As my sleeve date rapidly approaches (July 19th) I am trying to learn everything I can about life before and after the sleeve. I am doing my best to have an "eyes-wide-open" approach, I want to know everything I can before I fully commit myself to making this life change. From those of you who are in this process;

• What did you wish you knew before surgery? Was there anything that suprised you negatively or positively?
  
• What has been the most difficult thing to overcome?
  
• What has been the easiest?
  
• Do you have any hints for getting through the pre-op diet?
  

Thank you in advance!

Okay, I am really pleased about my experience as you will tell from my comments.

I felt very prepared for the surgery. I was given only two weeks notice of the surgery because I filled the spot of someone else, but I was ready. My biggest surprise was how quickly I recovered from the surgery.

I didn't find the pre-op diet to be onerous. Considering the changes expected as a result of the surgery, it is a small price to pay. The post-op diet was a little harder, maybe because I just wanted to get on with my new life.

On the pre- and post-op diets, I had trouble getting the Protein in, but I did do it. Once on a regular diet, I had trouble getting the fluids in, but I made myself do it because there was no way I was going to have to get an IV.

I wish I knew there was a possibility of spleen complications and not just finding out the hard way (apparently its quite rare). Worst part, the head hunger by far. Advice: always keep something by you and SIP SIP SIP!!!

The most difficult thing to overcome is "head hunger" - it is very real, and very hard for some people to get over.

Pre-op, and way before I ever considered this procedure, I'd often go almost an entire day without eating anything. Not good in any circle, but at least right now immediately post op, I don't feel AS bad. lol

Everyone's sleeve is different, but I'm happy that I can get my full liquid requirement in without any problems. Has been that way since one day post-op.

Depending on the pre-op diet you have, it can vary. Which one do you have?

As far as what I wish I knew before surgery was how flipping easy it was to actually go through with it. Modern medicine has advanced to the point that a procedure like this is nearly pain free for most people, and the most pain I had was collateral pain from riding right on the stupid axle of the van that took me back to the airport. My sides still ache a little from trying to hold myself upright in that bouncy ride. The plane ride from San Diego to Denver was 200% smoother by comparison.

If I had known how easy it was to get through immediately post op, I would have spent less time worrying and more time looking forward to things. But that's hindsight for you.

On the downside however, taking medications at first is daunting - you don't want to take too much Water to swallow your pills, even for the ones that you split or grind up. My gout medication (Allopurinol) has been hard for me to take, even pre-op. Splitting the pill doesn't always help, and sometimes I've gotten pieces stuck in my throat. With the sleeve, fixing that problem isn't as easy (taking another gulp of water). But for the most part, I'm doing well with it.

Never stop researching, and never stop asking questions, especially here.

Benjammin-

I am most worried about the "head hunger." I know I am an emotional eater and I don't know how to stop using food as my comfort. I am afraid that post-op I will turn to another addiciton because I haven't properly dealt with the emotional issues behind the eating.

My pre-op diet is three weeks and from what I already know consists of Protein shakes, bars and veggies....that's really it! I am nervous that I will be a raving lunatic those three weeks; starving, moody, tired, etc.

Thank you for your input. Luckily the doctor is only a car ride away, hopefully my husband doesn't drive like your van driver did

Ohhhhh yes! Buy protein sample packets! Buildingbraun I think it's called sells many different ones. Your taste buds will change right after the surgery