NewMe_2021

Four days left to go! My pre-op diet is starting to get to me. Nothing but liquids for 14 days starts to make drinking the Protein Shakes quite the challenge. I'm starting to find there are days where I just am not hungry or cannot stomach another shake and basically have to choke them down. I can definitely understand not ever wanting to drink this type of shake again. I'll definitely be purchasing different ones for post op. The impact on ones digestive track on a diet like this is a real thing and has caught up with me during the final days on the pre-op diet. At this point I would rather just not have to drink 5 a day and maybe just have to drink 2 and just not eat. Just have to limp across the finish line! Friday is right around the corner!

Four days left to go! My pre-op diet is starting to get to me. Nothing but liquids for 14 days starts to make drinking the Protein Shakes quite the challenge. I'm starting to find there are days where I just am not hungry or cannot stomach another shake and basically have to choke them down. I can definitely understand not ever wanting to drink this type of shake again. I'll definitely be purchasing different ones for post op. The impact on ones digestive track on a diet like this is a real thing and has caught up with me during the final days on the pre-op diet. At this point I would rather just not have to drink 5 a day and maybe just have to drink 2 and just not eat. Just have to limp across the finish line! Friday is right around the corner!

I had to finally walk away from most of the FB groups, support boards and YouTube channels as I didn't want to scare myself before surgery. It's already really nerve wracking to think I am choosing to have this surgery rather than it being a medical emergency. My primary care doctor put it into good perspective though - she said "isn't it nice that you can choose to have a surgery that may help you avoid needing a surgery you don't have a choice about in the future?" I keep reminding myself it is a pretty straightforward surgery and most people get through it without any issues. People get on a lot of those groups and do videos looking for help with the issues the are having...all the others are out there living life! I feel like it's important to be aware of the slim possibility of complications, but, chances are not many are going to have them. Maybe step away from some of the videos until after surgery? Hang in there!

Stay busy!! I have found the key is distraction. I have had a lot of people tell me to drink lots of Water, but, I find that doesn't do anything for me with regards to silencing the hunger. I try to ensure I stay as physically distracted as I can, stay out of the kitchen when my family is making their food and have been focusing on getting lots of extra sleep. There's no easy way through it that I have found...just be stubborn and stay focused on the goal at the end.

Had my surgery on June 2nd and yesterday was really bad today is a bit better... wishing all June Dates the best of luck

I’m leaving to fly home in about three hours. Dreading the flight but anxious to shower in my own bathroom and sleep in my own bed.

I had sleeve and hernia repair on Tuesday afternoon, and feeling really great. Others have mentioned nausea and so I’d like to share my tips since I get nauseas so easily.
pre Surgery I was given zofran and Pepcid in IV. They also gave me a patch to wear behind my ear and sea bands for my wrists. After surgery I alternated between zofran and phenegrin by IV and then orally. I was discharged just a few hours after surgery so worried I wouldn’t be able to swallow pills ,but strangely that hasn’t been a problem for me.

I was also given “queues ease clip on” to wear and that helped a lot. They can be purchased on Amazon and you just clip to shirt and the aromatherapy is mild but effective. I also find that rubbing Vicks baby rub under my nose helps as well and plan on using that on the plane. It’s invisible so you won’t feel like Claire’s from Silence of the Lambs.

Since I get nauseas when laying down, I walked as much as I could and my companion did back percussions which helped a lot and felt good.

I know this journey is not easy, and that I’m far from perfect, but I am going to try as hard as this 62 year old body will allow to take advantage of this tool I’ve been given.

Good luck to everyone. I know we can all do this!

Hi Fellow Junies and of course anyone else. So, I thought I would share my very limited experience of about 42 hours ago.
For me, the hardest part the day of was not being able to drink any Water for so long the day of surgery. Also it was tough just sitting around waiting.
after surgery pain and gas pain was not as terrible as I thought it would be. I have only taken five tramadol tablets and pretty quickly switched to Tylenol. Last tramadol was last night so that I could sleep comfortably.
I tend to get nauseous very easily so I knew this would be the worst post surgery. Medical staff was quick to help and I really was only nauseous for about four hours. I had surgery - including hiatal hernia repair as an out patient and was able to tolerate the ride back to my hotel.
I walked every hour the first six hours and then every two hours for the next eight hours. Of course I complained when my family member got me up because all I wanted to do was sleep. How3ver, I’m so glad I got up and walked and walked and walked. Family member also did back percussions and that helped with removing the gas.

