Page 34 | Bariatric surgery no.2 thread

Seriouslyconfused3 · 2021-01-31T21:17:50+00:00

For everyone following from the last thread... If you’re new please feel free to join in and share your experiences

Neonplant · 12/10/2021 18:14

@BirdsBirdsBird

I had my surgery on the NHS but I did wait almost 3 years. So I don't know about the cost. I'm in a few Facebook groups and lost of people go to Turkey which is a lot cheaper. With still very good standards.

I've bounced back really well. I was only nauseous when I came round from my anesthesia. Then I was given iv meds and it was fine after that. I was able to drink from when I woke up and eat from the next day. But I'm still on puree and haven't introduced normal foods yet, so I'm hoping that continues.

You do still have to think about food a lot especially early on to ensure your are getting enough of the right stuff. But I'm not constantly hungry and I am genuinely full from a small portion. However right now with puree there's definitely something missing in terms of texture meaning I don't feel property satisfied! But I just a week more on puree.

I had issues with insulin resistance before and would get shake between meal or if I left it too long to eat. So I was eating regularly, but obviously way more than I am now. I also think because they remove a bit of your stomach which is responsible for gerhlin appetite is reduced. I can't imagine eating this little and so plainly before surgery. So it's definitely done something!

But as I say I'm super early on. I'm sure others with more experience cna talk about it long term.

RevisionSurgeryQ · 12/10/2021 20:03

@BirdsBirdsBird

I've recently had a bypass, revision surgery from a (problematic) gastric band, so I can't advise on long term nausea.

I'm sure I've read on this thread of others having surgery at BMI Alexandra, so it might be worth having a read of the entire thread and asking specific members using @ followed by the user name as this may prompt an alert for the member.

During my research prior to surgery, the cost of a sleeve tended to come in around £8,000 to £9,000 with the higher figure being quoted for people whose BMI was over a certain point (sorry, I can't remember what though) so perhaps if your BMI is higher, that may be why the cost is slightly elevated.

I'm just shy of 3 weeks post op and I barely, if at all, think about food. This healing phase is very important though, so whilst I might not be thinking about food, I am very aware that I need to eat and I am following the post op diet very carefully.

Pre-op, I had a very unhealthy 'fixation' on sweets and crisps/snacks and would forgo food for bags of Wotsits. If I never see a bag of Wotsits or a packet of Haribo sweets again, I'm sure I'd survive very well . The desire to eat that kind of rubbish stuff has vanished. Long may it last!

If you have any specific questions, please ask.

Jubilate · 13/10/2021 00:58

@Keepthefocus - your surgery must be soon. Very best of luck. We are all here for a handhold on the other side.

Keepthefocus · 13/10/2021 08:23

Thanks @Jubilate I’m sitting waiting to go - and after all my anxiety and worry I feel ok! that this is just a step towards being healthy. (A scary step!) So I’m trying to keep my head up! I hope you are keeping well post surgery.

Jubilate · 13/10/2021 08:49

Great stuff @Keepthefocus. Let us know how you get on!

Neonplant · 13/10/2021 10:30

Thinking of you @Keepthefocus you can do this! Look forward to hearing from you once you're done. Xx

FrustratedTeddyLamp · 13/10/2021 11:05

Hi mum's having bariatric surgery next week, she's starting her meal replacement diet today but on all the other plans it mentions fizzy drinks and tea but nothing on the meal replacement one. It kind of looks like in the box there should be more writing but it's been cut off as it says" you will still". Just wondering what any of yours said? She's now planning on not having any but I know it would be easier if she could

Neonplant · 13/10/2021 11:48

I wasn't sent a box of anything I just was given a few options in a liver reduction diet. I had diet fizzy drinks, tea nd coffee throughout my pre op diet. As there no or very minimal calories. I don't have sugar or milk in my hot drinks though. But depending on her diet she will possibly have to drink milk anyway so that can be used in hot drinks.

Or tbh skimmed milk is so low in calories a splash in tea a few times a day isn't going to make much difference.

RevisionSurgeryQ · 13/10/2021 11:53

All the best for your surgery and post op recovery @Keepthefocus

Neonplant · 13/10/2021 14:02

I wonder if anyone can identify with this...
I'm 3.5 weeks post op I've started to introduce soft foods and thicker puree. It's a tiny bit early. But I'm healing really well and I have to go away for a few days next week so I thought it was sensible to introduce some foods at home.

But I'm really stressing about when I'm hungry and full. Every one on the Facebook support groups says you feel fuller and more restriction as you move to more normal food. Although I'm still not there with eating a full diet I'm starting to overthink whether this is the case for me.

On the one had I know I'm not as hungry and I'm eating less. For example today I've eaten about 300 calories so far and it's 2pm. I would eat that in a snack before! But then I worry about feeling hungry and if its normal or if I'm just going to have my normal appetite back soon.

I know I'm overthinking and I need to trust the process. (I hate this phrase BTW but it's relevant!) But it's so hard when you feel like thees loads resting on this.

Also I'm poorly and I think I have too much time to think and look at social media.

Can anyone relate?

FrustratedTeddyLamp · 13/10/2021 14:23

Sorry wasn't clear its got the meal replacement options in boxes in the leaflet and the sentence cuts off.

Neonplant · 13/10/2021 16:07

@FrustratedTeddyLamp

Sorry wasn't clear its got the meal replacement options in boxes in the leaflet and the sentence cuts off.

