Late June/Early July surgery date

[Frostie1975 11]

Good morning folks,

This is my first time posting and right now, I only have some minor questions (I believe). I am in month 3 of my physician monitored 6-month ordeal (waiting period). I'm getting all my tests and procedures wrapped up WAY ahead of time so that there is nothing pending and everything can get sent to the insurance after my 6-month appointment. I am a little nervous about whether I will be approved or not but my surgeon says I am a prime candidate for the Gastric Bypass because I have Diabetes Type 2, Gastroparesis, Macular Degeneration, severe neuropathy throughout my body, and I'm overweight.

I am having trouble wrapping my head around the Fluid ounces required per day. So, as an example, post-surgery I can have Protein Shakes and if I had a Protein Shake today, I would drink around 8-9 ounces and be done. My dietician said I can sip my Protein shake over a course of two hours and be ok. Butttttt, my question is, how many ounces am I drinking over that course of two hours? The full 8-9 ounces as usual or less? I know this is probably confusing the way I am presenting it. I understand the whole "sipping an ounce every 10 minutes" thing but does that go for protein shakes as well?

My other question is, when I'm in the gym working out now, if I'm hot or need a drink, I can easily chug some Water. Post-surgery, how will I do that? I mean, obviously I can't chug a full bottle of water. Just wondering what is safe.....

I am sure I will have more questions along this journey of mine, but these are the ones that are nagging me constantly. I appreciate all of you folks here who have been through this ordeal, and are preparing to go through it. I don't know anyone in my personal life that has had the procedure so I am hoping to make some friends here who I can nag all the time...lol! Just kidding....

Thanks y'all!

[frust8 963]

Welcome Frostie. It is slways nice to meet new friends on here..

Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

[James Marusek 5,244]

During the first couple weeks right after surgery, some people can find it difficult to meet their daily Fluid requirement. That is because their body is in a major heal mode. I think that is where "sipping an ounce every 10 minutes" thing came from. It is important to drink enough fluids after surgery so that you do not become dehydrated otherwise a slew of problems can develop.

It is common for your taste buds to change after surgery. Be willing to experiment. After surgery, my taste buds changed dramatically. Even Water changed. In the hospital it tasted excessively chlorinated and I could not drink it. So I experimented. sugar free popsicles became my best friend. Some individuals find hot or cold can help with fluids. For me, I found that I could tolerate flavored water. So I began using Crystal Light. I also found a new drink Bai which I liked cold. In the winter, I found that I tolerate Hot Drinks such as piping hot cocoa. But you have to use the "No Sugar Added" variety. Also fine English teas were very good.

The fluid requirement is met by a combination. It is not only the water that you drink each day. But also the water you drink when you take your Vitamins and medicine. It is the milk you drink. It is the fluids content of the Protein Shakes. It is the water component of the Soups you take. It is met by flavored water such as Crystal Light. It is met by sugar free popsicles. It is met by tea and Decaf coffee. It is a combination of all the fluids that you consume during the day.

My other question is, when I'm in the gym working out now, if I'm hot or need a drink, I can easily chug some Water. Post-surgery, how will I do that? It is not a good idea to chug water after surgery. After surgery your stomach will be significantly smaller. Chugging water or any drink will trap air in your smaller stomach and can cause you discomfort (gas pain). Just take a few extra minutes and drink slowly.

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.

2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.

3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

[TX4everLinds 115]

Hey frostie! I’m hoping for June/July surgery as well!

[Frostie1975 11]

Awesome! The only thing I have to have done still is this sleep Study the surgeon ordered. I have no idea why he ordered it because I have no symptoms of sleep apnea. My last physician appointment is the first week of June. Then they will transmit everything to Utilization Review specialist at the insurance. I've been in touch with THAT individual often as well. They will be glad to see me stop bother them I'm sure.

[Sunlovercmarie 0]

I am currently in the 6 month supervised as well ... Done in May and hoping for June sleeve. Time seems to be going SO slowly, but I am using it to really wrap my head around making permanent changes. Good luck with the rest of your appointments!

[Kay07 734]

@James Marusek super informative post! Thank you!

[Frostie1975 11]

@Sunlovercmarie, at first I was annoyed about the 6-month physician monitored weight loss, but now i am glad I have to do it. It gives me ample time to really reflect on things and make sure this is what's right for me. Of course, the new diet is not a big deal for me. I don't eat as it is. This surgery, for me, is to help with the diabetes and to get rid of the gastroparesis. I don't digest the food I DO eat lol. Anywho, it's a huge change all around. I'm ready for the challenge. Good luck with your surgery!