Hi. I'm new to this site and haven't had the sleeve performed yet, but joined because I want to learn as much as I can about what to expect, understanding that everyone is different, as are their experiences. So, if there is one thing you think I should know about gastric sleeve surgery, good or bad, pre or post op, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for your time.

Hi,

There is some data and it's from people who have had essentially a VSG for other reasons, like ulcer or cancer removal. I have a freind who had a large proportion of his stomach removed 20 years ago due to an ulcer and he is absolutely fine.

Jane x

That's great to hear! Thanks.

My big piece of advice is that things will happen along the way that make you scared, make you panic, and make you doubt yourself. Be prepared for this as much as you can. It's a powerful tool, but you also will have down days or sometimes weeks. When that happens I STRONGLY recommend you come to this forum and post. You will find that most of us have been there or experienced something similar. It makes you feel a million times better!

My biggest vice before surgery was coke/ pepsi and slurpees. I decided about a month before the preop to get off them. My doctors said something that made alot of sense. One thing at a time. So slurpees first. Went about a week or two with out, then cut the pop down to one a day for a week, then cut it out. By the time my surgery day came, I had no more sugary withdrawals or caffiene headaches. Worked great.

And yes. The first month sucks so bad. But gets soooo much better!!!

I am still pre-op, but one thing I want to add to the list is this: Anxiety about this surgery is NORMAL. Make a list of what it is that makes you anxious about getting this done and TALK ABOUT IT! This is a HUGE life changing thing we're doing, and to let the anxiety control us before we even have the surgery is another step backwards we'll have to overcome, especially if it messes with any pre-op diet you have to follow. Some is healthy, but don't freak. (Frankly, I plan on remaining anxious about having to be so vigilant after surgery- it'll keep me motivated. )

Someone else mentioned support groups- excellent idea! I like it here a LOT- but there is something about having to go ATTEND a meeting that is much more motivating. It has prepared me quite a bit for what I am to expect in a little less than a month. YAY! So if you have one available, PLEASE go!

great topic and fantastic information for pre-opers. Thank you NewPath4Me for starting this topic and getting all this valuable information. Great advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on - old timers - give us more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My big piece of advice is that things will happen along the way that make you scared, make you panic, and make you doubt yourself. Be prepared for this as much as you can. It's a powerful tool, but you also will have down days or sometimes weeks. When that happens I STRONGLY recommend you come to this forum and post. You will find that most of us have been there or experienced something similar. It makes you feel a million times better!

Hi Lila. The unexpected and unknown actually scare me, and I know I'm going to experience a lot of new "firsts", so I will definitely be back on here to see how others are handling the same issues I'm going through. Thanks!

.

great topic and fantastic information for pre-opers. Thank you NewPath4Me for starting this topic and getting all this valuable information. Great advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Come on - old timers - give us more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:rolleyes:

I'll be four years out in October and let me tell you - the stomach CAN stretch and if you're not careful you will regain weight. I'm living proof .

So my advice is:

Exercise as much as you can, from as early as you can.

Don't drink soft drink (even diet).

Watch portion control even when you're losing weight easily.

If you have emotional eating issues, binge eating, etc GET COUNSELLING. I discovered too late that I could still overeat and comfort eat and 50lbs regain later I am trying to fix things.

Good luck to all the newbies!!! This surgery can work, just be careful and never get complacent!!

I am still pre-op, but one thing I want to add to the list is this: Anxiety about this surgery is NORMAL. Make a list of what it is that makes you anxious about getting this done and TALK ABOUT IT! This is a HUGE life changing thing we're doing, and to let the anxiety control us before we even have the surgery is another step backwards we'll have to overcome, especially if it messes with any pre-op diet you have to follow. Some is healthy, but don't freak. (Frankly, I plan on remaining anxious about having to be so vigilant after surgery- it'll keep me motivated. )

Someone else mentioned support groups- excellent idea! I like it here a LOT- but there is something about having to go ATTEND a meeting that is much more motivating. It has prepared me quite a bit for what I am to expect in a little less than a month. YAY! So if you have one available, PLEASE go!

Thanks for the great info Kristey. I'm 28 days pre-op and my top emotions right now are excitement, anxiety and apprehension, but I know these are typical, so I'll embrace them - I think I'd be worried if I wasn't worried. So far I've gone to 2 face-to-face support group meetings with some of my doctor's other patients and they've been very helpful. The one thing that is really encouraging is that every single person that has had the surgery says they don't have 1 single regret and they're so happy they did it. I plan on being able to say that, too!

My biggest vice before surgery was coke/ pepsi and slurpees. I decided about a month before the preop to get off them. My doctors said something that made alot of sense. One thing at a time. So slurpees first. Went about a week or two with out, then cut the pop down to one a day for a week, then cut it out. By the time my surgery day came, I had no more sugary withdrawals or caffiene headaches. Worked great.

And yes. The first month sucks so bad. But gets soooo much better!!!

Hi Fern. When I got home from work today, I went to my pantry and pulled everything out I know I will not be able to eat, or should no longer eat after surgery. I finally was honest with myself in realizing that if it's in the house, it'll probably be in my mouth. And I said my good-byes to Diet Coke the other night, but I know I'll be okay without it!

I'll be four years out in October and let me tell you - the stomach CAN stretch and if you're not careful you will regain weight. I'm living proof .

So my advice is:

Exercise as much as you can, from as early as you can.

Don't drink soft drink (even diet).

Watch portion control even when you're losing weight easily.

If you have emotional eating issues, binge eating, etc GET COUNSELLING. I discovered too late that I could still overeat and comfort eat and 50lbs regain later I am trying to fix things.

Good luck to all the newbies!!! This surgery can work, just be careful and never get complacent!!

Don't give up, Lil. You now know what to do to be successful again and you can do it! I am an emotional eater and an unmotivated exerciser, but I joined the gym and am keeping a journal of my eating to try to gain control over my emotional eating. I made a sign that's on my mirror that says Daily Exercise + Proper Nutrition = Success, so hopefully it'll help keep me in check.

All the other info has been helpful but another thing I was told was: WEAN YOURSELF OFF CAFFEINE!!!! I did and had a headache for 3 days!!! Not kidding!! Caffeine is a strong drug and getting it out of your system is a good idea because the last thing you want is a headache to accompany your pre-op dieting, surgery recovery, or even your post op diet. Mine is just a low throb now and it's day 4. I will be caffeine free before I begin my pre-op diet and I think that will help me a LOT.

For me it was the 2 week liquid protein diet I put myself on& walking one hour everyday before the surgery. This put me in the right frame of mind. I was so ready for this. These doctors are not just fixing things but saving & changing lives.

Lose as much weight as you can pre-op!! Exercise pre-op and start practicing all of the habits you will have to carry forward after surgery BEFORE surgery.

I lost 55lbs pre-op and exercised daily for 6 months before surgery. I believe this is what made me so strong for surgery and allowed me to heal quickly and not have ONE complication.

Start taking your Vitamins a month before surgery. That way you get into the habit of taking them and wont forget!

I followed the Protein first, 30 chews, and no drinking rule for 4 months pre-op to prepare myself for life with my sleeve. Made it much easier to adjust.

Just a little advice to help you with the "other side'.

Good luck!

Kelly