Creekimp13

Just wanted to say publicly that I'd welcome message exchanges with anyone going through this around the same time I am next week:)
Want to let someone know how it's going? Bored in your hospital room? Want to compare notes? Want to vent about this crazy process? Message me! I'd love to hear from you.
Just click my user name "Creekimp13" (in blue type to the left of this post)
Then, when you get to my page, right at the top of the page in the middle (under where is says Bariatric Pal) is a blue box that says message. There ya go:)
Might take me a bit, but I promise to respond to all messages.
Wishing you all a safe surgery and an excellent outcome!

After 8 months of doing everything I needed to do ..i finally got a surgery date .Dec 13..im sooo excited .no Christmas dinner for me..
Sent from my SM-G920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Best of luck pal.. wishing you a speedy recovery.. stay strong and don’t forget your gas-x strips for abdominal pain.. cheers and welcome to your “to be awesome journey”

Thank you so much, I’m saying my prayers. I’m a complete mix of emotions right now, I feel like crying, and upset, excited.

I just want to go in. I have no idea what versed is?

Thanks so much again

Good luck today! you got this! I am a year out from my surgery and my hope is that I see you on the other side...if you are really nervous, ask your anesthesiologist for versed before heading into the room, if will make you less nervous seeing all those people and also help you not remember if god forbid you accidently metabolize the anaesthesia too quickly. Versed is your friend, as long as you aren't allergic pf course.

Keep us posted, and let us know how it goes! We are rooting for you!

sw: 334
pre-op: 314
cw: 213

I’m in my hospital room about to go in for surgery, and I’m all alone because everyone’s taking care of the kids.
I’m so scared and excited - also really hungry lol
Anyone else going in today?

Ginas...I feel your pain. Yesterday was hell for me. But we made it through! So good job, and keep strong. I'm rooting for both of us:)

My liquid diet isn't so forgiving. Just clear liquids, protien shakes, and one 100 calorie serving of a list of three things...also liquid in texture. LOL. Fun!

I start tomorrow, and am cooking a full dinner for family Thursday. Will be hell on Earth. LOL...but I'm getting creative. I'm simmering some sage and thyme and onion and celery in my chicken broth (which I will strain off), having cream of potato Soup for my one 100 calorie thing, and some diet cranberry juice (the 5 calorie kind) Voila! Liquid diet Thanksgiving!

Mhy....you must be looking at the Nutritional Supplement version of the shake. The one I'm using is specifically for patients having major surgery and I had to buy it at the pharmacy behind the counter. This one has 15 g of Carbs per shake. It says right on the box that it's to be used only for a short time under the supervision of a doctor.
While I understand that Nestle makes chocolate, they also have a huge medical nutrition line (Nestle Health Science) that provides many of the liquid food formulas given to Tube Fed patients, and special liquid supplements for people with specific nutritional needs in medical recovery. Yep, they make candy. Apparently, they're also a huge name in medical nutrition.
I'm not saying these shakes are necessary. I'm not plugging them....if I were, I sure wouldn't talk about how God-awful they taste. But it's disingenuous to say they're made by a candy company and are "suspect".
And like I say....since I started drinking them in place of 3 of my other shakes...I've felt amazingly clearer. They make me feel a LOT better.
Also, the protocol I'm using that was developed by University of Michigan (that includes these weird shakes) is being picked up by Cedars-Sinai and some other super reputable research hospitals. I don't think they'd steer anyone to junk to make a buck because, frankly, they have a ton of money and don't need to. Their bread and butter...is in cutting edge research and having great outcomes.

Mhy....you must be looking at the Nutritional Supplement version of the shake. The one I'm using is specifically for patients having major surgery and I had to buy it at the pharmacy behind the counter. This one has 15 g of Carbs per shake. It says right on the box that it's to be used only for a short time under the supervision of a doctor.
While I understand that Nestle makes chocolate, they also have a huge medical nutrition line (Nestle Health Science) that provides many of the liquid food formulas given to Tube Fed patients, and special liquid supplements for people with specific nutritional needs in medical recovery. Yep, they make candy. Apparently, they're also a huge name in medical nutrition.
I'm not saying these shakes are necessary. I'm not plugging them....if I were, I sure wouldn't talk about how God-awful they taste. But it's disingenuous to say they're made by a candy company and are "suspect".
And like I say....since I started drinking them in place of 3 of my other shakes...I've felt amazingly clearer. They make me feel a LOT better.
Also, the protocol I'm using that was developed by University of Michigan (that includes these weird shakes) is being picked up by Cedars-Sinai and some other super reputable research hospitals. I don't think they'd steer anyone to junk to make a buck because, frankly, they have a ton of money and don't need to. Their bread and butter...is in cutting edge research and having great outcomes.

