MSWMike

After getting my surgery date of July 28 a few weeks ago, I have been a big ball of emotions. I knew in my heart this is what I was working towards- but surgery is just scary! My ultimate fear is dying during the procedure for whatever reason. After I met with my surgeon for the 3rd time, the practice nurse, and an anesthesiologist from the hospital, I feel more at ease. All three described the typical routine that is followed before/during/after surgery and what I can expect. I even asked my doctor for a video of my surgery and he's going to see whether he can record it for me (yes, I know that's odd...but I like medical stuff!). I've had my last big weekend of eating whatever I wanted. Tomorrow starts my 2 week liquid diet. I can have 8oz of a protein drink for my 3 main meals. I can also have 2 snacks during the day- sugar free yogurt, jello, or popsicles. I can have as much to drink as I want so long as it's not a caloric beverage. I have been asked many times what my goal weight is and I give the same answer every time: I have no idea. I'm 5,10" and at my highest I was 445 lbs. I am currently 425 and hope to be around 410-415 at surgery. If I could get down to 220, that'd be amazing! I figure if I get down to that, I'll be happy. If I go beyond that, that'll just be a bonus. I am also thinking that when I get my skin removal surgery in about 3 years, I will probably lose another 15-20 just with the skin, etc that will be removed. All in all, I feel like I am in a good place mentally. I know what I need to do, I have the supplies I need to do what I need to do, and I have the supports I will need. I know this is going to be a hard journey with some rough spots along the way, but I am up for this exciting journey so I can get on with my life and live it up!

I have the ninja. Cleanup is a breeze.

I started my journey on 4/16. When I was weighed on 6/26, I lost a total of 20 lbs. This was mainly due to a lot of dietary changes over that period of time: no fast food, limiting carbs, increasing protein, removing sugar. Once I get a surgery date, I need to go on a 2 week liquid diet. I'm told I can lose another 10-15 lbs during this time. From what I am told, the more weight I lose before surgery makes the surgery go that much easier. If that is what I need to do to make the surgeon's job easier, I am going to do it!

I have stocked up on protein stuff for right after surgery. I have 5 flavors of Isopure zero carb/sugar protein powder and Isopure ready to drink protein drinks. I also am going to get Unjury protein chicken broth (it's medical grade- either a hospital supply store or your surgeon's office should have it). I also got one of the ninja bullet blenders for when I want to make protein shakes- and for when I'm on the purred food stage.

@@Cutwater I also cook with coconut oil. I was advised that after surgery I should limit how much I use. My nutritionist doesn't want me to have more than 10g of fat per meal.

I was told due to the high amount of sugar to avoid honey permanently after surgery. However, they *do* make sugar free honey!! If you can't find it at your grocery store, Amazon has several varieties.

My friends told me they got bad gas right after surgery due to the gas they use to inflate your stomach. The other time they got gas is when they overdid it on their proteins. They so aptly named them protein farts. See @@apie87, we all have "those friends" around us :-)

I was advised to opt for the smallest pills possible. If I were to be prescribed a larger dosed pill, my doctor would need to specifically write it for the smaller pills to be dispensed as a medical necessity. I was also advised that for any liquid-filled medications to poke a hole in them so they start releasing once they reach my stomach. It's supposed to help my body absorb more of the contents.

I found the Isopure zero carb powders to be delicious: vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, strawberry, and unflavored.

I'm laughing at @her1981...food funerals!!!!! I've been doing the same thing. I consciously realize that I'm doing it and balance my funerals with some good quality food and sticking to what I'm supposed to do. While I don't overdo the funerals, I acknowledge what I'm doing and know it's a 1 time thing a week for me. And when I have my funeral, I don't gorge like I used to do.

I got scheduled for my pre-op class for next month. I look forward to hearing what they have to say, but I'm scared at the same time....I know there's risk involved in any surgery. If there's anything that I can do to make the surgery go better, I'll do it. For now it seems my doctor wants me to try and lose as much weight before the surgery and do a 2 week liquid diet to lose more weight and shrink my liver. If that's what I need to do, it's what I'll do!

Hey Philly friends! I grew up in Philly (Roxborough/Manayunk area)...now I live out in Lancaster. Having people to talk to through this journey is so important. I am thankful to have a few friends who went thru the surgery to talk to in addition to my family. If the practice that you go to has a support group, GO! Network! Ask questions! They're helpful.

