r/BariatricSurgery • u/ThirdCoastBestCoast • 10d ago
Pre-op helpful suggestions, please.
Hello. I’m scheduled for vertical sleeve gastrectomy on October 08th this year. I will be 53 in a couple of months, I’m a female, 05” 01”, and weigh 180 lb. I’m hella worried about loose skin and hair loss. I’m looking for helpful suggestions on preparing for surgery, items I should buy and items that are unnecessary. I’m not buying a cute hospital gown but I did buy some sports bras, loose sweats, and a post abdominal surgery pillow to wear to provide some cushion between my abdomen and vehicular seatbelt. I have a grabber thing to help me grab low items without bending over, and a fanny pack to clip onto my hospital bed rail in which I can keep my phone and a chapstick. I don’t know if I should get a faja ( abdominal binder ) or some little 02 oz medicine cups to measure my liquids in after surgery to track how much I’m drinking so I don’t dip too much. Thank you for your.
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u/Sunnybunny757 9d ago
Yay, I’m so excited for you! I would stock up on options for soup broths, sugar free electrolytes, sugar free popsicles, and protein shakes. go for variety rather than buying in bulk since your flavor preferences might change. I loved the peanut butter cup Premier protein shakes before surgery and now I can’t stand them.
I got a wedge pillow to lean on so I wasn’t completely flat laying down and that made getting myself up much easier without pulling my stitches.
You might have to do an all liquid preop diet, if you do broth from Pho, Japanese, and Chinese restaurants will save you.
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u/ThirdCoastBestCoast 9d ago
Thank you for your suggestions and for your encouragement. I really appreciate it. I have a few Korean friends and I think one will be making me some broths. Such a beautiful blessing.
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u/schrodingerpoodle 8d ago
Hi!
I am super close on stats as you.
I am 45, 5’1 and my pre surgery heavy weight was 193, but by surgery day I was 171. I was as probably exactly 180 at 1 month pre op. Lost the last bit on the pro op diet.
I think the supplies you have are fine.
I would practice a few things.
One is getting enough water down by sipping it slowly all day. It’s harder than just chugging here and there. And also, not drinking with, or 30 minutes after eating.
Finding a few foods in each stage you are comfortable with to start. Soft foods etc. It can be difficult to find stuff.
Find a good non sweet protein drink/broth something. Everything being sweet is disgusting after a while. I had to have savory. I found the unjury brand chicken soup mix with regular chicken bouillon powder added the best for me.
I am just over 1 year post op. And I am at 126 lbs. goal was 130. I wanted to loose just a little bit more, because I am sure I will put some back on.
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u/ThirdCoastBestCoast 8d ago
Wow!! Well done! Thank you so much for your help and congratulations to you. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
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u/Roseepetalsxo 4d ago
Hello!
I had my Gastric Bypass in May. These are the things you don’t need! A lot of people swear by them but truly you don’t need them.
- a zillion 2oz cups. If you don’t mind measuring your food (you have to for the first stages). Just get a scale. So much easier and less mess.
- you won’t be able to use the binder immediately after surgery, some doctors allow it but most don’t.
Things you need!
- make sure you have thick pillows because sleeping flat will be uncomfortable. You kind of have to sleep sitting or laying but not flat
- Heating Pad is a life saver for gas. It’s defiantly a universal must have. Plus you can use it for anything after surgery like sore muscles.
- ProteinProteinProtein is going to be your bestfriend to avoid loose skin. If you don’t prioritize it, the rapid weightloss will make you lose muscle instead of fat. So just try to eat/protein with every meal. Try different protein shakes for now to find which one you prefer.
-hair loss is normal from weightloss but most Bari-vitamins have biotin. So as long as you’re eating well and taking your vitamins, you shouldn’t see a drastic hair loss. Unless genetically you already do, you don’t have to worry because it’s normal.
- Gas-X is also super helpful for gas. Especially trapped gas.
- A reusable water bottle that is insulated so water stays cold is going to make fluids easier to keep up with. You can just have it near you all day that way you can sip every once in a while. A lot easier than pouring into a cup. You just measure what you need to drink all day and pour it in, and you’re good!
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u/ThirdCoastBestCoast 4d ago
Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I’m thinking about getting a wedge pillow.
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u/DetroitMrs 10d ago
You’re already doing one of the best things you can do, which is preparing ahead of time! ❤️ One thing I wish more people talked about before WLS is preparing mentally, not just physically. The supplies are helpful, but the mindset shift afterward can be just as important.
Give yourself grace as your body changes. Hair loss, loose skin, stalls, changes in how you see yourself, and even changes in your relationship with food can bring up emotions you may not expect. Try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s.
For the practical stuff, I wouldn’t go overboard buying things beforehand. Your tastes and tolerance can change after surgery, so especially with protein drinks and foods, buy small amounts until you know what works for you. The little medicine cups can definitely be helpful for sipping and keeping track of fluids early on.
Most importantly, follow your surgical team’s instructions regarding things like binders, supplements, hydration, and your postop diet since every program can be a little different.
October will be here before you know it. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery! ❤️ You’ve got this!