gabybab

I also felt nauseated. In fact, on day 2 of my pre-op clear fluids diet, the nurse told me to go into the ER because I was vomiting. They gave me fluids as I was dehydrated. My white blood cell count was elevated so my diagnosis was an intestinal bug. Hmmmmm.....I still find that suspicious because if it was, it was only a 6-hour stomach bug that my kids and husband never caught. I think I was having a panic attack over the upcoming surgery and how bad I was feeling. Still not sure why my white cell count was up, but it was down by day of surgery. If you can't get in enough liquids, the nausea might be dehydration? Just a thought....

As a Type 1 diabetic, I am finding that the most difficult thing to manage post-op is my blood sugars. If I crash, I know I have to take a glucose tablet, but I fear that jolt of a sugar rush will cause me to dump. From what I've read, the symptoms of dumping feel similar to how I feel when my blood sugar crashes (nausea, sweating, shaking). Since I've been out of the hospital, I've had only one low--71. Not too low, but enough to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar (the lowest I've been is 38--horrifying!). I started sipping slowly on a Protein Shake and that brought it up. So I haven't had to take a glucose tablet yet. If I do, well, it is what i need to do, but I am terrified of dumping. I also take Lantus--long-acting insulin--morning and night. But. Hallelujah! I'm taking only 12 units each time instead of 40. THAT is an awesome feeling. As you know....insulin is a miracle worker, but it does store fat. My #1 reason for doing the surgery is so I can drastically reduce my insulin intake. I will always have to take insulin, but I love taking less!

In the hospital I Owas given a sugar-free (sf) popsicle, sf Jell-o, and a very gross chicken broth that was clear (too gross to eat). On day 3, when they discharged me around 7pm, they changed me to "full liquids, " which included fat-free milk (gag), a sf popsicle, and more broth, but this time it had what looked like solids in it (imagine chicken and stars Campbell's Soup). I looked on the "receipt" and it said "pureed soup." I knew I couldn't have pureed food for two more weeks so I asked the nurse to see if they brought me the wrong thing. The doctor on call came in, looked at it, and said "that's fine, you can eat it." I had a little bit, but wasn't quite what the heck was going on..it was obviously chunky. The food service also brought me chocolate pudding, even though they told me the kitchen was out of the sugar-free pudding. I doubted that too so I didn't eat it. Also, my blood sugars were in the 200s the entire time I was in the hospital, which seem to mystify the nurses, even though they only gave me 1 our 2 units of insulin at a time (uh, maybe more insulin?). Finally, not one nurse encouraged me to get up and walk--ever. I knew I had to walk so I started moving as soon as I could. They never told me not to, just never told me I should. Don't get me wrong--the nurses and the patient care staff were super nice and helped me when I needed it, it's just that I was surprised at some of the issues. The hospital is top notch in Northern Virginia, not one I would every question. It has bariatric patients on the floor I was on every day. I am convinced, though, that whatever hospital you are in, you have to be your own patient advocate and just ask if you aren't sure about something--not in an acusatory or bossy way, but in a way that shows you have some concern. I've had other instances in the hospital where they've attempted to give me medicine that was clearly labeled as an allergin on the bright red Bracelet I was wearing at the time. If something seems fishy, ask. They have a lot of patients with various issues and may get distracted. 🙂

I did a enhanced recovery protocol. drank Gatorade the night before and morning of surgery. Was a positive! Felt great afterwards

These are all normal feelings. Trust me I have these and more going through my head. I'm very worried about skin hanging and a hanging chin. But, I'm marching forward tomorrow. Best of luck on yours. I bet you will be happy with your outcome!

We had diabetic Protein Shakes, sugar free juice, tea and Water in the hospital. I would of loved a Popsicle or fudgsicle. I would love one of those now too hehe.

Our nutritionist said that if they bring us anything in the hospital other than Clear Liquids, we should not eat it.

Yay!

Yay!

I am in.

[emoji137] Me!!!

My official goals from the program is 64oz if fluids and 80g of Protein and under 30 carbs at this stage (under 2 weeks out). I was not given calorie goals. I track on my fitness pal and have came in between 350-550 calories per day since I got home from the hospital, 12 days ago.

I wore out what I wore in. Sweat pants and a loose top..t shirt type. No one cares what you look like and you go in, strip into hospital clothes until you go out. Sure, toothbrush, phone, brush, toothbrush and paste, slippers and i agree with the soft pillow for the seatbelt going home.
My other suggestions are: earplugs, eye mask for sleeping, you have to bring your CPAP if you use one and something like lavendar to put over your nose if need be. I found the smell in the wards could be quite overwhelming.
All you'll want to do that first bit is sleep. They'll get you up and walking but you won't go far..around the wards, that's it..everyone else will look just like you! Not likely you'll be able to read a book. Maybe do some social media on your phone but honestly, that gave me a headache in there! lol!

I just wore the same sweats to and from. But I wish that I would have packed a robe, You'll be expected to walk around the hallway after surgery. Cell phone charger, wound up using that. They supplied me with socks even though I packed some. I packed fresh undergarments and a tank top for the trip home. I wore my hair in a ponytail the whole time and didn't shower until I got home the next day. I took my cpap machine and used it. Forgot my pillow, but the hospital let me use as many as I wanted, I had them behind me and on both sides of me. I basically went into low maintenance for my stay, I just wanted to rest and recover and go home.

That's awesome!

It might be helpful. My husband is only cooking himself things he knows I don't like and it really does make it easier on me. Like others, my sense of smell is heightened, it was already before this too. He can also buy junk food for himself that I don't like and that isn't strong in smell. He's also chosen not to eat in front of me until I can at least have soft food.I haven't felt an appetite come back yet though which I am sure makes it more difficult @TheMarine79. I think it's more challenging for people with kids, but you can do it.

Since surgery I’ve been pretty steady losing 1-1.3 lbs per day

Agree! chicken or beef broth have made post-op dining lately so much more bearable. I still aim for Protein goals first and foremost but once I’ve taken in at least 40grams I dont feel too guilty sipping a little broth come dinner time.

Fashionably late but I'm good to go 2/25 -VSG.

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Surgery twins! Thank you and good luck on your surgery as well. You'll do great. My Dr said all I have to do is ask and I'll be calm as a clam.

I am type 2, but on a lot of meds. Will be nice to be able to get off most of it. I'm definitely asking for xanax or something like that. Will let you all know how I do. Thanks for you encouragement.

Monday is coming and I'm terrified. I'm so honestly scared. I almost canceled last week. The pre-op diet was brutal as a diabetic. So, they switched me to a low cal diabetic diet. Good luck everyone. I will let you know how I do.

I know it will be hard after surgery, but there will be restriction then. I'm hoping to get it all over with and get on the road to health. I have lots of medical issues. I saw my primary care Dr yesterday and she said, now we can get you off most of your meds.

I'm having the sleeve. I've seen a lot of people lose all their excess weight. If I don't, I'm ok with that.

They're a great source of Protein, so you can't go wrong. I'm not sure why you crave them, but I like them a lot too!