I went into the hospital planning on having a Gastric Bypass but ended up having Gastric Sleeve as my small intestines were attached to the mesh from my previous surgery and the surgeon couldn't disconnect it. I am disappointed because what I have read is that you don't lose as much weight with the Sleeve as you do with the Bypass. My question is they told me after the Gastric Sleeve I have to be on a 21-day Clear liquid diet, yet when I read other Health web sites they start puree foods 14 days after surgery. Can anyone tell me what they did after their Gastric Sleeve surgery?
eladams2015
Member
You always want to follow your surgeon's directions for post op diet. If you question any of their directions, ask... they usually have reasons why they do things the way they do. There is so much variance between plans and surgeons across the country, but they all aim to do the best and get the best results for their patients. 21 days on clear seems like a lot; if I recall, I had about 5 to 7 days of true clear, and then could be on thicker but still liquid (like thicker strained soups, protein shakes, etc.) for another 2 weeks before going on to true pureed foods.
Thank you for your input. I wish I could ask my surgeon but he went on vacation right after my surgery. I will see him on July 30th which will be my 21 days. I was just curious if anyone else had to wait that long. I wish you the best.
eladams2015
Member
Oh no!! He did not leave someone else for you to contact?!!?! That is crazy... I'm sorry that you were left with no resources while he is away.
I can call the coordinator, but she goes by his book. If an emergency happens go to the ER. I wish I had known he was going on vacation prior to surgery I would have waited. I will work through the clear fluids, it's just at times I get hunger pains and I get so sick of drinking. But I'm strong I will do this.
dianeseattle
Member
Welcome Mary. That is a very long time to be on a liquid diet but I am more concerned about the fact that you are part of the mesh crowd. There's some kind of class action lawsuit going on about that isn't there? I would think that it might be likely that the liquid diet is more because of the complications your sleeve surgery might run into because of the mesh. In any event, you must follow your team instructions. They don't tell you stuff like that for no reason.
The cool thing is that if you're on liquids for 3 weeks, your weight loss is going to be huge. I would really look forward to that even though it's going to be really hard for you to stick to that liquid diet.
The cool thing is that if you're on liquids for 3 weeks, your weight loss is going to be huge. I would really look forward to that even though it's going to be really hard for you to stick to that liquid diet.
Roseanne37
Member
I can call the coordinator, but she goes by his book. If an emergency happens go to the ER. I wish I had known he was going on vacation prior to surgery I would have waited. I will work through the clear fluids, it's just at times I get hunger pains and I get so sick of drinking. But I'm strong I will do this.
Maryz1982, I just wanted to let you know that this forum works in mysterious ways. I had originally wanted my surgery scheduled for August 5th. (When I had gotten the call from the Dr's office that elective surgeries were allowed again. I had been cancelled two times due to the Covid 19 virus) The Nurse told me that the Dr. was going to be on vacation the first two weeks of August and I could have my surgery either the last week of July or August 17 or thereafter. I opted for August 17 because "just in case" I wanted the Dr. there after my surgery. After reading your posts, I'm glad that I decided to wait. All posts are important.
TraceyT
Member
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gzar
Member
This statistic alone made me want a bypass vs sleeve because I wanted the most assurance possible to lose the weight and keep it off. Sounds like you share my sentiments. My doc is a sleeve specialist, pushing sleeves vs bypass when medically feasable - and reserving bypass options for the most severe cases. I got the sleeve.
There are some nice potential advantages of the sleeve surgery, namely that you aren't malnurished for life, resulting in having fewer complications as your entire digestive system is completely intact and functioning normally - albiet with a 85% reduction in stomach capacity. You will be able to take regular medicines and absorb critical nutrition better, meaning you will be less likely to struggle with vitamin & mineral deficiencies. You will also be less prone to get immediately sick when eating certain foods, and probably not have a lifetime of reflux/indigestion which can be common with bypass. These are long term benefits that may not be immediately recognized, but it's super nice to not have these issues.
On the weight loss; both the bypass and sleeve are amazing tools that can absolutely help you reach your goals 100%. Remember that no surgery option will fix anything at all; it still requires all the effort from you to change your eating habits and incorporate regular exercise / activity in your every day life. It sounds way more dreary than it is; once you start buying new clothes because your old ones simply fall off and you realize you aren't feeling as much back & hip pain, and have more energy and you are less depressed & anxious because you know you are looking better - you'll want to become more active. It's going to be an amazing transformation.
I understand the canceling, my surgery was canceled twice due to Covid19 also. I was about to refuse the July 9 date only because I figured it would get canceled also since we seem to be getting a second wave of COVID 19. But then I accepted and I'm kind of glad I did because I was kind of getting ready to change my mind. I do wish I was told that the doctor was going to take a vacation right after my surgery tho. Accept for not understanding why I have to be on 21 days of clear liquid diet everything else seems to be going well. Of course, I'm tired but I still keep getting up and walking, and yesterday I actually prepared dinner for my family. I'm trying to drink as much as my body will let me as I have to admit I do feel hunger pains. Wish I had that honeymoon period the doctor told me I would have where I wouldn't want to eat.
I have to say my surgery wasn't bad at all, I actually went home the next day after. I hope your surgery goes as well. Just know it's tough the first week, but actually getting better. I think you just have to mentally get yourself through it. Plus getting on this forum really helps because you read everyone's story. Plus the people have already been through it and they have the knowledge. I wish you the best. Thank you for the information, as I did not do much homework on the sleeve because I was told I would be getting the Bypass. I like what you are saying and I'm sure I will do fine. 5 years ago I lost 100lbs on my own, but then when I got sick and couldn't move much I put all the weight back on. Now that I have been diagnosed and they found out I have Lupus and RA we decided the surgery was best for me to lose weight again. Plus my body is in a better place to start moving again so I know I will get the weight off.
I know what you mean about buying new clothes was my favorite part and the best incentive. I'm looking forward to that again. Best wishes.
Wow, first of all, that is amazing that she did all this with no instructions and education from the surgeon. I'm so glad she did everything right for her health and wellness gives me hope that I will succeed also. Plus wow!!!!, on the price Go Jessica Go!!!! I went home the day after surgery. Which was wonderful as I need to be around my family. Thank you for sharing your daughters' story, please tell her Congratulations.