I am 3 years post op and this is the most honest real post I have ever read. With exception to the "Man part" , you hit every nail on the head of reality and true worries many/most people fear. Including my own.
My friend you have 2 things needed for success - passion and courage. With those 2 you will get thru this and shine on the other side of surgery.
The tube. My worst fear. Apparently I have a low tolerance for pain....
I didn't want something hanging out of my body and draining !!!
There was no pain where it's going in. There are little pieces of surgical tape covering where it goes in. Don't look at that part! They will show u how to drain it. When u see that junk come out u will be glad it's not staying in!! When they finally remove it. It's quick and feels like a Water hose coming out but NOT painful. No bleeding. 1 word of advice. They should provide a large safety pin. Keep it pinned to you underpants or something. When moving around and standing DO NOT DROP the drain. It's shorter than the distance from entry to ground. Gravity is not your friend. Hold on to that sucker.
Nutrition and quanties.
I used to try and follow our post group nutritionist and measure and go buy every thing she suggested. One day the SURGEON was our gust speaker and suggested we stop eating meat and go vegan. Huh? I decided to listen to the people in the GROUP as to what worked best for them and became a saner person.
Here's the thing. You are so analytical the post eating style YOU design is going to be perfect for you! Buy high end not cheapo Protein mix. If you have HEB grocery store buy MOOTOPIA milk. Low carb high protein.
Best broth is Campbell's condensed chicken or beef. It's very rich in flavor.
Quantity - DO NOT GET DISTRACTED or you will eat too much and have to throw up. You have no sense of fullness -ever. Density will fill you up faster as well. Stringy meat is much harsher than ground meat. Forever.
Saliva. Will top off your pouch and drive you to throw up. So don't get distracted by taste or conversation etc. Stay focused and measure portions.
Do not drink 30 min. Before meal or after. Do not drink during. I started drinking with meals and was able to eat 3 times more. NOT GOOD. went back to not drinking and threw up 4 days in a row. I was eating too much. Got my ass back on track.
Dumping. Different things cause different people to dump. Learn yours. Listen to others and go lightly on those things.
My worst surprises - any milk has HIGH sugar Content. Agave nectar. Any mixed drinks. When dining out ask questions about sugar in dishes.
For me, I'm a grazer. I chose this surgery for its CONTROL over me. No going off the wagon or there are cpnsequences.
Sex. I was single until 1 year ago. I'm 51. No sex for 12 years. Now I'm a BEAST. freedom!!!! Your day us coming my friend. Take it easy for a few weeks and look out dear wife. Your self esteem is going to SOAR.
There are so many worries pre surgery but go to group, stay active with forums, make smart decisions for yourself, listen to what folks say and filter for what's best for YOU. Weigh once a week, keep a food journal, take selfies!! And start planning your adventure vacation for early summer 2016. YOU are going to do and be AWESOME.
Karen 350 / 175. 5'11"