Questions on Surgery Please

Ok, so I have read books and have the info from the doctor's office but I'd really like to hear from you all - the real people!   1.  My doctor says he can only give me 3 weeks off from work.  Is three weeks going to be enough?  Fortunatley I am a mobile employee (work at home) but I may travel and was wondering if I would be up for that after just three weeks?   2.  I feel like I should be doing something to prepare for my 1/28 RNY surgery but don't know what.  The info I have says to just eat protein the week before the surgery and to go clear liquids the day or two before.   3.  I'm walking each day.  I'd like to get to 1 mile each day before surgery but with my back hurting so bad and my hips (osteoarthritis), I don't think I'll meet that goal.  4.  I quit smoking in December.  Yeah - I have/had both evils:  smoking and eating.  But with the help of Chantrix, I quit - man that is some good stuff. Besides, I had to quit at least 30 days before surgery.   What else should I be doing now?  Thanks.  Terri

Congrats on quitting smoking!  That is a huge accomplishment and one to be very proud of.  My son used the Chantrix too and it really helped him quit. I was out of work 3 weeks and came back part time on week 4.  Physically, I could have worked full time that week but I'm glad I could do the part time thing.  You should be fine with 3 weeks barring any complications.  I was on a liquid diet (Optifast) for the 2 weeks prior to surgery and I lost about 15 pounds so that helped me be in the mode for the restrictive, liquid diet after surgery.  Walking is very important and any little bit you can do above and beyond your normal activity will help you get in better shape and maybe drop some additional weight before surgery. Make sure you have your kitchen stocked up on things you will eat/drink after surgery.  I depended on sugar free popcicles, SF jello and crystal lite to supplement the Optisource I drank after surgery. I felt pretty good after surgery, but was more tired than I had expected.  A lot of it depends on your age and how quickly you recover from the anesthesia.  Sounds like you are really trying to get your ducks in their row!  Good for You!    Alice

1.  My doctor says he can only give me 3 weeks off from work.  Is three weeks going to be enough?  Fortunatley I am a mobile employee (work at home) but I may travel and was wondering if I would be up for that after just three weeks?  Three weeks is PLENTY of time if you have a complication free surgery.  :)  I could have seriously gone back to work in a week.    

2.  I feel like I should be doing something to prepare for my 1/28 RNY surgery but don't know what.  The info I have says to just eat protein the week before the surgery and to go clear liquids the day or two before.  I had to do a liquid diet (full liquids each day and clear liquids the day before surgery) for two weeks.  It is to shrink your liver.  Low carb will shrink your liver.    

3.  I'm walking each day.  I'd like to get to 1 mile each day before surgery but with my back hurting so bad and my hips (osteoarthritis), I don't think I'll meet that goal.  Did your surgeon give you a fitness goal?  I think just by moving you are doing the right thing.  You are getting in some exercise, which is important.       

4.  I quit smoking in December.  Yeah - I have/had both evils:  smoking and eating.  But with the help of Chantrix, I quit - man that is some good stuff. Besides, I had to quit at least 30 days before surgery.  Good for you!!!  
If you have any more questions, please let us know!  Good luck!

Thanks for replying ladies.  I guess I'm just anxious.  A project manager by trade, I'm used to planning things out, prepping, etc.  Instead, I'm just kind of sitting here, working, wondering.  LOL  By the time 1/28 rolls around, I should be climbing the walls.  LOL Hey, how do you get the tracker to show up in your posts?  I built one and have the html but can't find where you store it here on the site?  Thanks, Terri and thanks again for replying.

You click on "User Settings" on the left navigation bar.  You can upload an avatar there as well as format a signature.  You do not put the code in for the ticker in your signature box.  All you have to do is copy and paste it in from the website. 

1.  My doctor says he can only give me 3 weeks off from work.  Is three weeks going to be enough?  Fortunatley I am a mobile employee (work at home) but I may travel and was wondering if I would be up for that after just three weeks?  Terri, I think you'll do great with 3 wks barring complications. If for some reason you have complications, then the Dr. will make an appropriate adjustment. He'll also let you know if he'll clear you to fly from 3 wks on. From my experience, I think you'd be fine.

2.  I feel like I should be doing something to prepare for my 1/28 RNY surgery but don't know what.  The info I have says to just eat protein the week before the surgery and to go clear liquids the day or two before.  As you know, I also had my surgery done at Duke. As you also know, each program has their own protocol. Generally, Duke doesn't have their patients do a liquid protien diet unless they have a specific concern. I followed the diet you've been given and did very well. Also, my liver was in good shape on the day of surgery ... that's the reason for the high protien, lower carb diet.

3.  I'm walking each day.  I'd like to get to 1 mile each day before surgery but with my back hurting so bad and my hips (osteoarthritis), I don't think I'll meet that goal. Kudos on the walking that you are doing. Keep it up as much as possible. You will find that you will be able to walk farther, more easily as you lose the weight ... even a loss of 20 lbs will make an incredible, noticable difference.

4.  I quit smoking in December.  Yeah - I have/had both evils:  smoking and eating.  But with the help of Chantrix, I quit - man that is some good stuff. Besides, I had to quit at least 30 days before surgery.  CONGRATULATIONS on quitting the cigarettes!!! That's an incredible accomplishment! I'm glad to hear that the Chantrix is so effective. Unfortunately, both of my sons smoke. I think I'll share what you told me with them.

If you don't have an angel yet and want one just hollar. I live in NW Raleigh about 30 mins from Durham Regional and would be glad to come by and see you. Just let me know if that's something you'd like and I'll PM you my contact info.

I really think that you are going to do well. I can relate to all the planning stuff ... I used to work in project management myself ;-).

Keep asking questions and planning ... it will hold you in good stead.

Warmly,

Barb

 

Terri, Everybody has given you some great answers, so I'll just "DITTO" on them. I'm not far down the road, so just let me know what I can do to help in any way!!

Hi Terri.  I agree and concur and whatnot with the above posts.  You're doing a great job getting prepared for surgery.  I would suggest during the interim you try getting used to taking smaller bites and sips of your food and drink.  Also, I would stop drinking a half hour before and after meals.  For me this was one of the harder adjustments to make after surgery and I wish I  had practiced more before hand.  That's just my thoughts. Another thing to add to your list of purchases for when you start eating real food again after surgery is a couple of baby spoons and potentially one of those toddler plates with the separated compartments.  I thought those came in real handy when I was trying to learn how to eat post RNY. Take care and good luck with your upcoming surgery. Ellen

Ellen made a good point about the baby spoon/fork and smaller plate.  Luckily I had my kids utensils still in the drawer so I've been using them.  Also, I use a coffee saucer or dessert plate for my food.  I also have some small bowls that hold about 1/2 cup so I use those for soups, etc.  Do start practicing the no drinking for 30 minutes before/after.  That was a very hard one for me.  I even bought a cheap kitchen timer to help me remember to eat slower.  Alice