TatiB

I have my surgery on Tuesday March 4th and I am considering this my new birthdate
I started my process on November 13, 2013, the day after my 44th birthday. I met with my Bariatric Surgeon in hopes of a Lap-Band. He immediately told me no. That he no longer did those as he was taking out way too many of them. He suggested the Gastric Sleeve. I was a little afraid as I had never even heard of such an animal and started my research.
After several weeks of research I decided I was "in" and my journey began.
I met with a psychologist and then 4 months with a nutritionist learning the new ways that I would be eating pre and post-surgery. Your nutritionist can make or break you! If you are not required to meet with one, I HIGHLY recommend it. I got lucky! I love mine and she has been the biggest help ever! She had samples of Protein Shakes and Vitamins to taste etc.
In addition I also contacted the leading suppliers of Protein shakes and Vitamins and requested samples. Celebrate sent me Free Samples of all of their Protein shakes. In addition they also had a sample pack of all of their vitamins for $3.00 which had a $3.00 coupon attached to it to use toward my next purchase. I highly recommend this! Simply because I learned that there were some vitamins that tasted like a butt smells and some Protein drinks that were a fat girl's dream come true (i.e. the Celebrate ENS Protein shake in vanilla Cake Batter- hell yes, it tastes like you dipped a beater into the cake batter and you are licking it!!) Sorry I get a little giddy just thinking about that one.
So I started my pre-op liquid diet about 2 weeks ago-
Again let me just say your nutritionist will make or break you. This has been the easiest two weeks!!! I cannot believe that I have attended 2 different black tie galas (including one for Mardi gras), the World Championship BBQ cook off and even hanging out in bars with my friends with no inkling to cheat.
My Physician allowed me up to 5 protein shakes a day. broth and sugar free pudding or jell. I averaged 2 to 3 shakes per day. The best way I found to do these were to have a Protein Shake first thing in the morning, followed by a 16.9oz bottle of Water. Then the 8oz of water with the Celebrate Vitamins ENS in them. (My fave is the Citrus. It's just like a bottle of orange juice and easy to tolerate.
I would have my protein shake for lunch, again followed by another 16.9oz bottle of water. In the afternoon if I was feeling hungry I would have a few tablespoons of fat free pudding or 1/4 cup of chicken Broth.
I would do the same for dinner. Now at night watching TV is when I'd get my salt craving (potato chips and nuts is what I wanted) I'd turn to the broth again.
The nights I was out while my friend were drinking, I'd just get a 32oz glass of water and continue to refill it throughout the night.
So over the last 2 weeks I have lost 17 pounds. I am down 20 since I first started this adventure in November.
I've started telling select friends that I am having Weight loss surgery. Most people I have just told that I was having a hernia repaired (since I am having that done as well Heck- I didn’t even tell my parents until after I had already seen my Nutritionist a few months.
This weekend I purchased my hospital necessities and began packing my bag. I am so ready.
Included in my bag are my Gasex, Chapstick, Hand Lotion, new jammies with buttons on the front, biotene mouth spray, Colgate wisps and my favorite clean and clear facial wipes.
Well- This is a little winded, but hopefully my ramblings will shed some insight for the next person.

DAY 6 After Surgery
Well its getting easier to get more liquids in. I am still not able to get any more than 1protein drink in per day. Totally tired of Gatorade so I have moved on to bottled Water and crystal lite. Makes it so much easier. sugar free Popsicles are also awesome! Especially at night when I think I am hungry but know I just need a little liquid. Its gives me the satisfaction of chewing. I have absolutely no pain at all. Nada, not even with a cough or a sneeze. I know everyone is different and cannot believe how lucky I have been.

