RNYer with two friends getting the Sleeve

Hi all,

I have two friends who are getting the Sleeve and they have both turned to me for WLS support. I have given them information to the best of my ability but I admit I don't know a lot about how the after effects of the Sleeve differ from RNY, so I figured I'd come and ask folks who know!

So here are my questions. As many as you are willing to answer, I will be eternally grateful.

1. What was your post-op eating plan like? (I know it varies by doctor but perspective will be helpful)
2. Did your taste preferences change post op?
3. How do you supplement (vitamins) after the Sleeve? Do you take b-12?
4. Did you find there were things you were unable to tolerate after surgery? If so, what?
5. Any quirky things that just sorta happen? (For example, many RNYers find themselves unable to drink plain water post-op)
6. Do you tend to get vomiting with the sleeve?
7. What are some situations you'd advise someone to avoid? (For example, RNYers of course warn heavily about sugar and fats because of dumping and chewing food as it can get stuck in the stoma and of eating/drinking at the same time)
8. Which reminds me, can you eat/drink at the same time with the Sleeve?
9. Any other thing that I might need to know to support them better on their journeys?

I have asked these questions of both my friends but both seem sort of overwhelmed with all the information they got so I didn't want to add to that stress.

Thank you in advance for helping me. I really do want to be a good support.

1. What was your post-op eating plan like? (I know it varies by doctor but perspective will be helpful)-Liguids for 2-3 weeks, next soft foods 3-6 weeks(eggs,beans,etc,)after that I could eat broiled and bake meats and a few vegetables
2. Did your taste preferences change post op? All my food taste the same as before.
3. How do you supplement (vitamins) after the Sleeve? Do you take b-12? -I take a muti-vitamin,calcium,iron and b-12 daily
4. Did you find there were things you were unable to tolerate after surgery? If so, what? The only thing that I could not tolerate was a bannana.
5. Any quirky things that just sorta happen? (For example, many RNYers find themselves unable to drink plain water post-op)- I can drink plain water but I perfer adding sugar-free cystal light
6. Do you tend to get vomiting with the sleeve? Have not vomitted since having surgery 6/15/2012
7. What are some situations you'd advise someone to avoid? (For example, RNYers of course warn heavily about sugar and fats because of dumping and chewing food as it can get stuck in the stoma and of eating/drinking at the same time)- I can eat cookies, ice ceream, cakes with no problem that's why I don't. I have to choose to stay away from them.
8. Which reminds me, can you eat/drink at the same time with the Sleeve?- I drink one hour after I eat and I drink before I eat
9. Any other thing that I might need to know to support them better on their journeys?- Follow your doctors plan and focus on your goal. My tastebud have not changed and I can eat anything. I have to CHOOSE what to eat because of that. Just because you can doesn't me you should. That's my advice.

Good luck to your friends. If you have anymore questions fill free to ask. This is my experience only.

Sorry, I made some typos.

No worries! Thanks for responding.

Aren't you sweet for asking.  To my direct the surgery progression is pretty much the same.  We all have altered our stomachs etc.

1.  I believe it was liquids, full liquids, mushies, solids.  Veggies not until 2 or 3 months and always cooked until 4 months.
2.  Yes at first
3.  At first definitely b-12 1000mcg 3 times a week, definitely 1500mg Cal Citrate, Multi.  NOW based on my labs a bunch of stuff, oh and I took some vitamins to "help" my hair, but nothing really works.
4.  Potatoes even watered down and mashed other then that my sleeve LOVED everything
5.  Like I said RnY and VSG are "similiar" so some people have that...I didn't...
6.  I only vomit if I eat to much, to quick or try to drink to soon after eating
7.  See above...same things apply.
8.  I don't because I LOVE food and would rather fit as much in my stomach as possible =) and of course when I try to drink I throw up
9.  Just know that for the most part we are the same so whatever you've gained share with them.  Everyone no matter the surgery are different so their journey will be there own.

