1. What day did you have your port removed and do a leak test?
Leak test is performed immediately after Dr staples your new stomach and removes excess stomach.
2. Did the leak test make you have diarrhea? (Just thinking if I should spend an extra day there because the idea of being sick like that on a plane sounds like 0 fun)
No, at least had no effect on me.. I was at hospital 2 days. De wanted to monitor and make sure I was able to meet my liquid intake prior to go home. If any complications I would be in good hands. By the way, no complications at all
3. Did you need to take blood thinners for flying so soon after surgery?
In my case I had blood thiner shots few hours prior surgery, and first/second day while I was at hospital. This is just to prevent blood clog
4. Is it true that after surgery you tend to have a lot more gas? Even months after surgery....
The reason for that is because Drs use gas to inflate your stomach. Once surgery is done, you still have residual gas. In me case Dr recommended gas X strips to release gas and walk as much as posible once you get up. It wont me easy because you will feel that gas discomfort in your abdominal area, chest and stomach. But will go away in days, every days that passes it feels better
5. I have PCOS which is a contributing factor as to why I'm considering this surgery. I'm not wanting kids just to be a healthy weight.....for once. Anyone else out there have PCOS and the surgery? How is your journey going?
Not familiar about PCOS, sorry can’t contribute
6. Is it realistic to be able to go to work a week post op?
ideally 2 weeks, but yes 1 week is realistic, I took 1 week off and came back to work. I still had a bit of discomfort in my stomach due gas.. but all good.
7. I have zero desire to tell anyone I'm having this surgery, is going there solo etc okay? Were you able to drive yourself home after you made it back?
no need to be ashamed or hide it. As many people know about it, the higher support you get. At least to close family
8. I've heard there can be a lot of pain even months after surgery, eating different foods etc is this the rule or the exception?
the pain is mostly discomfort due gas used during surgery. I was back to normal (100%) 6 weeks post surgery. You will have issues swallowing, meeting liquid intake or eating because your stomach pouch is smaller than a baby, it is like everything with time gets better, at my 2nd month post op I almost forgot I went through this surgery
9. If you've had the surgery knowing what you know now what is one piece of advice you wish you could have given your self pre-surgery?
walk as soon as you open your eyes post surgery.. set your timer and walk every 1 or 2 hours. Take your gas x, use compression belt , at beginning drink coconut water to hydrate, pain/discomfort wont last long as soon as you keep active. Most importantly do not hesitate, get it done
10. How uncomfortable was flying? If driving was an option would that have been easier? When flying would you have waiting more time been a better idea or was it okay to go when you were cleared?
I haven’t taken vacations since then, so I cant say anything about it.. bit shouldn’t be an issue..
Best of luck pal