DAYS 4 and 5 After Surgery
DAY4
I am feeling amazing! The only pain that I have is that of the day after a really solid AB workout in the gym. Today I was going stir crazy so took out shopping with my mom. Walked Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Gardenridge. I needed to walk and this was perfect!
I am defiantly not getting all of my Protein drinks in. I am averaging almost 1 a day and therefore only about 20-25gms of Protein. (My Dr wants me to get in at least 48oz of liquid – That includes 45 to 60gams of liquid protein) I’ve also added Soups (minus the veggies and cottage cheese) Right now I am barely getting in 6 to 8oz of protein. I’ve had no problem with hunger. My tummy is still a little sore when it comes to sneezing, coughing and hiccups. I sleep with a heating pad and that seems to help with the tiny bits of pain when I get up out of bed.
DAY5
Well its Spring Break and my brother’s family is here and of course they want to go to our favorite Mexican food place for dinner. At first I was just going to stay home but then decided to go. It was easier than I thought. First of all I LOVE their iced tea. So I ordered a kids size (knowing it would come in a togo glass too) I also went with their chicken tortilla Soup (Cup of course instead of the bowl I used to order) I just ate the broth….a whole 3 tablespoonful’s over a period of about 45minutes and it was DELICIOUS . Okay I admit it. I smashed up one of the carrots in the Soup to a pulp and ate that too. I took the rest of my soup home for later and that amazing iced tea. It took me 7 hours to drink that kid’s glass but I sure did!! Took another day of walking in craft stores. Started making another wreath for my Sister In Laws’s front door for my nephews little league baseball teams. All in all it was a great day.

DAYS 3 after Surgery
Day 3-
Holy cow was I ever bloated! Now we all know that girls dont fart- our bottoms just blow kisses in our panties right? Well I would have given anything for a big one right between the cheeks! Not kidding. I walked. I laid on my sides (The best that I could) I chewed a simethacone tablet (GasEx) and nothing worked. I started to think about the last week and realized that I had yet to have a BM since Monday.....the day before my surgery, so I resulted to a nice hot cup of DoDo Tea. Okay it's not really called that. Its actually called Smoothe Move Mint Tea - found in almost all grocery stores in the herbal teas. Its tastes AWESOME and really gets things "going" Within a couple of hours the gas pains were releaved and yes come monring I had a tiny "movement" - All was well in my world

Hey there!
Well today is my last day of Pre-Op liquids and I go in tomorrow moring for my big day!
I emailed Celebrate Vitamins and they sent me free samples of all their Protein shakes to taste before I ordered them! The vanilla Cake Batter is a FAT GIRLS DREAM COME TRUE! Its just like you dipped a beater in the cake batter and licked it clean! I wouldn't kid you on this
I also found that Safeway Grocery Stores (They have different names in different areas of the US) carries Protein Light drinks made by Lucerne in their Dairy Department. They come in Mocha, vanilla and chocolate and TASTE AMAZING! Be sure you get the light ones. They have 21gms of Protein and 150cals (Its the same as if you were mixing a Protein shake with fat free milk) In addition Lucerene also makes a Fat Free Protein Plus milk drink that is also in the dairy department and it has 12gms of protein. So if you use that to mix your powdered shakes that can be as much as 37gms of protein in each shake. The shakes are about $1.00 each and the Protein Plus comes inn half gallons and cost about the same as milk.
Hope this helps and good luck to us all
Tanz

Surgery Day - Day 2 after Surgery
Surgery Day
Well after waking up in recovery I was in pain. I had a pump on and started pushing the button like a kid in an elevator. Between the Pain med (Dilaudid) and the movement of my bed into my room I got horrible Motion Sickness- Dry heaves only since my stomache had been empty for at almost 16hrs at this point.
After I got to my room and my nurse got me dome Zofran (Nausea Med) via IV I visited with my folks for a bit (Mom said I sounded like I'd just left a bar at 2am after a days worth of drinking) I was out off and on for about 5minutes at a time (Seemed alot longer)
about 9:30pm I could no longer tolerate the pain meds in the pump giving em dry heaves me so I quite using it. Got up and walk abit, then my nurse gave me some more Zofran and Reglan (for the stomach spasms) I watched TV until about 1:30am and then fell asleep. Pain was mild to tolerable.
I was woke up at 3:30am for lab tests (EVIL just EVIL) I couldnt sleep so took another walk and my nurse gave me some pain med via my IV Toradol along with more reglan. Slept off an on again until 7am- when it was time for X-rays.
DAY 1 AFTER SURGERY
For some reason the X-ray techs were in a hurry with trying to get me to drink their crap (Acutally it had no taste at all) but I showed them a whole new round of drive heaves started. This was the first thing that was physically in my stomach for 32hrs now.
Got back to my room and my guardian angel disguised as a nurse gave me Reglan, Zofran and Toradol. I slept on and off until about 11am when Gatorade arrived. Surprisingly i had no problems at all sipping on this or getting it down. She also gave me Phenergan (Nausea Med) I slept like a baby until about 2:30pm adn continued to sip my gatorade for the next 6 1/2 hrs. My Dr discharged me at 8:30pm after keeping me in the hospital all day to observe and make sure there were no issues
DAY 2 After Sugery
So far so good! I've managed to walk, even to the mailbox out side and sip on Protein shakes and gatorade all day. I'm supposed to drink 60ml of Protein an hr (not always happening) and 60 to 120ml of Gatorade (again not always happening.) I've had no issues with dry heaves or nausea. I've got Tyenol #3 liquid for pain and so far there has been none. I've had this wierd buring sensation on the skin of my stomach and thats about it.
I did take 1 capsule of prevacid and FYI those little boogers inside that capsule do not dissolve in liquid, but they have no taste either, so that helped. They gave me a couple of hicups.
Until tomorrow-
Tanz

