Doctor Consult

Good Morning Everyone! I'm fairly new here but I have been reading posts and learning an awful lot from everyone about what to expect, what you experience etc. You're all very helpful to people who are interested in the process. Tomorrow is my consult with the doctor. All the other paperwork is in, psych and dietician consults done etc. I'm wondering if there were any specific questions you wished you would've asked at your consult but didn't (for whatever reason) but after surgery you wish you had asked. Again, thanks for being so helpful to us new comers!! You all sound like you have a wonderful, close and supportive relationship with each other. I am especially in awe that you contact each other either through calls or visits after surgery. That's great!!! Thanks!!!

Well Ive only been post op since Wed the 12 of July but I would have asked more about what kind of tubes you go home with, Ive heard from others that some drs make them go home with Jp drains which I did but others have went home with G-tubes and Ng tubes. I also would ask about any infections u would have to give yourself. Some have you go home on blood thinners and some dont. Or do u have to come home on any other injections. Well those were things that were important to me. They probably wouldnt have changed who my dr was or anything I just would have liked more details upfront. Mariah

Wow!! Those are questions I haven't come across in anyone's profile. Wonderful things to ask. I sure will ask him about those things! Like you I sure want to know about injections because I can't stand them! I always said I don't know if I would take care of myself well if I was an insulin dependent diabetic only because I can't even stand to look at someone giving themselves an injection. I think I would be ok if my husband did it for me though........ Again, thanks alot!!!!

Well I had to end up giving myself 2 infections a day and I couldnt do it. It doesnt hurt. The needles are so small and really u never feel it but Im still a whimp. Lucky for me I could move in with my mom for the first week till I got all of them in. U really need someone who looks out for your best interest that first week. For me it was very overwhelming. So glad thats all behind me now....lol Mariah

What kind of injections were they? Anna

I think Mariah means injections...NOT infections!! Hahaha!!! Do NOT give yourself ANY infection, I don't care what anyone says!!!! LOL! The injections are of lovenox. The needle is very small and most people have no problems with them at all. You probably don't see anything in anyone's profile about it or the drain tubes because once that first week is over, you don't even think about them anymore. Sherri

Sherri, Thanks for the informaiton. I had no idea there were injections involved but it makes sense. Now, after reading about everyone's "taste" issues with the protein drinks I'm beginning to wonder if I should try to start finding one now. Are they dry tasting? Bland? I usually like really dry tasting, sometimes even chalky tasting drinks so I may be a freak in that area and if the drinks are like that then maybe I won't have a problems!!! lol!!!! I'm just hoping things go well with the insurance. I always see the glass half empty instead of half full so I prepare for the worse!! Thanks again! Anna

Anna, Not all surgeons have their patients do the Lovenox injections. If you do, it's usually twice a day for a week. Not all patients go home with a drainage tube..and some do with 1 and others with 2. It really all depends on your body & on your surgeon. For those who are at home with a drainage tube right now (Mariah...): You will feel 100% better the instant the darn thing is removed! Trust me. In the grand scheme of things, that first week becomes a faded blur really quick. Hmmmm...as to the taste issue. I would NOT go shopping around for protein mixes pre-op no matter what. Your taste buds change so much post-op! Here's an example: Pre-op, I HATED anything peach-flavored with the exception of peaches. Post-RNY, Absolutely loved Crystal Light's peach flavored tea. Post-RNY Revision, could not stand the stuff! Post-hernia repair, not my favorite drink, but can tolerate it. Here's a 2nd example: Post-op, the protein mix that St. V's has you do was fine with lemon or lime sf jello mix for flavor. About 4 weeks post-op, could not choke it down for anything. Why the change? Who knows?!? So....I would advise you to find out what protein drink your surgeon/dietician recommends. If it's a pre-mix, get 1 SMALL package of 1 or 2 flavors. Myself, immediately post-op could not stand chocolate flavored anything. If it's something you mix together (like St. V's was) buy the supplies in the smallest packages available. If it calls for powder milk, don't go buying the $15 jumbo size box..unless you are prepared to cook with it...just in case you can't choke the stuff down. If your surgeon/nut doesn't care what kind of protein mix you use, check out GNC and bariatricEating.com (and I'm sure some others on here could recommend other stores/sites) for their sample packages. Only order/buy 1 of each so you can see what you like or don't like POST-OP. Don't order/buy a humongous jar of powder ....well, unless you don't mind giving it away for someone else to try. Some protein drinks are 'dry'...'dry' like 'dry wine'? Isopure was like that to me (key words: to me). Some are 'dry' as in chalky consistency. You will learn what works best for you & your taste buds...and will re-learn as you need to. I wouldn't bother tasting any of them pre-op though. Your taste buds change that much. Good luck with your insurance!!!! Sherri

I have to say as far as protien my favorite has been Profect but u have to order it online and it can be a bit pricey. It worked out great for me Monday since I spend 9 hrs on the road driving from Cincy to Richmond, to Indy (for my post op apt) and back to Cincy. It travels so well. I also liked the one from St V's but I just prefer not to have 3 of those in one day. Thats a bit more of milk than I like right now. Just for the record. Im saving all these recipes from the exchange and I cant wait to try them all when I can. I hated having to miss it but now I see all the good food u had there its probably best I didnt show up...lol Mariah

Come on give a post-op girl a break....LOL. it was only a typo....I was talking about injections. I do feel great today!!! Just takes a little time to bounce back from all the drugs and stress Mariah