Hello everyone, I am new to this site, but I've been on and off this journey for a while! I've been trying to get bariatric surgery for a while (about 5-6 years), but there was always a problem or just no real support in helping me get to the next step in the process. I've been with my current surgeon since December 2013, and it has been great! I went through the supervised diet portion for insurance, and dropped about 12lbs, I just got my date (May 8th) this past Thursday, and I'm super excited, but super nervous too! I have my nutrition class on April 24th, so things are moving fast! I would love to have some friends for support and advice, so feel free to friend me! Also, whatever you can offer by way of tips and things to get through post-op, I would welcome! Thanks everyone and good luck to us all!

Edited April 19, 201412 yr by CrisH64

new to this site

@@CrisH64

hi newbie

welcome, welcome, welcome with open arms

you'll love this group

come to the boards often - ask any questions

medical situations/questions we can give advice , BUT the final word comes from your doc.

ALWAYS see/call your doc/NUT with questions

no question too small - that is what they are there for

you'll get alot of valuable support here

many/most/all of go through emotional issues prior to surgery

nerves, excitement, worry, scared etc.

these feelings will probably increase as you get closer to surgery, thats totally understandable

glad you didn't give up over these past years - and finally taking the plunge having the surgery

its great/wonderful to get family/friends support

you don't have that much time before surgery but you can practice a couple of things

wein yourself off coffee and soda

eat smaller portions, don't drink with your meals

some PO things to know

never, ever drink with your meals (people have been shot for less )

stop drinking about 1/2 hr before you eat

do not drink for about 1 hour after you eat

drink at LEAST 64 oz of water/fluids a day

once you are on solids, chew, chew, and chew your food into small bits - mush!!!

use a small spoon and small plate (gives you the illusion you are eating alot)

eat veryyyyy slowly

post op you will probably be on only Clear liquids for awhile

you are also supposed to get in plenty of Protein with your shakes

buttttt.....if you are having trouble getting your protein in at first - more important is to drink, drink and drink

SF popsicles are also easy and great right after surgery

you could get dehydrated otherwise, no one likes that experience

sip, sip, sip, slowly

if cold Water doesn't work, many people do room temperature water - and it works for them/maybe would be good for you too

many people have gas after surgery

right after surgery start walking and moving around to help get rid of the gas

continue at home, slowly if necessary, but walk if you can

everything should initially be done slowly

walk post op for exercise is always good

but your doc should "clear" you to do more heavy duty cardio, weights (maybe 6 weeks)

you will just have had major surgery (people don't always realize that)

bariatric surgerary is MAJOR

your poor tummy has been hampered with - 85% is now gone (good riddens!!!)

the sleeve will "assist" you in losing weight, but you have to do the work too

you work with the sleeve, and the sleeve will work with you

there are other things i probably missed, others can give advise too!!!!

surgery in less than 3 weeks !!!! OMG

be prepared for the ride of a lifetime

maybe you'll experience a few bumps, but hopefully you'll have a smooth road in front of you

i gave you some time periods like waiting about 6 weeks to exercise, and when to drink

always listen to what YOUR NUT/doc says

"the one thing we have in common is that we're all different "

good luck for the rest of your healthier, happier, longer llfe

who deserves it more???

speedy recovery

kathy

Edited April 19, 201412 yr by proudgrammy

Thanks Proudgrammy! I am so excited, but nervous and apprehensive at the same time! I want to do everything right to make this opportunity work for me! You have really, really given me some great pointers; I am so happy to have found this site through my doc, with people who have already been on this side of the "coin". I am looking forward to connecting with so many others!

want to do everything right to make this opportunity work for me!

@@CrisH64

you better!!!!!

otherwise i'll have to come over and swat you!!!!!

glad if some of my info helped you

you have a good attitude - thats a start in the right direction

follow tALLLL the rules always!!!!

listen to your NUT/surgeon - and of course me tooooooo!!!!

good vibes being sent your way

kathy

Edited April 19, 201412 yr by proudgrammy