What's it like after you've been through surgery?

[Matt Foster 0]

Hi everyone!

Quick introduction... my name is Matt. And I've been winding my way through the process to go through bariatric surgery through my local provider. The surgeon determined that because of other medical issues, that the Sleeve Gastrectomy would be the right procedure for me. It wasn't my first choice, but his explanation made sense and seems sound.

I'll be up front and say that one of the requirements of the program is that we have to talk to ten people who've had bariatric surgery already and find out about their experiences. I've heard from a lot of people from the referral list that the doctor gave me to try contacting and it's actually been really helpful. So even if at first it was something I had to check the box on, I've gotten a huge amount of insight out of it. But I've come up a little short, and I'm hoping some of you guys can help me out. If a couple of you could just tell me what the surgery was actually like for you compared to your expectations, and how you adapted over the next few months and beyond that would be a huge help! Then I should just be able to print off this forum thread and include it in my surgical packet.

But like I said, it goes way beyond that. I know I'm taking a huge step in a few months, and the closer it gets the more real this decision is beginning to feel.

I really appreciate any help you all can provide!

Thank you so much!

[jaxmom 643]

Welcome Matt! You have come to the right place if you are seeking guidance, support and personal experiences. I am a revision patient (from lap band to sleeve) on April 20, 2016 so I'm still kind of a newbie. As a newbie, maybe I can give you some of my initial experiences and others can pick up along the way...

The surgery part- For me, was very easy. In the hospital weds, out Thursday, felt the usual soreness and gas pains (those hurt more than anything!). It's tricky at first getting in your fluids but each day gets easier. I was back on my feet pretty normal by Monday- errands, gardening, dog park. I felt the more I moved the better I felt so I just kept moving. I haven't really stopped since!

I'm lucky in that for some reason, this surgery game me a HUGE burst of energy. I think a huge part was mental- I wake up each day and think "oh my goodness... It's real! I have a sleeve!" Because to me the sleeve equals a tool to help take control of my life. It's by NO means a quick or easy fix to weight issues- it's a tool that you need to learn to work properly. There are lots of people here who can offer support and advice when you need it.

Listen to your doctor and do what your team tells you. Your doctor knows you. He's doing your surgery. Follow his instructions. You will find that doctors orders vary enormously- it's almost funny at times. But you can't pick and chose things from other people's plans and try them all out. Someone on here has the motto "You do you". It's great advice.

Don't compare your weight loss to others. Everyone loses at different rates. It can be discouraging to see people who had surgery the same time as you post numbers bigger than yours. We are all different- weights, exercise levels, etc. Again, your focus should be on you.

Finally, I'm sure you are a smart guy since you are diligently doing your homework. That's a sign you are headed in the right direction. Go over all your post surgery stuff NOW and see what your team says to avoid. If it's coffee, soda, fruit, whatever, if you are loving it now, learn to say goodbye to it before you have your surgery. It's much easier if you wean yourself early on from the no no stuff. Don't wait. Start now.

I'm sure you will have lots of folks give you great advice. And remember that's what this is- advice. Your doctor always knows best but you can't beat the kind of support you will find here. You will also find tough love which is just as important! It's also good if you have a good support system surrounding you. You can tell no one or share with the world but those in the know should understand what this surgery entails and how you need to commit to it 100%.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck. Keep us posted and if I can help in any way, just ask!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[NeedaBreak4Me 1,755]

Hi Matt... welcome and congratulations on taking the step to improve your weight.

I am no stranger to bariatric surgery. . I have had the band and now the sleeve.

I am 5 weeks out now and on solid food.

For me personally there hasn't been much change.. nothing that i would say has drastically altered my life... i am still eating, breathing, working, socialising and living.

The biggest change is food and Water... i am more mindful now about what i put into my body... i plan my foods.. and ensure i meet my Fluid requirements.

Basically i go grocery shopping and pick out food for the rest of the week... and pre pack and cook for the next two days.. this way i have everything ready.. and in the morning i put it in my bag.. and eat it when I need to eat.

So other than that.. life has finally gone back to normal..

The first 3 weeks i was more focused on food and fluids and during the first week it is a struggle to meet your Protein and fluids.. but that gets easier.

Prior to surgery i thought that my life would completely change.. that every moment would revolve around food and this surgery.

I thought the surgery itself would be extremely painful and difficult so i was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't as bad as i expected. . I found recovery from the band more difficult than the sleeve.

The best thing you can do is educate yourself and have a lifestyle plan.. and follow your WLS instructions.. if you do that the process will be relatively simple.

All the best to a new beginning. . You won't regret it (after the 3-4 week lol)

Good luck with your journey.. keep us posted

Edited May 28, 2016 by AussieGirl81

[Sophie74656 1,572]

I also had the sleeve pleae feel free to message me amd i will gladly share my experiences witj you

[James Marusek 5,244]

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery 3 years ago and these are my experiences after surgery. http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf

[sharonintx 1,275]

Hello Matt and welcome. I go on and on about the emotional aspects of WLS. Probably people are tired of hearing it but I'll say it again because it's important.

Have emotional/psychological support both before and after surgery. Don't downplay the need for it or think that it'll be fine and you'll manage on your own. You may very well manage on your own but you will be better off with professional support.

My life after surgery and dealing with all the mental changes wasn't especially fun but the journey is worth it. It'll be worth it for you too.

On the bright side, I look a lot better now and seem to be very popular among groups of construction workers that are in the convenience store I stop at every day:) I like looking better and I like wearing cute clothes. And I like not being the fattest person in the room.

You can do this thing. Just remember it is indeed a journey and it's one that is well worth taking.

[Matt Foster 0]

I just want to say thank you to everyone who contributed their stories here, and also those who messaged me privately. This has helped me so much! I have to admit that the surgery sounds great in the abstract but it's really great to hear from real people who've been through it so I can start to visualize what my life will be like... and what I can do to make the most of it.

You all are the greatest! <3

[NeedaBreak4Me 1,755]

@@Matt Foster

You are most welcome.

You are taking the right steps to be informed about the good and bad regarding surgery.. this will be of great benefit for you.. it makes things so much easier and less scary when you know whats normal and whats not.

I have a feeling that you are going to do great! We are here whenever you need us... feel free to ask questions, vent, laugh, cry, alot of us have lol

I wish you all the best with your surgery and hope you have a quick and easy recovery... keep us updated on how you go ☺