Approaching surgery, have questions.

[ohclementine 9]

Hello everyone! I've been reading this forum for a long time now but have never posted before. At my nutritional consult the psychologist really recommended I reach out to people who've had the surgery I am going to get (DS) to get some real life accounts of what life is like after surgery and to help me feel more prepared.

I've had my initial consult, psych evaluation, nutrition consult, and am on month 2/3 of my doctor supervised weight loss program. I'm very excited that I'm getting close to (hopefully) being approved and getting my surgery date. I really feel like I'm ready (I've been reading everything I can on this particular surgery for over a year now, including many posts on this forum) and just very excited to become a healthier person who can really enjoy life.

Anyway, I guess I'm looking for any stories of any kind that you feel might help me feel more prepared for surgery. I'm very concerned about what to expect in the pain department immediately following surgery, I would say that's my biggest fear at the moment. I am well acquainted with the diet and supplements and how different life will be in that regard. That will surely be a challenge for me, but it's one I am looking forward to at this point.

What types of issues or complications did you guys have after surgery? How long will it be until I feel like myself and have energy again? I have 3 kids from infant to school age so that's another concern of mine too. Has anyone been disappointed with their weight loss following this surgery? I am looking to lose about 170 pounds to reach what is medically considered a "healthy" weight for me.

My surgeon is Dr. Sudan at Duke, who I have all the confidence in the world in. I'd love to connect with anyone who has had him as a surgeon, but I'm mainly just excited to hear from anyone who might be able to help me get prepared!

Thank you

[toastedink 115]

It's only been 8 days for me. But at least I can tell you about the pain. For me it was like recovering from the worst ab workout ever. I was sore. But I was up and moving.

I'll put it to you like this: I had foot surgery this past July. It hurt worse than the DS.

As far as food, just plan. And don't be afraid to experiment with blended things. Blended green Beans with vegetable broth is pretty good. So are carrots. Grits are awesome. I had an incident this morning. I threw up my Breakfast but it was my own fault because the cream of wheat I made was too thick. So definitely make sure you thin everything down.

Oh and take those Vitamins.

Edited December 26, 2014 by toastedink

[ohclementine 9]

Thank you for the reply. I also wanted to say that I feel very confident in the DS as the surgical choice for me (although I am at 50.5 BMI, barely meeting my insurance company's requirement of 50) but when I read too many posts on this website I get really anxious thinking I'm making too drastic a decision and should maybe be pursuing something without the malabsorption. However, I think I need that aspect to get to and maintain a healthy weight. My surgeron didn't hesitate for a moment on telling me he recommends the DS for me. How did you know it was the "right" surgery for you?

[toastedink 115]

I decided on the DS because I need to loose 150 lbs (my original weight was 293). I didn't want to have sleeve surgery and then turn around and have the DS done later if I started creeping back up. I want to be done with being overweight once and for all. . One of my close friends has also had it done with amazing results. It has been at least 5 years since her procedure and she is doing great. She currently lives out of the country as well and hasn't had issues.

Also, the DS isn't as "radical" to me as people make it out to be. I been on high protein/fat/low carb plans before with much success. Now I'm eating this way permanently, so no biggie. As far as the Vitamins, big deal. I take those anyway and would have been taking them for the rest of my life anyway.

Being fat though, that's going to cause WAY more problems in the long run.

Edited December 26, 2014 by toastedink

[ohclementine 9]

I absolutely agree! Thank you.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

I got sleeved a year ago on 12/23/2013 and am 14 pounds from goal. For me, the sleeve was a hangnail compared to my knee replacements. I am retired, but my daughter has three kids under six with a fourth on the way (on purpose - she loves being a home mommy). When I was freshly sleeved, I was cautious around them and did not attempt to pick up the smaller ones. Hopefully you can have some family support, at least for the first couple of weeks.

I did not need any pain meds after my third day home. There was some nausea for the first month, but I had two meds that kept me from puking. It took about three weeks to get some energy back - around the time I graduated to soft foods. I hope that you have an uncomplicated recovery. I wish you good luck and good health.

[Jonathan Blue 311]

I had gastric bypass a year ago and am down 215lbs in that time. As far as pain go's, I wrote a great article for this sites WLS Magazine about Beating the Pain Game about how to handle your pain management while in the hospital. It will take a couple weeks to get back to feeling like yourself and probably a few more after that to get all of your energy back. The diet will be the thing that takes the most to get used to. You will need to schedule every aspect of your food each day and your life will revolve around getting your nutritional needs taken care of. This will be the case for a little while after surgery, but as you get used to your new life things will get easier and easier. In terms of meeting your goals, the biggest piece of advice I can give is to set goals for yourself and start moving as soon as you can. Getting moving will help you skyrocket your weight loss. I have some great articles on my blog about goal setting and even preparing for surgery. The link is under my signature below.

Reaching out to this forum was a good move. Rely on the people here for help and advice. If there is anything I can do to help you out or any additional questions I can answer for you, please let me know. I am here for you and I want to see you succeed. I BELIEVE IN YOU!

[Midtown girl 44]

Don't worry about the pain. You will be on pain meds. I had a sleeve a week ago and had very little pain. I stuck to all of my surgeon's recommendations before surgery and I feel almost normal today. I still get a little fatigued here and there but really nothing major. I was one of the lucky ones- no complications and no regrets, just 40 pounds down since I started this process.

[lynziv 32]

@jonathanblue what is the name of your blog? I would like to read it.

[Jonathan Blue 311]

@lynziv

It is called Waking Up From Heavyset Dreams on Blogspot. Here is a link:

http://wakingupfromheavysetdreams.blogspot.com/

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I had the sleeve but I have had the easiest time of it. I haven't had any pain. It felt like I'd done a vigorous workout at the gym. I was up and walking in recovery, mainly because I had to pee from all the IV fluids. I also had no gas pains, or Constipation. I've tolerated all fluids and gotten creative with Greek yogurt & kefir to break up the monotony. I'm feeling more energized than I have in a long time. For some reason this surgery has help calm down my chronic hives. I have zero regrets.

[Postop 405]

Almost 10 years postop. As I recall, the pain wasn't horrible, but I did have an IV with pain med. that I controlled. Spent 5 days in the hospital and then was off oral pain meds in 48 hours (but probably should've stayed on them for another day or two). I've had tons orthopedic surgeries & my personal feeling is they were much worse. Probably b/c they're bones and such.

Always glad to meet another almost to be DSer.

Edited December 26, 2014 by Postop

[toastedink 115]

Question ohclementine, will your surgery be laparoscopic? Mine was so I was only in the hospital for 2 days.

Edited December 26, 2014 by toastedink

[Postop 405]

Mine was lap, too & I was only supposed to stay in the hospital for 3 days. Had a fever, though, so they kept me in for 5.

Edited December 26, 2014 by Postop

[toastedink 115]

Oh no!!