Scheduling time....new to OH --> your best tips and hints!

Hi - I'm new to OH.  I'm scheduling my surgery (sleeve).  Would like to hear your best tips and hints as I go into this whole process.  Anything that REALLY worked for you to prepare your body?  Did you tell people you were doing the surgery?  Best way to prepare kids?  Shopping list ahead of time that was helpful?  How long were you off work?  Etc.  Thanks!

Congratulations on your surgery being scheduled soon!  Let us know your date when you do.

Post this on the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum (VSG) forum so you can get feedback from those that have had your surgery type.

Looking forward to your updates!

My blog link is in my signature below if you want to read my process and what I opted to do.  It's way too much information to put in a reply!

Thanks!  Read through your journey.  Seems like you're in a good place!  Congrats!

Thanks!  I'm fairly happy with my progress so far :)

My best tip is to just search OH for anything that may be on your mind.  I've spent hours reading through old postings, and I still get a ton of information.  

How old are your kids?

And what kind of work do you do?  If you have a desk job, you may be back as soon as a week, although you will probably want to plan for at least two.  If you have a more physical job, you may need a month to six weeks.  My doctor puts sleeve patients on physical restrictions for six weeks (lifting no more than 10 pounds), so that may factor in also.

You'll also get a lot of answers about telling people about surgery.  I told everyone, including coworkers, right before I had it done.  Others choose to be very private, and have only told a small handful.  

Thanks for the input!  My kids are 17, 15 and 9.  I was thinking about telling the older two but not the youngest.  I have a desk job, and would really like to be back in a week.  How did people react to you having the surgery?  Were they judgmental or supportive?  I'm not interested in lying, but i'm not sure I want everyone to know my business either.  Plus, I work for a Fortune 50 company, and wonder about the reaction I would get.

Quick list:

• Do your homework and get organized. Find a binder/notebook to write down questions for the doctor and keep track of insurance requirements. Having everything on paper is a huge help.
  
  
• Get started on good habits early. Even before surgery, drink lots of water and document everything you eat (MyFitnessPal is great for this). Start walking if you don't exercise right now.
  
  
• Prepare to be exhausted. Many of us feel like we've been hit by a bus for the first month or two as our bodies adjust to everything. You definitely won't be back on your feet super-quick after a major surgery!
  
  
• Get rid of the junk food in your house so it won't be a temptation, and stock up on things you'll need at first: Crystal Light, SF jello, clear broth, protein powder. You probably won't feel like going much of anywhere, so not needing to go to the store is super helpful.