Question:
Ready to take the plunge

I am having the Gastric Sleeve done in April.Is there anyone who regrets having the surgery due to complications that have not gone away,etc...?I learned things from postings on this site than I was not told at consult and I have asked lots of questions.For instance- foamies...weird! I know everyone is different but I just want to learn as much as I can beforeI do this.Is there alot of post op pain, gas?How do you keep from feeling weak and sick when you are not eating anything solid for 2 weeks? Is there a pre-op diet?My doctor did not mention anything about it but I have seen posts.Thanks!    — crazek (posted on February 21, 2009)

February 21, 2009
Hi, I had RYN July of 08 I have lost 125 pounds I would do it again in a second I am so thankful for this surgery. I have had some vomiting and feeling sick but the things that I have had I did to myself eating to fast, drinking to soon old habits wanting the last bite on my plate. This is a new tool and we need to learn how to use it, I would get foam or a slimy type when eating wrong this is how your body helps moisen dry things or coats your stomach if u need to vomit Not sure if I explained that right has not happened much. I had some post op pain because I got up wrong and pulled the stitches on the inside and it hurt pretty bad, the L side was the worse because this is where they go in and out and the camera goes in, I put it like this having a baby is painful and we have bad pain but we are so happy after words we forget how much it hurt. Gas yes they have some kind of gas tabs for that mine was not severe, Preop was blah As soon as the surgery the hungry feeling was different, U can get protein by drinks prior to surgery I was on a 1000 cal diet lean cuisine and salads,I am surprised u have not received something from your doc u may yet. Any more questions just ask or u can email me Best of luck with your new journey Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

February 21, 2009
I was never in pain after surgery. Just mild discomfort. I do suffer from gas issues. Never felt weak as long as I had something to eat every 4 hrs, even at the liquid stage. As long as you get your protein, vitamins, and water you should be fine. I did get sick a few times for not eating slow or chewing enough. Watch out for chicken. I had a hard time with it for about a year after surgery. As far as pre-op diet, every surgeon is diferent. I was on liquids for 3 weeks prior. I also did bowel prep 2 days before. Ask your doctor. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

February 22, 2009
I had my "sleeve" done September 5th. I have no regrets from having the surgery. I did not have any complications. Complications are rare and if they do happen during the sleeve process it would most likely be a leak. Since there is no rerouting of intestines it is safer than other weight loss surgeries. As far as the foamies ..I had them several times. I guess it is a learning process. If you eat something that gives you the foamies it is probably because you didn't chew or eat slow enough, or you ate a food that was too hard on your stomach to process. About the post op pain or gas - yes there is some discomfort with the air that has to escape. The best thing for this is to walk the halls of the hospital. Walking helps! My advice to you or anyone having surgery is meet with a nutritionist who specializes in wls patients. Learn how much protein, carbs etc you are going to need. Read, read, read. Read Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies. Search the internet. There is so much information. Educate yourself. After you come home from the hospital keep track of how much you are eating. Write down Protein, Carbs, Fat etc. There are web sites to help you keep track. If you have any other questions just ask on this web site. Everyone is welling to help. Also, don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. In regards to the pre op diet. Most doctors require it, but some do not. As far as I am concerned, I love having the sleeve. I have lost 63 lbs since my surgery in September and I lost 20 on the pre op. I am so excited to be wearing size 12. I wish you good luck. Trust me, you are going to love it. Elaine
   — fkschue

February 22, 2009
I had VSG on June 23, 2008. I was never sick, never had vomiting or foamies. I did have a slight infection in one of the incisions. but a couple of rounds of antibiotics took care of that. One of the smaller incisions hurt somewhat, It was where they inserted the camera, my surgeon said that it was normal and that the pain would last 6 weeks, he was right on the money. I was on a pre- op diet 2 weeks before surgery & lost 36 lbs. I drank protein drinks, ate salads with tomatoes and yogurt. I wasn't hungry or faint. I have lost 140#. I'm 58 yrs old, the only regret I have, is that I didn't have the surgery years ago! May God Bless You Abundantly, Kathie
   — KathieV

February 22, 2009
I had the sleeve on 3 nov 08 and love it. Never heard of or had the the foamies. Had a very good time durning the post-op finding out new ways of liquidfy new foods to drink. I was hurting about the 3rd day till the 6 day. Then the other gas hasn't stopped. and not silent but not deadly. You will have to eat (drink) 60 to 70 gms of protien aday and I was fine I was doing thing after the first week and was ready to go back to work. Went back after two weeks and did great. 4 months post-op and lost 100 lbs since june 08. my doctor had me stay on my deit until the surgery. I wished he gave me some way to clean out every thing out before the surgery then the pain I had would have been less. some days are esier than others at not eating all the time but every one is different. E-mail me if you have any questions from my blog.
   — Scott Ambrose