February 2024 Surgery Buddies?

[ToucanSam 17]

On 1/6/2024 at 1:19 PM, ToucanSam said:

February 26th for me!

Hooray it's done. Took about 1.5 hours. As mentioned, my surgeon didn't require a pre-op diet other than the day before. Maybe he should have, because I was supposed to have my gall bladder out too... And he couldn't get to it cause my liver was too fat 🤣🤣

Other than that, was up and walking about 3 hours after. Only pain is from over drinking my Water a couple times, no pain really. Everything just feels weird.

Looking forward to getting out of here today! Can't believe it's only one overnight... But I am glad cause I'd get so bored.

Happy to answer question.

[Rae70 13]

After being postponed January 11th, I just recd clearance for February 29th. Suddenly all the things I left for last minute or due. I am so excited.

[NickelChip 1,214]

I spoke with the nurse last night and tomorrow I get to begin the soft Proteins phase, which will be one week post-op. I'm going to the grocery store tonight. I will have to start separating food and liquids, waiting 30 minutes after drinking to eat and then 30-60 minutes after eating to drink. This is going to be a challenge because it takes me forever to drink anything. Part of the problem is I am developing an aversion to my Protein Shakes and anything sweet or artificially flavored. I think it's time to start making use of my unflavored Protein and Greek yogurt to make my own shakes because the commercial stuff is just tasting terrible.

Soft proteins include cottage cheese, string cheese, ricotta, flaky white fish, ground poultry, refried Beans, tuna salad, eggs, yogurt, and tofu.

My eating schedule when I begin soft proteins will be:

Breakfast soft protein

16-20oz Fluid plus a Protein Shake between breakfast and lunch

Lunch soft protein

16-20 oz fluid plus a protein shake between lunch and dinner

Dinner soft protein

16-20 oz fluid plus a protein shake after dinner/before bed

[sarah709 4]

Hi there! I just had my surgery last Monday on February 19th! I am on day 8, and honestly, im starting to feel almost back to normal! Struggling with the fact that I can't eat anything other than Soup and pudding despite being so so hungry.

Everything has been going down really good. I have had no issues getting in Protein. I have 3 Premier Protein shakes a day, which equals to 90g of protein. I just wish I could eat soft foods like mashed potato and eggs. But my nurse practitioner wants me to stay on the liquid diet for another 3 weeks. YEAH RIGHT, hahah im going to be introducing some foods next week I think. I can't wait any longer. I am so hungry!

I hope you have a speedy recovery from surgery! If you need any advice or have any questions, I am always here for you!

[sarah709 4]

Hi there! I just had my surgery last Monday on February 19th! I am on day 8, and honestly, im starting to feel almost back to normal! Struggling with the fact that I can't eat anything other than Soup and pudding despite being so so hungry.

Everything has been going down really good. I have had no issues getting in Protein. I have 3 Premier Protein shakes a day, which equals to 90g of protein. I just wish I could eat soft foods like mashed potato and eggs. But my nurse practitioner wants me to stay on the liquid diet for another 3 weeks. YEAH RIGHT, hahah im going to be introducing some foods next week I think. I can't wait any longer. I am so hungry!

I hope you have a speedy recovery from surgery! If you need any advice or have any questions, I am always here for you!

Heaviest Weight: 376 - April 2023
Weight on day of surgery: 291 - February 2024
Total lbs lost before surgery: 85 lbs
Current weight (1 week after surgery): 280
Total lbs lost since April: 96 lbs

Im so close to meeting my 100 lbs down goal!!

Edited February 27 by sarah709

[Sandee01 8]

It really is amazing to see how all the different doctors approach the pre diet, surgery, out patient vs hospital stay, post diet length of phases, what you can eat, what you can't in each phase. Of course we probably all think / hope that our own doc is doing it right. I'm trying hard to follow my doctor's course, even though when I read where some of you are, it gets difficult.

Had first puree tonight (cheated by starting 12hrs early.. Oh well!) It was really good but really surprising how different your stomach reacts to it. I was definitely full after a few teaspoons as compared to eating pudding. I have a nutribullet, so you really end up making many servings so there's enough volume to puree.

The mental part of the recovery has been awful. Hoping that being on the puree for the next two weeks will start to bring up the mood.

