Artichokes

HI all. I just had my sleeve done at Brigham & Women's in Boston on Friday. I came home yesterday. I have had very, very little discomfort. I actually had a blast at the hospital...a lovely roommate, funny & supportive staff, smiles and encouragement all the way through. I am constantly sipping either G2 or Protein Shakes and it seems like I will be able to get in all my fluid/protein requirements today. I have a couple of bits of advice for folks out there. Before surgery, I was trying to mentally prepare for everything. Then I started realizing I was borrowing trouble. Why obsess about what could go wrong, instead of what could go right? I finally realized all of these fears were control issues. I couldn't project myself into how it would feel after surgery, so I began to think about stuff that could go wrong...what if I vomited? What if I got dehydrated? What if I got a stricture? What exhausting and counterproductive thinking!! Here's what you do to insure all will be well. Do EVERYTHING your doctor tells you. This is not the time to cheat, negotiate, or do all those other mental gymnastics we used to do to rationalize going off the diet. This is NOT a diet. The preop diet is designed to shrink your liver, but also to get your body as strong as it can be for such a shock to its system. Do you want the surgery to work and your recovery to be easier? Follow the plan. After surgery, FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S ORDERS. Don't force yourself to another level before it's time. You have had 80% of your stomach removed. There is a significant amount of healing that needs to take place. Putting something in there that is not sanctioned by your doctor is just silly. You've gone through all this and you want to sabotage it. Time to get anew way of thinking, folks. I hope this doesn't come off as too preachy, but I have been astouded by someofthethings I've read on the boards. What a wonderful place they are....such great support and useful information but,in the end, it's up to you. You need to decide to do the right thing for your own well being! Sent from my iPad using VST

Had the surgery, and it was a piece of cake (ha! Can't have the food, but I can use it in a cliche!). Occassional snippets of pain from one entry point, but very manageable. My A Fib is present, though it hasn't effected anything yet,,,cross fingers & eyes. All in all, so far, so good! My mouth is dry and liquid allowed only after the upper G.I., which is tomorrow. That's the most uncomfortable thing of all.

Right back atcha!

Looks like I'm just 10 lbs more than you, too. It will be fun to compare notes!

I was scheduled for surgery June 25. I got all the way into the operating room, and went into atrial fibrillation. They cancelled my surgery. I was told I needed an echo cardiogram before I could get rescheduled. This, I did, then called to get rescheduled only to learn my surgeon had resigned. I'm telling you, it was really rough. Well, I am having surgery in 2 days by Dr Scott Shikora, the director of bariatric surgery at Brigham & Women's and the former president of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. I think I'll be in good hands. Down 25 pounds from 2 rounds of presurgery diet and raring to go! Do I have any sleeve siblings on July 27?

Hi MinaT, Thanks for your good wishes. I went home from the hospital the day of the surgery. The cadiologist said I am fine for surgery. The surgeon will not reschedule me. I don't know why, but it was firm. I'm thinking contractual issues. I'm also curious about whether my situation caused the resignation. The timing is so weird. I am discouraged and unsettled. It's a beautiful summer, yet I can't enjoy it because I don't know what's up or down.

So, I was put on a beta blocker to get the a fib under control, then my surgeon resigned and is not going to reschedule me. I am beyond astonished. They told his other patients the day I was running around, trying to get the echo cardiogram he said he needed to see before rescheduling, and I'm now afraid they will have taken all the available slots. I am so unsettled and unhappy.

Well, folks, looks like it's not gonna happen for me today. They wheeled me into the operating room and, right before they gave me anesthesia, I went into atrial fillbralation, which is still going on. We are waiting for the cardiologist. From what I understand, it was good they saw it, as anesthetic would have put my heart under more stress, maybe leading to a stroke. So, there's my silver lining, though I am disappointed and, until I know more about it, a little anxious. My sister, the nurse, is with me & my niece, another nurse, says she knows alot about it.

I'm turning in for the night. I have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am. I have 2 clocks set so I don't oversleep! Put my name in your prayers, too. I,m pretty anxious, as well!

Do they help get in the 64 oz of water we need?

Has anyone found out what scientific process happens that change one's tadte buds? I hear it time and again and am so curious. I am a picky eater....don't like eggs, broccoli, many cooked veg. I am hopeful all of these things will be yummy in the future, but can't figure out why that would be!

I love that we have this June group so we can all check in with each other. We are all getting nervous & excited at the same time, and are curious or commiserating once the surgery is happening. Thanks, all. My surgery is in 1 week!

Thanks so much for this info. It's good to know you're all doing ok. I never considered the calcium part of this equation.

I'm June 25, too.

Have just begun my 2 week semi-liquid presurgery diet. I drink 1 Pure Protein shake at 7:30, then another at about 9:30. Each has 23 grams of protein. Is this too much protein to ask my one kidney to process in a short period of time? Anyone have any info on this kind of thing? Many thanks!

Vanb & Naturals...when is your surgery date?

Have a bunch to ready to drink pure Protein shakes and am looking forward to finally getting this show on the road!

Aznoel, please let us know how you are doing. Mama M, so glad you're feeling better! Kamloops Mom, good luck!!

How are we all doing? I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow. It's within reach. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Squealing with excitement!

Janedeaux...ME TOO!! Sleeve sister!

Just a month away from my surgery date, and I am dreaming in slimness! My me in dreams is the me I am envisioning. Isn't that funny? LOL

Yay, Littlebits!

MinaT....thanks so much for doing that. So wonderful of you. I agree that this is a great forum!

Hey Ready Set, I'm close....June 25!

Eek...typos galore on that last post! Hope you can read it!