I just had my pre-op today, and I was super nervous about it super nervous about us to come and super excited it’s been a long time coming, is there any advice that you would give me that you wish you guys would have had before you started this journey. I will be having my surgery on the 20th. Have March.

Hello Irene,

Welcome in here and congratulations on your surgery date. You will find a March 2024 group on here that you can join.

Don't read anything on the net. Scare stories are not needed. This surgery is very safe. This forum is a safe place.

Stick to your teams advice, There is not a single person on here who has the same regime as you, pre or post op.

Don't buy loads of things you think you may need. Our tastes buds change after surgery because of Ketosis. Just buy a few of a selection of protein shakes. You may want to buy pain meds if you are not in the UK.

You will not need much at the hospital. Go in clothes that you can go home in. Take a Chapstick and some Biotin. Some people take a phone charger with a long lead.

You might want to use a recliner chair for sleeping, if you have one. I didn't and had to sleep upright in bed for a while and a recliner would have been easier. I had a bed wedge and lots of pillows.

If you have a pre op diet they are tough for the first 4 or 5 days but its worth it in the end.

You will have a weight loss stall at 2-3 weeks. You have not done anything wrong. You may get over emotional and / or get the regrets at this time. Our hormones are in the fat cells and releasing them in such a hurry makes our hormones go on a wild ride.

@summerseeker made a great list! I would add to make sure your surgeon prescribes a PPI (proton pump inhibitor) for the first few months after surgery. This is to help calm the acid production in your stomach because our tiny stomachs are still making enough acid for our big stomach at first! With lower acidity you'll be able to sleep better and heal better internally without acid irritating that tender healing tissue.

And keep in mind that hydration is crucial for the first few weeks, more than anything else, because it is hydration that will keep you out of the ER for dehydration. Try different temperature fluids (ice cold, hot, room temp), different flavors (sweet water flavoring packets, savory broth, neutral lactose free milk, herbal teas, decaf tea), and different textures (protein milk, protein water, protein shakes, milk thinned yogurt when allowed, sugar free popsicles). All fluid counts at first, even shakes or sugar free popsicles. I ate a LOT of sugar free popsicles the first two weeks.

BUT, if you can't get near those 64 oz be sure to let your surgeon know. There is no shame in going to get hydration infusions and usually if you let them know before it is critical, they can arrange for it at an infusion center instead of the ER.

Oh and wear something loose to the hospital, preferably something that doesn't put pressure on your stomach. And shoes you don't have to bend over to put on! LOL

Edited February 29, 20242 yr by ChunkCat

On 2/27/2024 at 10:40 PM, Irenewalker said:

I just had my pre-op today, and I was super nervous about it super nervous about us to come and super excited it’s been a long time coming, is there any advice that you would give me that you wish you guys would have had before you started this journey. I will be having my surgery on the 20th. Have March.

Congrats! Make sure you take things slow and don't rush to the stages. I was told after week 3 I could have dairy, My stomach couldn't handle it and got sick immediately.

Also if you don't end up losing a lot right away, remember everybody's body is different and takes time. You are doing the best thing for you and best of luck. 2 months post op and haven't regretted it!