Met Dr V on Friday

Well I got to finally see Dr V on Friday. I found him to be personable but very much in a hurry. Ive researched this quite a bit and most of the questions I had for him a month ago have already been answered. I had a few questions specific to him and how he did the surgery and he answered them completely and thoroughly. I was glad to learn that he doesnt install a drainage tube anymore. He did say I would be catheterized for at least one day. I hate the thought of anyone doing that!!! Ive seen it done and I know I wont feel a thing I just cant stand the thought of it....lol. I think almost his entire staff has had WLS and man did I ask them a lot of probably stupid questions about how you feel, how your apetite is now, etc. They really seemed to enjoy answering the questions although it was obvious that they had fielded these questions 1000 times before. Ive had my psychiatrist appointment, nutritionist appointment, and exercise physiology appointment. I have another appointment with my PCP to get the CXR, EKG, lab work, and a cardiac clearance. Then I get to really start the waiting game. What did you have for yourself when you came home from surgery? Ive tried to find some Carnation instant breakfast but cant find it anywhere. I found some protein drinks with 4 grams of carbs at Wally world today and Im going to try them. After surgery your supposed to try to drink 64 oz every day but everyone Ive talked to said that it isnt really possible at first. How much were you able to drink in the first week? I drink a lot (of water). Im worried that I wont be able to drink enough and Ill get dehydrated. In the first week how much could you drink at one time? How long before you could take another swallow?

He said something to the effect that he didnt think it (the drainage tube) was needed anymore the way the surgery is done now. Yes I got the other appointments done first. At the interview he basically asks you what procedure you are interested in and then he goes about explaining that in detail. He goes over complications, surgery time, your medical history, etc etc etc.

Congratulations on meeting Dr. V. He did my surgery and my brother-in-laws last year. I love him and his staff. They are all so knowlegdeable and helpful. I did not have a drain and was thankful for that and had no problems because I didn't. The catheter wasn't that bad either. No one I know was able to get the 64oz in the first week or two. You just do the best you can and sip all day. Don't stock up too much of any one protein item. If you like it before surgery you may not like it afterwards. You just take tiny sips all the time, except before and after you eat. Everyone's different but you'll learn what you can do and not do in those first weeks and it changes the further out you are. Good luck, this a wonderful journey, enjoy it. Gwen

Bobbi is a tremendous resource. Get to know her very well! She is wonderful to ask and ask and ask questions. You are on your way!!!!!!!! About your drinking. You will have to play it by ear. Everyone is different. I couldn't handle water at first, so I put Crystal Light in it. I would carry a little sippy bottle with me and sip on it all day. Between ice chips, popsicles, drinking, protein drinks..... you should be fine. Nancy

There was a woman there when I went who I think had just recently had WLS. She was much bigger than I am and she looked miserable. She had a friend with her who looked disgusted with her. She was trying not to throw up and her friend said "just go ahead and throw up for Chris sakes!!!". I felt sorry for her. Later in my meeting with Dr V I could still hear her heaving in the waiting room. I got the feeling that she had tried to eat some solid foods too soon. No one told me that but I would bet anything that they had eaten a regular breakfast or tried to just before going to see Dr V. Just little bits of their conversation and things like that. She just looked so miserable. There was a commercial on the radio about Krispy Kreme donuts and she stopped everything just to listen to the commercial. I couldnt care less about sweets but my weakness is cheeseburgers and fast food. Since meeting with my nutritionist Ive tried to stop getting fast food cold turkey and Im glad that I seem to be able to do it. Im worried a little about the mental hunger but I think I should be able to handle it well. I just dont want to go through all this and be eating when I know I cant handle it yet but still doing it because I cant go with out food....