jslitzker

Hey Guys -
Just thinking about life post-op, how I'm going to look, etc. I've always been known as a 'big guy' for as long as I can remember. Anyone else worry about not being a big guy post surgery? I know that sounds weird, because, well, that is the point of the decision to have surgery, but along with the many downsides to being a overweight there are some advantages to being a big guy. Just wondering if I'm the only one that thought of this or if anybody else thought that too?

Yay! Happy it worked for you. Walking was the only way I could burp and burping was the only way I could get the liquid down my throat. I am 6 days post op and I am am still standing at my computer (work from home, my laptop is usually at the bar top that divides the kitchen and the family room) walking in place while I sip. It's the only way I can get my fluids in. .

Thanks for the advice everybody! I got discharged today and am home feeling pretty good. I still have some pain and some gas pains in the shoulders but I got sent home with some meds to help with nausea and pain. You were right about the Fluid intake getting better today. It's still not perfect but it's improved, and now thanks to your advice, I expect it to be even better tomorrow.
@LipstickLady - I particularly enjoyed your advice and actually used it! I was drinking from medicine cups while I was walking The nurses said that was the first time they'd seen anybody do that but hey - i was able to get 5 oz in before bed.
I still don't think it's quite set in that I lost 85% of my stomach! Not sure when that's going to click in, but I'm ready for the pain and gas to go away so I can go back to 'normal'. I just can't imagine what's ahead, yet when I started this journey I thought I had it all figured out. It's very exciting, and I just want to hit Fast Forward!

This is the WORK part. Every sip is a success. Take a TEENY sip every 3-5 minutes. In 24 hours, you will find it easier. In 48 hours, you'll increase the volume significantly. In a week, you'll look back on today and tomorrow and think, 'Wow, I've come a long way already!'
Just stay focused on what your job is. Sip every three minutes. Try a variety. Clear chicken broth. Jello. Water. In a couple of days you can have full liquids, and it might take an entire day to get in an 11 oz Protein Shake, but a few days later, you'll be able to drink two. Expect to feel a 'heartburney' feeling in your sternum for the first 5 days or so.
And, DON'T BE A HERO! Take your pain meds. sleep A LOT! As soon as you wake up, take a sip. This, too, shall pass! It gets easier. I promise.

Hi ... Congratulations! Yes, I struggled as well. They most likely will not let you go home until they see you drink as certain amount per hour. My surgeon came in and counted the empty cups. So, with that being said .... Do the best you can and sip, sip sip!..... Best wishes for a quick recovery!

You guys aren't hijacking the thread at all. I enjoyed reading the conversation. It's great to know I'm not the only one in that boat. I appreciate hearing the post-op perspective, and I agree, it will totally be worth it and it certainly doesn't have me concerned to the point that I'm contemplating not having surgery. liquid diet starts tomorrow and I'm T-minus 2 weeks.
I can certainly relate to what you're saying about it being your identity and almost a sense of pride. I'm 5'11", so I'm average height, but several that I have told I'm getting surgery were surprised I even qualified. I guess I do a good job and hiding my weight or I just carry it well, but I also think I'll still be a somewhat 'big guy' but just a lot more fit. I too am persuing this for health reasons much beyond any physical reasons. My BP is under control but am maxed out on dosage for BP meds and had to start taking a second. My resting pulse rate is >90 and sometimes over 100. I also got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea through the pre-op process and have to wear a cpap at night. At 30 years old, I'm too young for all that, and I want to do something about it before I'm old and it's either too late or I regret not doing it sooner.
Jeff, I hope everything has worked itself out with your wife. I know that's a common situation that can arise, and have had those conversations already with my wife so we expect it - and know to be aware of it and work through it. Luckily, my wife is getting sleeved two weeks after my surgery, so not only will we get to go through the life changing surgery and recovery together, I hope we get to experience the positive effects of surgery together too.

You guys aren't hijacking the thread at all. I enjoyed reading the conversation. It's great to know I'm not the only one in that boat. I appreciate hearing the post-op perspective, and I agree, it will totally be worth it and it certainly doesn't have me concerned to the point that I'm contemplating not having surgery. liquid diet starts tomorrow and I'm T-minus 2 weeks.
I can certainly relate to what you're saying about it being your identity and almost a sense of pride. I'm 5'11", so I'm average height, but several that I have told I'm getting surgery were surprised I even qualified. I guess I do a good job and hiding my weight or I just carry it well, but I also think I'll still be a somewhat 'big guy' but just a lot more fit. I too am persuing this for health reasons much beyond any physical reasons. My BP is under control but am maxed out on dosage for BP meds and had to start taking a second. My resting pulse rate is >90 and sometimes over 100. I also got diagnosed with severe sleep apnea through the pre-op process and have to wear a cpap at night. At 30 years old, I'm too young for all that, and I want to do something about it before I'm old and it's either too late or I regret not doing it sooner.
Jeff, I hope everything has worked itself out with your wife. I know that's a common situation that can arise, and have had those conversations already with my wife so we expect it - and know to be aware of it and work through it. Luckily, my wife is getting sleeved two weeks after my surgery, so not only will we get to go through the life changing surgery and recovery together, I hope we get to experience the positive effects of surgery together too.

Can't help much since I'm pre-op as well but best of luck to you and your wife. I'm sure you'll be a great support system for each other going through this journey together.