djhobbes

I, like others, struggled during the pre-op diet phase, and I had feelings quite similar to yours. I learned that a big part of those feelings for me was anxiety - anxiety for the upcoming surgery; and perhaps more so, anxiety for the major changes I would experience with my relationship with food. Post-op, you won't have the desire (or ability) to eat like you did. Hang in there.

First of all, congratulations. In terms of your thread title, I would suggest that you feel like you're all over the place because you essentially are! This procedure is significant, and it results in significant changes to our bodies. I know that I felt very similar in the first weeks post-op. It is excellent that you're getting your fluids. Lots of people struggle with this at first (I did my first few days) and it sounds like you're keeping up. Likewise regarding your pain and moving around. These all sound like you're doing pretty darn good. Like you, I little-to-no taste or desire for sweet things post-op. In fact, I wanted more savory things, and they sat better. I drank a lot of broth in the first few days post-op. I finally settled on the Premier Protein Cafe Latte flavor (yes, it does have caffeine, and some providers/programs don't allow that, but it was the only one I could choke-down at first). To me, it seemed to be the least sweet of all the other ones I tasted. The program I am in has a reduced protein goal for the first month post-op, so it is a little easier to get close, but they told me to focus on the fluid first, protein second, doing the best you could. When I started taking the bariatric vitamins, my nutritionist recommended the Bariatric Fusion chewable ones. They made me sick the first day I took them. Day two of them was no better - epic nausea - so I stopped. I checked in with nutrition, and they suggested Bariatric Fusion one-a-day capsules. I started taking them at about the 3 week mark and they sat/sit fine. You may want to check with your provider to see if that is an okay choice for you. As time went on, I was able to tolerate different flavors of the Premier Protein without issue. As an example, I start the morning with a serving of the Chocolate powder mixed in 8 ounces of unsweetened almond milk. The almond milk seems to reduce the overall sweetness, at least to me.

For what it is worth, I thought I would share my experience. I had my sleeve Aug. 4. The next week I was walking around the neighborhood, and my family took me on short trips here and there (mall, Costco, etc.). The following week (10 day mark) I was taking short trips on my own, and started working from home. The next week, at the nineteen-day mark, I went back to work at the office. The biggest challenge for me was fatigue, followed by mild pain and discomfort, particularly on bumpy roads. I and others recognize that everyone recovers differently, but hopefully this helps you. The biggest piece of advice I could offer, is to listen attentively to your body. When you are tired, it is good to rest. Rest early and often enough so you don't get worn out.

I am experiencing similar symptoms. I mentioned it to my healthcare team at my last check-in, and they smiled and said it was very common. Pre-surgery, I was constantly hot. I kept the AC as cold as tolerable for others both at work and home. I felt like I was always sweating, slept with barely any blankets/sheets and the ceiling fan on high. Post-op, I am now a freeze baby. I have stacked the bed with blankets, wear long-sleeves nearly every day, whether indoors or outside, and always have an extra jacket with me. The change is dramatic.

For me, there were two things that surprised me the most, despite reading and hearing about both. First, I was amazed at the change in hunger sensation. I was (and remain, for the most part) simply not hungry as much anymore. Pre-op - and even at the start of the liquid phase - I felt hungry all-the-time. For me personally, it was one of the biggest contributors to my past diet failures. The "surprise" was a pleasant one, to say the least. It is so refreshing to feel like food is no longer controlling a significant portion of my thoughts throughout the day. The second thing that surprised me the most, was how little food it took for me to feel full, and how quickly I felt full. True, this was discussed with my healthcare team, and I read about it here and elsewhere, but I don't think I was truly prepared for just how little it takes for me to feel full. Again, another pleasant surprise.

I found I was rather tired for the first month or so post-op, particularly in the mid-afternoon. Around the six to seven week mark, I noticed a significant increase in energy, despite no major changes in diet. I dealt with the fatigue by simply taking a break when I needed to. For me, even a 30-minute rest in my recliner was enough to feel better. As others have mentioned, the most important thing to do is listen to your body. Healing takes time and energy, and if your body is telling your mind that it is tired, you likely are. Everyone recovers at different rates, and your experiences sound quite normal. Give it time and stick to your plan.

I also work at a (mostly) desk job. The week after surgery, I returned to work for about 20-25 hours from home. Most days weren't too bad, but I did find myself getting very tired early afternoon, and having to call it a day. As the weeks went on and my strength returned, so did my endurance. By the third-week post-op, I returned to the office full time.

My insurance company was (surprisingly) good to work with. My pre-approval was initially set for the first week in July, even though I hadn’t yet set a date. My surgery date was August 3, and my doctor’s office was able to resolve the issue with just a phone call. My insurance company also was good about allowing me an extra inpatient day past the approved one day.

As others have mentioned, I don’t think shaker-cup bubbles are an issue (I sure hope not too!). With soda and other carbonated beverages, it’s the release of the dissolved gas in your stomach that creates the issue.

Hi Kam. I am 6 weeks post-op. What are your questions?

+1 on this. My team is also vehemently against patches. I started taking the Bariatric Fusion one-a-day capsules and tolerate them well, but always looking for more options.

Congratulations on your approval. As far as advice on moving towards your surgery date, I echo the sentiments shared by others here. Make a list of everything you will need the first four weeks post-op (your surgeon and/or nutritionist can help here too) and ensure you have them on hand before your surgery date. Be sure you have a good water bottle or two that will help you track your fluid intake post-op. Get rid of things in the house that you won't be able to tolerate so you don't even have to look at them. Have foods on hand or a way set up to get them when you're able to transition to the next diet phase (the puree/mushy phase). Finally, have or arrange to have some physical support. Getting around the house may be tough post-op. Every little bit of help is a lot in my book. Good luck.

I have found that I am much calmer post-op. Perhaps it is a lack of glucose swings, and perhaps it is a lack of energy later in the day.

+1 on the sugar free popsicles. I also made and froze some homemade chicken broth (filtered through coffee filters to clear it up) so I would have it post op. A water bottle to monitor fluid intake, and a notebook or pad to keep track of things like meds, etc.

I felt pretty much the same (in fact my first post here was on this very same topic). I was anxious, nervous, second-guessing my choice, and nearly backed out. My VSG was on the third of August and I already am glad I went through with it. You are not alone in feeling this way and it’s completely normal. Just relax and remember that this forum is full of good people going through the same things, and full of good information.