Sleeve_Me_Alone

7 minutes ago, KarrinnaP said:

Hi I am 6 days post op from having the gastric sleeve. I am still a bit gassy, I am still on the clear liquid diet, however My stomach is a bit sensitive right now and I don’t really eat Jello or broth. I am able to get fluids and popsicles down. My issue is today I am feeling quite light headed. I’m sure this is perhaps a bit normal considering my body isn’t getting the proper nutrients. Anyone have any tips to help combat this feeling. Just feeling a bit drained now.

Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes. Drink Powerade/Gatorade, use a Water Enhancer, or try some Pickle Juice if you can't stomach broth. When you are taking in so few calories and drinking all that Water, its easy to end up with an electrolyte imbalance which can contribute to low blood pressure and the dizzy feeling. It does get better once you move to full liquids, but its important to stay on top of it as best you can.

9 hours ago, FLPhoenix said:

Today I got my surgery. It has been challenging. Vomited blood and phlegm three times now. The gas pains are terrible! Starting to have buyers remorse 😔😩

Congrats on getting it done! I know it feels terrible right now, but I promise it does get better. The day of surgery was extremely rough for me, but by day 3 I was feeling MUCH better. Take your meds, rest as much as you need to, and give yourself lots of grace. ❤️

45 minutes ago, lavila7046 said:

Hello new here, just had my surgery on 09.27.21 when does the gas build up go away, I’m continuously walking but it doesn’t seem to be helping

Surgery was 9/21 and I has gas pains for a solid 5 days. I kept up on the Gas-X every few hours, walking, sitting/sleeping upright (no laying flat), and drinking as much Water as I could manage. A heating pad can help too. Eventually it worked its way out, but it does take time. If its really bad, you can take Tylenol or whatever pain meds the surgeon gave you. Like @lizonaplane said, it might also be pain from drinking. Make sure you are dinking slow, taking small sips, avoiding swallowing air, and so on. I've noticed my "fullness" queue seems to feel an awful lot like gas pain right in my chest. Its tricky getting to know the new plumbing, it just takes time.

1 hour ago, mooskielittle said:

My questions are...
1. What am i supposed to weigh before surgery? Is there x# of pounds or bmi im supposed to lose from the time of my consultation til my surgery?
2. What should my end weight goal be?
3. Can i really not have fruit, potatoes, corn, noodles or breads? These are huge things in my list of foods i would go to eat. I am a big sweet tooth n fruit is 1 way i would want to eat healthier.
4. Has anyone ever experienced any big side effects risks or complications? Ones drs dont usually discuss as risks til... bam u have been diagnosed.
5. Anyone know the death rate, complications or big risks being elevated with certain family backgrounds? Example... maternal family with several cancers?
6. What if i start smoking again?
7. What if i consume alcohol?
8. What if i think my 14 yr old needs this surgery?
Sent from my SM-N975U using BariatricPal mobile app

As others have said, these are all questions you should be bringing to your appointments. It might be helpful to keep a notebook with questions so you can jot them down as you think of them, and then bring them to your appointments. Don't feel like you need to know it ALL right now. This is a process and it takes time to get to a place where you are ready to commit. Do your research, find resources, as your questions. All totally normal. I would also STRONGLY suggest some counseling before you decide. It is absolutely imperative that you work through any trauma or baggage that might be contributing to unhealthy habits. Surgery is just a tool, it will only work as well as you are able to wield it. Making sure your mind is healthy is absolutely the best thing you can do to set yourself up for success. That being said, I took a stab just to help give you some guideposts.

1. What am i supposed to weigh before surgery? Is there x# of pounds or bmi im supposed to lose from the time of my consultation til my surgery? - This is program dependent. Some have a goal weight or BMI, others want you to loose xxx pounds before surgery. Ask your program.
2. What should my end weight goal be? - The expected weight loss with VSG and RNY is 60-80% of your excess weight. So, if you have 100lbs to lose to get to a healthy BMI, you can expect to lose 60-80 of those pounds. Some programs set a goal weight, others do not. Again, ask your program.
3. Can i really not have fruit, potatoes, corn, noodles or breads? These are huge things in my list of foods i would go to eat. I am a big sweet tooth n fruit is 1 way i would want to eat healthier. - Most programs do not say you can "never" have specific foods again. But there are a host of factors that determine what your long term eating habits will look like (what can you tolerate without feeling sick or having dumping, etc., are you hitting your Water and Protein goals, do you have any nutritional deficiencies, etc.). That being said, if you aren't ready to commit to long term changes, you may want to hold off. Sometime WLS requires we give up certain foods in order to be at our best. 
4. Has anyone ever experienced any big side effects risks or complications? Ones drs dont usually discuss as risks til... bam u have been diagnosed. - Yes, side effects can occur. Surgical complications include internal bleeding, leaks at the "seams," anesthesia issues, all the normal stuff. Post-op complications can include GERD, hiatal hernias, malnutrition, and other things. Research the possible complications so you are well informed and ask your surgial center what their complication and surgical infection rates are. Overall bariatric surgery is very safe, but all surgical procedures carry risks.
5. Anyone know the death rate, complications or big risks being elevated with certain family backgrounds? Example... maternal family with several cancers? - See above, surgically very safe. All of this is available online, just do some scholarly Googling and, as always, as your program.
6. What if i start smoking again? - Just don't. It will kill you just as fast as obesity. Learn new coping mechanisms, go to therapy, pick up a hobby. From a surgical perspective, smoking greatly increases the risk of complications and can greatly increase recovery time.
7. What if i consume alcohol? - This is a combo of personal and program. Most programs have a strict prohibition for a period of time, others say try not to drink ever. In the end, its empty calories and you will get drunk MUCH faster than you did pre-op. Plan to abstain for a good long time.
8. What if i think my 14 yr old needs this surgery? - Talk to their pediatrician and get them into counseling. Do NOT rush into that. This is a major, life altering surgery and could be massively traumatizing for a child.

