MaryCA

Hey Lindsay

glad you are on the mend. I came home on Thursday after completing a barium swallow to check for leaks or defects. There was 6 of us in the surgery group and we got to spend lots of time together. 4 women and 2 men. All of them were really nice and it was helpful to have each other around emotionally

But there was one interesting occurrence. One of the women was switching over from a lapband to the gastric sleeve. She was significantly thinner than the rest of us and only had about 30 lbs to lose. The night before surgery she was seen in the dining room eating a hamburger and fries. When I heard this, I thought she was crazy but there was a little part of me that thought the hamburger sounded good.

Glad I took the pre-op seriously. I am kinda hungry today - first time. I’m having Bone Broth and Protein Water. Definitely feeling better.

So glad you have a nurse at hand - I am one of the "Crazy People" going out of the country to have this surgery. Yes, Mexico - The surgeon is internationally known and has a great reputation (and remember, my friend has taken numerous people down there to see him).

So I have the added stress of Passports and packing and schlepping stuff to the border next Monday for my pre-op testing. But my friend assures me that the care will be wonderful. I guess we stay at a nearby Hilton Hotel for 3 nights afterwards. I will be released on Friday.

I will be returning to work on MONDAY - how about you?

I am lucky to have a friend nearby that has gone to this exact doctor and had an incredible experience and fantastic success. (100 lb loss). In fact I will be the 10th person she has sent to this doctor.

Yes I get nervous but she is so darn positive that it’s contagious, I have talked to another person who had it done (different doctor) and she told me horrible stories of misery and Constipation. Here’s the thing... HER DOCTOR DIDNT HAVE HER DO THE liquid PRE-FAST. She went to McDonalds the night before!

Pass me the hot broth! I am happy to do this pre-op fast.

My friend also told me to get some Gas-X gels. She said to start taking them the day before (3 X day) and to melt them on your tongue after. This will prevent some of the gas pains that are typical (but can be painful) with abdominal surgery. And she said to get up and walk as soon and as much as you can afterwards.

We are going to do great!

I was tired and cold for 2 days but then I rallied. Also, I added cups of warm Bone Broth (chicken) when ever I felt hungry between shakes. BINGO! Worked like a charm.

If you're having weight loss surgery then you have to get used to a high Protein diet. After surgery, eating high Protein will ensure you burn fat rather than muscle. As your calories are limited, you have to squeeze in as much protein as possible.
The good news is that a high protein diet isn't so bad once you get used to it. Protein tends to fill you up. It's not like say, bread or potato chips where you could eat endless amounts. There's only so much beef or chicken you can eat before you feel full.
Once you stop having so many carbs, the cravings will mostly go away. In the meantime, you can enjoy healthy fats (you can eat delicious things like cheese, avocado, Peanut Butter, etc). There are also lots of alternatives to the bad carbs. Zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice etc. I eat "cheeseburgers" which are just cheese and meat between lettuce leaves.
The pre-op diet sucks, but you can handle anything for two weeks! The first month or two after the surgery is rough too. Once you're back on real food, you will feel so much better.

I have my surgery date and I am so excited!!! Anyone else having surgery around the same time? I need a WLS buddy!!

Hi! I’m having surgery January 16th too. I am on liquids, Protein Shakes and specific veggies only. Anyone else? I am so glad this was required. I also have been off of all alcohol and on a restricted diet for the last 2 months. Here we go gang! I’m excited!