FYI.. My insurance doesn't cover a nutritionist/dietician. Some of my doctor's dietician appts are considered part of the procedure and thus discounted cost. I paid almost nothing for the procedure itself, but not the dietician part. I looked online and found Health Loft. Many insurances cover them, including mine. They advertise as services for eating disorders, but they also have specialists for bariatric. It's virtual. Now I can use a dietician and get some counseling for many more visits as I try to change my life. Even though I've known for decades how I should be eating, I need all the help I can get.

[mlev95 1]

Hi everyone! I’m new here. I started my journey september 25th and had sleeve surgery february 26th. I spent one night at the hospital then came home yesterday because I was feeling good but last night was a struggle. Lots of nausea and dry heaving. The gas pain is pretty bad too but i’ve been walking and taking the gas relief pills. any suggestions for the nausea? How soon did you all start feeling a little back to normal? I know it’s a process, i’m not rushing it, but still trying to find a little hope. My belly hurts a lot today & I think it’s from the dry heaving since it didn’t hurt at all yesterday. I’m going to call my doctor once they open and ask for anti nausea pills.

[RonHall908 130]

17 hours ago, sarah709 said:

Hi there! I just had my surgery last Monday on February 19th! I am on day 8, and honestly, im starting to feel almost back to normal! Struggling with the fact that I can't eat anything other than Soup and pudding despite being so so hungry.

Everything has been going down really good. I have had no issues getting in Protein. I have 3 Premier Protein shakes a day, which equals to 90g of Protein. I just wish I could eat soft foods like mashed potato and eggs. But my nurse practitioner wants me to stay on the liquid diet for another 3 weeks. YEAH RIGHT, hahah im going to be introducing some foods next week I think. I can't wait any longer. I am so hungry!

I hope you have a speedy recovery from surgery! If you need any advice or have any questions, I am always here for you!

Heaviest Weight: 376 - April 2023
Weight on day of surgery: 291 - February 2024
Total lbs lost before surgery: 85 lbs
Current weight (1 week after surgery): 280
Total lbs lost since April: 96 lbs

Im so close to meeting my 100 lbs down goal!!

Try to work through the liquid diet and stay on it as recommended. Getting in 3 Protein Shakes a day is pretty good, you're getting your protein in. I'm 3 weeks out from my surgery. Don't rush the soft foods, from my own experience you won't be able to eat much at all. It seemed like I could get in all the liquid I needed. Once I started soft food, I can barely get 1 measuring cup of food in. So you will need to drink one or two protein shakes a day to get in the protein you need with the food you can eat once you get to soft food phase. You won't be able to eat enough protein to get he recommended amount set by the dietician or whoever is directing you the recommended amount protein you need.

I too lost weight before my surgery 70 lbs. Since my surgery I've only lost 7 lbs. Which is expected because of healing and getting the body back used to taking in soft foods again. You're doing really good, keep it up. Remember, when you do get to eat soft foods, take it slow. I've vomited only a couple times from getting to full. It's definitely different when you can only take a few bites and feel full. Wish you the best!

[RonHall908 130]

3 hours ago, mlev95 said:

Hi everyone! I’m new here. I started my journey september 25th and had sleeve surgery february 26th. I spent one night at the hospital then came home yesterday because I was feeling good but last night was a struggle. Lots of nausea and dry heaving. The gas pain is pretty bad too but i’ve been walking and taking the gas relief pills. any suggestions for the nausea? How soon did you all start feeling a little back to normal? I know it’s a process, i’m not rushing it, but still trying to find a little hope. My belly hurts a lot today & I think it’s from the dry heaving since it didn’t hurt at all yesterday. I’m going to call my doctor once they open and ask for anti nausea pills.

Did the Doctor give you any medication for nausea? They should have. Definitely call them and get those meds.

Edited February 28 by RonHall908

[hgiamalv 1]

I haven't gotten my surgery date yet, but i have been going through the process of all the testing and such for before the surgery. Just wanted to wish all of you good luck and you can do it!

-heather

[NickelChip 1,214]

My homemade Protein Shake was much better this morning than the commercial ones. I did 8oz Fairlife milk, 2 scoops Syntrax Nectar unflavored, and 2Tbsp powdered Peanut Butter. Smooth and easy to drink. A couple drops of vanilla would probably make it even better.

This afternoon, I had 2 Tbsp (1/8 cup) of tuna salad. It took about 25 minutes to eat and was really nice. It's been about an hour and I seem to be tolerating it well. I might do refried Beans with a tiny bit of melted cheddar cheese for dinner.

[Rae70 13]

My surgery was yesterday and Im just waiting for my ride home. I feel good overall, I tire easily and my tummy os sore. Im happy- its going to be an adjustment for sure.