I'm still on full liquids, but SF Jello, SF popsicles, and changing up my Protein Shake flavors seems to help keep cravings at bay. Maybe try some SF pudding or freeze a shake to make it more creamy? I've hear others add a spoonful of SF pudding mix into their Protein Shakes for a treat. Just hang in there, the cravings will pass and you'll be able to eat "normal" foods in time!

58 minutes ago, Officially Not Fatty Matty said:

Tell them you’ll compare your weight loss to theirs and when they say “zero” yell “divide by zero error!!!” and run off.

This made me snort. For real, we don't owe anyone an explanation.

As others have said, if it's an extended or delayed release, its possible you aren't absorbing it. Definitely contact your provider and discuss. There are tons of great meds put there that can work for WLS patients if you determine you need a med change. Even if it is just "post-op blues" it's so, so important to stay on top of your mental health throughout this process. I know it can feel overwhelming, but don't give up! You got this!

Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

Had gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia surgery 2 weeks ago and I still feel pain in my stomach/ lots of gases when I eat, is that normal and will it go away or is this part of life now with gastric sleeve

Hello all! Long-time listener, first-time caller. I had my sleeve surgery on Wednesday, so I’m on day 4 post-op. Gas pains subsided after the 2nd day. Of course I still have surgery pain, but it’s pretty mild. BUT, the gurgling is so annoying! My entire insides gurgle, and I’m having a hard time getting all of my liquids down.

Also, how long did y’all take off work? I took 3 days off, and since I work from home, I said I would work half-days this coming week.

Hey Kenda,

I really hope you went through with it! Mine was on Tuesday and I went through with it. Had some gas pains on Wednesday and some yesterday, but today I feel great. A few small aches at the incision sites, but nothing near what I was expecting (I was expecting the painI had after gallbladder removal).
I feel like having this almost forced me into being optimistic because I know I can’t change it now! I was in a great frame of mind before but the doubt kept sinking in on me, too. It seems that it is pretty normal for that to happen.

16 minutes ago, BoyMom86 said:

Thanks Kendra! Good luck and speedy recovery!!

You too!

I'm on day 10, but it feels like day 478,850,656. Although, I will say it does get easier. Day 3 was toughest for me, but after that I started to feel better and better. I think now the biggest issue for me is just being tired. I start my day at 4am and by 3pm I'm exhausted and often have to take a quick nap just to get through the evening to bedtime. Thankfully my family has been very supportive and we all know this is just temporary. It absolutely will be worth it! You'll do great!

Post-op blood thinners are extremely common. Just like most things bariatric related, the duration varies from surgeon to surgeon. I'm scheduled for VSG next week and I believe my surgeon does 10 days. I would say if you have confirmed with your surgeon and have nothing indicating blood thinners would be unsafe (clotting disorder, etc.) the stay the course!

32 minutes ago, CurvyGirlJourney said:

My Gastric Bypass is on September 21st! 5 days away! I can't wait. But the biggest thing I am dreading is gas pains. I had them with my gallbladder surgery and they were awful!

I'm getting sleeved on 9/21 and I'm right there with you on the gas pains. I had laparoscopic surgery for an ovarian cyst a few years ago, and the gas pain was by far the worst part of the recovery! I've got a couple boxes of Gas-X and my heating pad ready! It will be worth it!

36 minutes ago, Azalea Crosby said:

I keep going back to my FB groups and NOT ONE PERSON has said they regret it. That is a huge motivator for me. NOT ONE PERSON. think of that!! I wish you luck, where is your surgery? i am in central Maine!

You are 100% right. I don't think I've seen a single person say they regret the surgery, except for a one or two oddballs who had completely bizarre complications. I need to just stick to the facts!

I am in Az, but having surgery in Tijuana, Mx.

Y'all...... Surgery is next Tuesday (9/21) and I'm starting to question it alllllllll. What if I fail? What if this is just another thing I screw up and end up NOT losing weight, or worse, gaining weight? What if it doesn't work for me? What if I'm one of those people who loses 20lbs and then stops (not to negate a 20lb loss, that is GREAT, but its only a drop in the bucket for me)? I will never be able to forgive myself if I spend all this time and money and put my family through the stress of surgery, just to fail again. I'm not scared of the surgery of the rest of the pre-op diet or the work required post-op. But I am TERRIFIED of failing again and I'm not sure how to get out of my own head. Anyone else spiraling? How do we break the shame cycle?