I haven’t felt hungry at all but really thirsty. I constantly am sipping water - just have to do that rather than gulping water.

so far everything is going well and I’m excited use this tool so I can have a normal and active life.

how is everyone else doing?

Seth here. I just had my VSG at UC Health's West Chester Hospital (University of Cincinnati). It was on the 28th. It went well, though the surgeon told me I had an odd shaped stomach. It went would more than a banana shape. He said it should make losing weight easier for me.
I was in some pain on the surgery day. They gave me pain meds just after the surgery and later that night. I did not ask for any the next day.
I got up and walked around the halls quite a bit. I also drank Water only. I was discharged after one night.
Currently, my incisions are still sore but I do not need any pain meds. Now I am just trying to figure out what my "Full" point is. I am so worried that I will bust my staples that I am probably being way too cautious.
Today, I've had about 350 calories and almost 33oz of water. I am setting an alarm every 3 hours to try and drink more slim fast advanced nutrition. I also set a timer after I drink the Protein Shake to make sure I do not drink for an hour afterward.
I am only drinking about 1/2 of the 11oz shakes over a 30 minute period.
My program only allows liquid for the first month. On 2nd month we can move to puree. The 3rd month we can eat soft foods and on month 4 we can go back to eating anything that fits into our routine.
I think this is the most restrictive after surgery out there.

Hi Everyone and especially fellow June surgery folks,
I had surgery around 5:30ET and I have to say I’m surprised with how well I’m feeling. I won’t lie; the nausea was pretty bad but nurses were spectacular in helping with that, so it’s about 80% better. Pain and gas levels are not that bad. I’ve been getting up every hour or so to walk but now go8ng to change tha5 to every two hours.
hang in there and God speed to all!

Wishing everyone a full and speedy recovery after surgery. Good luck everyone!

Thank you! Good luck to you as well.

Hey everyone!! I’m scheduled for June 28th and I’m super super excited. I just had my final visit with my nutritionist and am hoping for the best. I was told I would have to go on the pre-op protein/liquid diet starting in the 14th. Right now my biggest struggle is getting out of the: “ I won’t be able to eat it later so I should eat it now” mindset. I’m toughing through and have been really good about dieting but these last few days the reality of no more of my favorites is setting in!

Hoping for amazing results for all of us!

Starting day 5 of my 14 day liquid pre-op. So far so good! There have been a few times where the smell of food around me was pretty overwhelming, but, there is no temptation to go off plan. I started this process nearly 18 months ago and I don't want to do a single thing that could jeopardize the surgery. I feel very fortunate that I haven't really had any side effects other than being hungry, but, it's manageable. I never thought I would look forward to a cup of chicken broth at the end of the day like I do now. LOL I've been staying super busy and have been focusing on finishing some home projects so I am not just sitting around listening to my belly growl.
Today was my pre-op appointment with the Anesthesiologist, which, went really well. I received some liquid surgical scrub, a Glycemic Endothelial Drink packet and prescriptions for Celebrex and Gabapentin. Next Tuesday I go in for my Covid test. Hard to believe surgery is next week.
Best of luck to those with surgeries this week! Sending many healing vibes to all!

Good luck to you as well, Samyn.

I am headed to the hospital in about four hours and so ready to start a new active life. I had zoom happy hour with some old high school friends and we are planning a trip full of hiking, rafting, and zip lining. Thinking of doing this with my original besties without running out of energy or my joints hurting is the best motivation there is.

good luck to everyone having surgery today. We’ve got this!

I am waiting to head to surgery as I type! I’m feeling quite anxious! Yikes!

