I will be having the gastric sleeve done on 2/22/18 and I welcome all the advise I can get! I would love any tips on things I can begin doing now to make this the best experience possible. Thanks for your help!

I will be having the gastric sleeve done on 2/22/18 and I welcome all the advise I can get! I would love any tips on things I can begin doing now to make this the best experience possible. Thanks for your help!

Also, I hear a lot of people talking about being super hungry after the surgery and I’m a little confused. I was told that the part of your stomach where your “hunger” (sorry can’t think of what it’s called) is located is removed. Is this not true? Am I being naive?

Since you are still early in the process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.

2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.

3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

In answer to your question, I had RNY gastric bypass surgery and lost my appetite right after surgery. A year later it has returned but not near the same level as before surgery. I do not know if this affect of no hunger also applies to sleeve patients. So maybe someone who had the sleeve might enter the discussion.

Since you are still early in the process, I would recommend three things.
1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.
In answer to your question, I had RNY gastric bypass surgery and lost my appetite right after surgery. A year later it has returned but not near the same level as before surgery. I do not know if this affect of no hunger also applies to sleeve patients. So maybe someone who had the sleeve might enter the discussion.

Thanks so much for your advise...so long Dr. Pepper!

Yep, what James said. Also take measurements, sometimes that darn scale won't move but inches disappear while your body adjusts. Use a free app like Baritastic to journal food. Make a list of why you want the surgery, so when you get frustrated you can refer back to it - like - get off medication, walk up stairs without being winded, fit into lawn chairs, tie my shoes without falling on my ass - that sort of thing.

3 hours ago, jbmac said:

(sorry can’t think of what it’s called)

GHRELIN

ghrelin

I agree almost 100% with James' comment.

He's almost in complete unison with my Australian surgeon/clinic and dietitian.

Yep!

1. Give up fizzy soda drinks for good.

2. Give up C.R.A.P. ... i.e. get yourself off Calorie-Rich And Processed foods. i.e. eat FRESH foods not packaged foods or "fast foods".

You guys are awesome!