Tips for surviving your WLS from new Sleever who's 11 days post op.

Emotional Tips;

Protect yourself emotionally: Only tell a few people about the surgery. Your inner circle, and be prepared that many of your closest family and friend will NOT understand. I chose to not disclose my surgery and am so glad I kept it to myself at work and w/ 99 percent of my friends and family.

Set boundaries: I have made it very clear to all, do NOT ask me how much weight I have lost. This is a long journey, there will be ups and downs and I do not need that pressure. I will share with my Sleever support group and Dr. for accountability purposes. You may ask how I am doing, how do I feel. People think they are being supportive and they do not know the pressure it puts on someone to perform.

Make your home a safe haven, especially at the beginning: preop and new post op (3-4 months) is a very fragile time. Physically yes, but the emotional journey is a huge part of the success. No need to make it harder. Make a list of your binge foods. The foods that you just know, if they are in the house I am going to obsess about them, they will call my name. And keep them out of your home. I keep hearing that "it's not fair that my family be deprived/suffer." YES, it is fair. They love you and you need their help. IF they are truly supportive they will eat those items out elsewhere. Maybe have a friend or spouse take the kids to a night out for pizza or whatever while you rest at home. Or have the spouse go out w/ a friend for their burger or Chinese fix. If the food is not in the house it is much more likely that you will not slip and eat it. Protect your sleeve. It is healing for up to a full year.

Make friends online: You need support. Information.  Find folks you click with, but ignore the negative dramatic sort. I like this site as well as FB: Gastric Sleeve support group. but I blocked a lot of folks who were just bringing negativity. I need healthy, positive support and good information. Networking has really helped.

Put away the scale; Weigh once a week. That's max. Post surgery, I'd even encourage you to wait to weigh after two weeks as your body is adjusting. Do not let the scale define your journey. It will mess with your head. it's only a tool for you to use; scientific feedback. Not the be all, end all. Put that scale in it's place.

Remind yourself of the big picture; Look 1-15 years down the road. If you stay on this path, where are you headed? WLS is not for the faint of heart. but what could a fresh start do for your health, for your life? Get that picture firmly placed in your mind. Focus on this being a journey of healing. Moving towards a healthier, more abundant, fulfilling life. Make a list of all the things you want to do that you could if you were not obese. Have a vision of your future. it will sustain you through the rough patches.

Physical tips:

PreOp; Follow your surgeons diet. Everyone has a different one. Do not binge or cheat. Ask your surgeon if you an add some protein (like an egg at breakfast and 3-4 oz of chicken or fish at lunch and dinner.)  I was allowed to do that and it saved me, but every Dr.is different, so do what they say to do. FYI; The day before surgery is clear liquids.

 And careful not to drink after the time they give you, pre-surgery, this is no joke. Had a gal online report she had her surgery cancelled because they found her chewing gum right before surgery. The anesthesiologist said the saliva she produced was enough to cancel it. WOW.

What to take to the hospital; A comfy outfit to change into day two. Your own pillow. An extension cord and charger for your iPhone. Something to read. Your current medications, but ask your surgeon when you are allowed to take oral meds. Chapstick and hand cream. A sleep mask and earplugs.

My worst days were day two and three, as I had a lot of pain from the gas they pump into your abdominal cavity to perform the surgery. Then day four and five, my incisions started to hurt, and I felt like my gut had been punched by a prize fighter. I did not sleep on my side until a week out. Putting pillows up under my knees as I slept on my back really helped. When you start to drink again, go SLOWLY, the ice chips; melt them in your mouth and warm them before you swallow. When you ge****er, drink from a cup and do not gulp. Small sips continuously. Dehydration is a big issue, stay on top of it. In the hospital and when you get home; walk walk walk away the gas pains. Gas x is controversial since it goes into your new stomach which is tender, I did not use it and believe that walking helps more. Rest as much as you can. The pain is tolerable. Remember, you WILL get through this. It is normal to have regrets on day two or three. Day four or five you turn the corner and you will feel better.

The liquid diet and then pureed diets are covered on other pages, but I will say this; GO SLOWLY! When you try anything new take one small bite and swallow. Wait. Wait some more. See how you are tolerating it prior to eating more. Stick CLOSELY and do not deviate at all to the food plan or timeline. Protect your tummy! it needs to heal. Get your protein in. Get your water in. Get your bariatric vitamins in. Take very good care of yourself, esp the first month.

I am eleven days out and I do not regret what I just went through. Rather I feel blessed and hopeful for a new future, an abundant life. All the best to you!- Michelle

Your list is awesome and so true.  And you're 11 days post-op and you already know what you've shared. 

Even though I had RNY, your post is applicable for anyone that has had WLS. 

Posts get buried as other posts are made.  I suggest that you post this on your OH blog for it to be a resource for other members and to keep it for yourself. 

Thanks, Cathy, I wish I knew before some of these things.

I confess. When I first read the topic of the post, I rolled my eyes. Here comes another newbie who has unlocked all the secrets of weight loss success. This is not a reflection on YOU, but on the fact that I HAVE read that kind of post a hundred times.

CONGRATULATIONS a helpful, informative and dead-on accurate post!

Ha, that's funny Bette. I am a newbie to WLS but have been on the path to healing and health from this for many years. WLS will be a new beginning, but thankfully I have so many healthy habits in place already. I was not ready for this sooner. I am now.

Nice to meet you!

You're one smart lady already at 11 days post-op - wise words! 

Michelle, thank you SO much for posting this.  I'm still in the early stages of pre-op, and it really helps to get this info from someone who's going through it.  

Diyana: YOU are the reason I posted! I wanted to hear from others who had just done it. Glad it helped.

Deactivated?   WTH?

aaaaaand  . . .  she's gone.