Recent Posts
You chose the surgical team and you may need to try to relax. I know its easier say than do, but its out of your control now.
If you know how to meditate - please do. It can really help.
Post op - things may feel bad initially, there is some pain, some get it worse than others. Reducing stress as you recovering is critical IMO. As we stress, our blood vessels can get constricted and that slows down recovery.
Post op - first few weeks - getting enough liquids in you should be your primary responsibilities. Getting enough proteins would be nice, but liquids are critical.
You would have to find liquids that you could drink over and over. Temperature of the drink is important. Very early on I found out that I liked cold drinks but I was limited how much I could drink, as if my pouch would constrict and I could only have a couple of sips before I had enough. Moving to a warm drinks, slightly warmer than the room temperature - allowed me to get all the liquids I needed to.
Also- right after the surgery - EVERYTHING sweet was WAY TOOOO sweet.
I learned to mix flavored and unflavored protein powders, plus de-caffeinated coffee to get the taste I could drink. Again - noting too cold.
Some people get nausea after surgery. Mine was horrible, but what helped me was to get in me electrolytes, plus ginger tea. Warm, real ginger tea.
If someone did not tell you yet about it - itching due to incisions and opiates - it can be really bad. I used some generic Benadryl. That made a huge difference for me.
Hugs and good luck. You got that.
Hala. RNY 5/14/2008; Happy At Goal =HAG
"I can eat or do anything I want to - as long as I am willing to deal with the consequences"
"Failure is not falling down, It is not getting up once you fell... So pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again...."
I had WLS 20 years ago. I have maintained a weight loss of 150 pounds. My mom is going to have WLS on July 15th. I want to make her an after surgery gift basket and would like to include some books that will be helpful for her in her journey, especially right after surgery. I need suggestions of books and other gift ideas for someone that is about to have surgery. She is concerned with the emotions she will go through after surgery, specifically the grief some people experience. Does anyone have a suggestion for something that specifically helps with the emotional effects? Thanks for your help!!
on 7/6/22 4:20 pm
Hi Jen,
Good feedback! I do intend to follow the post operative guidelines to the letter. Mine is going from a stage one diet of water to a stage two diet of sipping protein before I'm released from the hospital. This is followed by a two week liquid protein diet, only. As you mentioned, I've seen all kinds of variations online but I'm erring on the side of my clinic's plan and being conservative.
I may not have had surgery but I do know that I heal from injuries slowly, which is part of why I worry a bit. I've seen stories here spanning everything from people bouncing back almost immediately to those who took more time to get back on their feet and into the swing of things. Not surprisingly, my co-workers would like me back as soon as possible. This is one place not to cut corners, I imagine.
Thanks for the board call out! Looks like the RNY gang is by far the most active here! Might try and pop in for daily threads. All inspiration is welcome and I do see people at all stages of the journey. Thanks again!
All of the programs are different and as you get further out, you'll be able to synthesis the different pieces of feedback and figure out what works best for you - for the post op and recovery phase, it's really important to follow your plans program and then adapt after you're recovered. I'm not sure how active the different threads are these days but there is at least one daily thread on the RNY forum and we welcome anyone! There's a nice mix of people in vet status (5 years post WLS), mid range and newer and people are very willing to help and chat.
HW: 306 SW: 282 GW: 145 (reached 2/6/19) CW:150
Jen
on 7/6/22 7:29 am
Hi Jen,
Thanks so much for your reply! Honestly, a lot of it is nerves due to never having had any procedures before. I'm counting on the surgical team and hoping to avoid complications. Not sure about my family and anesthesia...will definitely ask around.
Appreciate the feedback on getting home and on planning. I've got a ride home and the next time I'll drive is my first post op two weeks later. Hoping to be done with pain meds well before then.
I'm going with a prepared liquid diet after the fact so I have less to deal with, and I've got a couple of different brands of protein in case something isn't tolerated. I'll move everything to the counter. I know there's limited lifting for at least the first two weeks so a little planning goes a long way.
I don't know about any of you but my clinic sent me home with a 91 page manual...it's a lot to take in! And my lead time has been relatively short since my initial consult was May 24th. It sounds like your recovery went smoothly. Congrats! Hoping to be like you. Cheers!
There's really nothing to the surgery/anesthesia for you -- that's all in the doctors hands. Just be upfront with them about anything they ask beforehand and follow the requirements and you'll be fine -- since you've never had anesthesia before, you probably don't know how you'll react but if anyone in your immediate family has bad side effects let them know and they can take that into consideration.
I had RNY, was in the hospital over night, and had someone to drive me home and stay one night -- you shouldn't drive while your on the painkillers but those were short lived for me; I also moved my first week's liquid diet to the counter vs the cabinet so I didn't have to lift/pull down and that was the sum of my post-op support.
Good luck with your process!
HW: 306 SW: 282 GW: 145 (reached 2/6/19) CW:150
Jen
I had a guy tell me he loved me, but he had to have someone with a good body. He couldn't deal with loose skin. That was it for me as far as dating. That was back in 2010. I can't afford plastic surgery on the loose skin on my legs. These issues are a fact of life.
I just responded to your exercise post. I'm so sorry to hear this about your husband. Like I said with the exercise, start where you're at. Try to find outside support for yourself, like a support group, I'm not even thinking weight loss but a therapy group, and maybe even for domestic violence - which isn't only getting hit, but emotional and/or verbal abuse as well. As I read your post Beyoncé's song started whirling around in my head, Break my soul." Lyrics, "You won't break my soul." Start listening to some uplifting music, whatever that is for you. You deserve to LIVE!
on 7/4/22 8:31 pm
Hello wonderful humans,
First time poster. I'm swiftly heading towards my surgery date and I'm getting super nervous.
The stories and feedback I've been reading here are inspiring. Thank you for that.
I've lost 22 pounds so far in preparation. My pre op is Monday. I've never had surgery or been under anesthesia. Any tips or advice would be welcome. I'm getting a modified duodenal switch. I also live on my own. Would love to hear any feedback from the group on recovery time. I'm currently being told that one night is the plan so long as you're tolerating the diet.
Have also read a bit in the DS forum but it doesn't look very active and I don't seem to be able to search the site. Cheers!
Has anyone heard about this procedure? I read a article about this being a Outpatient procedure for people who have had weight loss surgery who have gained some weight back and stretched their stomach. The Doctor uses a Endoscopic down throat and sew stomach smaller. let me know if you heard about it.
