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

Recommended Posts

So I am now only 5 days away! I am super excited and starting to get really nervous. I feel like I am doing well with my preop diet. I only started it 9 days ago and I am down 3 lbs. I know other people lose more, but for some reason my doctors plan is not as strict as a lot of other surgeons preop diets. I must admit I feel a bit lonely, as if I am going through this alone. It's crazy talk, I know, I have a really supportive family, but at the same time no one I know has ever had WLS. Anyway, I am keeping my head up and trying not to give in to my anxiety. If anyone has any advice, words of wisdom, or things I should expect/ look out for after surgery, please let me know. I love hearing from you guys. Thanks!????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi there, I had my VSG surgery on April 30. From reading these boards, it seems the experience is different for everyone! Since I'm only about a month out, I share some of my experiences. I had very little pain... the worst was the drain, and even that was mostly just a dull ache. The catheter (you might not have one) sucked--it makes you feel like you have to pee all the time. But that's just overnight, then it's out and you're on your way home. In the hospital, be careful with the ice chips... you'll want them, but don't take in too much or too fast or you might dry heave. Do just a tiny bit at a time to wet your whistle. Don't hesitate to use your pain pump if you need it--don't try to be a hero! ;) The nursing staff will wake you up every few hours through the night to check your drain and your catheter, and check your vitals. Be as active as you can but don't overdo right after coming home--you might feel really good (especially if you're taking pain meds) BUT you also may tire easily. Overall, I had very few problems with the procedure itself and the immediate aftermath at home. A little Constipation, but it wasn't bad--just know that it can happen.

As for the weight loss, the biggest thing I've had to learn in my short time since having surgery is not to compare myself to anyone else. My body will lose at its own rate, just as it gained at its own rate. I'm learning to have faith that as long as I'm following the program, it'll come off over time. I've also learned NOT to weigh every day---my body gains one, loses two, gains a half pound, loses one, gains two--you get the drill, I'm sure. Instead, I weigh weekly, and that gives me a truer picture of what's coming off over time. That said, I've lost about 20 pounds since day of surgery and about 30 since my all-time high at my presurgical appointment. I'm happy with that; it's going in the right direction!

Best wishes to you and good luck. You will be fine!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are definitely not alone! Just see all the positive people cheering us on in this forum. I had a lapband removed and a sleeve yesterday. Waiting was definitely worse than the surgery! I am happy with the decision and will never regret. I lost 80 pounds on the band but I could not keep solid food down. It just stopped working. The sleeve is a better option in my opinion. I lost 22 pounds before the surgery doing Zumba and Mixxed fit classes. I recommend that it is soooo much fun. Congrats on your decision and we can't wait to see the new healthier you!!

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

    • 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.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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.
    • KimBaxleyWilson

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 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

    ×