Some post op questions.

[Teri B 42]

Hi all. I am having the VSG on May 20, 2019. I am getting nervous. I have been reading posts on the forum and a lot of people seem miserable, which worries me more. I am assuming the anxiety is probably normal as it is a life change.

I am in grad school and start my clinical rotations exactly a month out of surgery and am scared that I will be weak and it will throw off clinical rotations. Can anyone say that at one month out they felt okay to work long hours every day except one? Can it be done?

Also, I know this is going to be different for anyone. How much weight will I lose the first month, second, third (average)? I am worried that I will not have clothes to wear to work and clinical. If I have a guesstimate I can semi-plan what size I will need and ask around.

Thanks!

Teri

[Poppyseed28 115]

It’s normal to be nervous. I was miserable for weeks 2-3 as I had heartburn. Once I got meds for that I’ve felt much better. I’m just a few day over 1 month post op and I would say I could probably work long days as long as I was moving around. I still get dizzy when I stand up for too long without moving but I have low potassium. One month out and I’ve lost 28 pounds and cloths are getting a little loose but nothing major.

[LaLaDee 519]

It's really difficult to predict how anyone's body will respond and heal. My surgeon told me about a patient of his who went back to work the day after his surgery (I took 2 weeks off - I had a terrible reaction to the anaesthesia and my blood pressure went crazy). You should probably be feeling OK a month after surgery. For me, it was longer. I wouldn't say that I felt "weak", the problem I was having was the weird stomach sensation/kinda like heartburn. I used to get dizzy if I stood up too quickly, but it passed very fast. My periods got weird, I did end up triggering a huge autoimmune condition and was very, very ill (I don't know of anyone who went through this, I'm not trying to freak you out). Even with all that, I managed to survive a demanding job. You find that you will just do what you have to. Honestly, you never know what you are capable of. Just keep going!

I would be vigilant about hitting your Protein targets to keep your energy levels up. Also stick with the Water and the Vitamins.

In terms of clothing, that's also very difficult to predict. If you start at a very, very high weight then it actually takes a little while to get down to the next size but once your weight is lower, then you might be changing sizes every month. It also depends on your body type, where you hold the weight and how you lose the weight. Weight loss is not linear (there will be stalls), so you may be stuck on one dress size for four months and then race through 2 dress sizes in a month. For that reason, I would avoid "stocking up". You may have kept a special pair of skinny jeans or aspirational dress for years, but find out that by the time you try it on, it won't fit. Or it only fits for a week. It doesn't take long to order a few things online every month if you have the budget. Otherwise, check out discount and second hand stores. Clothes are so cheap these days. You will be fine!

If I were you, I would focus on the positives. Get excited, you're about to change your life! If you go in with a positive mindset, the journey is a lot easier! It's very normal to feel anxious, but these forums don't always reflect how awesome things will be!

[GradyCat 3,692]

They say you should lost 30% of your excess weight in 3 months, 50% in 6 months, and 70% in 12 months. You should have regained your energy and be able to work your shifts just fine by a month post-op. I had full energy right away.

[Frustr8 7,886]

Yeah so far I have hit my targets pretty close to what Grady Cat said, but it took close to 65 pounds before I really changed sizes noticeably. But then I was 300 and a half at the start, in my 220s now and hopefully working still towards 175. Don't expect to hit goal until 15-18 months out but I just could surprise ME. Good Luck with your future surgery and recovery.🌈😝 🌈

[shazz73 64]

Hello Teri,

I think we mostly hear from people who are “miserable” because they require support and they come to this forum and are able to get it - which is great!

That said there are those of us (lots of us I’m guessing) who have been fortunate to have near smooth sailing on this journey. I am just over 6 months post op. My recovery was smooth, I was back at work 4 days after surgery. I progressed through the stages as planned, am steadily losing weight and am closing in on a healthy BMI. I told nobody and somehow have managed to keep it that way (and yes, I do go out in public haha).

To top it off, my mental health, confidence and energy are strong. I am already noticing a career impact (shame on society that this is even a thing), and I am able to say “yes” to fun things with my kids without worrying whether I’ll have the stamina to do it.

My only small grumbles so far... my scars aren’t fading the way I had hoped (keloid maybe?), and I have been discarding clothing at an alarming rate ($$). Last night we ordered Thai food... normally I’d have a large plate loaded with all my favs. This time, a few bites and I was done... but my brain wanted more :(

Also, yes, you’ll want to get Water in and make Protein a priority, but one of the best things about this surgery for me, was NOT continuing to obsess over my meals and the scale. I eat well and don’t beat myself up for an occasional small treat. I go weeks where I forget to jump on the scale. It is a part of my life, not my entire life.

I in no way want to downplay the struggles and difficulty that some have had in this journey. I know how fortunate I am to have had it go so well!! Best of luck on your journey Teri... I’ll wish smooth sailing for you too!

[New&Improved 1,780]

Don't stress app much on the little things. Think positive you w will become a whole new better person. Healthy lifestyle.

This surgery is a life changing event.

[Teri B 42]

Thanks to all that replied.