After surgery what to expect

Hello all,

I've been going thru the steps to have my surgery hopefully in March or April. I've been going to classes and I have a good support system. I'm anxious for the change that will take place. Any insight that any of you can provide to what it was like after your surgery I would greatly appreciate it..

Thanks in advance,

Judy

Had my surgery 12/7 and was glad to have support, so I will provide some!

The one thing my treatment team really focused on was not drinking fluids for 1/2 hour before or after a meal. That is one BIG change, if you were like me and drinking over a gallon of fluids a day. Also, measuring your food. NOT WEIGHING IT, but measuring it! After surgery, you will work up to 1/2 cup AT THE MOST at a meal. That is not a much as you would like to think it is.

The most important thing the team had me do was stop using dinner plates. I now usually use a dessert plate and somethings just a ramekin to have my dinner. It does make a difference. Also, take your time eating. You will know when you are full and stop at that point. (Now, I can tell by putting the last bite in my mouth and my body says to me, "uh, uh...no, no, no". My hubby laughs because rather than swallow it and feel sick, I will spit it out in a napkin.) But, I'm listening to the body.

Drink your fluids and eat your dense proteins. Chicken, chicken, tuna, ham....very dense proteins.

Be prepared for the weird noises your stomach will make.

Also, watch for the cravings to start between 6-8 weeks out from surgery. So, track what you eat and when.

Just a few pointers. The ladies and gents can add a few more.

Thank you so much for all your insight. I have to agree retraining my brain to not drink with meals is very hard.

I appreciate all the info that people have responded with. I have been journaling so I can track my changes. I will keep everyone posted.

Everyone's post-op experience is different, but here was mine. I had surgery Tuesday morning and was discharged Wednesday by 1 pm on a full liquid diet (greek yogurt, shakes, water, broth, etc.) I used nausea meds once after getting home (car ride made me woozy) and took only Tylenol for pain after leaving the hospital despite having an RX for pain meds. I walked a lot in the hospital, so my gas wasn't terrible. I was very tired as my body doesn't deal with anesthesia well.

I went to the supermarket on Friday and did the grocery shopping but had the family carry the goodies inside since I had a 10 pound lifting limit. I worked from home a full day on Friday and was back in the office on Monday. I had an easy recovery.

For a point of reference, I've had 2 C-sections - this was way easier for me than having a baby! However, the first few weeks are rough - learning how much to drink and how often and what temps your tummy likes - it's all a big crap shoot. There were times when I really wondered if I had made the right choice. And your hormones are all over the place. For me - room temperature beverages were the key. YMMV.

All that said, 17 months later, I'm down about 110 pounds, in better shape than I've been in since college - my wedding dress is too big for me to wear (it's 20 years old) and I feel great.

Wow! You are doing great! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to respond back to me. I appreciate your input. I normally don't have a problem with anesthesia I do allergies to a few anti nausea meds....so hopefully I won't have to hard of a time with this.

I will keep everyone posted.

If you don't have it yet, check out the book "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies." It gives a really good overview of the recovery process, as well as what life is like after surgery.

Hiya and welcome.

This is a really challenging question to answer, since it's so broad. Are there specific things that you're curious about?

I recommend reading through as many of the old forum posts here as you can, that will give you a pretty good idea of what people experience.

Thank you so much for replying. I've read through so other posts in the forum. I'm going to get the book this weekend. I've been getting the drinks/shakes at Sams club so I already have them on hand.

I will keep the forum posted.

Just be ready for bumpy ride in the beginning. Balancing getting all of your protein and fluids is a challenge in the beginning, but it is highly important for your health that you do so.

I really don't feel all that different, and I can eat pretty much anything at 2 1/2 months out. Be careful not to rely on your tool too heavily. You will still need willpower to be successful. Wish you all the best.

Thank you for your response. I had the LAP band before but it had to removed because it was life threatening. Because of that I think I have a better understanding, but the proof will be in doing it. Will power is very important.

Have a great day! I'll keep the forum posted.