Hey there!
Well today is my last day of Pre-Op liquids and I go in tomorrow moring for my big day!
I emailed Celebrate Vitamins and they sent me free samples of all their Protein shakes to taste before I ordered them! The vanilla Cake Batter is a FAT GIRLS DREAM COME TRUE! Its just like you dipped a beater in the cake batter and licked it clean! I wouldn't kid you on this
I also found that Safeway Grocery Stores (They have different names in different areas of the US) carries Protein Light drinks made by Lucerne in their Dairy Department. They come in Mocha, vanilla and chocolate and TASTE AMAZING! Be sure you get the light ones. They have 21gms of Protein and 150cals (Its the same as if you were mixing a Protein shake with fat free milk) In addition Lucerene also makes a Fat Free Protein Plus milk drink that is also in the dairy department and it has 12gms of protein. So if you use that to mix your powdered shakes that can be as much as 37gms of protein in each shake. The shakes are about $1.00 each and the Protein Plus comes inn half gallons and cost about the same as milk.
Hope this helps and good luck to us all
Tanz

Hey there!
Well today is my last day of Pre-Op liquids and I go in tomorrow moring for my big day!
I emailed Celebrate Vitamins and they sent me free samples of all their Protein shakes to taste before I ordered them! The vanilla Cake Batter is a FAT GIRLS DREAM COME TRUE! Its just like you dipped a beater in the cake batter and licked it clean! I wouldn't kid you on this
I also found that Safeway Grocery Stores (They have different names in different areas of the US) carries Protein Light drinks made by Lucerne in their Dairy Department. They come in Mocha, vanilla and chocolate and TASTE AMAZING! Be sure you get the light ones. They have 21gms of Protein and 150cals (Its the same as if you were mixing a Protein shake with fat free milk) In addition Lucerene also makes a Fat Free Protein Plus milk drink that is also in the dairy department and it has 12gms of protein. So if you use that to mix your powdered shakes that can be as much as 37gms of protein in each shake. The shakes are about $1.00 each and the Protein Plus comes inn half gallons and cost about the same as milk.
Hope this helps and good luck to us all
Tanz

Well it's now getting surreal -
My doctor called me about an hour ago and the first patient cancelled so now my surgery has been moved up to 7:30am. I am not sure if I am nervous or just cold since the temp is drastically falling again here in Texas.
Today I went and got my nails done and hidelights (You know those natural highlites that hide our sparkle (Gray) ) I figured if I cannot wear make up to the hospital that I could at least feel a little pretty
Now for the other stuff we dont even want to talk about, but it really needs to be addressed. I also updated all my benficiaries for my life insurance, 401K etc. I put together a little notebook with all my passwords for email, facebok, bank account and credit cards too.
I am so excited that I can barely contain myself!
Best of luck to yall and I'll try to post after surgery or Wednesday when I get home.
Tanz