No, I decided to move to the new surgeon instead of moving to September. I've already waited well over a year for this, I'm ready to get it done! Still set for a 6/11 surgery date.

@ShoppGirlthanks for the suggestion. I did call, but, there is no room in his schedule in the next two weeks. I'm working to trust the process and moving forward.
I start my 2 week liquid diet tomorrow and decided it was finally time to tell my parents and kids about my surgery on 6/11. The kids went as expected with a few questions and lots of support. My mom completely surprised me with her reaction. She said she thought it was a great decision, that she was happy for me and that she had no doubt I would be successful. The very next thing she said was "how can we help?" I about broke down in tears. I had been so nervous about telling her and it turns out she is my biggest supporter. It feels so nice to not have that stress on my shoulders any more. By telling those closest to me I found the biggest support system. I'm beyond thankful it all worked out like that!

Congrats! To prepare myself, I've been cleaning the house, getting things organized and spending a lot of time having heart to hearts with myself. I've been journaling a lot and trying to explore how I'm feeling through this whole process. I haven't stopped walking everyday (on the liquid diet) and that also helps clear my head. I placed an order for smaller utensils, souper cubes (for freezing Soups etc), an abdominal binder and mini mason jars to store the meal prepped food I'll make for the puree post-op diet. I just received all of my medications for the surgery and after surgery day so I'm organizing that as well. We are so close!

Same for me luckily I get to skip the liquid diet part though.

So exciting to see so many getting so close to the big day!! I had my groceries delivered today for my liquid diet and was both laughing at the pile of Protein Shakes piled outside my door and felt my nerves go up a bit. Getting so close! I go in for my preop visit on 6/1 followed up by a Covid test on 6/8. I'm already figuring out lots of way to stay busy over the next two weeks! I've been putting together an Amazon order with some small plates/forks, a Vitamin organizer, all my Vitamins and some Gatorade Protein Water and some Protein2O. What's everyone else doing to get ready?

On another good note, my hospital system cancelled my covid test since I’m fully vaccinated and they could prove it through the state vaccination database. Whoo-hoo!! As of yesterday they no longer require it in a case like mine!!!

I just got home from my preop visit with my surgeon and my preadmission testing appointment afterwards. Whew! I’m worn out now! June 1st will be here before I know it...OMG it’s really getting close! I’m so nervous, excited, scared, etc etc!!!

One week countdown for me! This time next Thursday, I should be in the recovery room.
Did my pre-op testing and registration at the hospital yesterday. No word about the upper GI or blood test results, but my EKG, BP, and mini-exam were all good. Fingers crossed there's not a hernia or anything that would delay my surgery. Hopefully no news is good news!

@ShoppGirlthanks for the suggestion. I did call, but, there is no room in his schedule in the next two weeks. I'm working to trust the process and moving forward.
I start my 2 week liquid diet tomorrow and decided it was finally time to tell my parents and kids about my surgery on 6/11. The kids went as expected with a few questions and lots of support. My mom completely surprised me with her reaction. She said she thought it was a great decision, that she was happy for me and that she had no doubt I would be successful. The very next thing she said was "how can we help?" I about broke down in tears. I had been so nervous about telling her and it turns out she is my biggest supporter. It feels so nice to not have that stress on my shoulders any more. By telling those closest to me I found the biggest support system. I'm beyond thankful it all worked out like that!

@ShoppGirlthanks for the suggestion. I did call, but, there is no room in his schedule in the next two weeks. I'm working to trust the process and moving forward.
I start my 2 week liquid diet tomorrow and decided it was finally time to tell my parents and kids about my surgery on 6/11. The kids went as expected with a few questions and lots of support. My mom completely surprised me with her reaction. She said she thought it was a great decision, that she was happy for me and that she had no doubt I would be successful. The very next thing she said was "how can we help?" I about broke down in tears. I had been so nervous about telling her and it turns out she is my biggest supporter. It feels so nice to not have that stress on my shoulders any more. By telling those closest to me I found the biggest support system. I'm beyond thankful it all worked out like that!