RNY coming up
I've been cruising around the forums for a few weeks now, and saw the call to men to come on over to this thread, so I thought I'd give it a try.
I grew up on a farm, lived that childhood full of chores, working the land with my family, hunting/fishing and a love of roughing it on a camping trip any time. I moved to town when my Dad got transferred, and learned to get along well enough in the city, but kept that farmer / outdoorsman outlook on life. So many friends growing up didn't learn the stuff I did, so in my teens and 20's, I hunted with very few people. I loved it though, and through college I kept my freezer full of meat for my 2 (non-hunting) roommates and I. They never knew what I was making, and unless they asked, I never told them what it was (deer, rabbit, pheasant, whatever) but I never heard complaints. Recently I've rediscovered my love of fishing, and I've introduced my two young daughters to it. They're "hooked" (sorry, I had to). The older one wants to learn marksmanship with a compound bow and rifle, so I'll be getting her into that as soon as I get this all sorted out.
I've played drums since 1978 (born in '74), and that is how I occupy most of my time nowadays. If I'm stressed, I hit them for an hour or two and run through whatever playlist burns off my stress. It's a fantastic distraction. I'm in a band, and the band mates are all supportive of this decision to have surgery. I'm looking forward to seeing what me at around 200-220 lbs can actually do behind the kit. From what I'm reading, energy levels go through the roof, so this oughtta be good.
I was always a big kid, having that "meat and potatoes" approach but my weight gain didn't really get out of hand until late high school and into college. After college I worked and wasn't paying attention to myself. Eventually, by age 38 I was 391 lbs, though it was more evenly distributed on me than in one area of my body. I didn't feel good so I started taking care of myself. I got it down to about 360 and two knee injuries sidelined my efforts for a bit, until I bought a good bicycle. It's been a couple of years now, but I've whittled it down to 324 (including the 7 months I've been in the bariatric program).
My RNY is on Monday, Feb 27th. I'm not anxious or nervous in the least about it, which I find weird but I'm OK with that. The Optifast has been not too bad. I was dreading this step because of the horror stories I've read about "Opti-trots" and horrendous breath, and all of that. I also walk 7 miles round trip to work, so the prospect of diarrhea doesn't really appeal much to me, LOL. I honestly don't mind the chocolate Opti, and the only thing I notice is a metallic taste in my mouth for a side effect, though that could be ketosis as much as the optifast.
Anyway, there's a bit about me, hope to see y'all around on here.
Glad you found us. The ketosis taste like lighter fluid...Because it is lighter fluid (acetone). It is a good sign you are burning fat.
Just a few things in general...No special order; Sip, walk, sleep, repeat...Allow your body to heal. They blow air into your system...To test for leaks. It takes about 10 days to two weeks for the air to work it's way out of the body cavity...Very common. Many people have problems with the hospital (sleep). They'll put you near the nurses station and they can talk all night!! There is a lot of hurry up and wait...You're not going anywhere so just ride with it. The pain near your belly button is where they put the camera...That is why that area hurts more. For most people it's about 4 days of pain...Where you need the meds. After that it's about 10 days of discomfort...You can choose an a Tylenol/Acetaminophen or just rough it. You'll feel it when your body gets in strange positions. By two weeks you should be pain free. Sleep when and where you can...Bed, floor, couch, chair. Use pillows in creative ways.
You'll find your pouch is in control...Not you!! So when you try something new (at home), say "OK pouch...Here is something new...Do you like it"? Give it 5 minutes or so. He will let you know. If it feels strange down there...WAIT. Do not pass go, do not collect $200. If your nose starts to run or you get the hiccups...STOP EATING!! Do not take one more bite. That's a way for your pouch to tell you it is full. Listen to it. A little tip to get in your fluid and protein. Since you are sip sip sipping away, when you need to pee in the middle of the night. Put 1oz of milk (with or without protein mix) on your night stand. Drink as you are headed back to bed...Replace nightly.
Ask away on this board and the RNY Board. Good information there. Good luck, Brian
Hello Carl,
I am also having RNY on Monday the 27th. I was dreading the whole liquid diet only for 2 weeks. But surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I thought. I didn't do the Opti though. I did the GNC Lean pre made protein shakes. They were quick and convenient. The 1st week I felt sluggish and hungry, but I soon felt satisfied and it doesn't phase me now. Oddly enough, I didn't have the bad breath you were talking about, but my feet out of nowhere within the last week started smelling foul. I guess that is my bodies way of detoxing itself. Hopefully we can stay in touch on here and give motivation when needed.
