LOOKING FOR PPL WHO JUST HAD SURGERY to ask questions

[New&Improved 1,780]

Hey guys hope all is well. I'm just getting nervous and anxious about my surgery coming in 10 days time.

I would love to hear from people who had surgery in the last month or so.

Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital?

How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water?

Did you feel hungry much?

Was the pain bearable?

And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go?

I'm just curious how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids?

My surgeon says his directions are 2+2+2 for each phase but if you like you can stay on liquids for 3-4weeks shakes etc

Sorry if I'm posting a lot 😬

Mikey

[Darktowerdream 419]

My surgery was April 29th and my experience was very different since I live with chronic illness and disability. But I will try to answer a few questions as I know them personally.

as far as getting enough Protein and drinking enough fluids in the first days you do the best you can, they give you a goal but I don’t think anyone meets it immediately after surgery. I’m pretty sure Protein Shakes count as part of the total Fluid intake. And the first goal in my opinion is protein. If you can get 50-60 grams protein by sipping slowly split into 2 ounce portions over the course of the day then that’s good. Then sipping Water as able in between with 30 minute window before and after.

Something I wish I had after my surgery are BariatricPal Protein Shots. It’s 15 grams of protein in 3oz. Also get samples of protein powders to try afterward to help find what tastes you will be able to tolerate. Since tastes tend to change after surgery. The sense of smell and taste gets altered.

You should have good pain management post op. If you need anything for pain or nausea that’s why the nurses are there for you. walking as soon as you can will help a lot. My experience was different so I don’t want to scare you with my own pain stories.

I didnt feel hungry, and I don’t think I do now. But my sense of hungry or full was not good prior to surgery. I just followed the guidelines of my doctors nutritionist manual and even that is not set in stone. Some phases of the diet can be longer for some people. Even the foods in each phase is different with each doctor or program.

Honestly 20 people can have the same surgery and each have a different experience. The best thing to do is just take it one day at a time after surgery. But expect that things will feel different afterward and emotions might be raw post op. But it passes and you get better. Complications happen but are not that common. Try not to stress over those details.

[Lynda486 783]

Good morning Mikey,

I had my surgery September 16th. I was supposed to be in the hospital for 2 nights but ended up there until the 20th. I ended up having my gallbladder out and they took the entire stomach after they made my pouch. I have finally hit the no more pain level which is great! I can get my Water in if I try really hard but it is the calories and Protein which I struggle with. I got one of the motivational water bottles and that is helping me get my water in. Yesterday was my 4 week appointment and I am now on the soft food stage, Yay! Just remember everybody's experience is different!

[Maidenhail 16]

Hi

i had gastric sleeve on Monday 17th.

in the hospital I had lots of tests- endoscopy, ECG, pulmonary checks etc then surgery next day.

The surgery was fine- when I came round I was in some pain and felt nauseous but this only lasted about an hour.

The next day I was sipping Water, and now, four days later I’m drinking two Protein Drinks of 200ml a day ( making 50g protein) and drinking 2 x 200ml of apple juice- liquid total per day needs to be about a litre.

This is going really well- pain is under control and I’m feeling good!

Best of luck for your surgery and recovery! Xx

[Me! 3]

Hey there. I had my surgery last week (October 8th) coming out of surgery there was a small bit of pain but my health care team really stayed on it along with any nausea that I had. This particular hospital had its patients on full fluids the next day. I spent two nights in for safety sake. I was sent home with pain medication that I did not need. My energy has been great, no pain at all being home. I am able to get 50-60 gm of Protein and am up to my 1.5L a day for Water. I take rests if need but so far activity wise I am able to go on 4-5000 step walks once a day on top of regular puttering around the house. I’m already driving and have lost 25lbs between pre op diet and being home. I have no co morbidities (perfect bloodwork, no diabetes, heart issues, blood pressure issues) I am a very healthy, soon not be over weight person. Remember to Celebrate your small victories, because the many small ones lead to big ones. You have already done the hard part and that’s admitting that you like I needed help to loss weight. Keep your chin up and this wonderful gift gives you what you give it. I won’t wish you luck because it’s not luck it’s work. Work hard, stay positive and before you know it you’ll be strutting down the street like the world is your runway! Cheers.

