diet and am seriously craving everything, so any tips you can share to stop the madness would be appreciated!

[Summer Rain 245]

I just want to say Welcome! There are a lot of good people on here with really great advice Good luck with your surgery!

[nyxn 19]

Thank you! I'm seriously scared about my upcoming surgery (no previous hospital stays/surgeries, etc.), but I'm hopeful of the end result . Glad I found this place and all the support I've been reading on here!

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

Welcome to your new life! The journey appears to have started for you already, so here we go! sugar-free popsicles! Lots of them (my favorite brand is actually the Popsicle brand), it gives you the crunch and chew you will want. Check out the search feature in the upper right hand corner for topics that interest you. Since you have not had surgery before this, it is probably a little scary, but it really isn't if you read up on the procedure, and fill your head with the facts, and not hear-say. I've had 22 surgeries to date, and the sleeve was the least painful and easiest to recover from. Trust me, that says ALOT!

There will be lots of challenges ahead, so it's best to prepare for them now, like getting your shopping done (all the different foods you will be allowed at the different stages, any Vitamins in the liquid/dissolvable/chewable forms, any and all comforts you might need (heating pad, comfy pj's, extra pillows to prop you up, teddy bear...), just ask your surgical team for possible necessities they suggest.

Get a couple of books on the subject, there are a few on Amazon.com. Information is power, and if you are informed, there is little that will get by you! You should do fine! Oh, and maybe get some Nioxin Shampoo for the potential hair loss that may come your way in a couple of months. The Biotin Vitamin just won't grow the hair back, but it will make what you have look great!

Research the Protein shakes/powders you will need to have, so you can choose the ones you like that will have the most Protein per drink. I like GENEPRO for the fact it is a small scoop and 30g per serving. It is unflavored, so you can add it to all kinds of beverages. Also on Amazon. Amazon LOVES me!

Lots to do and lots to look forward to! I wish you the best on your journey, and write if you need anything!

[nyxn 19]

These are great suggestions Canyon! Thank you so much! I am scared about my hair falling out, so the Nioxin suggestion is great. I've started stockpiling Soups (tomato, cream of mushroom, butternut squash), and made a list to get puddings, yogurts, etc., a couple of days before surgery. While I have tons of support from my friends, most/ all of the post-op (preparing meals, etc.) will be on my own so planning in advance is crucial.

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

One thing that saved me was...yes, baby food. Stages 1, 2, and 3. You can add your own seasonings to them, which is essential as they are not seasoned AT ALL! Just an idea, but the baby food prunes really helps things "go smoothly"! The fact that they are in small containers make them ready to go. And when I was finally onto normal foods, the food bank was ecstatic to have the leftover jars! You are so smart to get this done ahead of time!

Make sure and ask about the N-Saids you MAY be able to take (such as liquid Tylenol) for issues that may come up, like arthritis (if you have that). Your Dr. may not allow N-sids, it seems all have different opinions about it. Also ask about taking cold meds when and if the time comes for that, even WAAYYY down the road. Some won't allow it.

I'll try to remember more, then let you know. My old brain forgets easy these days!

[nyxn 19]

One thing that saved me was...yes, baby food. Stages 1, 2, and 3. You can add your own seasonings to them, which is essential as they are not seasoned AT ALL! Just an idea, but the baby food prunes really helps things "go smoothly"! The fact that they are in small containers make them ready to go. And when I was finally onto normal foods, the food bank was ecstatic to have the leftover jars! You are so smart to get this done ahead of time!

Make sure and ask about the N-Saids you MAY be able to take (such as liquid Tylenol) for issues that may come up, like arthritis (if you have that). Your Dr. may not allow N-sids, it seems all have different opinions about it. Also ask about taking cold meds when and if the time comes for that, even WAAYYY down the road. Some won't allow it.

I'll try to remember more, then let you know. My old brain forgets easy these days!

I think I'm going to be asking you a lot of questions over the next few weeks (before and after surgery!). I never thought to buy baby food, but it's such a great idea! Especially the prunes! I'm fine without NSAIDs - I'm not on any and only took Vimovo for a month a couple of years ago when I severely tore the medial meniscus on my left knee. I have my pre-op appointment tomorrow (Monday) with my surgeon and anesthesiologist. I'll ask about taking ibuprofen or Advil for any pain post-op. The clinic where I started this journey two years ago have a team in place that works with me (nurse, dietician, psychologist, exercise specialist), who I can access with questions so I'll certainly ask about the cold medication!

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

I think there is one thing a lot of younger/healthier people don't think about so much is the future. And what I mean by that is how are they going to feel when they are older...is that knee injury going to turn arthritic? How about that back you twisted when you were a cheerleader? Or that shoulder you hurt while playing baseball? If you ask virtually any "older" person about how they feel - physically - NOW, most will tell you about their aches and pains. Pains they didn't have when they were young. And most of them take something for it, whether prescribed, or OTC. This is where it becomes VITAL to ask your surgeon their opinion on N-Saids, because if you can't take them now, you probably won't be able to take them later on in life, either. This can also be said for headaches, migraines..... If this concerns you like it did me, ask BEFORE you have the surgery, so you can prepare. It's why I chose the sleeve over the RNY, my surgeon knows my arthritis situation, and has okayed N-Saids for me. Not all will agree, so ASK! VERY IMPORTANT!!!!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

Ditto what CanyonBaby said. I would like to add that my sleeve was my 13th surgery, and also the easiest and least painful of all. When the nurse gets ready to insert your IV, he/she will probably tell you that you are going to feel a little prick. You can tell the nurse that Miss Mac's ex-husband was a little prick! Then just let them give you a nice nap, and when you wake up, your surgery will be all done.

