Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Some post op questions.



Recommended Posts

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

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.🌈😝 🌈

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks to all that replied.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×