I am 19 days post op and reading all of the do's and dont's. I have been researching for a while now and feel like I am prepared for what is to come. Just when I think I've heard everything someone here posts something that scares the

s#$% ot of me. Then as they keep posting, I can see the history of the person and previous surgeries or major issues they may have had that may have contributed to their troubles. The "TUBE" down the throat when I wake up has completely freaked me out. I will have to ask about that upfront. I haven't been overweight all my life, just the last 5 or 6 years. So I am ready for relief. You talk about vomitting, well hell, I do that now because I have a hialtal hernia. You talk about heartburn really bad, check, I've got that too really bad GERD. You talk about energy level, I don't even want to get up in the morning to wash up and get dressed for work. I am completely drained and low energy. Constant aches and pains because I have RA and sleepless nights. So Hmmmmm, I'm thinking it can only go uphill from here. Congrats to all that are being successful and prayers to all of those experiencing issues. I'm just trying to stay focused and keep the jitters to a minimum at some point before surgery, I will stop reading all of these posts. I'm about 84 lbs overweight and while I realize others have had farther to go. This is the worst most miserable time of my life. So I am looking forward to improvement....

cheeytree, don't let them scare you. I was sleeved on 1/9/12 in Cancun Mexico. I would do it all over again in a second. Just a couple of things to remember, take little sips of a fluid, I had crystal light resperry ice with me. It was better than just plain water. Organic fruit juices, and gatorade. Now I've been agle to eat almost anything I want. You are going to have to figure out how much you can eat at this time, until your stomach heals. What I found out was if I ate to much, it hurt a lot, even to the point that it hurt all the way to the top of my head. Don't ask me why but it did. Also,I still can't drink any carbonaded drinks. I did have a root beer and left it out with the top off till it got flat. Then it was ok to drink.

@ lacanosafl Thank you so much for your post. I am nervous. But I feel so bad now, I just can't wait to feel better and I keep telling myself that this is the right option. With the RA and the weight it makes it really had to exercise but as the weight comes off that will get easier. How are you feeling? May I ask how much weight you have to loose? How will you do follow ups, etc. (I see you had surgery in Mexico). Were you given specific instructions when you were release? Did you feel okay by the time you had to fly back home?

Before I left the hospital, the Dr. made me drink this horrible tasteing ink looking crap on tuesday afternoon. He came back in about an hour and removed one of the gauze pad where my drain tube was. He said if there is even a spot of blue on the pad, something had gone wrong. Well, nothing came and I was released from the hospital the next morning. Prior to the surgery, I had total replacement of both knees last year. I have sleep apnea, and had a heart attack in 2009 which left the right side of my heart damaged so I have a hard time breathing. The weight was a real problem because I could hardly walk to my mail box to get my paper or mail. I couldn't tie my shoes, it was hard getting into the drivers seat of my car. I needed to exercise but couldn't. I was 351 lbs. before the surgery and now I'm 319. I feel so much better with just this much weight gone. I don't feel deprived of food, I went out to eat for Valentine Day and ate the whole plate. I felt a little guilty but realized, I could eat, but watched what I ate the next day. I am so glad I had the sleeve verses the bypass. The thought of eating baby food just doesn't turn me on

Wow! Being overweight really does so much harm. I am so happy you have a new lease on life. It sounds like things are going to get much better for you. I am looking forward to surgery. I am just trying to stay motivated and focused. This is a wonderful but challenging journey....

Thanks guys for the information and the support. I just realized I said 19 days post op. Well as you can probably tell, I should have said 19 days pre op. Well now it's 18 days. I guess it's just nervous energy and I'm just anxious to get it over with....Smile.

The "tube" is removed before you wake up. You don't have to worry about that at all. And not everyone vomits after surgery. I never got sick and my surgeon said there is a 50% chance that people will or wont have nausea/vomiting issues immediately post op. The surgery and post op life isn't nearly as bad as you are probably imagining it. It wasn't for me, and I'm a cry baby too

Thank you for your responses. Every bit of information helps as the date gets closer. I can take your tips and trips in case I run into any of the issues discussed here. I will be prepared...this is a great forum!!!