ETA: Yes, I've done therapy and it was very helpful. Not currently attending, but am working through a self-paced program specific to binge eating/ food addition and shame. I know this is in my head and I'm taking steps to work on it, just crowd sourcing some encouragement.

4 hours ago, BillyHalleck said:

If it makes you feel any better, when you get on the scale in a week or two, youll see your body has been having a grand ol' time eating itself - the numbers are shockingly awesome.

This made me snort. I'm on day 9 pre-op liquid diet and this is exactly how it feels. Not jazzed about this stretching on post-op, but the thought of little fat eating Pac Man style weight loss makes it a little easier to manage.

I'm pre-op, so no help to your question specifically, though I don't think there is any documented specific risk of using post-op. Just a note of caution though, it is STRONGLY recommended that you stop all use of THC in any form at least 2 weeks before surgery because it is well documented that cannabis use can interfere with the efficacy of anesthesia. Folks who use, very often need higher doses of meds to get and stay sedated. So if you aren't going to go cold turnkey at least 2 weeks in advance, you absolutely need to disclose to your surgeon and anesthesiologist when you go in, otherwise you are putting your literal life at risk. They won't care and won't report you (if not legal in your state), although they may delay your surgery depending on their pre-op requirements. But delaying and being safe is better than risking complications. Absolutely ZERO judgement, just want you to be informed and use accordingly.

I take the calcium chews from ProCare and love them! You can order a sample pack for free to try before you buy.

Throw it all out (including him!), and move on with your life. Boundaries are important and if you allow them to be violated after clearly communicating them, then you need to take action. You know what you need for your health, and if he can't respect that he should not be welcome in your home. I would add, he's probably an ex for a reason. I know you want to help and I'm sure you hate to see him suffer, but that relationship was probably never healthy and it certainly isn't going to change now. You're doing the right thing!

As others have said, each surgeon is different and has different recommendations and requirements. The pre-op and post-op diets can vary WILDLY between doctors, but that doesn't necessarily mean one is better or worse than another. If you feel like you need additional support, its totally fine to consult with your PCP or a registered dietician, depending on what you need. The other thing to remember is that just because your doctor said you CAN, doesn't mean you HAVE to. You may be cleared to swim, but if you aren't comfortable, then don't. Maybe they say you are ready for the next food phase, but you feel like your body isn't? That's fine, go slower if you need to. The guidelines are just that, guidelines, they are not hard and fast rules for what you have to do at any given stage (although I certainly wouldn't condone going any faster or do more than recommended). Ultimately, you have to listen to your gut and do what you think is best for YOU!

Most surgery centers provide a detailed meal plan, I would suggest using that as your guide. Its always best to follow your surgeon's recommendations, if you can. If you still feel like you need more info, reach out to their dietician for help. But most puree stage diets include things like strained Soups (tomato, butternut squash, etc.), yogurt, refried Beans (probably need to be thinned out a bit), applesauce, very thin masked potatoes, etc. Things that you can easily swallow, do not have chunks of any kind, and do not require any chewing.

I will be doing self-pay in Mexico, surgery on 9/21. All in (hotel, flights, surgery, meds, spending money, etc.) will be just about $5,500. I did the math and using insurance would have put my out of pocket at about $7,000 and take roughly 9 months, versus about 3 months with my current surgeon. I wasn't so much concerned about the cost, though it was a factor, but I did take issue with the timeline. I have consulted for bariatric surgery multiple times and always chickened out. I didn't want to give myself that option this time. Putting down a down payment and a date on the calendar made it non-negotiable to me. On top of that, going the self-pay route cuts WAY down on the red tape and pre-op crap that insurance requires.

I am pre-op, but I am having my VSG in Mexico at HospitalBC on 9/21. There is a private FB page for Dr. Illan's patients, and many of them have gone to him for revisions (Dr. Jalil Illan, MD, FACS, FASMBS Weight Loss Surgery support group). Definitely suggest joining the FB group so you can get some first hand opinions!

I did a good bit of research before deciding to go with Dr. Illan and have been extremely pleased with the process so far. Surgery in Mexico is absolutely a viable, safe option as long as you do your research and go with a reputable surgeon. Good luck on your revision, I hope you're able to find a surgeon your trust and can get it done!

I'm pre-op still and can only speak from personal experience, but I think this is very common. There is a lot of shame and stigma attached to WLS, all of which is completely unnecessary. The idea that it is a last resort and that patients have "failed" at all other attempts prior to WLS, makes it seem like it is somehow a copout. But that really is not the truth. It is a tool, just like diets and pills and fasts and everything else and there is NO shame in putting another tool in your toolbelt to help you be healthy and well. (I'm of course not comparing WLS to these other methods, just explaining that they are all "tools" and should not carry inherent shame.) All that being said, you did what you needed to do for your won health and well being. Its completely ok and completely normal to question it, especially so early on. But give yourself lots of grace and be patient. It WILL get better and you ARE worth it.