Surgery in 5 days

[lgober]

My surgery is scheduled for 4/4/19. Any tips, recommendations, or just basic information in general would be appreciated.

Things you didn’t know or wish you knew beforehand? Anything..

[coopersmom]

Oh I'm so happy for you. Are you excited and nervous or just excited? Best of luck to you!

[EllisM80]

Don't stock up on protein drinks until after you've tasted them after surgery. What you like now is going to change. You can Google '0 carb protein shake samples' and try some samples before you splurge. I didn't find that out for weeks and I struggled to like anything that was available to me locally. Also, something I thought I had known was that for a couple months after surgery, you can feel your liquids going into your stomach and it will most likely make you nauseous. I doubt that would have changed my mind but it would have been nice to know. I struggled with that for a little bit. It also would have been nice to know that changing the temperature of what I was drinking would have helped. Before surgery, I hated water if it didn't have ice in it. Now I can't drink water with ice in it. I also found out very quickly that you still struggle thinking you're hungry and that you need a snack. I always say that my fat brain tells my skinny brain that I need junk food. Thankfully, I've learned some recipes for healthy snacks and I make sure that they fit in my macros. Good luck!

[sraebaer]

So excited for you! My tip is you don't need much of anything for the hospital except maybe chap stick. I was only there one night, slept most of the time, and didn't even look at my computer or TV. Wear comfy, loose clothes and shoes that don't have to be tied for coming home.

My tip for when you get home is to SLEEP. I slept so much that first week, it really helped with my recovery. I slept in my recliner as climbing into my high bed hurt a little. When I wasn't sleeping I was sipping continually and walking a little. By week 2 I was feeling pretty normal. I was never sick or nauseous. Start more walking, start slow and increase distance and time as you feel up to it. Listen to your body; I was dizzy a little at first so didn't go far. Keep a journal to be sure you are getting in your required liquid and protein. (And remember a protein drink counts toward both goals). I would also start a journal with your weight recorded once a week, and your measurements maybe every 3 months. It's so much fun! Every week I enjoyed shopping for whatever new food I could start that next week. I was blessed to have no complications. My positive attitude took me all the way!

I basically made this all into a game and had fun every step of the way. Best of luck to you, you're going to have an AMAZING 2019!

[lgober]

Thank you for your helpful response!

[lgober]

Never thought about the protein drinks tasting different post surgery.. thanks for all your tips!

[Tamera2]

I pray everything goes well. Currently the doctor you and I choose is tied to some serious problems and tied to the superbug going on in his hospitals. His hospitals are tied to improper serialization. He does way to many surgeries in one day. I only saw him brifly before surgery than never again. I was treated postop by multiple doctors. He lied and told me I was a candidate for the sleeve when I wasnt. He cut my niesen wrap and left it causing me to wake up vomiting for hours after surgery. I had major complications 14mos after the sleeve, I had a stroke from AFib caused by my hiatal hernia dragging my stomach into my chest cavity. I had severe acid reflux and freq. vomiting after eating. Required a revision to Bypass which our risky. I endured life threatening complications. I am sorry to do this to you before your surgery. I urge you to google his name. Its not good. I pray we can shut down weightloss Agents and Dr ALManza.He has harmed many patients and has killed patients too. THey cant be trusted. If you have surgery with him I pray you dont have any problems at the time of surgery and after like me. I had my amazing life ripped away from me, now having to start over. I

[sraebaer]

I pray everything goes well. Currently the doctor you and I choose is tied to some serious problems and tied to the superbug going on in his hospitals. His hospitals are tied to improper serialization. He does way to many surgeries in one day. I only saw him brifly before surgery than never again. I was treated postop by multiple doctors. He lied and told me I was a candidate for the sleeve when I wasnt. He cut my niesen wrap and left it causing me to wake up vomiting for hours after surgery. I had major complications 14mos after the sleeve, I had a stroke from AFib caused by my hiatal hernia dragging my stomach into my chest cavity. I had severe acid reflux and freq. vomiting after eating. Required a revision to Bypass which our risky. I endured life threatening complications. I am sorry to do this to you before your surgery. I urge you to google his name. Its not good. I pray we can shut down weightloss Agents and Dr ALManza.He has harmed many patients and has killed patients too. THey cant be trusted. If you have surgery with him I pray you dont have any problems at the time of surgery and after like me. I had my amazing life ripped away from me, now having to start over. I

Keep thinking about you Tamera. How are things going? We are meeting for a hike next summer so you need to get better! Sending love and prayers.

[Christie13]

Take before pics in a bathing suit or bra and panties. Anything that is form fitting. Select a location that will be easy to always get the same distance. I had my family sit on the tub in my bathroom as I stood in front of closet door to keep it the same. Then after surgery take pics every 2 weeks. Also take measurements and weight at the same time. I kept mine in the notes so I could see my progress. Then make an album on your phone with all the pics. I would take one from the front, both sides, and the back. I love to see them from start to finish. I still look at them to be grateful of my journey.
My next suggestion is to enjoy the process. Enjoy the journey. Stay accountable. Check in often as it helps to have people who know what you are going through.
Good luck on your surgery tomorrow!!

[Tamera2]

Keep thinking about you Tamera. How are things going? We are meeting for a hike next summer so you need to get better! Sending love and prayers.

Thank you my friend, I really appreciate your support, Love and Prayers. The nausea is better controlled and don’t dry heave as much. Still rely on my
G-Tube for nutrition and meds. I hope I continue to make improvements. I see the surgeon to see what he thinks about this new abdominal pain. I’m also having contents of my stomach leak out the opening wear my tube comes out. Never had this happen with my other tubes. Just got this tube a week ago. There’s some concern the hole the tube goes through to reach the stomach as eroded. I will have clearance to start walking next week. I started riding the stationary bike and using hand weights for upper body. Thinking of taking my road bike out soon. I’d love to go hiking with you and will look forward to it. I hope I can get into shape. Take Care and enjoy some adventures for me.