I have my surgery on Tuesday March 4th and I am considering this my new birthdate
I started my process on November 13, 2013, the day after my 44th birthday. I met with my Bariatric Surgeon in hopes of a Lap-Band. He immediately told me no. That he no longer did those as he was taking out way too many of them. He suggested the Gastric Sleeve. I was a little afraid as I had never even heard of such an animal and started my research.
After several weeks of research I decided I was "in" and my journey began.
I met with a psychologist and then 4 months with a nutritionist learning the new ways that I would be eating pre and post-surgery. Your nutritionist can make or break you! If you are not required to meet with one, I HIGHLY recommend it. I got lucky! I love mine and she has been the biggest help ever! She had samples of Protein Shakes and Vitamins to taste etc.
In addition I also contacted the leading suppliers of Protein shakes and Vitamins and requested samples. Celebrate sent me Free Samples of all of their Protein shakes. In addition they also had a sample pack of all of their vitamins for $3.00 which had a $3.00 coupon attached to it to use toward my next purchase. I highly recommend this! Simply because I learned that there were some vitamins that tasted like a butt smells and some Protein drinks that were a fat girl's dream come true (i.e. the Celebrate ENS Protein shake in vanilla Cake Batter- hell yes, it tastes like you dipped a beater into the cake batter and you are licking it!!) Sorry I get a little giddy just thinking about that one.
So I started my pre-op liquid diet about 2 weeks ago-
Again let me just say your nutritionist will make or break you. This has been the easiest two weeks!!! I cannot believe that I have attended 2 different black tie galas (including one for Mardi gras), the World Championship BBQ cook off and even hanging out in bars with my friends with no inkling to cheat.
My Physician allowed me up to 5 protein shakes a day. broth and sugar free pudding or jell. I averaged 2 to 3 shakes per day. The best way I found to do these were to have a Protein Shake first thing in the morning, followed by a 16.9oz bottle of Water. Then the 8oz of water with the Celebrate Vitamins ENS in them. (My fave is the Citrus. It's just like a bottle of orange juice and easy to tolerate.
I would have my protein shake for lunch, again followed by another 16.9oz bottle of water. In the afternoon if I was feeling hungry I would have a few tablespoons of fat free pudding or 1/4 cup of chicken Broth.
I would do the same for dinner. Now at night watching TV is when I'd get my salt craving (potato chips and nuts is what I wanted) I'd turn to the broth again.
The nights I was out while my friend were drinking, I'd just get a 32oz glass of water and continue to refill it throughout the night.
So over the last 2 weeks I have lost 17 pounds. I am down 20 since I first started this adventure in November.
I've started telling select friends that I am having Weight loss surgery. Most people I have just told that I was having a hernia repaired (since I am having that done as well Heck- I didn’t even tell my parents until after I had already seen my Nutritionist a few months.
This weekend I purchased my hospital necessities and began packing my bag. I am so ready.
Included in my bag are my Gasex, Chapstick, Hand Lotion, new jammies with buttons on the front, biotene mouth spray, Colgate wisps and my favorite clean and clear facial wipes.
Well- This is a little winded, but hopefully my ramblings will shed some insight for the next person.

March 4th for me too! I am so excited!

I mainly lurk on these forums. I have gained so much knowledge from you all. I just wanted to share with you all that I have a date for my sleeve!!
I go in on Feb 26th. I have the endoscopy the day before surgery.
I am soo weird... I was more scared to be put under anesthesia for my ankle surgery than I am now and having most of my stomach removed!! I know the nerves will come but right now I'm just excited!!!

Another Texan I am in Katy (Houston) and I just started the Process on Novemeber 13th.(The day after my 44th Birthday) I've done the consultation, Nut is next week, EGD is December and in the process of scheduling the Pshych. I am nervous and excited both.