@sandra305, it's worked well for me. I've been down at least a half pound every day this week and the Protein Shakes are keeping me pretty full. I do still have 3 cups of popcorn most nights (when I'm hungriest) but the days have been pretty manageable. Good luck! (My surgery is the day after yours.)

I’m two days post op and I didn’t have to drink those weird fish drinks. And those walks after surgery are the best. And that breathing thing really does help. My best friend stayed the night with me and got a couch to lay on for the whole night but they provided pillows and a blanket but we had our night nurses on a routine. I had them come in wake me up and let me use the restroom then we’d go for a walk and then I’d come and take a nap till it was time again for me to go for another pee/ walk.

You are a champ. Doing great! I found the first couple of days tough. I got headaches which is supposed to be from my body releasing toxins in the fat. By day 3 or 4 they were gone. But I was going to the bathroom so much that I thought I had a uti. My doctor did a urine test and it was clean...but with lots of ketones. She theorized that my bladder was inflamed from all of the extra urination.
By day 7 I was getting very tired. My energy was getting lower and I needed a nap to get through the day. That last week was a blur. Getting everything ready and being excited, I don't remember being hungry.
I did not have to do the vanilla anchovy shakes...thankfully...they sound awful.
I'm proud for you! Keep us updated on your progress.

Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

7 days down, 7 to go. Having surgery on December 5. I'm the first surgery in the morning.
My liquid diet has sucked. No way to sugar coat that. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'm incredibly hungry and angry. LOL. And my brain doesn't work. Really horrific brain fog.
When you cut out all carbs and sugar, your liver has to kick into gear and make sugar for your body through a process called gluconeogenesis. You NEED glucose in your blood for basic functions. In particular, your brain needs glucose to function.
When you're glucose deprived, it can be hard to concentrate, you can need extra effort for decisions, your impulse -control can be worse, and your emotions can be out of whack. I can attest to all of this being true. I'm forgetting everything. I feel foggy, and like I have to concentrate harder to stay on task. Have had headaches on and off and felt really tired. And did I mention I'm really grumpy? Like...really grumpy, and weepy, and kinda...unhinged. (more so than usual!)
My particular diet is 5 shakes, sugar free popcicles, sugar free Jello, broth, and one 100 calorie serving of either cream of wheat or yogurt per day....for two weeks. Here's a tip: If you're on this diet? Save your one item with carbs (the yogurt or cream of wheat) for just before you have to drive. You'll be more clear headed while driving, and drive safer.
I kept forgetting how many shakes I'd had, so I put five clothespins on my kitchen curtains and moved them over to the other side as I drank my shakes. No second guessing that way. It helped.
You do lose weight rapidly. I've lost about a pound a day. But again...this sucks so much. LOL. My previous wonderful low fat, low carb, calorie restricted diet seems decadent and indulgent by comparison. I miss my diet food. It was delicious and I'll never take it for granted again.
I do feel more prepared for the psychological effects of the post-surgical diet. I already know how hard it is not to eat anything solid...and what weird things not eating carbs can do to your brain. I know how different I feel with my liver making all the sugar I need....and that I'm emotionally pretty raw.
I've never done anything like this in my life, and it's pretty intense.
While I really hate this diet....there is a certain comfort in knowing I won't be facing these changes for the first time right after surgery. I think it would add stress at a time I want to keep stress at bay as much as possible. I'll have my hands full with learning to stay hydrated.
Tomorrow will be the eighth day...over the first hill, and on my way down the slope to surgery...I'm halfway home. Then another couple of weeks until mushy foods get reintroduced.
I really never put together that I'd be in starvation mode for over a month. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done.

