Hey y’all,

My name is Rachel. I’m 22 years old & a RN! I have struggled with my weight since I was about 9 years old. I made the decision to have VSG because I truly felt like it would make a vast improvement in my quality of life, how I interact with others & my work performance. I absolutely love what I do & I have worked really hard to get where I am now. So at the age of 22 I should not be coming home from working 12’s and be hurting in my knees & legs. I work night shift & it never seems like I can get enough sleep. I had been doing tremendous research but on November 1st I decided to take a leap of faith & call our bariatric surgeon at the hospital I work at. He got me in very quickly. On November 8th I had my pre op consultation & he thought I would be a great candidate. That same evening I had to meet with one of our hospital nutritionist. It was very informative!! I came home that evening & bought all of my vitamins & things I would need after surgery. I also had to attend a support group that the hospital hosts. It was great to see results from the surgeon I was going to be using. Today November 17 I had my psych eval & that was a great experience & I was recommended for surgery. The only things I have left at this point are medical clearance from my primary care doctor (nov 28th) & a follow up appointment with the nutritionist (nov 20th). I have already started the pre op diet of high protein low carb. I am managing to get all of my protein & water goals met & I am on day 5. I have decided to use this thread as a journal during the rest of my pre op & hopefully post op. Does anyone else have a surgery date 12/13 or around then?

Stats: Height: 5’7 Age 22 HW: 262 CW: 256.9

Ibelloso, I’m sorry to hear about your complications but happy to hear that despite your scar tissue that you are doing good! Hang in there [emoji4] also, I appreciate the encouragement!

Niseys4, thank you!! Wow, you are doing great so far! I really enjoyed the support group at the hospital but I also wanted something at home to journal because I live alone and wanted some accountability! Well wishes for you & keep me updated!

Thank you Rachel I wiil! & you too

Sent from my SM-T530NU using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you Rachel I wiil! & you too

Sent from my SM-T530NU using BariatricPal mobile app

When you mentioned that you Dr feels that you will be fine after the first week maybe true! I was out of the hospital the next day & walking alot. On my 3rd day I felt so good I went clothes shopping with my daughter. After 1 hr my body said, " you crazy lady! You need to go home & get to bed!" Well I listened to my body & had my daughter take me home! I wasnt in any pain. I just felt really exhausted. By my 2nd week I felt stronger & was able to walk 1/2 mile which was 2x around the a near by park walking track! So if you follow the program, IE: eating your protein requirments & most importantly Listen to your body! I know as a Nurse you already know that[emoji4]

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[mention=329219]rachelhackney[/mention] Congratulations for earning your RN -- it's a great, flexible career! I agree, your knees shouldn't hurt at the end of your shift. Sounds like you really lucked out in the pre reqs for surgery, lucky you!

Thank you! You’re right, nursing is very flexible! That’s why I love it! Sounds like your son has a very exciting career ahead of him! [emoji4]

When you mentioned that you Dr feels that you will be fine after the first week maybe true! I was out of the hospital the next day & walking alot. On my 3rd day I felt so good I went clothes shopping with my daughter. After 1 hr my body said, " you crazy lady! You need to go home & get to bed!" Well I listened to my body & had my daughter take me home! I wasnt in any pain. I just felt really exhausted. By my 2nd week I felt stronger & was able to walk 1/2 mile which was 2x around the a near by park walking track! So if you follow the program, IE: eating your protein requirments & most importantly Listen to your body! I know as a Nurse you already know that[emoji4]

Sent from my SM-T530NU using BariatricPal mobile app

I am praying for the same results lol! I’m so happy for you & your progress. I will definitely listen to my body & rest up! I’ll keep you updated on my progress [emoji4]

Update: 11/21/17- Yesterday I had my follow up appointment with my nutritionist and I had lost 5.1 pounds since I started my preop diet on 11/13/17. I go for medical clearance from my PCP on 11/28/17 and then start my 2 week preop diet on 11/29/17. I’m so excited! 22 days until surgery!

Update: 12/5/17- Today I am 8 days away from surgery. I have been on my 2 week pre op diet for 6 days. When I weighed myself this morning I was 243.4 which means roughly 18.6 pounds down from my consultation weight with my surgeon. I am so nervous and I have been emotional the past few days. I keep questioning if the benefits outweigh the risks. I’ve only ever had one surgery & it was earlier in the year. The only problem I am having as of right now is my tolerance for the vitamin regimen. I am getting so nauseated with the thiamin. Anyways, my last visit with my surgeon prior to surgery should be soon! I hope everyone else is doing well! [emoji4]