DISCLAIMER: This FAQ is in no way intended to replace or undermine the advice of your physician. Every person is different, every surgeon has different guidelines, and no two situations are identical. Therefore if any of the answers below are unclear or contradict your physicians’ instructions, always follow your physicians’ instructions. The responses given are a compilation from multiple sources and references.
How do I embed the weight loss ticker? Click on the liquid stage? During your clear liquid stage you can have anything that you can sip through a straw that is translucent, meaning see through. For instance: Water, juice, broth, sugar free popsicles, sugar free Jello, Isopure Protein Drinks, Gatorade, Powerade, Decaf tea just to name a few. Once you move on to full liquids you may add liquids that are not translucent. For instance: creamed Soups, soups with the chunks strained out, milk, Protein shakes etc…
When do I start mushies/purees? Every surgeon has different guidelines for the progression of your post-op diet. The majority of post-op diets progress as follows:
Day 1-7 Clear Liquids
Day 8-14 Full liquids
Day 15-21 Purees
Day 22-50 Mushies
What’s the difference between mushies and purees? The major difference is that purees are anything that has been blenderized/pureed to a baby food consistency and has no chunks. These should not be watery, but instead a thicker pudding like consistency. Mushies are soft foods that have not been pureed.< /p>
Should I be counting calories or carbs or both? Both. Again, every surgeon is different, but the majority of sleevers will be on a 600-1000 calorie/day diet with carbs kept at 60-80g or less. The general guideline is this: When eating, protein is always first, veggies are second, and if you have room carbs/starch last. The majority will rarely have room for the carbs.
How much protein should I be getting per day? The recommended protein intake may vary from 55 to 100g per day, depending on your individual needs and the bariatric diet provided by your surgeon or dietitian. The generally accepted minimum protein requirement for women is about 50 to 60g per day and men need at least 60 to 70g of protein per day.
How much liquid do i need for the day? About 60-80oz
When can I eat salad? Once you reach the point where you’re on normal solids you can try salad. Start with a small amount and see how your sleeve tolerates it as it can be difficult to digest.
Best Protein Shakes? This one depends on your particular tastes, however most seem to enjoy powders? utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury.