UPDATE ON vanilla ANCHOVY SHAKES****
Ok, yes they're disgusting. Horrible, in fact.
BUT...and this is a big BUT.... I feel SO much better than I have since starting the liquid diet. My brain fog is much better...just night and day. I'm not concerned about being lightheaded driving anymore...I feel like myself.
So while I don't like the taste of the fishy torture gulps.... they've made me feel so darned good, I have to say I like them.
Just figured good news deserved a mention:)

Not everyone who has weight loss surgery has a bad body image. I don't mind how I look at all. My hubby thinks I'm gorgeous and I feel pretty damned secure.
It's not vanity with me at all, and it's not about body image.
My decision is based mostly on two things... My blood sugar creeping up to pre-diabetic numbers, and the arthritis in my back hurting so awful it was getting hard to be on my feet for more than 30 minutes.
My weight had been stable for two decades at about 240-250. I didn't mind being a fat person. I had good energy, my labs weren't bad, etc...
But then, I hit perimenopause and my weight went nuts. I gained 20 pounds in two years. My back got severely worse, my fitness suffered because of it, and the sugar started creeping up. I started getting edema in my legs and I could feel my health losing the battle. Something had to give, it was time to take action.
Not every fat person loses the battle for stable health. But in reality most do. Being fat increases your chances for cancer exponentially. Blood pressure and stroke risk. Diabetes risk. Debilitating arthritis risk.
I wanted to just be fat and enjoy my life.....but it eventually caught me.
I'm going through the surgery at 46. I wish I'd done it at 32.
As previous posters have said...your choices are your own. You don't have to justify them to anyone. Best wishes, whatever you decide.

UPDATE ON vanilla ANCHOVY SHAKES****
Ok, yes they're disgusting. Horrible, in fact.
BUT...and this is a big BUT.... I feel SO much better than I have since starting the liquid diet. My brain fog is much better...just night and day. I'm not concerned about being lightheaded driving anymore...I feel like myself.
So while I don't like the taste of the fishy torture gulps.... they've made me feel so darned good, I have to say I like them.
Just figured good news deserved a mention:)

Five days to go and I have to give up my cocoa wheats today. This irritates me. But what irritates me more...is that I have to give up 3 of my 5 Premier Protein shakes and replace them with this horrible stuff called Impact Advanced Recovery Immunonutrtion Drink. It's supposed to aid in healing and have wonderful stuff in it...etc. etc. etc.
Which is all well and good.
BUT THE CRAP TASTES LIKE ANCHOVIES...because ANCHOVIES are the third ingredient!!!!!!!!!!
Three times a day...until surgery....I get to have VANILLA ANCHOVY drinks! YUM!!!! What did I do in a previous life to deserve this? The rings of hell just keep sinking and getting hotter! LOLOLOLOL
On the plus side! Yesterday I found out that my surgeon only expects me to be in the hospital overnight, one night.
Also...on the day before surgery....I get to carb load with like 30 ounces of white grape juice and take nausea meds ahead of the surgery. Oh! and I get a touch of Xanax while waiting cause I'm a nervous nelly. LOL.
I was also informed that I'll be taking 10 sips to drink one ounce of Water from a tiny cup every hour after surgery...I'll be taking ten little walks, one per hour after surgery, and will be expected to suck on this plastic thing that's made to help clear your lungs after anesthetic...ten times an hour. Rule of 10. At least they kept it simple?
My surgeon gave a really terrific seminar about what to expect, and all of our little "jobs" after surgery to get the best outcome and get out of the hospital.
Was very relieved to learn I would not have a urinary catheter and wouldn't have to do any bowel prep. They're telling me they'll get me up to go pee...a good incentive to get out of bed.
Also cool...my husband is welcome to stay the night in the room and they'll have a cot for him. I probably won't have him do this cause he'll work the next day until I call to be picked up. Also, my puppy does like to go outside. But I love that he's welcome and that I could change my mind if i'm feeling needy. LOL.
Getting VERY close folks! Going to see my nutritionist this afternoon for a class on how to know when to move to the next level or food reintroduction. Have already been told Clear Liquids and Protein Drinks only until the one week recheck....but she's gonna talk about the next few stages and give us advice about strategies for what to try first, how much, etc.
I met the two other ladies having surgery on the day I am....nice girls! Will visit with them a little more at class today since we'll be roaming the halls at the same time.
Also cool...we get a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline for all questions and concerns...that is staffed by my bariatric center. Local people who know exactly what my case is. I loved this.
Oh! And my surgeon hasn't had a "leak" post surgical in over seven years. And he's done over 3000 procedures in his career.
I feel like I'm in very good hands. Feeling good! (in spite of vanilla anchovy hell) LOL:)