 
1. What was your post-op eating plan like? (I know it varies by doctor but perspective will be helpful)  2 weeks of full liquids, some weeks of puree, and 6 weeks normal diet.
2. Did your taste preferences change post op?  No, other than I was a huge water drinker before, but now have to add some type of flavoring.
3. How do you supplement (vitamins) after the Sleeve? Do you take b-12? Multivitamin, d3, calcium citrate, iron twice a day (eventually it will be once daily) and yes to b12 supplements.
4. Did you find there were things you were unable to tolerate after surgery? If so, what?  Nope, I could eat a steel can.  No issues at all.
5. Any quirky things that just sorta happen? (For example, many RNYers find themselves unable to drink plain water post-op)  Carbs are sliders for me.
6. Do you tend to get vomiting with the sleeve?  Not even one time.
7. What are some situations you'd advise someone to avoid? (For example, RNYers of course warn heavily about sugar and fats because of dumping and chewing food as it can get stuck in the stoma and of eating/drinking at the same time)  Do not eat/drink at the same time, get your protein in, get your fluids in.
8. Which reminds me, can you eat/drink at the same time with the Sleeve?  Not supposed to, many can't, I can but choose not to.
9. Any other thing that I might need to know to support them better on their journeys?  Have them join this forum- it is hugely helpful and full of great information and a source of support.

Here's a place chock full of info on the sleeve that'll give them ideas of what to ask their docs:

http://vsgfaq.wordpress.com/

The rules pre-op and post-op between VSG and RNY are pretty much the same, and I think folks have the same type of issues with either.  VSGers can dump, but it's more rare than with RNY.  I've had no problems with fat or sugar. 

RNY's have malabsorbtion issues that VSG's don't have.

 May be easier to direct them to this board. They would learn a wealth of information from all the great people here. You asked some great questions. I am sure they will have MANY more to come too.

1. 10 days, of clear liquids, 10 days of full liquids (creamed soups, decaffeinated tea, protein                  shakes), 10 days pureed.
2. At first everything had a funky taste, but I think that was more from the ketosis taste in my mouth       which altered the taste of things at first.
3. I take 1 Centrum multivitamin,1 1000mcg vitamin B12, 650mg Calcium citrate soft chews with           vitamin D (2), 28mg Iron, and 40mg Nexium, 50 mg zinc and 5 drops of 1000 IU vitamin D                drops because I am very low on my vitamin D.
4. I had a hard time with eggs at first. I can eat them no problem now. Some spicy foods can also be    a bit difficult to handle. Anything sweet is too sweet now, and protein shakes can be too sweet for      me.
5. Plain water is a big one for me too. I used to hate flavoured water, but now it is the only way I can     drink it. My water had to be room temperature shortly after surgery, but now I like it cold again.         Also getting used to the funny gurgling sounds in my throat after I swallow.
6. The only time I vomited was when I tried a dissolving strip of vitamin b12. It came out within               seconds of hitting my tongue. I also vomit on my zinc vitamin. I just can't seem to get that one to       stay in no matter what I do. Never vomited with food, but I don't feel great if something is too             sweet.
7. To chew slowly!! Measure everything, and under eat your sleeve. (I like that one the best)
8. Nope. I stop drinking anywhere between 15-30 mins before eating, and wait 30 mins after                 eating. 
9. Tell them to research, research, research! Also counseling has worked wonders for many, and to      not hate the dreaded stalls. Keep to their program, and come visit us whenever they have any          issues they want to talk about or just to lurk and learn from everyone else. This board has                  fantastic support and no question goes unanswered.

You are a great support to your friends. Wish them all the best.

Thanks so much!

I have directed them to visit here, as well as their surgeon's support group. I don't know if it's just that they are both timid or what but both have done neither (and they don't know one another, they both just know me). So I figured I'd ask some questions just to make sure I don't give any dead wrong information.

I also figured this would be an opportunity for me to learn more about the sleeve as well. I write a WLS food blog, Bariatric Foodie, and I always wonder if my recipes and point of view are RNY-centric, so it's kind of cool to hear different perspectives.

Again, thanks everyone for this information. I'm going to check out the links given and read up! I hope they will venture here and I will tell both friends there are lots of helpful, supportive folks waiting for them.