Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Newbie Here - Hello!



Recommended Posts

Hello all! I've been lurking and reading for a couple months and now that I have my insurance approval, and have my date scheduled I guess it is time to get active here! I will be having a DS on April 1st, yep April Fool's Day at Orlando Regional Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. Muhammad A. Jawad of the Bariatric & Laparoscopy Center. I am so excited to start this journey and scared to death at the same time. I'm a mom of two wonderful children (6 y/o girl and 2 y/o boy), they are my most important motivation for having this surgery. I want nothing more than to live a long, healthy life and be there for them as they grow up!

A quick question for all you pro's out there. How long did it take you to get up and moving around normally (maybe not completely painfree but really able to function)? I understand everyone heals differently but I imagine there is a median time-frame.

Thanks, looking foward to chatting with others the closer I get!

Best,

Michelle

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I really can't answer your question, as I didn't have my surgery yet. March 18th is my date. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you luck

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Michelle !

OMG I am having surgery April fools day as well! So I'd be honored if you were my surgery sister ! I also have a 2 year old daughter and she is my biggest motivation for going through with this!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It took me around a month before I got my starch back.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had what I would call a very smooth recovery. Had my surgery on a Monday, came home on Thursday. I was off all pain meds by Friday. The big thing is that first week I was on a clear liquid diet an d I remember running out of steam very fast. No pain, just exhausted. At my one week post op check in I was allowed to begin Protein shakes and pureed food and although this stage was personally tough for me, I felt much better because I was getting Protein and that was giving me more energy. At the 4 week mark I moved to soft foods and felt pretty normal although I would get tired in the afternoons. By 6 weeks I went to Vegas for 10 days and kept up with everyone. I felt absolutely fantastic! It has only got better from there as I introduced new foods.

I hope you have a speedy recovery and find that things move along quickly! Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Michelle !

OMG I am having surgery April fools day as well! So I'd be honored if you were my surgery sister ! I also have a 2 year old daughter and she is my biggest motivation for going through with this!

I laughed so hard when she called me to schedule. I told her just no pranks, please! Yes, I would love to keep in touch and go through this together!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

By 6 weeks I went to Vegas for 10 days and kept up with everyone. I felt absolutely fantastic! It has only got better from there as I introduced new foods.

Wowie! I'm crossing my fingers for a smooth recovery. I had C-Sections with both my babies. The first was a tough recovery, likely because of the amount time I was in labor prior to the c-section (56 hours!). I think I was just exhausted and gestational diabetes didn't help. With my son, it was a breeze. I went in as scheduled and was up walking the halls that evening and off most pain meds (besides 600 mg ibuprophen) within 3 days! Completely different experiences but I'm hoping after two kiddos this will be smooth!

Congratulations on your continued success and weight loss.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My gastric sleeve 12/23/2013 was my 12th surgery, which included two c-sections, gallbladder, knee replacements, etc. Of all these operations, the sleeve BY FAR was the easiest and the recovery was the quickest. It took about a month to get some energy back, but once I got back on solid food, I felt much stronger. I needed pain meds for only a couple of days post-op. The hardest part of my bariatric surgery experience was the first two days of the pre-op liquid diet. The rest has been a happy roll downhill.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Everyone is different in their recovery. For me, I was up walking the halls about 1 hour after surgery, not very far, but up and moving. I walked consistent for the first 24 hours. In fact I had the nurse get me up every 2 hours to walk. I think that helped me get rid of the pain from the gas associated with the surgery. That was, by far for me the worst pain. I went home after 2 days to stay with a family member for one night then on my own after that. In fact I drove to my home on a Friday and had my surgery on that Tuesday. I took no pain meds except for the dose they administered right after surgery. I went back to work the following Monday. It does take a lot of time though with food and lliquid consumption. Don't rush things. Focus on Water, Vitamins, then Protein when you are able to start taking in liquids.

My best advise is to walk, walk, walk! As often as you can and as much as you can. It help. Also make sure you do the breathing exercises to keep your lungs clear. It is really important.

Just listen to what your body is telling you and do what you are able to do. I had a really easy recover except for a battle with Constipation (sorry TMI)

You will do great!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome. Just curious if you're having the full DS or the SADI.

I'd say it took close to a month till I was able to function. I was just exhausted. Took about 6 mos. till I felt about half my energy back & then at 9 mos. I felt like myself.

Hello all! I've been lurking and reading for a couple months and now that I have my insurance approval, and have my date scheduled I guess it is time to get active here! I will be having a DS on April 1st, yep April Fool's Day at Orlando Regional Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. Muhammad A. Jawad of the Bariatric & Laparoscopy Center. I am so excited to start this journey and scared to death at the same time. I'm a mom of two wonderful children (6 y/o girl and 2 y/o boy), they are my most important motivation for having this surgery. I want nothing more than to live a long, healthy life and be there for them as they grow up!

A quick question for all you pro's out there. How long did it take you to get up and moving around normally (maybe not completely painfree but really able to function)? I understand everyone heals differently but I imagine there is a median time-frame.

Thanks, looking foward to chatting with others the closer I get!

Best,

Michelle

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm having the Full DS! Kinda sounds like the Full Monty. :P

Welcome. Just curious if you're having the full DS or the SADI.

I'd say it took close to a month till I was able to function. I was just exhausted. Took about 6 mos. till I felt about half my energy back & then at 9 mos. I felt like myself.

Hello all! I've been lurking and reading for a couple months and now that I have my insurance approval, and have my date scheduled I guess it is time to get active here! I will be having a DS on April 1st, yep April Fool's Day at Orlando Regional Medical Center. My surgeon is Dr. Muhammad A. Jawad of the Bariatric & Laparoscopy Center. I am so excited to start this journey and scared to death at the same time. I'm a mom of two wonderful children (6 y/o girl and 2 y/o boy), they are my most important motivation for having this surgery. I want nothing more than to live a long, healthy life and be there for them as they grow up!

A quick question for all you pro's out there. How long did it take you to get up and moving around normally (maybe not completely painfree but really able to function)? I understand everyone heals differently but I imagine there is a median time-frame.

Thanks, looking foward to chatting with others the closer I get!

Best,

Michelle

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Best of luck!

I'm having the Full DS! Kinda sounds like the Full Monty. :P

Edited by Postop

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

That's awesome and exactly what I'm hoping for. When I went back and chatted with the office I did confirm that I am having the SADI procedure. Given the procedure takes a little less time, I hope the recovery is a bit easier!

I'd like to be back to work after 2 weeks, I have a job that is mostly spent at my desk.

Thank you for your reply!

I went home day 3, was grocery shopping for my family that night. Day 7 I was at work. But I've heard people say it took them a lot longer.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My op. is set for the 31st. I am frightened and excited as well. So glad to find this for support, my Hubby seems to think this will be a quick fix. So I really need the been there doing that support.!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×