Hello! New to posting but somewhat lurking for a brief amount of of time. Surgery date is scheduled for July 21st. Just 5 days after I graduate Nursing school. So it's an exciting month for me!

I wanted to hear tips, advice etc of things you wish you had known before you had your surgery. Things like: what to bring to the hospital, what to expect before and after (I realize everyone is different), maybe Vitamins you wish you started sooner, just things you wish you would have known about before....

Any advice or tips are appreciated. .I look forward to sharing my journey and getting to know everyone...

I asked my surgeon if he could put Vitamins in my IV, and he did. I believe it helped with my recovery. The first few days home were rough, but by the 4th or 5th day, I felt much better. Heating pads helped with the pain in my left shoulder.

Bring something to keep you entertained and distracted at the hospital. I bought slippers with me. And yes, get used to sipping Water all day long! It's something I'm still trying to get used to.

Be well…

I wish I had known I would feel pretty rough for about 4-5 weeks after surgery, and that it was normal. I was tired all the time, and just had no stamina. I also wish I had known that everything I ate during that time would run right through me - also normal. I spent the first month or so thinking that something was really wrong because I felt so bad, because I read so much on here about how great people felt right away. It's true for some, but not for all. I gradually felt better over time, but it took a while, and now I feel great.

Heating pad will be your bff post op. I even slept with mine on all night once i got home.

Get gas x strips!

I echo the Water issue, im 5 months post op and cant do plain water most days. Try lots of things post op until something works. For me its been propel zero and smart water.

Head hunger is real and its tough. Learn to stop and think twice before you drink or eat anything now..so that you dont fund yourself mindlessly eating or drinking for no real reason. Just be mindful before anything goes in the mouth.

I didnt feel comfortable lifting things for a couple months...so prepare for that possibility.

Relationships will change. It doesnt have to be a bad thing either..just be ready for that.

Im still dizzy most of the time, and hadnt read much on people having that. (I have labs next week, but im suspecting i have low sodium levels, which has happened before to me. ) ive been carrying around Snacks with me in my purse and vehicles to be safe.

I wish I would have know that having GERD pre-operative Sleeve is usually a precursor to worse symptoms down the line a few years. Other than that everything else goes away in time. No complaints other than that.