You will hear on this forum that a lot of people have trouble with "shoulder gas" for a few days after their surgery. That is because our surgeons put CO2 in our abdominal cavity to expand it. That is so that they can see more easily what they are doing with their tools, and helps elimninate accidental nicks to the liver or other organs. At my final pre-op visit with my surgeon, I asked him how he handles pain management and the shoulder gas that I was hearing about. He said that he extracts as much as possible. Guess what? I had ZERO pain from shoulder gas. If you do get gas pains, walking is the best remedy as it helps the gas to rise and dissipate.

Also, I did not have any unusual hair loss, and I don't know why. My regimine was similar to most others: 60-80 grams Protein and 60+ ounces of non-caloric fluids. Biotin supplements were optional. Walgreens had 350 mcg and 10,000 mcg, so I take two of the 10,000 mcg every day, and still do at 15 months.

The liquid diet is most unpleasant, indeed, but it is a rite of passage to find the new you. You will live to tell about it, otherwise, none of us would be here. I wish you good luck and good health.

[katievsg2015 1]

Hi I'm having mine the. 16th! I work in a hospital but have never been a patient, and am very nervous for the surgery!

[nyxn 19]

Ditto what CanyonBaby said. I would like to add that my sleeve was my 13th surgery, and also the easiest and least painful of all. When the nurse gets ready to insert your IV, he/she will probably tell you that you are going to feel a little prick. You can tell the nurse that Miss Mac's ex-husband was a little prick! Then just let them give you a nice nap, and when you wake up, your surgery will be all done.

You will hear on this forum that a lot of people have trouble with "shoulder gas" for a few days after their surgery. That is because our surgeons put CO2 in our abdominal cavity to expand it. That is so that they can see more easily what they are doing with their tools, and helps elimninate accidental nicks to the liver or other organs. At my final pre-op visit with my surgeon, I asked him how he handles pain management and the shoulder gas that I was hearing about. He said that he extracts as much as possible. Guess what? I had ZERO pain from shoulder gas. If you do get gas pains, walking is the best remedy as it helps the gas to rise and dissipate.

Also, I did not have any unusual hair loss, and I don't know why. My regimine was similar to most others: 60-80 grams Protein and 60+ ounces of non-caloric fluids. Biotin supplements were optional. Walgreens had 350 mcg and 10,000 mcg, so I take two of the 10,000 mcg every day, and still do at 15 months.

The liquid diet is most unpleasant, indeed, but it is a rite of passage to find the new you. You will live to tell about it, otherwise, none of us would be here. I wish you good luck and good health.

Hi Canyon and Miss Mac! I had my pre-op today and now sporting a new Bracelet (red hospital band)! I asked about the CO2 when I met my anesthesiologist and he didn't seem at all worried about it. His response was that the gas will naturally leave the body through deep exhales and coughs. Hmm...not entirely convinced. In addition to the anesthesiologist, i had more blood work done (the amount of blood I've had taken from me related to this journey is probably enough to fill a hot tub!), had an EKG done (everything looks fine), and had a chest x-ray. Final step is an appointment with my GP for a full physical, and that's scheduled for Thursday.

I'm worried about Hair loss, so I think I'll check with my dietician about prevention. Maybe get her take on Biotin or alternatives.

Re foods post- op, what's your take on sweet potato pureed for week 2?

[nyxn 19]

Hi I'm having mine the. 16th! I work in a hospital but have never been a patient, and am very nervous for the surgery!

Hi Katie! Congrats on your surgery date! I work in a hospital too, and like you have never been a patient, so this has been a new experience for me. Sitting and watching this introduction to surgery video they made me watch today during my pre-op made me nervous as Hell to the point I think I wanted to start crying, but then I started thinking of all the positives that this surgery will bring me - better health, the ability to shop at regular clothing stores and not just at plus size stores, even just being able to fit in an airline seat comfortably and not have to scrunch my arms close together so the person sitting next to me was comfortable. It's a huge decision, and I'm glad I made it

Mercedes

[CanyonBaby 1,852]

@@nyxn

If you don't mind, please let us know what your NUT says about the hair loss and it's prevention, if there truly is any, ok? As far as sweet potato puree goes, I had them (in baby food form) and I can honestly say it was the best thing to eat, no problems at all. I love them with salt and black pepper. One of my favorite things to eat, period. What was and still is strange is that so many things now taste differently to me, where I used to like them and now don't, or the tummy isn't going to have it so forget it, tongue!!! Butter is one of the things. My tummy just won't have it, and before, I single-handedly would keep butter producers in business! So don't be surprised if your tastes change. Some things for me also taste differently, and I can't figure out why. And these days, all I want is fish and grits. Go figure. I used to hate grits. I have eggs almost everyday, and am constantly buying cheese. I used to never eat cheese. Just wasn't my thing. So strange how it has all changed.

When is your surgery? Keep us informed, we're all pulling for you!

[Miss Mac 6,262]

My taste preferences changed, too. I used to be a tuna salad freak. I still make some up at least once a week, but it just taste fishier than before. However, I can eat salmon patties and filets with no problem. I totally gag on most attempts at bread. The yeast is just overwhelming and smells like a brewery, plus it sits in my little tummy like a wet brick.

Biotin is one of those hot topics that inflame a bariatric civil war. Even though I take a heavy dose of it every day, it may just be that I was genetically lucky and the Biotin is just expensive pee. Who knows? My hair and nails are healthy, so I will keep it up, along with Gelatin several times a week.

[katievsg2015 1]

I apparently don't have a pre op appointment I think it's kind of weird and makes me more nervous!