ColoradoCanuck

Welcome to the journey and I used a Cane to prop my overweight ass out of bed and chairs for the first few weeks - Did it once without it and it hurt - Still have the cane anyone need it

So glad to hear you are doing well and that you are going home! I'm so excited for your next steps as you heal and get into the recovery side. ((HUGS))

congrats you journey has a great start keep us updated on progress cheers

Great report! Congrats!!

💙CONGRATULATIONS & HEAL QUICKLY💙
Also hoping your father is ok too

Congratulations! So excited for you.
When rolling out of bed or standing up from the couch, make sure you use the furnitures available for you for support, at least for the next 2 weeks. Put your arms on the end table or elbow rest etc to cause less pain in your belly.
sip. sip. sip.... little sips...
Good Luck. You got this!

Abdomen feels crampy, pain has shared today. Felt pretty nauseated day 2.
My oxygen levels are a concern, so I'm being sent home today with some oxygen tanks for my cpap and for rest time.
Tonight I'll sleep completely flat in bed to see what that's going to be like. Might need to strategize how to effectively roll out of bed.
I'm so very happy for the awesome people here who have shared their experiences over the years.
I'm excited to get back home today!
Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

Abdomen feels crampy, pain has shared today. Felt pretty nauseated day 2.
My oxygen levels are a concern, so I'm being sent home today with some oxygen tanks for my cpap and for rest time.
Tonight I'll sleep completely flat in bed to see what that's going to be like. Might need to strategize how to effectively roll out of bed.
I'm so very happy for the awesome people here who have shared their experiences over the years.
I'm excited to get back home today!
Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

It's 4am. My surgery is in 8 hours. I went to bed about 11pm, woke up at 2am full of anxiety and fear like "WTF an I even doing????" I dunno whether to go try to sleep for 2.5 more hours before my alarm goes off or just stay awake.

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I saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning.
Sleeve Tips:
I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help!
1. Take preop photos... you'll want them!
2. Protein shakes...I used Isopure Protein Powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of Water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, GENEPRO is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add Creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly.
Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals!
3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient.
4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches.
5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces.
6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop.
7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful.
8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop.
9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore.
10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me.
11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose!
12. Dumping and The Foamies...
Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients.
13. Take your Vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent Vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with Iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed Multivitamin, in addition to Calcium with d3, and magnesium and B12.
14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia.
15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it.
16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it.
17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well.
18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders.
19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up.
20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry.
21. Abbreviations...
HW your highest weight
SW what you weighed on your surgery day
GW your goal weight
CW what you weigh currently
NSV non scale victory
Nut nutritionist
VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery)
RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass)
DS duodenal switch surgery
22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take Biotin supplements for it, I didn't.
23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol.
24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help!
25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, Smooth Move tea, or Miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal.
26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime!
I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

Follow up:

Kids took it very well. My oldest had some thoughtful questions the day I explained it and the following day. My youngest started talking about having some fat around his tummy and that he wanted to be careful about what he ate too. I strongly emphasized that our bodies do need some amount of fat to stay healthy and that his body is perfect right now, and we'll talk about it more as he continues to grow.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

Good luck, good thoughts, and prayers for everyone else getting their surgery on Monday with me.

The term "loser's bench" sounds a little derogatory to me, but I'm excited for the change. Whew, only two more days of pre-op diet!

Good luck, good thoughts, and prayers for everyone else getting their surgery on Monday with me.

The term "loser's bench" sounds a little derogatory to me, but I'm excited for the change. Whew, only two more days of pre-op diet!

I'm nervous as well. Like@planetabbi my surgery is Monday as well, but I'm getting a loop duodenal switch. I started my pre-op diet this past Monday and have already dropped several pounds. Good thing I like shakes! lol
Hang in there, we're all here to support each other!

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270 before, 160 now

I'm nervous as well. Like@planetabbi my surgery is Monday as well, but I'm getting a loop duodenal switch. I started my pre-op diet this past Monday and have already dropped several pounds. Good thing I like shakes! lol
Hang in there, we're all here to support each other!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm at the end of day 3 of my pre-op diet and these Protein Shakes are constantly filling me up to the point where I've missed one today.
But then the kids wanted pizza, and I was sipping beef broth in another room. And now my stomach is roiling and I'm legit hungry for the first time all day and want to go raid the fridge.
Good thing I have to drink another Protein Shake instead...
On the flip side, doc had me cut out diet soda, coffee, and alcohol back in early September, and this morning I actually weigh as much as I claim on my driver's license. LOL.
Surgery is this Monday!!!
Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

You got this! Be like the little engine that could, instead of "I think I can, I think I can!" Say, "I know I can, I know I can! Finally you will be saying, "I did, I did, I did!" 4 days to go!

Stick with it. The surgery will be that much easier because your liver will shrink. Just had mine on Monday and everything went better than expected. You’ll do great!

Hold on...it only gets worse lol. Lol- I’m joking-but it’s good to mentally prepare yourself prior to surgery because you will have the same challenge after surgery. I promise the cravings don’t go away. If you can tackle the challenge now, it will be a lot easier for you after surgery.

I'm at the end of day 3 of my pre-op diet and these Protein Shakes are constantly filling me up to the point where I've missed one today.
But then the kids wanted pizza, and I was sipping beef broth in another room. And now my stomach is roiling and I'm legit hungry for the first time all day and want to go raid the fridge.
Good thing I have to drink another Protein Shake instead...
On the flip side, doc had me cut out diet soda, coffee, and alcohol back in early September, and this morning I actually weigh as much as I claim on my driver's license. LOL.
Surgery is this Monday!!!
Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm at the end of day 3 of my pre-op diet and these Protein Shakes are constantly filling me up to the point where I've missed one today.
But then the kids wanted pizza, and I was sipping beef broth in another room. And now my stomach is roiling and I'm legit hungry for the first time all day and want to go raid the fridge.
Good thing I have to drink another Protein Shake instead...
On the flip side, doc had me cut out diet soda, coffee, and alcohol back in early September, and this morning I actually weigh as much as I claim on my driver's license. LOL.
Surgery is this Monday!!!
Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app

My father had a heart attack back in Canada and my surgery is in a week.
He has a history of heart disease and has had many heart attacks plus a quadruple bypass, but this is the first heart stack in a decade that was bad enough to fire off the defibrillator unit in his chest.
I don't know if I even have the option to move my surgery date or what to do.
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I've enjoyed my "last hurrah" lately; my pre-op diet starts tomorrow. In the past week I've had "smaller than usual" portions of steak, bacon, sushi, might have spaghetti tonight. Starting tomorrow: shakes, broth, and Water for 7 days.

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And you will have all those foods again - just not for a while!