Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

Tons of questions and concerns come up before and after weight loss surgery. When should I start my pre-op diet? Can I eat this brand of Protein Powder? What happens if I feel nauseous? When can I start lifting weights again?

Some of the questions aren’t urgent, but sometimes you feel like you need an answer ASAP. If you’re wondering whether a particular brand of Protein shake is okay for dinner, you want an answer fast. Same with a medical concern, like low blood pressure or shakiness, since you don’t know if it’s something serious to worry about.

So, who’s on your call list? Whom do you go to when you have urgent questions? Is it your surgeon? Your primary care doctor? A friend who’s had weight loss surgery? BariatricPal? Does your answer change if it’s a weekend versus a weekday?

Where do you go for help and information when you need it?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

ALWAYS Bariatric Pal ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think this goes to doing your homework when choosing a surgeon. I think many of us put a lot of effort into getting the surgery done, but fail to take into account post-op life. Part of choosing my doctor was knowing that they had support 24 hours via phone and via email for none urgent care. I was also fortunate to be discharged with a visiting nurse. This was an unexpected and unplanned but very pleasant surprise.

I use this site more as a support group. For me it's a place to bounce off ideas and suggestions. However for questions I always go back to my medical team and I'm thankful that I have a program that is responsive to questions and concerns no matter how minor they may seem.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I don't really have anyone to get an immediate answer pre op. Google?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My surgeon gives her pager number upon discharge. Nurses are available free for life. I've utilized them and look forward to this benefit in the future.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Alex, I never really felt this "urgency" post sleeve. I was super well prepared by my surgeon, nutritionalist, the booklet they sent home and the months reading this forum. Oh, and the FREAKING YEAR I spent in hell trying to decide if I was ready to have the better part of my stomach removed! I was well prepared.

This probably sounds nuts, but the worst part for me was the band removal which was 3 months prior to the sleeve. I thought it was a no biggie, but I felt wounded. I had this hole where the port had lived for 10 years. I felt sickly, I felt feverish, I felt scared. I felt absolutely huge and somewhat hopeless. I went back and saw a PA at the surgeons office. He checked me over and we both agreed that it was primarily my emotional grieving. I very much appreciated that they took my worries seriously, checked me out and talked it through. I was fine, I just needed to be sad for a little while.

Maybe not everybody needs this, but I credit so much of my success to the support from my surgeon's office.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think this is an important thing to think about and to prepare for.

Fortunately, I didn't have any urgent medical issues, but my Bariatric Program/surgeon's office has a 24 hour phone number to call for post-op questions and issues. For my NUT, she is reachable via phone and email during business hours.

Also, my surgeon's and discharge instructions were very clear about issues that would require an ER visit. He also stressed the importance of keeping him in the loop if I did have an emergency or had to go to the ER.

Frankly, I am really surprised how many people seem to seek medical advise, especially about urgent issues, online. Some people ask questions that I would be on the phone asking my surgeon.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Alisa_S

      Gearing up for my consult 01/14! Starting to get a little nervous.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Goyafigs

      I had VSG 11.20.24 with Miguel Burch, MD Cedars-Sinai and I am 1 month post-op. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • DaisyChainOz

      🥳 Jan 1 2025 - Day 1 of Pre Op, surgery on the 16th! 😬😅
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      Just been waiting until time for my consult with my bariatric surgeon. It's scheduled for Jan 9th. Turns out I won't actually be seeing him. Apparently it'll be with his P.A.             Not sure what to expect. I thought this is where the surgeon would discuss the best surgery option for me. For years I had my heart set on the sleeve, but I've read so many people have issues with reflux - even if they've never had it before - that they've had to be revised to the bypass. I already deal with GERD & take 40 mg of Omeprazole daily, so I started studying about bypass and honestly, it seems like it might be the better choice for me. How can we discuss surgery options if the surgeon is not there?
      What happened at your first consult? Trying to get an idea of what to expect, or maybe I should say, what NOT to expect.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×