Hello From A Newbie..with Concerns

[aldmb2 24]

Hello Everyone!

Maybe I made the wrong decision by waiting so long to look for a site like this. I finally (after 6 months) got my Surgery Date today!! I'm so nervous and scared, and I didn't know if I was making the right choice. Then, I found this site. What a relief to read all of your wonderful & encouraging stories. My liquid diet starts on 02/15/12. Is it odd that there's a part of me that wants to go eat a Big Mac?? I of course know I shouldn't but I cant help but think I will never taste one again. I also have a HUGE fear of not drinking soda. I love it with all my heart ( diet of course). I've read numerous things this evening about the post-op pain.... Are there any Moms out there that can give some tips? I have a 16 month old...who NEVER stops, and Im a little worried I wont be able to keep up with her after the surgery. I also have to be back to work in 2weeks. Does that seem too soon?? Thanks for any feedback!

[Kerensa 0]

Before I started my pre-op diet, I DID make sure I ate some of my favorite foods because I knew it would be a long time and/or never before I'd get to eat it again. Don't feel guilty. If you want a Big Mac before you start your pre-op diet, then treat yourself to one. I've missed my Diet Coke as well but I'm learning that the missing gets less and less every day.

Post of pain....I was in more than I anticipated but I know that each of us are different. Some people on here say they had virtually no pain and some say it was terrible. I was kinda in the middle but I think mine was mostly from the gas they use to expand your torso for the surgery.

I came home and was sweeping my kitchen floor the next day. Nothing too vigorous but I realized I felt better being up and moving rather than laying still, so I don't think you're going to have much trouble taking care of your little one.

As for returning to work, I went back after a week but I have a desk job. I work in a nursing home and do alot of walking and I have to admit I would start to get really tired after lunch but I put my 8 hours in and did ok with it.

You are the only one that knows yourself the best so you do what's best for you.

Good luck with your surgery. I had mine on January 10th and I'm down 28 pounds already and alot of my clothes fit looser.

[aldmb2 24]

Thanks for the input. Im really nervous but everyone on here seems so positive. Congratulations on your weight loss. I also have a desk job so if I can be back in one week that would be wonderful ( I'm not getting paid for the time off...gotta pay the bills!)

[AliveAgain 283]

Of course, fit in some of your favorite foods before you start your pre-op diet. I know I did! But I would advise you start looking at them in moderation, trying to work in some of the habitual thinking that will need to change long-term. Perhaps go ahead and have that Big Mac, but only eat half? It's good to start practicing some of these things before surgery so it won't be such a dramatic change after. I did not have a problem giving up soda, wish I could help you there. But I do miss sparkling waters. The cravings do minimize pretty quickly when you're focusing on the good stuff and healing after surgery. It's more the behaviors that have tricked me up. Like driving past a Taco Bell...or opening the fridge and seeing my husband's leftover Pasta in a container. In the past, it was nothing to stop for "just a burrito" or "heat up and have a bite of that pasta." Now, it's not the cravings for the food itself, but the comforting behavior of doing those things that have been hardest to get past. It's happening for me, slowly. I think the best advise I've received on this forum is to chill out and go with the flow, give yourself a break when you feel like you can't take it anymore.

I remember waking up in the recovery room, very hazy. My diaphram hurt like I'd sneezed 100x in a row. But they were quick to give me the pain meds and I don't remember much pain after that. Do get up and move around as soon as possible! Even it's walking across the room and back, it totally helps with the pain. I mainly felt it when I would get up from the bed or toilet, mostly achiness. No sharp, stabbing pain. Do know that with the meds they give you, antibiotics, and pain killers -- you may get constipated. I did, and that was the worst part because the gas would grumble and hurt. Yes, you will fart like crazy for a little while. Once they got some unflavored Benefiber added to my shakes, I was fine! Highly recommend it -- first Fiber mix I absolutely cannot taste or feel.

I'm not a mom, can't speak to that. But I was a nanny for many years, so I know what it's like from that. You won't be able to pick anything up more than 25lbs for 4 weeks. So you WILL need help at home. Plus your belly is super tender, and if I know small kids - they kick and move around a lot in your arms. One thing no one told me is how hard it is to wear a supportive bra the first week, due to the placement of the incisions. That was a bummer. Try to find something all cotton now if you normally where underwire. You get out and walk everyday, doubt you want to do that loose and fancy free!

I'm on day 9 now and could see going back to work next week if I had to. Depends on what you do. I'm definitely exhausted halfway through the day, but just let it be and know it will get better!

This forum has been a bright light in my darkest days: Definitely return and ask as many questions as you like. While we're all individuals, we have one great thing in common, our sleeves. Best of luck with your surgery!!

[former_vbg 198]

There is a lot of controversy on this board about soda. So, I'm only going to speak for myself. I am almost 8 months out and have been drinking diet soda from about the 3rd month out with absolutely no problems. I have lost weight without issues. Now, I can't drink the amount anything like I used to, but I like that carbonation. It takes me almost an entire day just to drink one 24 oz plastic soda drink (diet of course). It doesn't bother me if it doesn't have the full carbonation and in fact it actually feels a little better to have it fizzle down a bit. I would just say follow your Dr.'s plan as close as possible the first few months and then let your tummy tell you what you can and can't handle.

[SecretStarr82 4]

I am a single mom of 3 girls (11yrs/ 9yrs/ 7yrs)... I know all about running around! Like I said Im a single mom so that means Im it when it comes to finances. I could only take 1 weeks off so I could save some time for sicks days if needed. I actually was up and moving the day after I got home but I did rest A LOT! I was off my pain meds I think the 2nd day I was home and only used them to sleep. I did have someone stay with me to help with the kids and of course baby me. I was sleeved on Tuesday, Home on Wednesday, drain removed on Monday, and back to work bright and early on Tuesday! I do have to tell you that I am a Case Manager so I do sit at my desk most of the day so it is not physical at all!

[Vance_ 217]

Hello and welcome!! Congrats on getting your surgery date! I'm excited for you!! I just had my 6 week post-op check up appointment where I was cleared to eat what I wanted. Of course, they told me to eat my Protein first, but I found myself wanting to stop by McDonalds after the appointment. Thing is, I know that I have worked hard to get to this point and have done very well so i didn't. Funny thing, the craving went away with my decision not to go there. Weird...that hasn't happened before, but very exciting! As far as sodas go, I haven't tried them yet, but I do plan to at some point...probably after 3 months. Not a lot, but I do crave a Coke Zero occasionally.

Regarding work, I came back after about 10 or 11 days. I have a desk job so it wasn't bad although I was pretty tired for the first few days.

Pain...it wasn't too bad at all. They give you some good meds and you should be pretty comfortable.

Be sure to keep us informed and again, CONGRATS!!! :clap2: