Cherub's Gastric Sleeve Journey

[Cherub]

Research began in May. Now surgery is 5 days away.
I thought it took forever to get through the process but now the days have flown by.
Been doing the low carb,no more than 20g, diet for 5 days so far. It has gone well.
First two days were rough.

I have bought my items for phase1 diet and have my stuff ready for overnight at the hospital.

My sisters want to come support me from out of town. I prefer to be just me and my husband.
I get irritable with too much interaction when I am not well. They understood.

Prepping continues until the big day.

[WANAGL]

This will all soon be a distant memory...It's normal to feel anxious/nervous/scared/excited all at the same time. This is a life changing decision...for the better.

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[Cherub]

I am home from the hospital. Drinking well, no nausea. Night of the surgery I was miserable with gas pains in my shoulders and tummy. No matter which way I turned it hurt. They gave me more pain meds ordered oral drops that help with gas.

So i feel better than expected so so far.

[rsw8dy]

Glad to hear you are doing well.....please keep us posted when you get a chance as I am 2 weeks away and would love to follow your journey. Good Luck!

[Cherub]

Day 7
I have been laying low focused on my fluid intake. I have not needed very much in the way of pain management ( 1-2 pain pills a day).
My incisions are sore (4 of them). Trying to walk as much as a I can instead of sleep. The nurses cautioned me not to sleep a lot and to stay mobile. Have still had no nausea. Hardest part is to not drink to fast. Using a spoon now and a sippy cup. Biggest issue i have had is tiredness.

[Cherub]

I am taking a note from the Brits I am supposed to get in 32 oz of skim milk a day. Had a hard time today so I made a few cups of early gray decaf tea and added the skim milk. That made it so much easier for me to get it in. Still focused on getting in 64 oz of liquid a day and walking. Doing well.

[Cherub]

A bit low today. No reason really except feeling anxious. I catch myself thinking " did something really happen". I am sore and I really have to focus on drinking my required fluids. All is well just feeling a bit of wow....I really did this. I wanted it, I prepared for it, I needed it and I am grateful that I am doing well.

[WANAGL]

Keep on Keepin' on!

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[Cherub]

Thanks WANAGL Love your pics and encouragement.

[sraebaer]

A supportive husband is all you'll need! You'll just want to rest that first week, not entertain guests. Be sure to nap or just lie around, walk a little, get in your liquid and protein requirements, and you'll do great! I had a recliner in front of the TV, with a table next to it for my drink so I could sip when I was awake, and spent most of my first week in that spot. (My bed is so high it was easier to sleep in the recliner.) This journey is so much fun, you have a wonderful life to look forward to. Best of luck to you!

If you want some veteran advice, I would stay off your scale for at least one month after surgery. I know it's tempting, but in the beginning when you're eating about nothing and not losing weight, it can drive you crazy. But it's just part of the process.

[Munecagirl85]

Exciting! I remeber this day last yar i was on a plane to mexico i had three commectimg flights! I was a emotinal wreck i couldnt stop crying i barley sit in the seats and now iam here one year later insane feels like it was yesterday! You will do great! I wasnt in any pain when i woke up or after

[Cherub]

Thanks you for your replies and veteran support and tips. I need them all

Day 9 now and still just focusing on getting in the 32oz skim milk and other fluids to min 64oz. Taking prilosec and my vitamin. No sugar added popsicles have really helped me.

Building up my stamina walking a bit outside and yesterday drive for first time to grocery and bought phase 2 foods which i can start this coming Friday. Things like carnation instant breakfast (no sugar added), thin cream of wheat, grits or cream of rice, thinned no fat/low fat creamed soup, and fat free pudding. I am really looking forward to this coming Friday

[Cherub]

First day back at work. Did work at home. All went well but i fell behind on drinking my fluids. Lesson learned if water not at hand, catching up is a real challenge.

Having trouble wanting to chew my Bariatric Advantage multivitamin. It is a big chewable. Today I crushed it and mixed with 2 no sugar added popsicles that I chopped up into a cup and made a little icy. YUM. So much better

[Cherub]

On phase 2 of food plan now, carnation instant breakfast (reduced sugar version) with the skim milk, blended soups, cream of wheat or grits or oatmeal thinned , and low fat no sugar puddings, things are going well. First attempt at cream of wheat was so exciting for me. I ate about 6oz of the 8oz portion thinned and I ate too much. Should have stopped at 4oz. Not drama there was not spit up or anything, i was just uncomfortable and ate too fast without realizing it was too much. I walked around for about 15 minutes and the uncomfortable feeling reduced. Learning to keep it slow and to measure it out.

I have not been physically hungry. I have been thirsty and get in my minimums but at my size I need to get in more water. I like water, I just have not gained the sipping all day skill yet consistently. I have kept constipation for the most part at bay with taking one colace a day.

The head hunger did come back at the two week mark. Driving home from work I see all my old fast food haunts and it really go into my head how this would taste and that would taste. I am managing it. Not worried about it. I talk to a therapist about it. i just wish it was not something in my head.

All in all doing well.

[WANAGL]

It sounds like you're doing really well!

I'm grateful to have the best therapist in the world! She's helped me get down to "Causes and Conditions". I've learned to cope with life's ups and downs WITHOUT turning to something or someone outside myself to make me feel better! Happiness is an INSIDE job! We don't talk about food or bingeing or anything of that sort.

It's not possible to stop my thoughts. I CAN and DO change them!