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Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

Licia2210

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Licia2210    11

Licia2210
Posted

Anyone have anything they wish they knew before surgery or after? Anything they wish someone had told them? Give the gory, gross, uncomfortable or happy surprises. I want to know everything before my surgery.

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OutsideMatchInside    10,166

OutsideMatchInside
Posted

If I knew post-op life was going to be like this, I would have self paid, years ago.

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Licia2210    11

Licia2210
Posted

That is so encouraging. I hear that a lot. I am 31 and just started my insurance drama. I am looking forward to being the person I want to be.

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wantingabetterlife    364

wantingabetterlife
Posted

If I knew post-op life was going to be like this, I would have self paid, years ago.

I agree! I would have had this surgery a long time ago and enjoyed living life healthier!

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kranky813    477

kranky813
Posted

Honestly... I know it varies for everyone but I will tell you that the first week is complete hell. I don't really remember days 1-2 because Day 1 was surgery day, and day 2 I was drugged up in the hospital. Although my husband says I really didn't complain much and walked around a lot. :) Day 3 is where hell started for me. I was so nauseated and was unable to drink so on day 3 I was readmitted into the hospital for dehydration. I was so dehydrated that I was completely incoherent. Days 4 and 5 weren't too bad because I was in the hospital hooked up on pain meds, anti nausea meds and an IV bag. Day 6 and 7 were ok but day 8 (yesterday) was awful. I was so nauseated, shaky, light headed, and miserable. It required a trip to the ER where I was infused with fluids again (no over night this time though).

Day 9 - oh beautiful day 9!! I am having the best day!! it's the first time that I feel good, really good. I am tired and weak but I was able to go to the store today and concentrate and feel almost normal. I don't know what is going to come after today but today makes me forget all of the other days so far.

The other thing that I will mention is that I have been an emotional roller coaster. Up, down and sideways. I am not normally a person who cries but I have been crying and crying. Almost non-stop! I have said over and over I regret this decision and what did I do to myself. But honestly, I don't feel like that today and from what I have been told it's a normal reaction post - op.

Now, not everyone goes through this, some breeze right through recovery. I am only telling you this because I wish someone would have told me that this stuff "could" happen. I researched for a year and all I heard about were the happy stories, the ones that are successful. I really didn't hear anything horribly bad. If I would have known... I still would have had the surgery but I would have been more prepared for what I am going through now.

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Babbs    14,681

Babbs
Posted

That the weight doesn't just "fall off" for most people. Although it helps so much having the restriction and general lack of hunger, I've had to work just as hard or harder than any other "diet" I've been on. Oh, and also realizing that this isn't a diet, but a lifestyle change. I was also unprepared for the anxiety I feel the closer I get to goal about maintaining my loss and weight regain.

I wouldn't change a thing ;)

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IncredibleShrinkingMan    437

IncredibleShrinkingMan
Posted

I wish so many people hadn't scared me into thinking I wasn't going to be able to work for six weeks, or lift anything heavier than a paper clip, or have violent physiological responses to all but the simplest foods. I feel that three weeks out, I am still tippy-toeing around life and I need to rebuild my confidence. FWIW.

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CANDI254    31

CANDI254
Posted

I am 9 weeks out and I would have not have done the surgery if I knew that I would be going through so much after the surgery.(3 surgeries in 9 weeks) I am glad I didn't know cause I think I am glad I had the surgery but honestly I am not sure yet.

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Licia2210    11

Licia2210
Posted

I am 9 weeks out and I would have not have done the surgery if I knew that I would be going through so much after the surgery.(3 surgeries in 9 weeks) I am glad I didn't know cause I think I am glad I had the surgery but honestly I am not sure yet.

Can I ask why you have had so many other surgeries? Were they related to the sleeve?

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Restoration15    6

Restoration15
Posted

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

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Licia2210    11

Licia2210
Posted

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

Did your surgeon provide you with a nutritionist or dietician? Did anyone explain to you why you aren't losing any weight?

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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      vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
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    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

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        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

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      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!
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    • Doughgurl

      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

        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

        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. 💜

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