LibrarianErin

@RedE2goAimee, sorry to hear you were in pain, but glad you can take it easy today. I haven't had pain with walking, but discomfort, tiredness, and sweating. I find 30 minutes is my absolute limit, and then I feel really tired the rest of the day. What works better for me is 5-15 minutes leisurely walking around my house or maybe up and down the block outside. Those small bursts of activity every hour or so are much less tiring then one long trek. I know I'm privileged in being able to take leave from work and have it easy not having a family to take care of, so I'm grateful to be able to focus on myself and not stress about resting.

On 7/19/2023 at 8:02 PM, Faith23 said:

I had my surgery on JUly 3rd. No complications at all. I've lost 15 lbs so far and have been stuck for a few days at that loss. I am so afraid I am not going to lose anymore. Prayers to all who are beginning this journey.

Hi, @Faith23, I'm going to give you some tough love. STOP WEIGHING YOURSELF EVERY DAY. Everyone's weight fluctuates up and down from day to day and throughout a day, due to so many things especially Water weight. You should weigh at most once a week. It's ridiculous at this stage to worry you won't lose more weight. This journey takes MONTHS, not days. You have to think long term or you'll worry yourself too much. You're brave for having the surgery! Stay brave and stay strong!

On 7/25/2023 at 7:50 PM, Chewchew46 said:

I had mine on the 17th. I started eating purée as well but it’s causing me pain. Is anyone one else having this issue. I am still not able to get all my 64 oz of Water and Protein. I talk to my dietitian nutritionist she was planes going to take small bites small sips, and I thought that’s what I’ve been doing but some thing still doesn’t feel right. Do anyone have any good suggestions on what to do or have anybody else have been experiencing is just wondering any tips will help

Hi, @Chewchew46, thanks for updating us. I think your dietitian said that because what you're going through is normal. If you mean you have pain like a stabbing pain, then that's not normal and you need to make that clear to your medical team. But if you mean pain like feeling uncomfortably full, bloated, like a muscle cramp but not in your muscles, that kind of thing, then that's normal. I think of it like this - the incisions on my skin that I can see are not healed 15 days out, so all those stitches inside my internal stomach aren't healed either. So of course it's going to be uncomfortable to have food and liquid touching my healing stomach.

You might try different kinds of pureed food. My stomach likes refried Beans, Silk Greek yogurt, and canned chicken breast pureed with a bit of light mayo. It sometimes likes hard boiled eggs pureed with mayo, but not first thing in the morning. It's not a fan of ground beef pureed with Tomato sauce or pureed banana.

I'm only managing about 30 ounces of liquid a day, but my team says that's normal and ok as long as I don't have dehydration symptoms like dizziness or dark urine.

You got this!

On 7/25/2023 at 10:29 PM, Clary said:

Hello @LibrarianErin, you’re not a failure, you are trying your best. This is a major surgery and it is going to take time for both mind and body to adjust! You got this!! :))

I also struggle to get my liquids for the day and I recommend nectar daily hydration Water packets as adding it to a water bottle multiplies the intake (1 oz is 2; 2oz is 4 etc) which has helped me reach my Water goal without having to drink that much to where my stomach feels uncomfortable! It also helps with that dry mouth feeling as it works fast in terms of hydration. (I added it to my gatorade on days I couldn’t stomach water) There are other brands but this brand is 0 calories and sugar free which I find to be very bariatric friendly! And they have a variety pack so you can try different flavors.

May you have brighter days ahead! ☀️

Thank you, @Clary! I need that reminder that I'm not a failure. I was thinking about hydration packets but didn't know where to start. I'll look into nectar, thank you!

On 7/25/2023 at 7:24 PM, RedE2goAimee said:

Glad to hear from you Erin! I get not spending a lot of time on social media. I feel the same way. I’m a little concerned about your Fluid intake. Does your doctor know you are struggling? If not, maybe you should reach out. I understand it though. I am getting 64 oz in, but it is something I have to focus on all day.

i was lucky enough to only need Lovenox while in the hospital. Sorry, you had to deal with that at home but way to think positively about it.

