Please keep me in your prayers

I am having my weight loss surgery on the 14th of June. I am at about 99% peace about having the surgery, yet fear is starting to creep in as it becomes a reality for me that my surgery is about to occur. I think my biggest fear is that I will accidentally dehydrate for lack of being able to hold everything down! Can anyone describe how they began with their proteins and liquids on their inital days of post-op. How much should I be able to get in at first? If I live on Sugar-free popsicles for the first week, will this be enough nourishment to not dehydrate? I am aware that part of my fear is just fearing the unknown. I have a meeting with my boss tomorrow to discuss my upcoming surgery date. I have chosen not to tell many folks initially, as I think I will need all my energy to adapt to my changed life style at first. Plus, based on what I have heard on this website and from others the first several weeks are no picnic at times!! I would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions. Also, are vitamins best if in the liquid form for right after surgery?

Hello. Congratulations on your up coming surgery. I had all the same fears as you and my doctor told me not to worry to much the first few weeks because the most important thing is for your body to heal. I only ate sugar free popsicles, yogurt, jello & instant mashed potatoes. I have never drank protein drinks because I just couldn't find one I could choke down but my doctor also said that once I got to the stage of eating meats that he would rather me get my protein from foods which is what I do now. You most likely will not be able to drink all the water you are supposed to in the beginning so don't freak out just do your best and sip on water as much as you can. With time you will figure it all out. Best of lu:9pxo you! ~Bonnie

Thank you so much for the advice. You all have eased my concerns quite a bit! I know I can make it on sugar-free popsicles, yogurt, jello, and instant mashed potatoes! By the way, is which type of yogurt do I need to look for?---light or sugar-free? I know it has natural sugar in it, but there is also carb watch. What type works best? Thanks again! Have a wonderful weekend.

First off I'm going to tell you it's normal to start worrying about the "what ifs". If you didn't I'd be more worried. The unknown is a very scary thing. It will take you a while after surgery to find what you're able to tolerate.....just hang in there until you do find what you can handle. Remember this - everyone is different. Follow your doctors guidelines for food and water intake and don't rush into new 'Foods' fast - you have the rest of your life to adjust to this. I lived on sugar free popsicles and watered down mashed potatoes early on.....then worked in different types of protein from cheeses (cottege cheese and cheese slices) and tuna (soft purrees) at about 6 weeks. I wasn't allowed to drink a specific protein drink for the first 8 weeks. Not everyone can tolerate them - so don't fret over that either. I also wasn't allowed to take vitamins for the first two weeks post op - then my surgeon said I could take what I thought I could handle. I've taken centrum complete every day since then and my levels are normal. Again my suggestion would be to ask your doctor what he recommends! Good luck to you - you'll be in my prayers through your transition! Dee Dee

Thanks, Dee Dee. I really appreciate your encouragement and advice.

Its me again, I was only out of work for 1 week. My surgery was lapscopic. Was up and running around and clean my house the next day I got home from the hospital. Surgery a piece of cake. Don't worry, you have angels watching over you. You can buy Centrum Liquid Multi-Vitamin at most grocery stores and drug stores. Its easier than taking or chewing pills to me. Your doctor will give you a protocol to follow if you follow it you'll be just fine its a different life styles for sure. Just take your time drinking fluids, proteins and eating & chewing your food. I was on liquids for a few weeks then started slowly with regular foods. I can now eat most foods, some I can't tolerate somethings but thats ok with me. Its so worth it. Email me if you need to talk at [email protected]. God bless and welcome to becoming one of us its a wild and wonderful ride.

Wow, Karen. I hope that I am interested in cleaning my house in a week, and back to work! You definitely give others hope. I have seen that Centrum Liquid, and wondered if it worked well, and might go down easier. I will pick up some. So, do you also take calcium citrate also, or do you get your calcium in the Centrum Liquid? A nutritionist told me that Citrate is absorbed easier than other forms of Calcium. I would love to get all my vitamins in one step. I also read that you should separate Calcium and multi-vitamin by 2 hours. Do you know this to be true also? God bless you for taking the time to response. Thanks!

Hey- I'm 11 days po and as of day 8, I was down 23 pounds--surgery was scarey a bit at first, when it got right down to it- but in hindsite, it went very well- I was incredibly sick from anesthesia for about 24 hours, and have some major bruising, so i'm sore, but I came back to work after a week. Be prepared to walk as much as you can and get LOTS of rest--(that will happen whether you want it to or not--I am very exhausted- seems like I get in the shower and when i get out, I'm ready to go lay down again) Do your best and stop stressing.~Lisa

Lisa, 23 pounds!!--that is really awesome. I am sorry that the anesthesia made you so sick. Can you request any meds prior to surgery to prevent the from happening ? I had heard you could for other types of surgery. I don't know if that is the case for WLS though. Thanks for the advice. I will remember it. Have a wonderful weekend. Congratulations on getting smaller!!!