[Bariover54 18]

How’s everyone doing? I’m just about a month out from surgery. I’m about to be cleared to have regular food, but I’m not hungry at all. It’s a struggle to drink and get enough Protein. I absolutely hate the shakes. My sister is coming to visit today, she had the sleeve two weeks ahead of me. She likes flavorless Protein Powder, so I’m going to try that. Otherwise, I see my doctor tomorrow and I’m finally going to weigh myself. I have decided to just weigh in monthly, at the doctors.

[RonHall908 130]

On 2/27/2024 at 7:04 PM, Sandee01 said:

It really is amazing to see how all the different doctors approach the pre diet, surgery, out patient vs hospital stay, post diet length of phases, what you can eat, what you can't in each phase. Of course we probably all think / hope that our own doc is doing it right. I'm trying hard to follow my doctor's course, even though when I read where some of you are, it gets difficult.

Had first puree tonight (cheated by starting 12hrs early.. Oh well!) It was really good but really surprising how different your stomach reacts to it. I was definitely full after a few teaspoons as compared to eating pudding. I have a nutribullet, so you really end up making many servings so there's enough volume to puree.

The mental part of the recovery has been awful. Hoping that being on the puree for the next two weeks will start to bring up the mood.

FYI.. My insurance doesn't cover a nutritionist/dietician. Some of my doctor's dietician appts are considered part of the procedure and thus discounted cost. I paid almost nothing for the procedure itself, but not the dietician part. I looked online and found Health Loft. Many insurances cover them, including mine. They advertise as services for eating disorders, but they also have specialists for bariatric. It's virtual. Now I can use a dietician and get some counseling for many more visits as I try to change my life. Even though I've known for decades how I should be eating, I need all the help I can get.

The Bariatric Hospital I went to has a very good post op program. They have in person monthly and weekly online support meetings. The Doctor that started the program many years ago is the moderator. He said they started out the pre liquid diet at 2 days. But they ran into issues with the liver being too big. In one instance he said he went to move the liver and it split because it was so big. So, that's why they will not work on anyone that has less than a 2 week pre op liquid diet to shrink the liver. If they go in to do the surgery and someone didn't follow the 2 week diet, they wouldn't do the procedure. They are very safety conscience and take it seriously along with their follow up program. I would go into what all is done but it's fairly lengthy.

I'm just a few days from being a month out. I started the Puree'/soft food phase about a week early. Because I was having issues with Constipation and needed to get in some Fiber. Miralax alone wasn't doing the job. Ever since, I've not had an issue. I've even cooked up some ground chicken. But you will fill up fast. Half a cup and I'm full. One scrambled egg with a 1 tsp of salsa & 1 Tsp Mashed Avacado and I can just get it down then I'm done. I've been trying to eat to meet my Protein goals, but that is just impossible. I have one shake (premier protein) and I'll mix 60 Grams of Chobani greek non fat yogurt, with one scoop of powdered Premier Protein and 1 tsp of PBfit2 to get a chocolate Peanut Butter yogurt. Don't forget the sugar free popsicles, it really helped my stomach. Hot food or broth seemed to hurt my stomach a little. But the cold didn't.

My Insurance doesn't pay for a Dietician either, however with the Bariatric program it only costs $25 per visit. Between the Surgeon and Bariatric hospital they charged my Insurance $75K so I'm sure they use part of that to cover some of the cost. Do you use the Baritastic app?

[Midwestmom6 3]

Hi folks! I had surgery on Feb 27. Stayed at hospital overnight to verify I passed the swallow leak test. They also wanted to make sure I could drink. Now I’m home. Everything feels 10x better, but I’m still getting spasms in my stomach (nearly) every time I swallow something. It has prevented me from much intake since it is so exhausting. I’m never hungry though now so I just give up eating. My lack of interest in food is a bit scary. I feel like I’m flipping from an over-eater to anorexic.

My doctor required a two week full liquid pre-diet and a 24 hr clear liquid only pre-diet. I lost 15 lbs pre-op. I’m 5’3” and started at 210. Since surgery, I’m down another 9 lbs. I’ve been averaging about 1.5 lbs down per day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to finish 2 Protein Shakes (finally)! I know this rate of decline won’t continue indefinitely, but I’ll be at my target by summer the way things are progressing. I feel like this is a roller coaster and I’m just barreling down a high peak. It is exciting and scary all at the same time.