Scheduling Surgery--Opinions needed

I'm having a dilemma about dates and need some advice from others who have already done this.  I know the recovery varies by invididual, but I'm thinking about hte emotional and food issues as well.

Here is the dilemma.  Dr. requires two week liquid diet before surgery.  If I started that today, earliest surgery could be is 7/7.  My parents are coming to visit 7/4-7/15.  My best friend is coming to visit 7/17-7/20.  I am a kindergarten teacher and start back to getting my classroom ready on 8/16.  Students arrive 8/23.  Since it's kinder, I pretty much need to be at 100% when the kiddos arrives.

Do I schedule it now?  Wait until my friend leaves and schedule end of July or August 1?

I would be on soft foods by the time I return to school......don't know what to do.

Thank you,
Betsy

 Betsy.......What surgery are you having done??   Is it lap band or the sleeve??   I have never heard of VGB.    I think that would make a difference on what surgery you were having as to when you have it done.   If it were me.....I would want the soonest date !!!  I would want to go ahead and get it done now.    But that is me.   Especially since you will need to be 100% when school starts.    If it is lap band you are having you would be good to go in a couple of weeks....if it is the sleeve....it would probably be 4 weeks or maybe longer before you are 100%.   Good luck to you and congrats on the doctor being able to do the job so quickly for you.


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Hi Vivian!
I'm having the sleeve.   I never noticed that I picked the wrong surgery for my profile!  I got that fixed this morning:)

I'm leaning towards having it done as soon as possible just so I will have time to recover before school starts.  Thank you for your thoughts on the 4 weeks.

B

 Congrats on your approval and upcoming surgery.   I am just guessing on the date's.   I know that as a support group leader I have several people in my group that had the sleeve and it seems like they told me that they went back to work at 4 weeks.     That is what I was judging my answer on.   You will do wonderful with the sleeve...amazing surgery !!!   I would have it done on the 7th of July IMHO. 
I know your parents would probably love to be here for your surgery and I know that they would probably understand.    Good luck to you !!!


Hugs and blessings ~~ Vivian

Friends and family will understand. Parents of students will not. LOL. I say you schedule it ASAP so you have as much time as possible to get back to "normal" for when school starts. I totally understand wanting to live it up while everyone is here to visit, but I think getting it done now so you can live it up healthier is a much more desirable option! 

Best wishes to you! And good luck on the 2 week liquids. I had to do it too and it stunk but it's worth it! 

Jenny

Betsy,

I agree with the others.  Go with sooner than later.  With your parents being here during your first week or so of recovery could be a blessing if you need help around the house.

Having said that, my husband was sleeved on 6/15 and is doing wonderful recovering quickly.  We are already walking up to a mile morning & evening.

By the time your friend arrives, you may very well be to the "mushie" stage of your post op diet and can at least enjoy some "food time" during their visit.

My personal recovery experience - I was back working after 4 days, but that was from home.  I generally travel weekly and I'm pretty sure I would have needed three full weeks at home before I could have traveled without being exhausted.

Just heard back from the doctor and they are willing to waive the 2 week liquid diet.  He wants me to start opti fast today nad surgery will be next Tuesday, 6/29.

YAHOO!

 That is AWESOME news Betsy !!!!    Congrats on your date and good luck with your sleeve and the liquid diet of course !!!!   We are so proud of you for getting the VSG ASAP !!!!


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

I had RNY, so I'm speaking from that point of view, but I would have it done asap.  Recovery isn't bad for laproscopic surgery, although, if there was a complication and the surgeon needed to do an open surgery, you will have alot longer recovery period.  But I was just so very tired for the first couple of months.  I would think that the farther out you are from surgery when the kids come back, the more energy you will have.  Your parents coming for a visit during your surgery week could be a good thing, so they can help you out a bit.  I was fine for visiting.  And other people could eat around me and I didn't care at all.  I was just tired and couldn't lift things.  It may also depend on what you are wanting to do with your friend.  You should be able to sit around and chat or watch movies, but you won't feel up to going to a club or hiking anywhere.  Having your friend with you during the first weeks after surgery could be a great support system to help you adjust.  Good luck.