I get to do the liquid diet too. YAY! (note: that's sarcasm!) I have heard that the first few days are the worst, though. I found my supply of protein powders that I really enjoy. It's Isopure zero carb. I got mine on Amazon. There's a variety of flavors. My nutritionist said I should only do half a scoop of it since each full serving has 50g of protein in it. So, roughly 14 servings cost me about $20. Not too bad in my book. Isopure also makes drinks. I got some. Let me just say that they are an acquired taste. They taste good, but have a funky aftertaste. A friend of mine who also had bypass told me how to make it palatable: make it into a Julius. Using a ninja bullet blender, fill it 1/3 with ice, 1/2 of a 20 oz bottle of Isopure, a splash of milk, 1.5 teaspoons of Stevia, and a teaspoon of vanilla. Whirl it up and there you go. Delicious!

I went out and bought one of those at home ice pop molds ($4) and I make them any flavor I want with my mio, crystal light, juice (sugar free, of course), etc. They do the trick for me!

I'm on the fence with this as well. On one hand, the sleeve is very appealing to me because I can eat more "normal" foods after surgery. However, there are significant cons: me going back to old habits, lack of long-term studies on its effectiveness, and potential revision to a full bypass later on (read that about 10% of people who do sleeve eventually get full bypass). On the other is the full bypass. This would force me to make permanent healthy changes in my life- and that to me is what this surgery/journey is about (like what @@TLW said). There's long-term data available to show its effectiveness and risks/complications are well documented. Your surgeon should also be able to help give you guidance as to what you choose based on their expertise. Then there's the insurance too- they may only cover 1 or 2 of the potential surgeries!

Keep at it and don't give up!

Oh cool! That sounds easy enough.

Everyone who I have told has been positive about it. Yes it's drastic, but it's needed. I'm glad to know that there are people who can be positive about it....as I think I can count on them to be supportive after surgery!

I was told that as part of the pre-surgery labs that I have to get done I will need to get the h pylori test done as well. I was told if it comes up positive, I'll need to take antibiotics to get rid of it prior to surgery. They made it seem that it's not a big deal, so I'm trying not to worry.

I'm right there with ya, @Monster. If all goes according to plan, I should have the surgery by the end of July/ beginning of August. I also see it as a journey. I think through this process I am going to rediscover myself...and rediscover life!

What is a breathing function test? Is it done right in the office or is it a test you have to go out and have done?

I think there are a lot more people in this boat than just the people who have participated in this thread. I think we all have the fear of falling off the wagon and going back to old habits. As @@drmeow mentioned, she is in therapy to help figure out her food issues. I have been doing the same and it's amazing what I have learned about myself, the sources of why I overeat, and the realization that I'm a resilient and determined guy. This has mentally prepared me for going on this journey. I recommend that others do this as well. I was skeptical at first, but it's been a good experience for me. I'm 5'10" and 445 lbs. I've somehow managed not to develop any comorbidities. I know eventually my luck will run out and things will get more complicated for me as I age (I'm 35). I've tried several diets in the past, but they all failed me. I don't think it was because of the diets themselves that failed, it was me. It's hard to describe, but my mind and body weren't on the same page. Now, after several years, I feel like that my mind and body are on the same page more than ever. Sure I still have concerns and worries- but I'm developing a support system for myself with family, friends, you all on this site, and others who I know have had the surgery to help support me and be there for me. We can all be there for one another and help each other through tough times.

I would check with your HR department. It's medically necessary surgery, so there's a chance it could be covered by short term disability through your employer.

This is exactly where I'm at.... I don't know which surgery to have. I can see pros and cons to each surgery. With the sleeve, I can eventually eat some of the foods I love, which @@della street mentioned. That has me concerned because I might just wind up sabotaging myself down the line. While this is a newer surgery, I don't know about many of the long-term things like success rates, complications, etc. The RXY from what I have been finding has been around for a long time. It seems to be a more demanding diet, but has the most success. I worry about the long-term effects of Vitamin deficiencies, but know that they can be managed through pills and lab work. What I'd like to get my hands on is some research and/or articles that outline each of the surgeries in depth. Does anyone know where I might be able to find something like this?

A friend of mine who had RXY told me about these injections. She compared it to giving yourself an insulin shot. She said after the first time or two it wasn't such a big deal. She gave me 2 pieces of advice for when I have to do this. 1- don't just jab yourself otherwise you'll get bruises 2- have an ice cube ready to go after you inject yourself to alleviate the pain.