Hi!

I've been lurking on the forums for quite some time now. I thought I would introduce myself. I am a 39 year old male, and will be having my first appointment with my surgeon next week. I've jumped all the hoops, had the classes, psych evals, etc. Sadly my insurance specifically excludes WLS, so I am paying out of pocket. I've decided that it will be worth it though!

After my appointment with my surgeon next week, I'll start a two week liquid diet, and then have surgery. Being a nurse, I've been in the OR, I've seen how violent surgery can be up close, even when using davinci machines for laproscopic surgery. I'm having a hard time not freaking out about all the potential issues that could crop up. I've read just about every research paper I could find on gastric sleeve, so I know the risks are fairly low, but man, it's so hard being on the other side!

Any other healthcare folks out there find that knowing as much as we do makes this process more difficult? I mean, I have taken care of patients my surgeon has operated on. So I fully know what to expect post op, I think I'm just excited, and scared all rolled into one.

Hello and welcome. I am an RN and had the sleeve done in May. I researched about the efficacy and a little about the procedure but tried to not read too much about it so that I wasn’t overwhelmed. I did fine and had no complications. You won’t regret it.

And, although you are"Smarter than the Average Bear" as Yogi Bear would say in the cartoons, you are also Smart enough to have seen Good surgeries, actions that improved each life, and seen happy outcomes. As a Nurse you are not centered on illness as our Pysician brothers and sisters are, but on health and better life outcomes. We are caregivers in the truest sense, so give a little of THAT to yourself. Instead of Physician, ?heal Thyself, it will be Nurse Sustain Yourself, Be kind to Yourself! You have been and will continue to be the PERFECT,PERSON FOR THIS JOB!??

I am a nurse as well! I had my sleeve on 10/30 and was terrified. I think the biggest thing that scared me was being intubated. Everything went well, and aside from a bout of intractable vomiting from the anesthesia I have done pretty good. I have had minimal pain and haven’t needed pain meds. No more nausea and vomiting since I got home. My biggest challenge is to get fluids and protein in. And I’m sooooo tired still. Best of luck on your surgery and keep us posted!

Such amazing responses from you all! So glad I made the decision to post this topic. You have all helped to alleviate some of the apprehension I was feeling.

On 11/4/2018 at 3:49 PM, amiekinsRN said:

I am a nurse as well! I had my sleeve on 10/30 and was terrified. I think the biggest thing that scared me was being intubated. Everything went well, and aside from a bout of intractable vomiting from the anesthesia I have done pretty good. I have had minimal pain and haven’t needed pain meds. No more nausea and vomiting since I got home. My biggest challenge is to get fluids and Protein in. And I’m sooooo tired still. Best of luck on your surgery and keep us posted!

I'm not super pleased about being cathed and intubated by people I work with. But... I have a great deal of confidence in their ability.

On 11/3/2018 at 8:19 AM, SweetRN said:

I am also a ER RN and my surgery was Aug 22nd. My best advice is to turn your knowledge into power! It can be very scary as you are now the patient. My surgery went wonderfully now that I look back on it. You will have some discomfort but as soon as you get into a regular room get up and WALK!! It's not easy but its best. I set goals, the first walk I wanted to make it 2 doors down, then 5, etc. I was walking 30 min laps before I was discharged. You got this!!

Thats so true. I'm forever trying to get people on their feet and moving.

Hi there. I’m an RN. Was sleeved July 10th. I was terrified of going under anesthesia but everything went well. Walking right away was key.

I am also a nurse in the ICU and I have taken care of several patients who had the sleeve, and as you could guess if they are in the ICU they are not doing well. This scared me alot but my surgeon reassured me and he had excellent references and everything went great, i did however have the surgery at another hospital. Also keep in mind that most of the ones who come into the hospital after surgery are the ones who were non-compliant and caused injury to themselves. You will be fine.

As far as PE’s go, you are a nurse and you know how to prevent them.

As an RN, and 2 weeks post VSG, the hardest part was being on the other side of the bed! But It has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Minimal pain, no nausea! Such a better experience than my “nurse brain” prepared me for! Good luck!

RN since 1980 and NP since 1990 but I only have done pediatrics for that whole time and yes, I was nervous about the procedure. I researched my surgeon a lot before I went to see him and knew that he and the hospital he is affiliated with both have great reputations. I tried to stay really calm on the morning before surgery and think positive thoughts. Post op days 1-4 were a little more painful and intense then I was prepared for but no real problems. I did have an allergic reaction to tylenol with codeine on day 4 and to today have not needed pain medication at all

I have no regrets at this point, it has all been pretty easy since the immediate post op period.

Good luck!!

If you’ve been in an OR you know the difference between a good doc and a great doc. You also know the miracles that can happen and wls is more routine and repetitive so not sure why the concern for the surgery itself but you have to trust the team.

I just had my preop apt and the nurse is a former patient and really put the same concerns to bed as the the ones you have. You’ll be fine! Good luck!

Thank you all for the comments and words of advice!

I met with my surgeon today and we scheduled my surgery for December 4th, the day before my 40th birthday!

What a great birthday gift to yourself!!! Good luck!

You will be starting a new decade of life with a REBIRTHDAY, cannot think of ANYTHING more cool than that! Good Wishes and Prayers??for you on THAT DAY!