[mr.sean 60]

Hi Mikey!

My surgery was 8/12, so I'm 10 weeks post-op now.

Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital?

I checked in around 6AM, and had to wait 2-3 hours to be brought into the surgery prep. I changed into the gown and spoke with the nurse and anesthesiologist. They put in the IVs, and I was wheeled to the surgery room, where I fell asleep within seconds. I woke up feeling very woozy and in pain. Post-surgery, I spent about 36 hours in the hospital. I was in a lot of pain for the first 12 hours or so, but they give you medication for it. Getting up and walking really helps with the pain, as much as it hurts to get out of bed those first few times. I was discharged in the early afternoon of my second day.

How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water?

I felt very groggy from the pain, pain meds, and dehydration. In the first week, I was getting around 36-48oz of fluids per day, and by week two, I could get int 48oz+.

Did you feel hungry much?

I felt a little bit hungry for the first week, but not starving (even though you are technically starving).

Was the pain bearable?

The pain got noticeably better each day, and around 2 weeks, it was almost gone. It's not constant, nagging pain. It's sharp pain at the incision sites when you sit up or twist a certain way. I couldn't sleep on my side for about 10 days, which was very annoying. However, as bad as the pain was at times, at 10-weeks post-op now, I barely remember it, and it was definitely worth it.

And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go?

Definitely, but it depends on the food. It's a lot easier to eat 4-8oz of yogurt or cottage cheese in 30 minutes than it is to eat 2-3oz of meat in 10 minutes. As for drinking, I can take bigger sips now and finish a small iced coffee (12oz/350ml -- not sure if Australia uses metric or imperial) in about 45 minutes.

I'm just curious how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids?

The surgeon and dietician understand that in the first 2-4 weeks, you'll struggle to get enough of both. That's why you prioritize liquids over Protein at first.

Edited October 18, 2019 by mr.sean

[always 59]

In hospital ...Preop was fine, recovery room I really don't remember much. Then just walk walk walk once your alert enough. At home I took half a pain pill 4 times, then to Tylenol. Yes your sore but the pain MED made me to sleepy and nauseated. My issue was nausea and reflux on omeprazole twice a day and zantac at bedtime. It's a full-time job getting fluids in, Protein premier, protein premeir Water count as Fluid and protein. By ice cube trays, make Soup in them, Jello, etc. Set a goal for yourself one ice cube section every 30minutes to an hour. Every few hours just take a few cubes out so they can be defrosting. I am still very restricted and still don't met my protein goal daily I am around 50gm the best I've done is 60gsm in one day. Exhaustion is the worse of it all. Everything is an effort after an hour. Your only eating 300 to 500 calories a day at first . So cleaning the kitchen and a few loads of laundry , running around with kids uses that up. Go slow,stop if your tired and have some protein and drink your fluids. Enjoy the experience. I am out 4.5 months the first 3 months don't really count because I was mostly still on full liquids and watery softs because of the nausea. So I'm learning more now about meal choices. I love love love pan seared scallops and they are little balls of protein. I realize I am not the average post op experience but I am 10lbs to goal and I really feel good. Even with the complications I would do it again without hesitation.

[MinnieSD 35]

On 10/18/2019 at 3:17 AM, Mikeyy said:

Hey guys hope all is well. I'm just getting nervous and anxious about my surgery coming in 10 days time.

I would love to hear from people who had surgery in the last month or so.

Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital?

How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water?

Did you feel hungry much?

Was the pain bearable?

And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go?

I'm just curious how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids?

My surgeon says his directions are 2+2+2 for each phase but if you like you can stay on liquids for 3-4weeks shakes etc

Sorry if I'm posting a lot 😬

Mikey

Hi

I had my Gastric Bypass surgery on 08.08.19, I wasn't nervous about it but excited to finally be getting it done.

Hospital was fine, walked into my operating theatre and met the army of doctors and nurses, it was all very relaxed, music playing in the background, my surgeon came over and spoke to me and then the Anaesthetist came and told me what was happening and that was it, I was probably only in there for a few minutes before going to sleep. The surgery went well, I actually felt very well after surgery and went home after only spending 2 days and 1 night, I didn't feel much pain at all, it was a little uncomfortable and had to watch how I stood up or got on and off the bed etc but nothing out of the ordinary and what you would expect after surgery. Sleep as much as you can when you come home and walk when you're awake.