Yes, I've been in touch with the doctor and dietitian about the Fluid intake. They said it's normal to struggle the first few weeks and that as long as I'm not feeling dizzy or faint or having dark urine (which I'm not) then it's not dangerous. I tried warm tea yesterday evening for the first time post-op and that was easier to sip frequently, so I'm going to incorporate tea into my daily intake.

Shortly after I woke up from anesthesia, I told the nurse I had hunger pains and she said it was actually gas pain. I've felt it on and off since then, throughout my liquid diet and now in the puree stage. Walking around can help. But, yeah, I've heard that whole no longer feeling hungry thing isn't true for everyone. I hope yours is just gas pain and you'll be one of the lucky ones who stops feeling hunger once you're healed!

Hi, July Buddies! I'm sorry I haven't been posting or replying for a few weeks; I'm bad at keeping up with social media. But I have been thinking about you all and praying for your surgeries to go well!

My July 12 surgery went well with no complications. I'm still finding it hard to get enough liquids in throughout the day. I've been averaging like 30 ounces a day. Even though my mouth is constantly thirsty, my stomach feels uncomfortably full all the time. Fighting thoughts of feeling like a failure. I want to get up and do more, but my one attempt at a short grocery trip made me break out in a sweat, and I'm worried about dehydration.

I'm finally on the last day of 2 weeks of twice-daily Lovenox self-injections and I want to throw a party. Anyone else have to do this? I bruise more easily than fruit so these have been more painful than my incisions. But of course bruises are far less deadly than blood clots, so I'm trying to be thankful for the medicine that hurts me.

Praying for you, @Midwest Grateful! Praying for no complications and a speedy recovery!

18 hours ago, Sherry Bo berry said:

Hi everyone I am new here, my first post. I am having the sleeve on july 12th, i am nervous and excited, my weight has been holding me back, looking forward to travelling again and being able to walk for extended periods, also worried about not being prepared.

Hi, @Sherry Bo Berry! Welcome and thanks for sharing! We'll be surgery buddies - mine is July 12th, too. Travel and long walks are great whys! Reading forums like these and blogs or vlogs from other VSGers is a good way to get more prepared. I also recommend https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/. You got this!

On 7/1/2023 at 1:24 PM, OBXTrouble said:

Hi! Just got a date of 7/19 for the sleeve. It feels so real now and not gonna lie, I’m nervous, especially now that I have a date. I’m taking in all the tips/notes from this site, so thank you all for that!

Hi, @OBXTrouble! It's normal to be nervous and good to be honest. We're embarking on the unknown, but it's going to be a grand adventure, and there are excellent guides available! Glad you've found a good resource in this website and forums.

On 6/29/2023 at 7:35 PM, Ct06033 said:

General question….why are you doing the gastric sleeve and not trying the medicine (weegovy / Mounjaro)?

i was planning on a gastric sleeve but now I think I’m going to try the medicine (wegovy/ Mounjaro). Im curious to hear your thoughts.

I have to pay out of pocket for the medicine and about $5000 for the surgery.

Hi, @Ct06033! I think this is a good question to consider. Like others have said, the new medicine hasn't been tested for long term effects. What IS known about it is that as soon as you stop, you gain the weight back. So you're going to need injections for the rest of your life. That is a big nope for me. I'd rather have surgery and not depend on a medicine. Especially because I hear there have been shortages, which could happen again in our pandemic-prone world. Also, the medicine will be WAY more expensive. Out of pocket, it costs like $1000 a month. In just a year you'll be paying more than twice as much for the medicine as the surgery, and you'll have to keep paying, versus the one and done surgery payment. Those are my thoughts.

On 6/29/2023 at 5:28 PM, Colin from California said:

Yes!

my surgery date is July 31st. I’ve been telling my friends and family. Most are very supportive and some have asked why this is necessary but for the most part folks have been supportive.

I’ve also been following social media accounts which is very encouraging. Not as many men out there talking about this but I don’t think the experience is very different between genders.

I’m still a month out and wonder what are the things I can be doing now to make sure this all goes as smooth as possible.

Welcome, @Colin from California! Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you've found supportive people, that really sets you up for success.

I have felt very informed by https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/. The two hosts have had VSG and they interview others who have had it as well as experts in the bariatric field like dieticians, surgeons, trainers, Protein product creators. In their episodes in the 50s they interview the brother of one of the hosts, so you might find that helpful.