What else counts as a liquid? Anything that can be sipped through a straw or that will reduce back to a liquid. For example: Jello, sugar free popsicles, frozen yogurt/ice cream (these are generally no no foods)
How long will my surgery last? Typically about 45mins assuming there are no complications or other procedures (ie: hernia repairs) being done at the time of your surgery. Every surgeon is different so for a more accurate answer you should consult your respective surgeon.
Why can't I tolerate plain water, is this normal? It’s called water nausea and it is completely normal. This is very common during the first few weeks following surgery and should eventually subside.
What is sliming/slimes? Sliming or slimes occur when you eat or drink something and then regurgitate a slimy, foamy, saliva like substance, usually when belching.
What is grazing? Grazing is when instead of consuming your standard 3 small meals and 2 small Snacks per day, you simply munch all day grabbing a handful here or a bite there. The rule is that your meals should take you 20-30 minutes to eat and should be about 3 hours apart with only fluids in between.
What do all these acronyms mean?
In no particular order:
WLS – Weight Loss Surgery
NSV – Non scale Victory (ie: smaller clothes, compliments, climbing a flight of stairs etc…)
NUT – Nutritionist
PCP – Primary Care Physician
VSG – Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy
TOM – Time of the Month
SF – Sugar Free
WFL/WFD – What’s for Lunch/Dinner
How much did you lose at 1 month etc.? How much can I expect to lose in what time frame? Everyone’s body is different and so is everyone’s journey. There is no set amount you should expect lose in a set amount of time, and you should never compare your journey or your progress to someone elses. As long as you’re sticking with the program and following your surgeons guidelines, the weight will come off.
What is a stall? How long does it last and how do I break it? A stall is a point at which the scale stops moving for a period of time. The length of the stall varies from a few days to a few weeks and sometimes a few months. Non VSG’ers typically call it a plateau. Stalls are perfectly normal and to be expected. As we lose weight so dramatically, our bodies need time to catch up physically - this typically happens during a stall. While the scale may not be moving, you may notice an increase in compliments. This is because while the number on the scale isn’t getting any smaller, you are physically getting smaller. There are many tips and tricks for breaking a stall (increase your fluids and protein, increase your activity, up your calories…) but the reality is it will break on its own.
When can I have sex? When you’re ready. Keep it simple for the first few weeks post-op and don’t attempt any tricky positions. Be careful until you’ve been cleared by your surgeon for strenuous activity.
When can I start exercising? Typically right away, though the types of exercises you can do will be limited. Most surgeons restrict weight training/resistance training for about 3-4 weeks after surgery, but you should be walking/speed walking at least 30-45min daily starting from the day you get home.
What do I do with flabby skin? What's the best exercise etc.? The severity of the flab will vary based on many different factors. While there’s no way to tell how bad it will be or whether it will even be bad, there are a couple of proactive measures you can take. Make sure you’re using a moisturizing lotion with Vitamin E and Keratin several times daily. The vitamin E will help add elasticity back to your skin and the keratin will add moisture, both of which may help your skin bounce back as the weight falls off. The best exercises to target your problem areas are resistance and strength training in order to tone and build muscle to replace the fat. Lastly, be patient. Just as your weight stalls while your waist catches up to it, your skin will sag until it gets the signal to shrink. While it probably won’t ever be as tight as you’d like, it will shrink.
Will I lose hair? How much? What causes it? When does it return? Do Vitamins help? The truth is, yes, you probably will lose hair. Because of the drastic changes going on that are caused by the extreme reduction in protein and vitamins coming in as well as the hormonal fluctuations caused by the rapid weight loss, it takes our bodies a while to adjust. Don’t worry, as our hormones level out and our bodies get used to the new us, it will come back. There is no set time frame for it to do so however.
I’m constipated - what is it okay to take, especially in the beginning when newly sleeved? Will it get better? Worse? In the beginning a simple stool softener like Colace should do the trick. You don’t want to take a laxative or anything that may irritate your new sleeve. While you’re in the liquid/puree stage, Constipation shouldn’t be an issue, but as you reintroduce solids you may have to go back to your stool softeners. If you do find that stool softners are only offering temporary relief, try increasing your fluids and Fiber and decreasing your cheeses.
I’m having very loose bowel movements, is this normal? Totally. You do need to monitor stools of this consistency to ensure they contain no blood, but very loose stools, even watery stools, are completely normal for a few weeks post-op. When in doubt – ask your surgeon.
Will I feel fatigue? Will fatigue go away? Yes and yes. Your body has just undergone major surgery and it needs to heal. While it’s healing you will feel more fatigued than normal. Subsequent to having such a large portion of your stomach removed is the fact that you can no longer take in as much food (read: fuel) and therefore your body has to adjust and find a new fuel source. Your body will eventually begin to burn fat for fuel and some of the fatigue will subside. Your surgeon should also prescribe a B12 supplement which will also help with energy.
When can I go back to work? How much time should I take off? That will be entirely up to your surgeon. Most return to work within 2-3 weeks.
How many days in the hospital? Your hospital stay will depend on your recovery. When you are able to keep down liquids, are up and about and walking as directed, and your surgeon and nursing staff are confident there are no complications, you’ll be released. Your surgeon should be able to give you an expectation of the length of your stay.
Do the staples dissolve? No. The staples used to close the stomach are titanium and do not dissolve. The stomach tissue will eventually grow over the staple line. Your staples do not make metal detectors go off or make you ineligible for an MRI. They are completely benign.
Why am I always hungry? The most likely culprit is either head hunger or reflux/heartburn. Head hunger is a false sense of hunger triggered by boredom/emotions/the clock or any number of things which make you think you’re hungry when you’re really not. Heartburn is the most common culprit of constant hunger. Even though you may not feel as though you have heartburn, you may find that a simple antacid will eliminate that constant hungry feeling.
What is a stricture? A stricture is what happens when scar tissue builds up in your esophagus (sometimes caused by reflux) that causes your esophagus to narrow and makes swallowing difficult.
What is a leak and what are the symptoms? A leak is an opening along the suture line of your sleeve that allows bile and other digestive fluids to leak into your abdominal cavity. The symptoms of a leak vary but the most common symptoms are pain radiating across the abdomen, fever, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, nausea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Can you get a leak any time after surgery? Or is it just immediate? Most leaks happen very soon after surgery, but there is still a risk for about 4-6 weeks after. Again, it is important to note that leaks are rare and only occur in about 1 out of every 100 cases.
Some of my incisions are oozing - is this normal? If they’re oozing a green or yellowish Fluid, absolutely not. Green and yellow are the colors of infection and should be reported to your surgeon immediately. If your incisions are oozing a pinkish or clear watery fluid it’s your body’s way of keeping your incisions clean and isn’t usually a concern. When in doubt, ask your surgeon.