Bobbi's VSG Journey - lower BMI patient.

[Kiwichick42 2]

After a false start 3 years ago, when I thought i wanted to be banded...but couldn't find a surgeon who was 'pro-banding' in New Zealand - I went it alone for a further 3 years, yo-yo-ing, becoming fit, then getting injured - it was the typical weight roller coaster that I have endured since about the age of 8. I was very sporty as a kid and was even the sports prefect at high school. But alas as the years went on, my activity levels dropped and the weight piled on.

The most success I have had is with low carb diets. I successfully lived low carb for 7 years....and maintained my weight during this time. But it was a struggle every day. The weight I maintained was still in the "overweight' BMI classification.

In early 2015 I had had enough. My weight was affecting my confidence badly and having an impact on how I felt about my self in my work. I was also diagnosed with chronically high blood pressure. Un-medicated it can be as high as 220/110 - freakin scary.....as I had no other symptoms. I was a ticking time bomb for stroke or heart attack. This was the straw that broke the camels back!

My BMI when I had my first surgery consult was 34.5 and in New Zealand you need to be over 40 BMI to get any assistance from health insurers. I was therefore a self pay patient - and had to dip into a big chunk of savings - $20,000. My husband was very supportive and money never became the issue....it was always about my health and happiness.

After several meetings with the surgeon and his psychologist and nutritionist, I got my surgery date. I started the process in Feb 2015 - and was operated on 28th May 2015.

I had an awful day in hospital waiting for surgery. I arrived at 10:00am and was told my surgery was third at roughly midday. For some reason I was bumped to last surgery - and at 7:30pm I was wheeled in. The extra hours of waiting allowed all of my anxiety to build up and I was very tearful. The nurses were amazing, but it didn't help my anxiety.

I spoke to the surgeon and asked him if he really wanted to do the surgery at 7:30pm at night when he had started at 8:00am and his answer was perfect ! He said "I feel great, I promise I would tell you if I did not feel up to doing the surgery. However if you are uncomfortable with the time, then we can postpone it. It's up to you - but I feel great and am happy to do it now". He gave me the decision, which made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I decided to go for it that night!

Back into my room by 9:30ish? Feeling some nausea and horrible gas pains. Was up walking the hallways from about midnight to 1am - this helped ease the gas. Sips of Water were uncomfortable the night of surgery, but I was still on IV fluids, so no chance of dehydration.

Day 1 - Got out of bed unaided, asked if I was allowed to take a shower unaided and they agreed as I was very steady on my feet. Having a shower and dressing in my own clothes felt great. I managed to get in about 1 litre of water (33 oz) - which amazed me. It was still uncomfortable, but if I stood up or sat up really straight, I was able to get it in - reasonably easily. The gas they put into your stomach to test for leaks was still in there and it was a strange feeling as the water went in and displaced the gas. It gurgled sometimes for several minutes after every mouthful of water. On this first day I walked several times for about 10 minutes each time. I had my fitbit and on day one I walked 3.5km (2.2miles) round and round the hospital halls. I felt strangely good. Possibly running on adrenalin?

Day 2, I was allowed pureed apple and yoghurt. I took it very slowly and with tiny bits on my teaspoon. I ate only as much as would fit into an egg cup the first day. I was too scared to push it any further than that. It went down easier than water ! I walked roughly the same as day 1 and spent the day out of bed, drawing, reading etc.

Day 3 - home by 10:00am. I had pre-prepared Soups which I had frozen into iceblocks, I also had pureed fruit and yoghurt, which was great. Prior to surgery I had also downloaded an app to time the 30 minutes between eating/drinking....and another app to monitor my water intake. I found these invaluable. Day 3 got 2 litres of water in and 3 very tiny meals.

Day 4 -7 tried my first Protein shakes....this is when it went downhill. Since the operation my body will not tolerate Protein Shakes made from whey. I get diarrhea within 60 minutes of taking them....which is a shame as it is such a good way to get in protein. Am trialling a range of other alternatives. Still trying to find one that I like. Pea protein is disgusting - but my stomach is okay with it. Going to try Egg White Protein powder. With the diarrhea and only 3 tiny meals per day, I was feeling very weak and tired. I slept a lot more. I was active at home, but not out walking.