By what are the things you could be doing now do you mean like in terms of food or exercise or habit changes?

On 6/28/2023 at 9:32 PM, Clary said:

Hopefully this lifestyle change will improve our confidence and change our way of life for the better! Good luck on your journey!

This is everything! Yes yes yes!!

Excited for your surgeries this week - @FifiLux, @NYCxCoco, @Inspectorjh84, @Faith23, and @NanaNette!!! Praying for no anxiety, smooth processes, and speedy recoveries!

47 minutes ago, Kpatrick85 said:

My surgery is set for July 26th I’m excited but scared lol I worry about the pain after

Hi, @Kpatrick85! Excited but scared sounds like a boat many of us are in or have been in! One thing that helps me is reading forums here like the June Buddies thread in which people share about their experiences. I try to focus on the fact that even those who experience pain only do so for a limited time and it isn't life threatening.

3 hours ago, Colin Bennett said:

I'm 3 days post-op for the first 3 days everything fine, but I keep waking up after 5 hours of lying down feeling sick, I've started walking daily 1 mile to alleviate the sickness and gas today I'm down on my fluids, as I've been feeling ill, however, i will try and complete my fluids today - start weight from the initial 2-week pre-op diet was 20.08 so far I've lost including pre-op fluids 22 pounds, there was really no pain after surgery.

Thanks for the update, @Colin Bennett! Stay focused on your whys! Maybe ask your provider if there is nausea medication you can take to help you get more sleep? Walking is a great plan.

On 6/27/2023 at 2:11 PM, FifiLux said:

I know everyone is different but has anyone been given an indication from their clinics as to how much it might be possible to lose in the first month?

I am 260lbs (was 265 last week before I started my version of liquid diet) and at moment don't exercise unless you count walking round shops at a leisurely pace. I just find it hard here to get answers in English from my clinic that don't confuse me. In fairness they speak and write to me in English but sometimes it does not make actual sense and my French is terrible, unless it involves food. Like for example I have been told to bring my own bath towel and €1 coins for Water machine, now I know I am not going on a 4* holiday but I did expect that the hospital would provide towels and Water, for the limited amount I will be able to drink when there.

I didn't want to seem desperate and ask the surgeon

I haven't heard any numbers from my provider, but based on what I've heard/seen from content creators, I'd say weight loss for the first month averages 15-20 pounds. But at the same time, there are those who only lose a few pounds or none. Bodies can have a myriad of responses and response times to this surgery, it seems.

14 hours ago, Clary said:

Hi LibrarianErin and others! First time posting here! I am scheduled for July 12! Currently on my pre-op diet. To be honest, it is a lot harder than I expected trying to fight the urge to eat and constantly having to remind myself that I cannot. Although it feels hard now I know future me will thank me for it.

I’ve also found TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit nice for information and following others to see their journey. Especially the food recipes.

Currently on day three of my pre op diet and on the first night I had a little moment where I started to panic thinking and just overwhelming myself with “what-ifs” but I found that watching videos and reading threads such as this one has helped ease my nerves a bit.

I was met with some criticism from peers and others about having the surgery mostly due to my age. Also the typical “just diet and exercise” answer which is frustrating as I’ve been trying that the last 4 years and struggling to lose anything. But I am doing this primarily for my health (a little tiny bit for myself lol) because I want to enjoy life again.

Excited to start the journey of a new lifestyle and learn to have a better relationship with food and myself! How is everyone else doing?

Welcome, @Clary! Thanks for sharing!

Yes, it's hard to remember not to eat. I feel this especially when there's food on the break table at work. Like, my first thought is more likely to be "how much of this will I eat?" or "when will I enjoy this treat?" rather than "I'm not eating that for now." I've been watching videos or reading this forum to help me resist temptation on my meal breaks!

So sorry you got undeserved criticism. I hate how people think they can make medical decisions for you when it comes to weight loss that they wouldn't even think of making for other conditions. LIke no one in her right mind would say, "But is surgery right for cancer? Can't you just eat better?" I'm ready to tell acquaintances I've had the surgery after it's over, when they can't argue with the results!

1 hour ago, Carissa.virlea said:

I am scheduled for 7/31/23 and I couldn’t be happier!! I’ve been wanting this since I was a teenager. I love thinking about and planning the future. I am overly excited and sooo ready for this new life!’