Oh, I'm doing it, Jade. Just not enjoying myself. LOL. I just thought a really gritty honest post might make folks going through it feel less alone.
I never knew I had such a seriously demented psychological attachment to food.
Last night I insisted on cooking my husband something...he has been super supportive and said that absolutely wasn't necessary, he's perfectly capable of fixing himself something.......but I wanted to spend time with food even if I couldn't eat it. How messed up is that?
I made him loaded potato cakes out of left over Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, with some ham and perfect eggs over easy. And then I used the rest of the batter up making one for my dog. LOL!
I dunno...seeing them eat made me feel better. And yes, I'm aware that's probably pathological and I should probably consult a therapist. LOL.
But by God...I have not cheated. I'm following my plan to a T. And I'll continue to.
Day eight. Tick. Tick. Tick. Tomorrow, I see my surgeon for a final individual consult and a seminar with a handful of other folks having surgery at my bariatric center in the next couple of weeks. Then, Thursday, I see my dietician for a post-surgical diet seminar. Then, the weekend....and Tuesday it's show time!
Thanks, Jade, for the encouragment! Wishing you the very best and a great outcome:)

I started my journey 02/27/17 Sw-304, Cw-288. I had to follow a 6mos medically supervised diet, the paperwork was submitted on 09/01 and I was denied, due to what they said was a lack of prior attempts at weight loss under the care of a medical professional. I waited for my surgeon's office to appeal, they stated that they would handle that, but after numerous calls to the insurance company, only to find out that no appeal had been submitted, I decided to appeal myself and they approved me, now my surgery is scheduled for 01/29/18. I wanted it this year due to having met my deductible and out of pocket expense, but I'm just happy it's finally going to happen. Any fellow truck drivers on here ? I would love to hear about your experience.

Don't worry Brittney, you will be fine.

Not everyone who has weight loss surgery has a bad body image. I don't mind how I look at all. My hubby thinks I'm gorgeous and I feel pretty damned secure.
It's not vanity with me at all, and it's not about body image.
My decision is based mostly on two things... My blood sugar creeping up to pre-diabetic numbers, and the arthritis in my back hurting so awful it was getting hard to be on my feet for more than 30 minutes.
My weight had been stable for two decades at about 240-250. I didn't mind being a fat person. I had good energy, my labs weren't bad, etc...
But then, I hit perimenopause and my weight went nuts. I gained 20 pounds in two years. My back got severely worse, my fitness suffered because of it, and the sugar started creeping up. I started getting edema in my legs and I could feel my health losing the battle. Something had to give, it was time to take action.
Not every fat person loses the battle for stable health. But in reality most do. Being fat increases your chances for cancer exponentially. Blood pressure and stroke risk. Diabetes risk. Debilitating arthritis risk.
I wanted to just be fat and enjoy my life.....but it eventually caught me.
I'm going through the surgery at 46. I wish I'd done it at 32.
As previous posters have said...your choices are your own. You don't have to justify them to anyone. Best wishes, whatever you decide.

Just wanted to say publicly that I'd welcome message exchanges with anyone going through this around the same time I am next week:)
Want to let someone know how it's going? Bored in your hospital room? Want to compare notes? Want to vent about this crazy process? Message me! I'd love to hear from you.
Just click my user name "Creekimp13" (in blue type to the left of this post)
Then, when you get to my page, right at the top of the page in the middle (under where is says Bariatric Pal) is a blue box that says message. There ya go:)
Might take me a bit, but I promise to respond to all messages.
Wishing you all a safe surgery and an excellent outcome!

