JennyBeez

I brought too much. My hospital didn't inventory belongings so nobody complained, but with the post-op fatigue and pain meds, I didn't touch either of my 2 books or tablet. I brought a shawl I didn't need. Go as basic as you can, is my rec. Chapstick will feel like a life saver. My hospital had me bring all my meds just in case they didn't have it, but they ended up supplying everything. Wear loose, comfy clothing there and plan to just wear the same clothes going back. Slip on shoes. Hairbrush or hat, toothbrush and toothpaste. Phone charger and power bank / long charger cord. Ear plugs and or sleep mask if you're a sensitive sleeper -- but I found the painkillers helped me sleep through basically everything lol. I had no energy and no attention span.

Hahaha, Abdominal Poltergeist. Love it. Just this morning I was (holding my tummy and) picturing a Norse wyrm playing in my intestines.

I'm only a week post-op so I don't have much experience with this particular conversation -- but I've struggled with weight all my life and have had a few periods of great weight loss. And those conversations were never great, either. Honestly, I feel like the majority of people just want you to reveal "the magic solution" to them -- whether because they want an easy solution themselves, or just want to write you off as having "cheated" for your success. They don't want to hear about the tough, ongoing, lifetime of work you're putting in. Some people -- those who deeply care and connect with you -- that won't be the case. But those people that care, won't get too pushy if you set a boundary. And that's really what I wanted to talk about: setting healthy boundaries. It's nobody's business how you achieved this. Decide how much you're comfortable sharing, and allow yourself to set a clear boundary. There's absolutely nothing wrong with giving a bland "oh, you know, lifestyle changes" as an answer, and if they push further let them know "Honestly, I'm not comfortable talking about it. I'm healthy and happy though." Anyone who tries to push past your boundaries? Deserves the stink eye, and maybe a LOUDER repetition of exactly what you told them. At most. (But most people feel too awkward to push, I think. If they don’t, well, they don't really deserve you to be polite back. Get sassy. Ask them what part of your statement needs clarification. Ask them something extremely probing and personal back. Tell them to look up the definition of 'boundaries,' 'respect,' or 'pushiness.' Ask if they're a Taurus. Hiss at them 'Alien Abduction' and walk away. Most importantly, take care of your own emotional and mental health first -- because nobody else will prioritize it for you. 🤍

I feel you. I was in a similar place last week, mentally/emotionally. You'll definitely get through this. I'm glad you're consulting your doctor tomorrow, especially if the meds are contributing to your malaise. Right now, it sounds you're in a really tough place. Between the recovery diet being restrictive and not feeling well enough to eat, it's like this viscious cycle. The drugs and lack of nutrients/calories make you feel weaker, ill, and can zap your energy so bad it's hard to force yourself to eat/drink. (Sleep all you need to though -- our bodies definitely need that for the healing process!!) In the meantime, try to remember why you decided to go on this journey. For me, I'm looking forward to less joint pain as the pounds let up, getting my diabetes and blood pressure under control, being able to keep up a little better with my active nieces. Heh, and being able to shop for clothes that make me feel good instead of making me feel hidden. Are you on any supplements? Chewable multi vitamins and calcium/ vitamin d3 need some time to build up in your system but are definitely helpful in feeling more alive & awake.

My RNY gastric bypass surgery was at the blink of dawn on March 19th, 1 night in hospital afterwards. Two days of clear liquids at home before they approved the full liquid diet. I feel like I'm doing mostly good? Definitely chillier all the time -- I went from being someone who'd wear tank tops around the house in (Canadian) winter to being never without a sweater or throw blanket. The full liquids, I don't hate it. My team gave me instructions to have a minimum of 1 protein shake a day, slowly moving up to 2. Beyond that, as long as I'm getting 60-80 g of protein per day, they don't care if its whey protein added to soup, or greek yogurt, etc. I also caved and bought a couple protein soup mixes / oatmeal from BP. Bacon and cheese instant soup was a life-saver those first few days. I had my first tomato juice today, which I never used to be a fan of but it hits different after being on shakes for so long. (I was on these disgusting Medi Meal shakes for 2 weeks pre-op and haaaated every minute of them) My last bandages came off today. Mildly grossed out but trying not to think about it. 😆

My team suggested putting the spoon down between mouthfuls, and waiting 3 to 5 minutes between each tablespoon for at least the first month. I found at first it was easiest to do while walking around my house: stash my soup at the table, stop to drink a tablespoon of it, and walk back and forth for few minutes. (It also kept me walking more often, cause I know it's good for me but sometimes my stomach muscles just don't want the jostling)

I was March 19th, and honestly after 2 weeks of (really disgusting) pre-op shakes, everything on the full liquid diet feels amazing in comparison. Try switching up some of your liquids maybe? Don't be afraid to throw the rest of the portions of things like soup in the freezer so you can get more variety in. You can always use them up later when making purees, etc. (I fantasize about the puree stage at least twice a day LOL)

Ahh, does this make us "re-birth day twins"? Lol. Mine is the same day (have to be at the hospital in 12 hours -- and the nervous-excitement is kicking in)

Tired of the pre-op shakes and soooo looking forward to being on the other side of this. How about you?

I'm getting RNY March 19th. I'm mildly nervous just because of anesthetics, but I feel pretty prepped for the actual surgery-related hurdles.

I haven't had this surgery yet, but had my first anesthesia two years ago got a tonsillectomy. I was absolutely terrified of the anesthesia ahead of time -- pretty much right up until I met the anesthesiologist. She took her time to talk with me and reassure me, and was calm as a cucumber herself. She explained how I'd be monitored for all sorts of fluctuations, how they prepare for the rare problems that could occur, etc. I felt much better about it and went into it feeling good. Ironically, I did have some minor complications coming out of it: the way it depresses your whole system gave me difficulty breathing when I was waking up. But there was someone there and monitoring me until I was back to normal again, doing breathing exercises with me, etc. You should reach out to your team about your concerns. That's what they're there for. 😊 I'm sure there's someone on their staff who can go over that part of this with you to see if you'll feel better about it.