That's such a great attitude to have, @Carissa.virlea! A mindset for success

23 hours ago, Faith23 said:

I’m day 7 out of 14. This is hard. I wish I could have one meal. I’m so afraid I’ll get into surgery and be told I didn’t do it right.

You can do it, @Faith23! You're already halfway there, don't give up! Whenever you crave a meal, think about your whys. You are strong!

15 hours ago, WanderingLass said:

I'm one of the fortunate ones in which I can have 1 meal plus 2 shakes and some Snacks. No fruits, carbs 50 grams or less, and under 1,000 calories.

We got Origami Paddlers (combination sit upon kayak/paddleboards that folds into thirds) as part of their Kickstarter (sadly they went defunct a year or so later) but I've always been over the weight limit. I'm looking forward to take them into the ocean!

Origami Paddlers sound so fun!! You'll have to post some pics when you get out on them! One of the adventures I want to have after some weight loss is horseback riding. (Every commercial place I've looked at close to me has a 250 pound limit).

On 6/24/2023 at 7:43 PM, alliepow said:

New here! I have my VSG July 10. I’m also on day 6 of the liver shrinking diet. Ugh. I want Mexican food so bad right now. Lol.

Im excited yet really nervous for the day. I get in my head too much sometimes and freak myself out. I know I’ll be fine though.

I have found that TikTok has some wonderful people on there to follow. recipes, support, advice, etc. it has really helped a lot.

I’ve told my family and a few friends. I feel like after surgery it will just be easier. I know lots of people know though. You know how word spreads.

Hope you are doing well!!!!

Hi, @alliepow! Thanks for sharing! Week 1 down, that's the hardest one, so you're gonna rock the rest!

On 6/24/2023 at 6:18 PM, michelebrown308@gmail.com said:

July 19th. I’m torn between healthy eating and having a smorgasbord of foods I won’t be able to eat again

Ugh, @michelebrown308@gmail.com, I know the feeling! Two thoughts. One, if you have a pre-op diet from your surgery provider, do your best to stick to that - it is really to help the surgery go over smoothly. Two, try to get out of that "never eat again" attitude. I've been sabotaged by that in the past. My thinking now is - I won't eat this _for a while_. It really helps to curb my craving. Hope it helps you, too!

Hi, @FifiLux! So glad you get to have July 4th as your freedom day!!

That sounds like a similar pre-op appointment to the one I had, except you're getting very different messages about food and drink. And the shaving thing! What! I'm so sorry you have to do that; it seems unusual. But I believe you can do it because you're a strong person!

On 6/21/2023 at 10:12 AM, RedE2goAimee said:

Hi all! My VSG is scheduled for July 20th. I can’t believe it is already less than a month away! I am excited and nervous.

I’m a planner and in healthcare. So, when I started considering the surgery, I watched a ton of vlogs and read a lot of research articles. 😂 My good friend had the VSG a few years ago and answered all my questions.

I’ve been more aware of what/when/how I’m eating and have lost weight since officially starting the process in March. I almost completely eliminated alcohol and caffeinate in March so it wouldn’t be too much all at one time. I think that has had the biggest impact on how I feel. Not that I’m an alcoholic, but I’m definitely a caffeinaholic!

I sleep so much better because the changes I’ve made have reduced my GERD. I am excited for the changes to come! I find my clothes are loose and I have more energy too!

I have 2 friends, my husband, my kids, my mom, and my sister as my support system. My job just knows I’m having surgery. They don’t know the details.

I start my liquid diet on July 10 while I’m on vacation! I could have made it later, but I’m just ready to start my new life ASAP!

Hi, @RedE2goAimee! Thanks for sharing!

I'm with you on watching vlogs and reading articles, and having a good friend to answer questions. I'm of the "no such thing as too much information" mindset 🙂

Kudos on eliminating caffeine and alcohol! I started off caffeine when I started my 4-week pre-op diet plan last week and the headaches have been mild but constant. But I know it's for my health, so I can bear it.

Yay for better sleep!

Wow, a liquid diet on vacation, that's setting the bar high for yourself! But you can do it! You'll have many more vacations in the future because of this health decision, right?