Question for Post Op Sleevers!

[lisajxoxo 11]

I was just curious, if you could've done anything differently in terms of preparing for the VSG what would you have done?

Maybe get more exercise so you're more used to it pre-op?

Maybe started your post op Vitamins early?

Maybe started to get used to sipping Water rather than gulping?

I'm just guessing.

Thanks!!!!

-Lisa

[dawnr 16]

I was just curious, if you could've done anything differently in terms of preparing for the VSG what would you have done?

Maybe get more exercise so you're more used to it pre-op?

Maybe started your post op Vitamins early?

Maybe started to get used to sipping Water rather than gulping?

I'm just guessing.

Thanks!!!!

-Lisa

I am somewhat the exception in this case as I had absolutely no problems from day one so I can not think of anything I would do differently but I will say I would have tried to find out more about Protein rich foods since I am still haveing a hard time working all my Protein into my diet. I have found I can't tolerate the protein powders as they literally make me feel sick to my stomache It may be mind over matter but everytime I try to drink one I end up with a stomache ache. Good luck with your journey

[MeMeMEEE 206]

Had the RNY? No I would have never considered it but the acid reflux after surgery has thrown me for a loop and I understand that isn't an issue with bypass.

Believed everyone when they said you might not like the Protein powder afterwards.

I would have really practiced pacing myself with fluids and paid attention to the time it took to drink 4 bottles of Water when sipping. I drank alot of stuff from a straw and I think that makes you drink faster - I am still struggling with my fluids.

Took 6 weeks off instead of 4.

[kellyw74 258]

Can't say that I would have. I have the best team of dr., nut and case mgr. They really prepared me for what was going to happen and gave me all of the tools and information for success 6 months in advance. I started day after my orientation with most of my new habits.

That is what blows my mind on this site, people are saying that they don't know what to eat and how much to eat. WHO IS THEIR DR.???? It is crazy to me to think that they would not be educated on how to eat after such a MAJOR surgery!

kelly

[lisajxoxo 11]

Thank you for your replies!

@ Kelly, I had my seminar earlier this week and received a huge binder of info of which I'm about 1/2 way through reading it. Unfortunately (or fortunately I guess) it's all about the pre-op diet and then what to expect the day of and then from there on out. Lots of detail but I guess I just wonder what I can do now to ensure things go as smoothly as they can - not sure how much I can affect the recovery but just curious.

I appreciate all of the responses, this is GREAT! Thank you!

[Penpen 28]

I was taking Vitamins and other supplements before surgery but I wish I had started taking them like a sleeved person would before surgery....2 calcuim citrate chews first thing in the morning....a couple of hours later, my chewable Multivitamin and my chewable Vitamin C....then around 4 p.m., another 2 Calcium citrate chews......then right before bed, another chewable Multivitamin and my acid reducer.

When I had surgery, I was so out of energy and between taking all the pain medication and nausea medication, it's hard to remember what to take and when.

Also, I would have started sipping my Water every couple of minutes...that was so hard to get used to after surgery. And struggled to stay hydrated.

And definitely don't over buy the Protein powder. Buy what you need for pre op and maybe just a little bit extra for right after surgery. My taste buds changed and even now at almost 3 months out, I almost gag when I have to drink one.....it even makes me sick to smell it. Before surgery, I thought it tasted pretty good and looked forward to it.

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

I spent a year doing research - so I knew what to expect. And I knew a lot about what food to eat afterwards. But, I wish I would have had all my clothes organized by size - so as I shrank rapidly - I would know what I had and have them at hand. I would also have thought through what I might need to suplement for the gaps in my wardrobe.

I have had a relatively easy six months. I found Protein drinks I could tolerate and enjoy early on. I only use them now for convenience occasionally.

Good luck.

[minniekitty 44]

I wish I practiced sipping Water beforehand. I "knew" I had to sip and wouldn't be able to chug a bottle of Water anymore, but I guess I didn't really realize it until it happened. I'm having a hard time reaching my liquids level, especially since I'm eating (soft foods) now. I'm probably at risk for dehydration :/

I also wish I didn't order a 3lb tub of vanilla Protein powder off the internet, thinking "How can you mess up vanilla? ". It tastes like thick milk and makes me gag. It's important to be prepared before surgery, but get small samples to try after you have your sleeve. Then make the big purchases. Your taste buds really do change.

[Sammi25 18]

i would have purchased a tasteless Protein Powder and not wasted my money on other drinks i love bipro i got it online and it is great

[SuperMom 33]

I wish I would have had the surgery when I was in my 30's instead of all the stupid yoyo diets.......finally had it at 45!!!!!!!!!!Yea Me!

[dramagirl28 22]

The only thing I would have done differently would be to exercise more. I'm only two weeks out but I feel really weak and I am guessing that if I had stronger muscles going into surgery I might feel a little better, but that's just a guess.

The things that really helped me most were to do TONS of research on this site so that I knew exactly what to expect at each stage, from the possibility of tastes changing, to the emotional stuff, to the soreness, and the pains to watch out for. It's a lot to go through in a short amount of time and it helps to know that what you're experiencing is normal. The other thing I'm glad I did was to get small bowls. I know what 4oz of liquid looks like in my bowl and it helps to know that I'm eating enough and not eating too much.

As for the Protein stuff, only buy samples and different ready to drink shakes. It's important to have some stuff at home to use after surgery, but you don't want to buy a big tub of anything until you're sure you like it post-op. There are tons of recipes on here and I wish I had tried more of them out beforehand so that I really understood that you don't have to just mix your powder with Water or milk.

[Papa Jack 86]

I did two weeks liquid diet lost 20 pounds & starting walking. I have lost a total of 60 pounds. I was sleeved July 26th.

[TexasTeacher 7]

I was borderline qualifying and was told not to lose weight before surgery. Thus, I gained 20 more pounds in 3 months! Stupid, wish I hadn't done that!

[DoOver 17]

I agree that the acid reflux threw me for a loop too. I'd never experienced it before and thought it was the same as indigestion. It way isn't. I think I just wish I'd have understood how bad true acid reflux is so that I would have been making an informed decision. And I think that when you tell your surgeon you've never experienced it, he should clue you in that it's not the same as simple indigestion. For someone who already experiences bad acid reflux it really could be a decison factor in going a different way.

Otherwise, I would never have bought the specialized things you read about so many people buying in the "what will I need" threads. The "need" is a very brief window of time and I could have done just fine without the things I did buy.

[DoOver 17]

i would have purchased a tasteless Protein powder and not wasted my money on other drinks i love bipro i got it online and it is great

Ah, this is one of the best things I learned here. Unflavored does not mean tasteless. My unflavored actually has a very strong taste and needs to be masked pretty well to be used.