The pain after surgery was totally bearable, while in hospital they gave me Oramorph which was fabulous and then told me to take pain meds for the next week, I actually stopped them after 2 days, didn't feel like I needed them, but everyone is different.

With regards to your food intake what I would say is follow the plan with food, don't rush any of the stages, I didn't push how much I ate as I was scared that I may stretch my pouch (even though have been told this would be very hard to do) or something worse. You will know when you have had enough, it's a different kind of full, it's not in your stomach, you feel full in your chest/throat (hard to explain) but literally you will feel like you cannot get anything else down. You will learn to stop before you get to this stage as its uncomfortable. If it does happen lay down until it passes. I found it difficult eating if I was bent over, you need to be upright for the food to pass.

The eating phases that you will go through become very tedious and you really want to rush through them but don't, these are what help you heal better and quicker, I know for myself after being on the milk diet for 2 weeks pre op all I wanted was some' normality' but you actually don't feel like eating much. Im now 10 weeks post op and can eat 'normal' food but in very small quantities. I had a follow up last week with the hospital and had been feeling very nauseous, this is apparently very common, I was prescribed anti sickness meds which have stopped it now. My nurse told me that it's better to eat 5-6 small portions every 3-4 hours when feeling like this, which I have started doing and the sickness has gone.

I have tried different foods and some have not agreed with me so I know not to eat them again just yet. You have to adjust to your boundaries and what you can and can't eat anymore.

If you're having the Gastric Bypass, which is what I had you have no cravings and you don't get any hunger pains, this was the first thing that I noticed after the surgery. I was told that I wouldn't feel hungry but as someone that has had a weight problem most of my life it was hard to believe this but it's 100% true, I love the fact that I don't get hungry but this you also have to pay attention to and make sure that you eat enough Protein otherwise the day goes by and you realise that you haven't eaten, especially if you have a busy or demanding job. I get mine from High protein Greek yogurts, eggs, chicken, high protein Peanut Butter. I eat very low carbs and fats. On the 2nd phase i started drinking Protein Shakes, I hated them but they were so high in protein that at least i knew i was getting enough, try mixing with milk if too thick.

The hardest part for me is not being able to drink much and not drink while eating, this is what I find the biggest challenge is getting the fluids in but I think most people will tell you this, it's important to keep your water bottle near and constantly sip all day, try adding some 'no sugar' lemon or blackcurrant, this helped me.

I still don't think that hospitals give you enough information regarding eating after surgery and most of what I have done has been through my own research, have bought a few Bariatric cookbooks to help too

You will be fine, just follow the doctors orders, good luck for Monday

[New&Improved 1,780]

2 minutes ago, MinnieSD said:

Hi

I had my Gastric Bypass surgery on 08.08.19, I wasn't nervous about it but excited to finally be getting it done.

Hospital was fine, walked into my operating theatre and met the army of doctors and nurses, it was all very relaxed, music playing in the background, my surgeon came over and spoke to me and then the Anaesthetist came and told me what was happening and that was it, I was probably only in there for a few minutes before going to sleep. The surgery went well, I actually felt very well after surgery and went home after only spending 2 days and 1 night, I didn't feel much pain at all, it was a little uncomfortable and had to watch how I stood up or got on and off the bed etc but nothing out of the ordinary and what you would expect after surgery. sleep as much as you can when you come home and walk when you're awake.

The pain after surgery was totally bearable, while in hospital they gave me Oramorph which was fabulous and then told me to take pain meds for the next week, I actually stopped them after 2 days, didn't feel like I needed them, but everyone is different.

With regards to your food intake what I would say is follow the plan with food, don't rush any of the stages, I didn't push how much I ate as I was scared that I may stretch my pouch (even though have been told this would be very hard to do) or something worse. You will know when you have had enough, it's a different kind of full, it's not in your stomach, you feel full in your chest/throat (hard to explain) but literally you will feel like you cannot get anything else down. You will learn to stop before you get to this stage as its uncomfortable. If it does happen lay down until it passes. I found it difficult eating if I was bent over, you need to be upright for the food to pass.

