Newbie looking for advice

Hi everyone, I am a newbie.  I'm scheduled for my gastric sleeve procedure on January 19th. I have lost 37 of the 39 pounds I have to loose before surgery. I am getting a little nervous. Any advice for me on what to expect right after surgery while in the hospital and what to expect the first two weeks.

Thanks so much!

Jennifer

Hi I had RNY so I am not sure what you can expect but I wanted to take a minute and welcome you to the forum and offer my thoughts and prayers for your fast and easy recovery.

Hi Jennifer!

WELCOME! I don't really have any advice, other than to tell you that you are going thru an excellent doctor and the hospital and staff were the best. I had an awesome experience with Dr. B, and Foundation Hospital. Good Luck, and if you have any questions feel free and personal message me!!!


Amber

Hi Jennifer,

I am a little over a week out with Dr  B doing my sleeve.  The hospital part was GREAT, and I was never nervous about going in either.. Just felt like a new day to start my new life..  Once out of recovery, they made sure I was comfortable and if I needed anything.  I was very nauseaus and light headed, and it took me 3 tries to get up to start walking.  But anthesia has always been a major problem with me.   After finally giving me a shot for my nauseas I perked up within 1 hour and was running marathons around the halls.  One thing those nurses want to see, is you sipping and walking, sipping and walking.. Don't hold back, the sooner you get up and walking you will get out the door.  Dr B came by the following morning to take a look at me than allowed me to go home..  Some people say they didn't fill their Loritab so I was trying not too.. But bye 9:30 PM the night I got out of the hospital, I called my girlfriend and she ran to Walgreens to fill the prescription.  I wish I had filled the prescription on the way home.  I did have a 2 hour drive home and we had to stop midway so I could get out and walk..

After being home and finally starting on my liquid loritab, I got settled in.  The gas in the body cavity was the worse for me, gas X strips was recommended by the board.  Honestly, I don't know if they helped or not but I tried them.  By the 3rd day I was finally passing gas.  Since I am a little over a week out, I am still very tired and the simple thing of taking or a shower or putting on fresh clothes is tiring me out.  I have been working out at least 30 minutes every day though.

I did sleep in a recliner for the first 4-5 days, it was where I felt comfortable at.  I am not having any problem with the lack of food.  I have a very good self tolerance.  I have made brownies, pork chops, I have a set of twins and DH still has to eat.  I am living on broths, jello, popcicles, water, tea.   That seems to be getting me through the process. 

Well, I think I have said as much as I can.  Good Luck and if you have any questions just let us know, if you want to PM me that's fine too..

Congrats,
Sheila
   

Hi Jennifer!

I'm another one of Dr. B's recent gastric sleeve patients.  I'll be 6 week post-op tomorrow.  This has been a fantastic journey for me so far!     So glad that you are posting on this forum.  Trust me - it can really help you stay focused & lift your spirits to read what others in your same position are feeling & doing.

Here are few things that have helped me:

- Don't go splurge on "one last meal" a day or 2 before your surgery!  It will help your recovery if you don't have any lingering food in your intestines.  I learned my digestive system is so slow, that I went ahead and did clear liquids for 2 days instead of just 1 before surgery.  Say your "goodbyes" to favorite foods a week or so in advance if you feel the need.

- Take your favorite pillow & maybe a blanket with you to the hospital.  They'll help you be comfortable & remind you of home.  However, you don't need to worry about getting too comfortable because they'll have you out in no time.  I walked out the doors of the hospital exactly 24 hours after I walked in.  You really don't need much, so no need to stress about "what to pack".

- The 2 weeks Post-Op of clear liquids was the HARDEST part for me!!!  I felt really good and it was a major mental struggle to not "eat" anything for those 2 weeks.  Food still smelled & looked great.  However - you will survive that phase!!!  Post here if you are going nuts, take a walk, get away from temptations.  If you have a family at home with you - make them eat out or go in the other room.

- Don't go crazy stocking up on food supplies for the Post-Op period.  Things that tasted good before, may be disgusting to you after.  I used to LOVE sweet things, but now I can't tolerate super-sweet drinks & such.  You won't be down that long after surgery.  Within a week or less, you'll be able to go to a grocery store and pick out what tastes good to you.

I'm very excited for you and can't wait to get to know you better!  January 19th will be here before you know it and we will all be happy to welcome you on to the Looser's Bench!!!

Teri

Welcome!
I'm 19 days out from RNY.  The first 2 weeks were the hardest for me.  I've done pretty well and I'm pleased so far.
This is a great forum for you to be on.  I don't know if I would be here if it weren't for the Okies on here!  They have been great support to me.  And so helpful.
I wish you all the best!
Hugs
Kim

I think you've had great advice so far.  Just remember, it IS surgery, and there is a recovery period.  It isn't that bad, but you aren't going to wake up and go for a 10 mile run the next day either.  For me, it takes a good week any time I'm put under for the anesthesia to be cleared out of my system.

I am still learning and I'm a year and half out from my surgery.  It's a process, and surgery is another stage in the process, not the end, more like the beginning.  

My process has been pretty uneventful in terms of complications, but it hasn't always been easy.  And I do not regret my decision to have WLS-it's the best thing I've ever done for my quality of life in general.