Five days to go and I have to give up my cocoa wheats today. This irritates me. But what irritates me more...is that I have to give up 3 of my 5 Premier Protein shakes and replace them with this horrible stuff called Impact Advanced Recovery Immunonutrtion Drink. It's supposed to aid in healing and have wonderful stuff in it...etc. etc. etc.
Which is all well and good.
BUT THE CRAP TASTES LIKE ANCHOVIES...because ANCHOVIES are the third ingredient!!!!!!!!!!
Three times a day...until surgery....I get to have VANILLA ANCHOVY drinks! YUM!!!! What did I do in a previous life to deserve this? The rings of hell just keep sinking and getting hotter! LOLOLOLOL
On the plus side! Yesterday I found out that my surgeon only expects me to be in the hospital overnight, one night.
Also...on the day before surgery....I get to carb load with like 30 ounces of white grape juice and take nausea meds ahead of the surgery. Oh! and I get a touch of Xanax while waiting cause I'm a nervous nelly. LOL.
I was also informed that I'll be taking 10 sips to drink one ounce of Water from a tiny cup every hour after surgery...I'll be taking ten little walks, one per hour after surgery, and will be expected to suck on this plastic thing that's made to help clear your lungs after anesthetic...ten times an hour. Rule of 10. At least they kept it simple?
My surgeon gave a really terrific seminar about what to expect, and all of our little "jobs" after surgery to get the best outcome and get out of the hospital.
Was very relieved to learn I would not have a urinary catheter and wouldn't have to do any bowel prep. They're telling me they'll get me up to go pee...a good incentive to get out of bed.
Also cool...my husband is welcome to stay the night in the room and they'll have a cot for him. I probably won't have him do this cause he'll work the next day until I call to be picked up. Also, my puppy does like to go outside. But I love that he's welcome and that I could change my mind if i'm feeling needy. LOL.
Getting VERY close folks! Going to see my nutritionist this afternoon for a class on how to know when to move to the next level or food reintroduction. Have already been told Clear Liquids and Protein Drinks only until the one week recheck....but she's gonna talk about the next few stages and give us advice about strategies for what to try first, how much, etc.
I met the two other ladies having surgery on the day I am....nice girls! Will visit with them a little more at class today since we'll be roaming the halls at the same time.
Also cool...we get a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline for all questions and concerns...that is staffed by my bariatric center. Local people who know exactly what my case is. I loved this.
Oh! And my surgeon hasn't had a "leak" post surgical in over seven years. And he's done over 3000 procedures in his career.
I feel like I'm in very good hands. Feeling good! (in spite of vanilla anchovy hell) LOL:)

7 days down, 7 to go. Having surgery on December 5. I'm the first surgery in the morning.
My liquid diet has sucked. No way to sugar coat that. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I'm incredibly hungry and angry. LOL. And my brain doesn't work. Really horrific brain fog.
When you cut out all carbs and sugar, your liver has to kick into gear and make sugar for your body through a process called gluconeogenesis. You NEED glucose in your blood for basic functions. In particular, your brain needs glucose to function.
When you're glucose deprived, it can be hard to concentrate, you can need extra effort for decisions, your impulse -control can be worse, and your emotions can be out of whack. I can attest to all of this being true. I'm forgetting everything. I feel foggy, and like I have to concentrate harder to stay on task. Have had headaches on and off and felt really tired. And did I mention I'm really grumpy? Like...really grumpy, and weepy, and kinda...unhinged. (more so than usual!)
My particular diet is 5 shakes, sugar free popcicles, sugar free Jello, broth, and one 100 calorie serving of either cream of wheat or yogurt per day....for two weeks. Here's a tip: If you're on this diet? Save your one item with carbs (the yogurt or cream of wheat) for just before you have to drive. You'll be more clear headed while driving, and drive safer.
I kept forgetting how many shakes I'd had, so I put five clothespins on my kitchen curtains and moved them over to the other side as I drank my shakes. No second guessing that way. It helped.
You do lose weight rapidly. I've lost about a pound a day. But again...this sucks so much. LOL. My previous wonderful low fat, low carb, calorie restricted diet seems decadent and indulgent by comparison. I miss my diet food. It was delicious and I'll never take it for granted again.
I do feel more prepared for the psychological effects of the post-surgical diet. I already know how hard it is not to eat anything solid...and what weird things not eating carbs can do to your brain. I know how different I feel with my liver making all the sugar I need....and that I'm emotionally pretty raw.
I've never done anything like this in my life, and it's pretty intense.
While I really hate this diet....there is a certain comfort in knowing I won't be facing these changes for the first time right after surgery. I think it would add stress at a time I want to keep stress at bay as much as possible. I'll have my hands full with learning to stay hydrated.
Tomorrow will be the eighth day...over the first hill, and on my way down the slope to surgery...I'm halfway home. Then another couple of weeks until mushy foods get reintroduced.
I really never put together that I'd be in starvation mode for over a month. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done.