XYZXYZXYZ1955

Congrats on getting a date! I'm wondering if you are nervous about anything specific. I know a lot of people haven't had other surgeries and are nervous about going under and so on; please don't let that concern you. You go to sleep; you wake up when it's done. I had almost no post-op pain, though some people do have discomfort for a few days or so afterwards.

The first month or so after surgery wasn't a lot of fun, but it's not a long time, overall, and I'm quite happy with the weight loss so far. At just over three months post-op, I can eat just about anything--just smaller amounts. And it's not always easy making , the right choices, but I try to focus on the protein, protein, protein.

Good luck and ask any questions you might have . . .

You should do what you feel is best for you, certainly. I am just wondering how you will feel about this in time, given how much work and preparation one puts into getting ready for this surgery. I'll admit that the first month or so after surgery isn't terribly easy, but I haven't found it difficult after that at all--I just get full much sooner than I used to. And I wouldn't trade the experience of having lost 58 pounds for anything I can think of.

Everyone's experience is different and the programs vary widely, too. I didn't have to lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery, I just had to lose. I had almost no pain post-surgically (I had the sleeve)--just the first few minutes when I woke up, and after that it was fine. Walked around the hospital halls that day and evening, was released the next day. Had pain meds but stopped taking them after a couple of days.

Maybe for the pre-op phase you could try replacing one meal a day with a protein shake--not only will it help with the weight loss, but that will give you the chance to see what's out there and what you might like (though some people's tastes change after surgery, mine really haven't). I find a lot of the shakes too sweet, but I can stand the Premier chocolate ones. I also tend to recommend protein water to people, as you can get sick of the shakes pretty quickly post-op when you're having two or three a day.

Good luck!

Thank you--I'm working to get back on track. It's been a tough period with the move and my niece's death. Tonight I made soup, mostly veggies and turkey kielbasa, very good. I'm not quite used to being able to eat just about anything again . . . able to--I know it's not necessarily a good idea just because I can.

I'm not sure if the appearance is the same for everyone, but when I'm reading a thread, there's a list on the right of the page of recent posts and hot topics.

Water, broth, water with Crystal Light or other non-caloric flavoring, protein shakes, protein water (there's a theme here). Sugar-free jello, sugar-free popsicles. Water! I think I've hit the major players . . . my suggestion would be to make sure you get the protein shakes in--that's probably the only thing that will make you feel full at all.

I still have a ton of appointments before surgery: nutritionist today, psych next week; cardiac and pulmonary next week; more gastro-enterology work, including an upper endoscopy; another group meeting . . . clearance from my doctor.

My official pre-op diet starts two weeks before surgery, but my surgeon said I should be on a low-carb diet now. I have noticed that most people seem to lose a noticeable amount before surgery, though not all do. So I'm trying to transition from my "this is my last chance to eat this!" attitude to the new mindset.

It can be a real hassle to find a ride for this kind of thing, but if you can possibly do so, do. You may be a little off from the anesthetic even if you feel okay, and it's better to be safe.

Good luck!

I haven't got a date yet--am hoping this coming week when I see my surgeon for the second time. So you are further along the path than I am, but when I saw your current weight and goal weight, I wanted to follow you because I'm very close to those numbers (though not, alas, close in age!). I know it must be hard to stick to the pre-op diet, but just keep thinking of why you are doing this and how thrilling it's going to be to come home from the surgery and really get going on your path to a new you! Best of luck . . .

I'm not a doctor and I'm not having the same procedure, but with the gastric sleeve, most of the stomach is removed and, although I'll be on a liquid diet for a few weeks after the surgery, eventually I'll move to mush and then soft foods and eventually real food--though small amounts and, ideally, mostly protein with some veggies and fruit. However, this is definitely something I'd suggest asking your doctor for an answer you can trust that applies to you. Best of luck.