Need some post op info

Raechelle · January 2, 2011

I had my sleeve done Dec. 28th 2010. The class I attended informed me to drink 1 oz every 15 mins. I am wondering if they say 1 oz because that is all the stomach can hold or is it the safest way????? I seem to beable to drink about 3oz at a time which leads me to question whether my sleeve is tight enough or not. I paid cash for my surgery and can not put out any more money. I am curious what others have experienced. I have not started any solids or even full liquids yet so I do not know what I will be able to tolerate but any info is appreciated.

Raechelle · January 2, 2011

Ooops I posted in pre op and I meant to post in post op.

Tiffykins · January 2, 2011

The 1oz every 15 minutes is a little more conservative than my post-op guidelines which was 2oz every 15 minutes. It was explained to me that during the first couple of weeks, you're going to be swollen, and your stomach might not take to kindly to dumping fluids in. If you can get in more, it's not an indicator that your sleeve is not tight enough, it's more likely that your swelling is going down faster, and you are healing really well.

Every patient's sleeve capacity is different because our anatomy is unique to our body. I can eat more than someone with a bigger bougie used during their surgery, but that doesn't mean my sleeve isn't "tight". I am 19 months out, and still have amazing restriction, but can consume 2-3 times what I could at 2-3 months out. By all standards, it's completely normal to have this happen. Every person I've talked to, read their stories all report the same thing. Our stomach mature, and get used to receiving food in larger quantities.

Once you get to thicker liquids, and mushies/purees, you'll feel more restriction. Also, you have to take into consideration that the nerves have the stomach have been severed, and stapled off. You might not get a "full signal" or feel much in your stomach for several weeks to months. That's why measuring portions is so essential during the first few weeks to couple of months. It prevents overeating, and taking that "one last bite".

Raechelle · January 2, 2011

Thanks for the info, I just got a little worried bc I have saved for a long time to have this procedure and I was thinking if my doc didn't do it tight enough I have no more money to have it revised to a tighter sleeve. When I got out of surgery he said that my new stomach was about the diameter of his thumb. Not sure of the exact size. I have just been worried about if I might be the one who doesn't succeed, but I keep telling myself that this is something I have control over and I will succeed.

Tiffykins · January 2, 2011

Revising to a tighter sleeve is not recommended, honestly if I stick to the rules of Protein first, even at 19 months out, I have little to zero room for junk food.

You'll do great ! ! !