The eating phases that you will go through become very tedious and you really want to rush through them but don't, these are what help you heal better and quicker, I know for myself after being on the milk diet for 2 weeks pre op all I wanted was some' normality' but you actually don't feel like eating much. Im now 10 weeks post op and can eat 'normal' food but in very small quantities. I had a follow up last week with the hospital and had been feeling very nauseous, this is apparently very common, I was prescribed anti sickness meds which have stopped it now. My nurse told me that it's better to eat 5-6 small portions every 3-4 hours when feeling like this, which I have started doing and the sickness has gone.

I have tried different foods and some have not agreed with me so I know not to eat them again just yet. You have to adjust to your boundaries and what you can and can't eat anymore.

If you're having the Gastric Bypass, which is what I had you have no cravings and you don't get any hunger pains, this was the first thing that I noticed after the surgery. I was told that I wouldn't feel hungry but as someone that has had a weight problem most of my life it was hard to believe this but it's 100% true, I love the fact that I don't get hungry but this you also have to pay attention to and make sure that you eat enough Protein otherwise the day goes by and you realise that you haven't eaten, especially if you have a busy or demanding job. I get mine from High Protein Greek yogurts, eggs, chicken, high protein Peanut Butter. I eat very low carbs and fats. On the 2nd phase i started drinking Protein Shakes, I hated them but they were so high in protein that at least i knew i was getting enough, try mixing with milk if too thick.

The hardest part for me is not being able to drink much and not drink while eating, this is what I find the biggest challenge is getting the fluids in but I think most people will tell you this, it's important to keep your water bottle near and constantly sip all day, try adding some 'no sugar' lemon or blackcurrant, this helped me.

I still don't think that hospitals give you enough information regarding eating after surgery and most of what I have done has been through my own research, have bought a few Bariatric cookbooks to help too

You will be fine, just follow the doctors orders, good luck for Monday

Thankyou so much for your extensive reply to my queries.

Some great information and yes I'll be having RNY bypass.

I hope my recovery and restriction is just like yours.

Cheers.

[dihuey 1]

Hey guys hope all is well. I'm just getting nervous and anxious about my surgery coming in 10 days time.
I would love to hear from people who had surgery in the last month or so.
Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital?
How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water?
Did you feel hungry much?
Was the pain bearable?
And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go?
I'm just curious how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids?
My surgeon says his directions are 2+2+2 for each phase but if you like you can stay on liquids for 3-4weeks shakes etc
Sorry if I'm posting a lot [emoji51]
Mikey

I had surgery 10/14, and I will be honest: I am both encouraged and struggling. I am down 19 pounds PS, and was down 14 lbs from liver reduction diet pre surgery.

I was in the hospital just one night, which was great, and up walking PS within hours. One thing that I wish I would have had at home was an elevated toilet seat like at the hospital. Transition to the lower, standard seat at home was ROUGH that first week.

I didn't use a single thing that I packed for the hospital. I had read forums and blog posts about what to bring, and so must have been over prepared.

Since I have been home, I have been struggling with no appetite. I'm meeting all of my goals regarding liquid intake and Protein intake, but it is a battle.

Still, the pluses way outweigh the deficits.

Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

[areonna71 0]

Hello I hope you find your procedure everything you hoped it will be, I can tell you about my experience and hope it gives you some peace going into yours. I had my surgery 9/11/19

Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital? - Surgery check in was normal and pre op was as expected. registration, Started IV, medical history, then the surgeon came in and told me the would be giving me a sedative before going to the operating room. After the medication was pushed I remember waking up in my room with a dry mouth and being thirsty. The pain notice of pain didn't happen until a few hours later, but just a word to the wise stay on top of your medications and advocate for your medicines while they have you up and walking after surgery. Take small sips of Water and walk. They gave me a 1 oz "shot glass" and told me to fill 3 to 4 an hour while in the hospital

How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water? Did you feel hungry much?- I am now a few weeks post surgery and have just noticed 2 days ago that I was hungry for the first time, but I was full almost immediately. I think I have associated hunger with thirst too, so I realized I was behind in my H2O. I don't think hunger is a big factor, at least at first. I hope it is a long term thing, but that would be too good to be true.

