I am finally home! I had a very bad hospital experience that I would not wish on anyone. I ended up with a collapsed lung and pneumonia, my nurses were not nice. The kitchen didn't have a clue as to how to feed a sleeve patient or probably any WLS patient for that matter. Regardless I am at home finishing my recovery and I survived.

For those that have NOT had their surgeries yet I have a couple bits of advice that I wished someone would have given me:

1) Bring your approval letter with you on the day of your surgery in case there are any misunderstandings or hiccups.... Also it probably won't hurt to call your insurance company, MDO and hospital 2-3 days prior to your date just to make sure everything is good.

2.) Be prepared for conflicting information from your physcian's office and the hospital's "bariatic program" especially regarding dietary intake and restrictions.And be prepared to follow the hospitals plans  as your MD may not be there to back you up right away if you have any intolerances. If you do have special needs,(such as a strong aversion to Splenda) don't be afraid to contact the hospital and get a hold of their "bariatic menu" amd simply supplement the things you can't have with your own brought from home - as long as it follows the guidelines and your physician OK's it.

3.) Keep track of EVERYTHING. Bring a notebook with you and record (or have someone else with do it) everything that you do within 10-15 minute increments. Don't depend on the nursing staff to do this. Take charge and do it yourself, so if/ when there are any discrepensies you can address them appropritely.

4.) Keep your nurse informed of your progress. Bug the heck out if them, there are so many avenues to miscommunication in a hospital (I should have remembered this I used to work on a surgical floor!) Call up to the nurses station to inform them you are going for a walk, or walk by the nurses station so they can see you ambulate, Make sure you use you breathing exercises whenever any medical professional is in your presence so they know you are doing it and doing it properly.

You can read my story on the VSG board - the link is below. Good Luck!


http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4395608/SLEEVED-Horrib le-hospital-recovery-experience-LONG/

 I think I should add more water also. I did have an Iced Passion tea from star bucks which is decaff herbal tea with a few sweet and lows and seeing that red mixture made me feel like it was a diet punch. I think I am going to go back later and buy a box of the tea keep a pitcher of it nearby. It taste pretty good....Those jello's are lifesavers. I am saving my broth to have for dinner ...but that low sodium is not that great ...but I have to do it ...I do not want to retain any water at this point ....

 Thanks ....I guess just getting through the liquid diet for the day would be ideal....LOL

 Awesome ...I do not know what time I am going yet....If I am going in the morning or evening>>
 have you heard of it being a better time am or pm?

Jeremiah,
We are on the same count down and i am so excited it has been a long journey for me. We are gonna become healthier individuals in the end. Good luck!!!