Very Optimistic, but a little uneasy

[jno86]

Hi, Im Jen, 24, going to be 25 when I get the gastric sleeve. Reading these posts have been pretty helpful. All I have done so far is went to a seminar, and set up my pysch. evaluation and starting the stuff for the insurance to cover it. It'll end up being around sometime in August when I actually have the surgery. I was just hoping lots of people could reply to this, telling me anything and everything you can about the surgery. Obviously I've researched some stuff, and went to the seminar, but I know things vary from person to person, Just wanting to know all of the different possibilities. Someone I personally know just had the sleeve surgery in November, and she said she only had to do 3 days of the pre op clear liquid diet, while ive seen others say a week and two weeks? Just wondering what you guys say ya'll had to do.. And as far as sodas, and sweet tea? Are they a yay or a nay afterwards? Not that I would want to anyways, but I just don't wanna mess anything up! Plus, What to expect with the pysch evaluation? My friends and I have joked saying Oh lord, once they find out how crazy you are they aren't gonna let you get that surgery! LOL, I'm not really crazy, I'm just fun loving and like to have a good time! But kinda just wondering what kind of questions they ask you? As well, how long did everyone have to stay in the hospital? When going to the seminar the doctor said you would be out the next day by noon or 1... I dont have this issue but just out of curiosity, why do they say not to drink alcoholor smoke afterwards? Anything would be helpful!!! I've seen a few posts where people are saying they don't feel full afterwards? Is it really a mind game i just need to go ahead and prepare myself for? I'm trying to prepare way out in advanced LOL, 6 months to be exact. So anyone that would like to give me any info, please do so. It would be much appreciated!!

[Rubbizfire]

I just had my surgery on 2/ 3/2011. I am sorta new at ths my self and really am not an expert at this.

When I had my Psych appt I was nervous because I was worried what I would say to possibly make this surgery not happen. But It was basically just Q & A , and asking me my feelings of why I wanted to have weight loss surgery as well as if you really understand that this procedre is permanent.

As for the Pre op. I am a Kaiser Patient and in order to have the surgery they have you attend a 3 & 1/2 hour orientation where they explain there program, you meet the staff and other people who are wishing and wanting the surgery. They discuss the life style changes you will be going thru as well as new meal options and plans. And they tell you to look at one another and understand that not everyone has the same journey in the same time frame and not all of s will end up having the surgery because its by personal choice.

Then they have you attend a 3 hour Nutrition class. going over meal choices, options , plans, and bad choices. showing serving sizes. etc.

Then 2 hour Life style managment classes where they incourage you to ezcersize, walk, drink 64 oz water and join support groups as well as read over materials they give you.

Of course all the while you have apts with nutitionits. Nurse practioners, surgeons.

Then they have you attend a 2 hour Pr op class. Re going over everything making sure you havent been drinking soda, coffee, Tea. Making sure you found your Protein drink, and followingt he menu and started on clear liquids.

Honestly at first when I started the program I thought I was gonna get my surgery with in 30 days and it was gonna be a cure all. ( The answer too all my prayers and wishes) Then after attending a few Dr apts, classes and following some menu idea I felt like they were making me jump through HOOPS. I felt like the Big Fat Lady in the circus forced to balance on a bowling ball while wearing High heels.

Eventually I got over being over whelmed and really started following the LIfe style changes.

When I did that and started walking. I lost 70 pounds with out surgery. The Dr asked me do you still want to have surgery now that you see you can loose weight on your own? I looked at the Dr like they were CRAZY OH no no .... I WANT the surgery I didnt come this far not to go all way.

So... I was practically Giggling and jumping all the way to the hospital. I wasnt scared, or discouraged. I couldnt wait for my new life to begin.

My surgery lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Because I started vomiting and being nausated. It was a reaction to the medication. Yes there was discomfort, and alittle pain ( like DONT be in a hurry to SNEEZE).

I was incouraged to get up and walk up and down the hospital hall way. The longer you lay there in the bed and allow your self to feel the pain and let the pain medications take over. The harder and longer it is to get out of the hospital.

Once I got up and walked around I felt good and better the more I moved around.

Wk #1 I walked , drank my protein drink, and It was hard for me to drink more then 32 ouncs a day.

Wk #2 still walked , was able to get 42 ounces down as well as eat on time. Oh and by the way since the surgery I lost 27 pounds in 2 weeks!

Now I am heading to week 3. I am getting over being sick I got a cold. but I been getting down more water. drinking the protein drink still and seeing the changes my body is showing me already.

I hope I helped alittle.. Good luck with your journey and AUgust will be here before you know it!