Ah OK. I know some private providers give drinks etc for before and after.

My reply would still be the same. Some people say its good to stop fizzy drinks as it stops the habit now before surgery. But honestly fizzy stuff will likely be the last thing on her mind. So if there's no calories in the drinks or very few. Like 5per can it won't make a difference to the diet. As the goal is to shrink the liver by doing a very low calorie diet.

It's lovely she's got your support. I know not everyone is the same but I felt really weepy for the week it so after surgery. So be aware she might too.

goingslowfornow · 13/10/2021 16:50

@Neonplant

I wonder if anyone can identify with this... I'm 3.5 weeks post op I've started to introduce soft foods and thicker puree. It's a tiny bit early. But I'm healing really well and I have to go away for a few days next week so I thought it was sensible to introduce some foods at home.

But I'm really stressing about when I'm hungry and full. Every one on the Facebook support groups says you feel fuller and more restriction as you move to more normal food. Although I'm still not there with eating a full diet I'm starting to overthink whether this is the case for me.

On the one had I know I'm not as hungry and I'm eating less. For example today I've eaten about 300 calories so far and it's 2pm. I would eat that in a snack before! But then I worry about feeling hungry and if its normal or if I'm just going to have my normal appetite back soon.

I know I'm overthinking and I need to trust the process. (I hate this phrase BTW but it's relevant!) But it's so hard when you feel like thees loads resting on this.

Also I'm poorly and I think I have too much time to think and look at social media.

Can anyone relate?

Can relate 100%. Would suggest you go to the WLSinfo site and look at the pouch rules.

Explains how and why you need to drink loads of water before eating then no water after for 2 hours to achieve feeling of fullness and satisfaction. That is essential to stop feeling of hunger.

This is a tool. After you heal from surgery you need to commit to protein and water to keep full.

goingslowfornow · 13/10/2021 16:52

www.wlsinfo.org.uk/forums/index.php

Then look at the RNY section and pouch rules

Neonplant · 13/10/2021 17:38

@goingslowfornow thanks I'll look at this I had a sleeve BTW, but obviously still applies.

It's good to know you can relate too! I definitely understand it's a tool I have to use and not a fix for me. Which is why I think I'm over thinking the whole full hungery thing! I don't want to mess it up.

Keepthefocus · 14/10/2021 10:01

Hi all. Well I’m one day post surgery and I’m ok. Yesterday was rough I’ll not lie but I’m much better today focus on sipping water and walking the corridors of hospital! Thanks for all ur well wishes!

Neonplant · 14/10/2021 10:05

@Keepthefocus great to hear from you. So glad you are doing OK. Keep the water up and the walking. It can be grim early on but make sure you keep up with pain killers and it will get better soon.

Jubilate · 14/10/2021 13:26

Yay @Keepthefocus glad you are on the other side! Yep day of surgery is definitely the worst. If they'll let you have an ice lolly, I recommend it! And well done on the laps.

RevisionSurgeryQ · 14/10/2021 16:02

Congrats @Keepthefocus. The day of the surgery and the day after is the worst.

Onwards and upwards from now on - or should I say downwards on the scales!

NCForthisxox · 14/10/2021 23:55

16 days post op and it feels like such an effort to eat and drink bleugh Ive had two protein drinks 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of pate.

NCForthisxox · 14/10/2021 23:55

Teaspoons I should say !!

BirdsBirdsBird · 14/10/2021 23:59

I've taken the plunge and booked for a gastric sleeve at the end of October. Been reading the information about what to eat and drink afterwards, it's a long journey, but I think it will be worth it.

Paperyfish · 15/10/2021 08:29

Hello,
I’m considering wls.
My bmi is 36.3. I have tried every bloody diet out there over the last ten years and nothing is working for me. I had diabetes in my last three pregnancies and so I can see that rushing towards me.
Has anyone else here with a similar bmi been through the wls procedure?
Would a sleeve be best for me? I also see the non surgical sleeve. Has anyone experience of that?
I am thinking I would staying in uk and self fund.

Neonplant · 15/10/2021 17:55

@BirdsBirdsBird

I've taken the plunge and booked for a gastric sleeve at the end of October. Been reading the information about what to eat and drink afterwards, it's a long journey, but I think it will be worth it.

Exciting! Where are you going? I'm sure we can try to help if you have any questions.

Neonplant · 15/10/2021 18:03

@Paperyfish my bmi was 39 I think. So a bit bigger. But people do have it at 35 or over. I have heard of lower which is technically still obese but I'm not so sure. I also don't know about a non surgical option.

It's a very personal choice and it depends what eating habits you have. I'd say a sleeve might be best as you're at the smaller end of obese. My surgeon said I was a lot smaller than his normal patient. Although I was on the NHS so I think people end up being bigger due to the criteria. First time for everything!

He felt I might lose a bit too much with the bypass and the sleeve might allow for more normal eating long term as I'm in my 30s. But I recognise with that ability to eat more normally in 5 years time I have to build exercise into my life and will have to have will power and control long term.

Equally I'm not particularly interested in being skinny I just want my weight to not impact on my health. It wasn't massively but like you say I could really see that happening in future.

Do lots of reading and then talk to your team when you book somewhere about the best surgery for you. As lots of people will advocate for the surgery they have. I'm only 4 weeks out but if I can help answer any questions please ask. There are also loads of experienced people on the thread so have a read through xx