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You might have restriction, but not actually feel it yet for a few reasons:
- your stomach might not be fully healed from surgery and the nerves aren't fully repaired. So be careful not to overdo it!
- your diet at this point is probably mostly liquid/mush. I never did feel much restriction with liquid; many people don't. But when you're cleared to eat some dense protein, I'm sure you will feel the restriction.
- some people have other sensations (like a runny nose) that tell them when to stop eating. So be on the lookout for cues like that.
To clarify, the reason that they tell you not to drink fluid with meals is that it can cause the stomach to empty more quickly so you don't feel restriction. My dietitian told me that if I get thirsty during a meal, it's fine to sip something, just don't guzzle.
It's normal to be concerned about how WLS will affect your mental state. It sounds like you're actively looking after your mental health, and would seek whatever help you need, so I don't think you need to worry about this. I would think that you are less likely to have problems because you are prepared.
I have dysthymia for decades, but it's well-managed with medication. I had similar concerns to yours, so I was very honest with the psychologist that they sent me to for pre-surgery evaluation. I also made a plan for what I would do if I felt low. If it was mild, I'd call a friend to chat. A bit worse, I'd go and stay with a friend for a few days while making arrangements for therapy ASAP. Also, that friend knew that I was having surgery, and would be calling to see how I was doing. As it turned out, I didn't need any of that; from day 2 onwards I felt great. About six months after surgery, after discussing it with my doctor, I reduced my antidepressant dose to 75%, and it's been there ever since.
Any surgery or illness can trigger a low mood in some people, but it's usually short-term.
One other thing to be aware of is that many people have a period of "buyer's remorse" after surgery. Again, this is usually short-term, and it doesn't mean that you made a mistake by having the surgery.
Also, it's quite normal to be excited at first, then anxious as surgery gets closer. I was still toying with the idea of backing out as they wheeled me into the operating room!
I drink water all day and I don't have any issues with eat and drinking at the same time. I don't do it Often but I have taken sips of water during meals. If my sister did that, she would throw up!
I wish I knew what determined what size they used for the size of your stomach. I will def ask at my appointment. I thought I did a lot of research but never thought about asking that question.
I agree that you should have restriction. Not a little, a lot. I find it helpful to fill up on ice water before eating. It seems to help and then not drink for at least 30 minutes after taking the last bite of food.
My surgeon told me it is OK to drink water up until the first bite of food.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
Stay focused on your goals and you be fine. Like WhiteDove said, get a support system in place. They include family, friends, coworkers, church people, doctors, etc. Basically anyone you feel you can go to when you need support. This online community is great, lots of good answers to all the questions we have.
As far as suicide goes, I think most people who elect to have WLS are choosing to live more healthy in order to prolong their life. Its been almost 8 months since my VSG and life continues to get better and easier to do things. I cant wait to see what happens next. This journey of life we're on can be as good as we're willing to make it :)
I had surgery 5/14/19. My bmi then was 38. As of today its 28. Still have a little way to go to hit my goal but I'm happy with my progress.
I was told the same as far as weight loss. I am a month out tomorrow and my starting BMI was 35.2. I had surgery due to a medical condition. They told me it would take 10-12 months for me to get down to my goal weight.
I will definitely ask. I have a follow up on jan20th. I am eating high protein foods. no pasta, no bread, no potatoes. Just frustrating...I will be so disappointed if he used the largest size. I know it's still much smaller than my regular stomach as but for what this surgery cost, I would like to feel alittle restrication.
Well what size is your sleeve. Every surgeon has their own methods. Here is a comparison of the standard bougee sizes. Some surgeons sew more tightly than others.
You surgeon can tell you what size he used. When you consider your original stomach was about the size of a football, all of these are much smaller.
If you are eating mostly dense protein you should have good restriction. If you are eating slider foods like bread, crackers, cereal, potatoes then you can eat a lot of food with little restriction.
Real life begins where your comfort zone ends
I will be one month out from surgery on 1-10-2020.
i am losing weight and very careful on my portion size but am worried they did my sleeve to large. I have no issues with fluid or food so far...is this normal? My sister had her 5 years ago and had alit of restriction.
thanks for your input!