Day 8 + Have been having very soft scrambled egg. Can get in ONE egg. So have been having one or two eggs every day. Have also had slow cooker meat meals, which I have blended to puree. Find that meat meals that I puree, I can only get a small amount in. Probably the size of a 1.5 egg cups.

I am typing this on day 12 - and am pretty much back to normal. I have already had one week of work and am off again this week - and I feel a bit of a fraud? Even my husband and kids have said that they thought it was going to be a lot more difficult. I eat with them, I carry a water bottle everywhere....and we have been out to the movies, markets, shopping etc. It's kind of like the surgeon just cut 5 holes in my stomach and didn't do the surgery? He uses a small bougie size too - and yet I can now swallow big gulps of water. I am worried at how easy this has been so far. I have 2 friends who have had VSG - one is 5 years out the other is 6 months out. Both can't believe how easy this has been for me. Maybe I am in for a big fall?

One thing I did pre-surgery I think has had a massive effect on my recovery is Meditation. I did a Transcendental Meditation course...the meditation that all the celebs rave about. I knew I had to find a new coping mechanism as food and Wine has always been my go-to when I feel any sort of emotion. Happy, Sad, Angry, Stressed - all leads to food and wine. So taking control of this before my surgery I think has been my saving grace. I now meditate 2x per day for 20 mins each time. One of the nurses even said to me that people who meditate recover more quickly. I don't know....but maybe that's why things have been easier for me? I have certainly noticed a massive difference in my moods and relationships with others. I am calmer under pressure and my kids say I am nicer to be around haha.

I lost 7kg (15.4 lb) during the 3 week pre-op diet, to shrink my liver.

Since surgery I had lost a further 4.5kg (10lb) by day 10.

So - 11.5 kg (25.4) pounds since starting pre-op diet - which I am really happy with.

20kg (44lb) to goal.

Bobbi (Kiwichick42)

[Shustar 395]

Thanks Bobbie. I am about your BMI ( starting). I get my sleeve tomorrow. Our stories are remarkably alike. I look forward to getting to know you and watch your progress.

[Kiwichick42 2]

Second week has been great. I'm still getting in 2 - 3 liters of Water per day and I now have a very clear sensation of fullness after eating, which I didn't have in week 1.

Met my surgeon this week and he is very pleased with my progress, but wants me to get in more Protein. Started having a small tin of tuna, Salmon or chicken for lunch. Scrambled egg and yoghurt with puréed fruit is also good. Been having soft meat casserole dishes for dinner. An average day of food is

Breakfast - either an egg or Protein shake.

lunch - tin of fish or chicken.

dinner - soft meat casserole - about the size of 3 egg cups full.

If I have a snack it's generally 2 tablespoons of greek yoghurt and a bit of banana.

Been having severe cravings for sweet things.

Energy levels pretty good.

Back to work next week.

Bobbi.

[Kiwichick42 2]

Thanks Bobbie. I am about your BMI ( starting). I get my sleeve tomorrow. Our stories are remarkably alike. I look forward to getting to know you and watch your progress.

How did your op go? Hope you are feeling good and making progress. The first couple of days are the worst - it gets better from then on. All the best. I look forward to your updates.

Bobbi. :-)

[RNYGal 47]

Hi Bobbi! My journey has been very similar to yours. I had surgery on May 27,2015 and I haven't had any issues. I feel wonderful. My first weigh in with my surgeon was 264, day of surgery I was 251 and I'm on post of day 17 and I'm at 238. My only complaint is I've been the same weight for over a week now so I'm just trying to be patient and remind myself that my body is still in shock and healing after surgery. Have you hit a stall yet?

[Shustar 395]

Thanks Bobbie. I am about your BMI ( starting). I get my sleeve tomorrow. Our stories are remarkably alike. I look forward to getting to know you and watch your progress.

How did your op go? Hope you are feeling good and making progress. The first couple of days are the worst - it gets better from then on. All the best. I look forward to your updates.

Bobbi. :-)

Thanks Bobbi! My surgery was Monday and went very smoothly. I had it done in Mexico and would never consider having it done anywhere else if I had to do it again! I feel remarkably well. I drove 6 hours to get home to Arizona yesterday with no problems. I have been able to get the fluids as well as the Protein in with no problems. My only concern is that when I stepped on the scale this morning I was the exact same weight I was before I left last Sunday. I am feeling pretty bummed about that. thanks so much for asking!