July 2023 buddies

[LibrarianErin 28]

On 6/29/2023 at 5:28 PM, Colin from California said:

Yes!

my surgery date is July 31st. I’ve been telling my friends and family. Most are very supportive and some have asked why this is necessary but for the most part folks have been supportive.

I’ve also been following social media accounts which is very encouraging. Not as many men out there talking about this but I don’t think the experience is very different between genders.

I’m still a month out and wonder what are the things I can be doing now to make sure this all goes as smooth as possible.

Welcome, @Colin from California! Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you've found supportive people, that really sets you up for success.

I have felt very informed by https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/. The two hosts have had VSG and they interview others who have had it as well as experts in the bariatric field like dieticians, surgeons, trainers, Protein product creators. In their episodes in the 50s they interview the brother of one of the hosts, so you might find that helpful.

By what are the things you could be doing now do you mean like in terms of food or exercise or habit changes?

[LibrarianErin 28]

On 6/29/2023 at 7:35 PM, Ct06033 said:

General question….why are you doing the gastric sleeve and not trying the medicine (weegovy / Mounjaro)?

i was planning on a gastric sleeve but now I think I’m going to try the medicine (wegovy/ Mounjaro). Im curious to hear your thoughts.

I have to pay out of pocket for the medicine and about $5000 for the surgery.

Hi, @Ct06033! I think this is a good question to consider. Like others have said, the new medicine hasn't been tested for long term effects. What IS known about it is that as soon as you stop, you gain the weight back. So you're going to need injections for the rest of your life. That is a big nope for me. I'd rather have surgery and not depend on a medicine. Especially because I hear there have been shortages, which could happen again in our pandemic-prone world. Also, the medicine will be WAY more expensive. Out of pocket, it costs like $1000 a month. In just a year you'll be paying more than twice as much for the medicine as the surgery, and you'll have to keep paying, versus the one and done surgery payment. Those are my thoughts.

[LibrarianErin 28]

On 7/1/2023 at 1:24 PM, OBXTrouble said:

Hi! Just got a date of 7/19 for the sleeve. It feels so real now and not gonna lie, I’m nervous, especially now that I have a date. I’m taking in all the tips/notes from this site, so thank you all for that!

Hi, @OBXTrouble! It's normal to be nervous and good to be honest. We're embarking on the unknown, but it's going to be a grand adventure, and there are excellent guides available! Glad you've found a good resource in this website and forums.

[LibrarianErin 28]

18 hours ago, Sherry Bo berry said:

Hi everyone I am new here, my first post. I am having the sleeve on july 12th, i am nervous and excited, my weight has been holding me back, looking forward to travelling again and being able to walk for extended periods, also worried about not being prepared.

Hi, @Sherry Bo Berry! Welcome and thanks for sharing! We'll be surgery buddies - mine is July 12th, too. Travel and long walks are great whys! Reading forums like these and blogs or vlogs from other VSGers is a good way to get more prepared. I also recommend https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/. You got this!

[NanaNette 4]

2 hours ago, LibrarianErin said:

Excited for your surgeries this week - @FifiLux, @NYCxCoco, @Inspectorjh84, @Faith23, and @NanaNette!!! Praying for no anxiety, smooth processes, and speedy recoveries!

Thank you! ❤

[Chewchew46 16]

Hi for those that are doing the pre-op liquid diet how is it going. Today is day one for me and it is a struggle. What are you guys eating or do you have any tips on what to do.

[Johnpayne 1]

For me in France, pre-op is five days of Cereal, then Soup and two yoghurts for lunch an dinner and plenty of Water

[Chewchew46 16]

@Johnpayne that’s not bad at all. I have to do 14 days . Protein Shakes, Jello, pudding I’m allow to eat one meal a day but it have to be high in Protein. It’s either lunch or dinner. Of course plenty of fluids.

[Livinit 2]

Hey everyone, I’m 2 months post op roux-en-y if anyone has any questions about that surgery I can help out with let me know, I’m happy to help anywhere I can!

[ArticFox 2]

Hey y'all!

My VSG is scheduled for 7/17/23. I am super excited! I had a very toxic relationship with diets in particular. I was always "chunky" as a child. Buying pants was a struggle. The weight sat okay on me, but Definity not in the right places. I recall, in middle school - being part of a dance recital and having to buy an adult small dress, to fit my shape. Since then I've been bombarded with "shut/zip your mouth" - diet mentality. When I reached 200lb as an adult, I was mortified, but it did not affect my daily living. Then the pandemic hit; suddenly it was 230, 250, then 270. At my highest I was 295lb. I used to love walking, being active, dragging my friends out to do fun things. Now it almost feels like moving from room to room is a chore. My mind is right and set on the ultimate goal. My therapist and I worked tirelessly for years to get to the bottom of the mental issues that causes me to go to food for comfort.

I am ready to flip my world upside down, to START LIVING AGAIN ❤️

[Chewchew46 16]

my surgery date is the 17th as well. I totally agree with you. My highest weight 251. I am ready for the new journey of my life.

[WanderingLass 37]

23 hours ago, NYCxCoco said:

what are you planning to take with you to the hospital?

We have to spend 2 nights at a hotel due to the 3 hour drive (assuming ferries are running!). I'm bringing meds, clean clothes for day of and after, my phone of course, and probably my Kindle. I'm sure I'll be sleepy so I figure that's plenty.

They ask I stay an extra night due to the drive in case of any issues, and then they'll do imaging the next day to ensure the staples are doing their job.

[WanderingLass 37]

5 hours ago, Chewchew46 said:

Hi for those that are doing the pre-op liquid diet how is it going. Today is day one for me and it is a struggle. What are you guys eating or do you have any tips on what to do.

I was miserable. I'm on day 6 and it's better. Mine is less than 1,000 calories a day and no more than 50 grams carbs, 2 Meal Replacement shakes. They sent home some recipes and frozen dinner recommendations, too.

Day 1 morning I was nauseous to the point I almost went home from work. And bathroom breaks for loose stools were numerous. I felt like I'd done a colonoscopy prep!

Day 2 no nausea, still numerous bathroom trips.

Day 3, numerous bathroom breaks in the morning, but by afternoon these had stopped.

Day 4, a few extra bathroom breaks but none in the afternoon.

Day 5 we were going to go on an easy hike but the drive is about 2 hours and, of course, no bathrooms on the trail. So we opted to stay home and I'm glad. A few extra bathroom trips.

Today, Day 6, still a couple extra trips, but I'm sure tired of it.

For food, leafy green salads with ground turkey; hard boiled eggs; chicken on greens; that type of thing. Green Beans, not my favorite but they'll do.

You've got this! I read someone say the 1st 3 days are the hardest and I'll agree with that. But it does get easier.

[Inspectorjh84 39]

Im craving steaks and pork belly! Cant really do that on this 1000 calorie diet! I think my youtube subscriptions were mostly about New Technology, and food shows..I am about to go through and delete those subscriptions...lol

Darn you Guga for always having a cool food experiment!

Edited July 3, 2023 by Inspectorjh84

[Chewchew46 16]

@WanderingLass yes I have had the bathroom experiences already on day one. I sure hope it does get better. @Inspectorjh84 same I am Craving so much stuff. But we got this and we going to rock this journey.