Karen W

Hi Recycled,
Thanks for a great post. I was fortunate to have a quite doable pre-op diet, so not a big problem. And I don't have the "my best friend" relationship with food (except garlic, perhaps, but no reason to end that), so that made it easier. Clear liquids day before and few days after....too numb and swollen to care. Now I am starting week 2 of post-op full liquids. NOW I want real food. I swear to God, I almost put a dog cookie in my mouth, I so bad wanted something to crunch on. That's what I miss most, something to chew, crunch... But not going to blow that now. Though I have another week on liquids, I have my first post-op appointment Thursday. I have a fantasy that doc will give me "time off for good behavior" and ok to go to pureed. Hah. That keeps me going for the moment. If he doesn't, it's only four more days after that of Trader Joe's Tomato Soup and Protein shakes. I don't even much like applesauce and yogurt, but I can't wait. And eventually, I'll be able to crunch again.
So looks like we all make it through this (from everything I've read anyway. And it just makes us stronger.
Good Luck All!!
Karen W in Texas
BTW - I am 69, so if there in anyone out there who worries they are too old, just contact me!

Hi Recycled,
Thanks for a great post. I was fortunate to have a quite doable pre-op diet, so not a big problem. And I don't have the "my best friend" relationship with food (except garlic, perhaps, but no reason to end that), so that made it easier. Clear liquids day before and few days after....too numb and swollen to care. Now I am starting week 2 of post-op full liquids. NOW I want real food. I swear to God, I almost put a dog cookie in my mouth, I so bad wanted something to crunch on. That's what I miss most, something to chew, crunch... But not going to blow that now. Though I have another week on liquids, I have my first post-op appointment Thursday. I have a fantasy that doc will give me "time off for good behavior" and ok to go to pureed. Hah. That keeps me going for the moment. If he doesn't, it's only four more days after that of Trader Joe's Tomato Soup and Protein shakes. I don't even much like applesauce and yogurt, but I can't wait. And eventually, I'll be able to crunch again.
So looks like we all make it through this (from everything I've read anyway. And it just makes us stronger.
Good Luck All!!
Karen W in Texas
BTW - I am 69, so if there in anyone out there who worries they are too old, just contact me!

Hi Recycled,
Thanks for a great post. I was fortunate to have a quite doable pre-op diet, so not a big problem. And I don't have the "my best friend" relationship with food (except garlic, perhaps, but no reason to end that), so that made it easier. Clear liquids day before and few days after....too numb and swollen to care. Now I am starting week 2 of post-op full liquids. NOW I want real food. I swear to God, I almost put a dog cookie in my mouth, I so bad wanted something to crunch on. That's what I miss most, something to chew, crunch... But not going to blow that now. Though I have another week on liquids, I have my first post-op appointment Thursday. I have a fantasy that doc will give me "time off for good behavior" and ok to go to pureed. Hah. That keeps me going for the moment. If he doesn't, it's only four more days after that of Trader Joe's Tomato Soup and Protein shakes. I don't even much like applesauce and yogurt, but I can't wait. And eventually, I'll be able to crunch again.
So looks like we all make it through this (from everything I've read anyway. And it just makes us stronger.
Good Luck All!!
Karen W in Texas
BTW - I am 69, so if there in anyone out there who worries they are too old, just contact me!

Update from Karen W. Had surgery Monday, today is Friday. Still on pain meds, but will likely move to OTC meds tomorrow. Stomach still has some sore muscles, but it's not awful. Ability to get liquids down improves significantly every day. Day 1 after surgery, could barely get 30 oz down, day 2 - 40 oz, day 3 - 45, day 4 (today) will easily get 60 oz plus Jello plus ??? I don't even need to take small sips, not sure if that is good or bad. For the first day I am hungry, I eat 8 oz of Tomato Soup, and it doesn't take long to be hungry again. That's a bit of a concern. But not a difficult surgery at all.
Good luck everyone!

I am also on my way to the hospital. A bit shaky and headachy, IV nutrients will work wonders. Good luck Two Penguins..

"Never trade what u want most for what u want at the moment"
Happy Birthday to you!
I view being sleeved like getting married and right now we're all engaged. We are all making plans, doing tons of research, making purchases in preparation for our big day! Weddings and marriages are beautiful and people enjoy attending but most times the guest or attendees doesn't realize the bonafide hard work, sweat, tears, and sacrifices you've made to make this dream wedding come true they only see the finished product. Having weight loss surgery is the exact same. Think about it we spend hours upon hours on line, reading books, talking to people we know and those we don't in an attempt to learn all we can to yield the greatest success throughout all phases of this WLS journey, we're making purchases to ensure we have everything we need, and most of all we are getting our minds right as there's no magic at the alter nor is it in the operating room.
With all that said our sleeves will be our tool and just like a marriage you tend to get out of what you put in it. That's not to say the journey will always be easy as there will be struggles and bumps along the way but take your time and enjoy the journey. March 3rd and on ward in good times and stalls embrace your sleeve because if you hang in there long enough you will reap the rewards of all your hard work. You got this finish strong. I think many times we don't realize our lives aren't over we're being granted a new start you will be able to Celebrate future birthdays and enjoy the things you love on your special day just a lot less of it. Whatever you decide to do there's no judgement ever here as we are all striving for the same goal. HANG IN THERE YOU GOT THISSSSSS!!! Lol

I'm getting sleeved Monday, yes, THIS Monday, March 3. Band to sleeve revision. I am always blase' about surgeries, then have last minute "Oh my God, what was I thinking?" I'm starting that a bit early this time. Like now. But I know it is the right thing, and it is great to read how pleased everyone is with the sleeve. Let's stay in touch March Sleeves! What is the best way? By the way, I am 69. Yep. But a (surprisingly) healthy, 60 pounds overweight almost 70 serious swimmer. My surgeon did my band eight years ago, so he knows me well, and says he has no concerns about my age. I am hoping to double check that with him just before surgery. But I definitely trust him, soo...off I go.

This sounds very much like restless legs. Does it hpen more in the evening/night? Your legs feel heavy/achy, like you want to move them or press on them? If this continues, see your PCP. There are meds for this. Good luck!

Good luck on your journey...boy I can't wait for my successful journey also...keep us posted

It is totally normal to get nervous the night before surgery. I have had 13 (mostly cancers related) surgeries in the last 13 years, and the night before is always a bit nerve wracking with the "what ifs.". (Actually, most people experienc this much sooner).
BUT you will do just fine. VERY few complications with this surgery. The good news is, by the time you get to the hospital, they keep you busy, give you some nice drugs, and then you wake up. And it's all good. Good luck! Although you won't need luck. You will be fine.
Karen W

I can drink a cup or so in large swallows, so yes it does get easier over time.

You sounds like me Karen! Lol! My name is Karen, I have a band that has caused me so much reflux that I am having it taken out with a sleeve revision on March 3 too and the doctor is repairing my hernia! Unlike the band where I told almost no one, I have shared my intentions because someone else I work with had a sleeve revision and they are getting tremendous from our coworkers and I decided to draw from that as well. I'm 225 right now and hoping to get to 145. I start 2 weeks of liquids only on Monday! Good luck to you!