Was the pain bearable? - I will be honest - sometimes the pain took my breath away - but that was my own fault. I was trying to be brave and not take the medications provided. I would recommend not doing that. You don't have to suffer if you stay on top of it. I made sure I had some liquid Tylenol on hand too so I could transition off the strong stuff without too much of an issue. I was told nothing bigger than a tic tac for the first 6 weeks as far as medications go, so follow what your docs say. It sounds like other docs don't give that same advise.

And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go? I always have a Protein2o or a shake in my purse. I am happy with the restrictions, and love the fact that I can go virtually all day without having to stop for food somewhere.

how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids? Protein Shakes - post surgery I used Protein Shots I found on Baritric pal store. these were strong in flavor so I diluted them with 1 oz of water so a 2oz 16g Protein shot - https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-predigested-protein-liquid-protein/products/liquacel-liquid-protein-1oz-packets-available-in-5-flavors -

[CaitMarc917 11]

Hey! First off, good luck surgery.

I had RNY on October 10th. I was in the hospital for 1 night. Within an hour of being back to my room I was up and walking the unit. I walked every hour on the hour during the day and twice at night. My pain was managed solely by Tylenol while in the hospital. They sent me home with Vicodin but I never needed to use it nor did I even need the Tylenol. While in the hospital I found it hard to drink but I pushed through because I knew that I had to. With every tiny sip, I could feel air bubbles working their way up. I had a decent amount of gas pain but manageable by walking. It never came out the back end lol always came out in burps! I wasn’t so much hungry but my brain was telling me that i missed eating food if that makes sense.. so I ate a Jello and some broth for Breakfast the following day. Since surgery I can’t complain. I do find it hard to get my 64oz in. I tap out at 40-45. I’m getting there though. my stomach at this stage is full after 1/4 cup of food. I’m losing weight slower than most but I get to start exercising next week so hopefully that helps to pick it up.

[Nonnaof4 54]

On 10/17/2019 at 10:17 PM, Mikeyy said:

Hey guys hope all is well. I'm just getting nervous and anxious about my surgery coming in 10 days time.

I would love to hear from people who had surgery in the last month or so.

Can you run down exactly what you went through whilst in hospital?

How did you feel in the first few days to weeks.. Where you able to drink much Water?

Did you feel hungry much?

Was the pain bearable?

And in the first weeks or months are you still feeling restrictions on how much you can eat or drink in one go?

I'm just curious how we're meant to get enough Protein if unable to drink much liquids?

My surgeon says his directions are 2+2+2 for each phase but if you like you can stay on liquids for 3-4weeks shakes etc

Sorry if I'm posting a lot 😬

Mikey

Hi @Mikeyy First you're going to do great!!

I had RNY on 10/11. Didn't have much surgery pain at all, it was more gas pain and back pain from how they positioned me on the table.

Once I was completely awake I was up and walking right away. They wouldn't give me anything at all to drink the first day. Second day they had me doing 1 little medicine cup of Water every half hour. I got my first Protein Shake that second night at dinner time.

At first I could only do small sips at a time but that has increased over the last couple weeks. I still can't guzzle but I can drink a decent amount each time I sip.

I didn't feel hungry at all. Even the smell of food was making me sick.

I was on liquids for 7 days then moved to pureed. I can only do 1/4-1/2 c at at time. More often 1/4 c makes me full. I'm just starting to feel a bit hungry here and there but still only eat 1/4c

I found it easier to get all my Protein in when I was on liquids only. Adding food keeps creating timing issues I haven't worked out since you can't drink 30min before or after solids.

For me it feels like its been a lot longer when I reality its only been two weeks so I'm still on the learning curve.

The biggest thing I've found is I still feel so tired. I expected to get more energy back by now.

Don't apologize for posting "a lot" if you have questions that's how you get answers. We're all here for the same thing,

Good luck on your journey.

[Megan Catherine 3]

It's totally normal to be nervous! I'm 8 days post-op and feeling really good. I actually wrote a blog about my experience. www.megancatherine.com ! For me the pain was just bad for the first night, and it was mostly gas pain! At the beginning I was just getting 30-40 ounces and grams of Protein. It has gotten easier every day! Try your best! Don't get down on yourself!

Best of luck!