Definitely ask all of the questions you have and we will do our best to give you our experiences, but no one will be able to tell you what your experience will be like. The main thing that I learned here pre-surgery is that there is a huge breadth of experiences and that mine will fall somewhere in that range. It really helped me to know that whatever I felt/experienced, someone else had it similarly. It helps to know that while you are going to have it rougher than the average bear in some areas, some things will go much easier.

Seeing that others who had it rougher came out the other side and were positive about the experience really helps as well. You are a strong person and will be able to handle whatever is thrown your way. Use whatever pre-surgery time you have to lose as much weight as you can through eating well, get your exercise up so that you walk into surgery in the best shape you can attain, and have a positive attitude. My physical post-surgery experience was much milder than many here, and I attribute that to my pre-surgery work and success.

For me, the pre-surgery liquid diet was 7 days and while it was a annoying to not feel satiated for a week, it wasn't all that difficult, just boring. Right after surgery, I was physically feeling great, up and walking the next day getting tons of steps in the recovery ward. I didn't feel much if any nausea, and didn't have anything come back up until I was experimenting with solid foods after two-three weeks.

I didn't have problems getting protein shakes down, or liquids, so you'll have to get that advice from others.

When is your surgery?

Rob

kchaki wrote: »

I am sure the anxiety that is building is normal, but man it consumes my day! I mean I am undergoing major surgery to help me do what I was not able to do on my own...lose weight!
The pressure I am putting on myself is crazy. I am worried about failing and I haven't even given myself time to succeed. What if I can't get in the protein and water that is expected? Am I gonna be vomiting daily? I hate to throw up! How will I get through the 10 days pre surgery on just liquids? How will I keep from using too much personal time going to the bathroom at work? You know, liquid in = liquid out! I'm doing this to be healthier, my knees hurt so bad everyday. But what if I am opening myself up to a lifetime of new medical problems? Have I asked the right questions to my doctor and my weight loss team?

What questions do you all suggest or wish you would have asked pre-surgery? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Any questions you have don't be afraid to ask your doctor! Trust me they have heard it all, so don't be embarrassed about ANYTHING you have questions about. I was worried about the bowl prep and was a little embarrassed asking my doctor about some of the things to expect, and was plesently surprised by all his responses.
Also it's important to remember that no two bodies are going to respond the same way. They do give a lot of "worst case" scenarios. I too was expecting to be throwing up all the time! I had one time while still in the hospital I got very very nauseous and thought for sure I was going to vomit. It was due to not using my pain meds before getting up to move around and being a little to active. Don't be afraid to use your pain meds! Especially before getting out of bed for those first few walks. Since surgery (3 months ago) I have only vomited 3 times, once was because I was stupid and not thinking and got some popcorn chicken (deep fried foods are NOT your friend lol), once was due to the flu and once because I ate a little too much too quickly.
One thing I'd suggest doing now is testing some protein shakes to find ones you like, not just ones you can tolerate (cause when you're using them for most your food intake tolerate isn't going to cut it) but ones you actually like! If possible get a variety, cause you will get bored of the same one over and over. Premier Protein is pretty good (to me anyway), and I've found Cellucor to be pretty good. You can order 4-serving packets (they usually have deals on them) to try different flavors. http://www.cellucor.com/products/21-whey (that is where I order them)
I haven't had much trouble getting my protein in, but that's pretty much all I can get in at this point. The key is to eat/drink protein first, don't expect to be able to add veggies and starches in for awhile, and remember it's normal to not be able to eat more yet, this is why the vitamin supplements are so important. As far as the water, keep a water bottle with you every where you go, have water next to you pretty much at all times! If you're sipping on it through out the day you will find it's not to hard to get it all in.
Good luck with your surgery! For me it's the best choice I've ever made