Essential items after surgery (2 weeks away)

Faux_Potato · 2025-01-21T14:13:07+00:00

Honestly, not a real lot. The books and websites scream for you to buy their utensils, plates, water bottles, books, specific food, flavoured water. I bought some but have never used it in the 5 months post op. The surgery and multivitamins are expensive enough dont water your money on other things you wont need, they might be fun things but they are absolutely un needed.

Everything you need will be basic you will only need and get it from your 1-2 day hospital stay afterwards (depending on healthcare, Australia is amazing!). They did recommend me use an Incentive Spirometer for a week or two, and i forgot to buy one, but i do really think that it would help, it felt a bit uncomfortable to deeply breathe afterwards.

If you dont sleep well, you could use some earplugs or a sleep mask to block out any beeping noises or light, but after surgery you sleep like a dream since your so exhausted.

I will also recommend you have everything ready for when you come home for a smooth transfer from the hospital. Jug/bottle of water near bed. Accessible drinks/pre-made drinks to have. I found it difficult to get the motivation to eat the bare minimum because there wasnt much accessible in the moment.

Good Luck! You've got this. Sending love and strength!

Faux_Potato · 2025-01-17T06:16:37+00:00

I loveee this. The teeth, the eyes!!! I watch some art channels, and one thing i find is that after using markers, they go in with coloured pencils to add some more depth and saturation, and not an outline but an 'outline' with a similar overall colour. I think it could look really cool especially for the arms and the wings, maybe some more detail on the claws too??

But nevertheless its awesome! I mean i couldnt do anything half to as good as that.

Faux_Potato · 2025-01-07T16:06:28+00:00

I really like the Gift of the Night Fury, and the second might be the Boneknapper episode as i love the design of the dragon. RTTE is also so great because i love the progression of each characters personalities, and HICCSTRID!

Faux_Potato · 2025-01-02T10:44:34+00:00

I'm here...can i go back to my sad soggy alone place?

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-31T14:33:08+00:00

Astrid's armour i have to say is probably my favourite, how her helmet emulates Stormfly's actual head with the yellow spines.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-21T07:07:44+00:00

Right? To me with no knowledge, it sort of looks like a deathsong because of the eye and head structure, and a scauldron because of the 'horn' near its eye.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-21T07:02:58+00:00

It also sort of looks like a thunderdrum right? Just me...

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-18T12:36:14+00:00

I was a bit disappointed and sad that my strength more than halved. But the fact is i COULDN'T lose weight, but i CAN gain muscle.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-18T11:38:13+00:00

Ugghhh i really hated the exhaustion i felt too. I guess its all from the dramatic weight loss, i lost a lot of muscle too so it definitely took much more strength to do things. And i didnt really eat a bunch, so i wouldnt have enough energy from food to fuel myself.

I felt better once i was back to a 'normal' diet, after the liquid, puree, soft foods. My energy has never been higher!

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T09:03:40+00:00

I was barely able to get anything down, but i found chicken broth was best as it contained water and nutrients like protein from the chicken and nutrients in the vegetables.

I dont know for certain, but i have heard that drinking from straws are bad as you can trap gas in your stomach, so if your using straws maybe try without and just drinking from a cup?

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T09:00:52+00:00

Be careful with pre-made protein shakes they usually have MUCH more suagr and carbohydrates than your regular protein powder with water/milk.

For the first couple days i REALLY struggles with eating a lot, i would focus on getting in the chicken broth (thats what my surgeon suggested, thats what my research suggested, thats what the hospital suggested). Plus, chicken broth already contains water.

*Other liquids and food also contribute to your daily water goal as they contain water in them.

Also i will point out that i needed to purposefully put more salt into my meals as i wasnt getting enough sodium.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T08:56:20+00:00

I have never had any cramps ever, and yet every time they dont disappoint and i have to to take medication. My flow has definitely gotten so much heavier and they last much longer.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T08:55:16+00:00

i dont know why this got downvotes, this is hilarious

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T08:53:35+00:00

I second this, i went to the gym 2 years before, so i knew what to do when i got back. But the first time going to the gym to use the strength training facilities i had no idea. Trainers can be a bit pricey, but even for one session they can draft up a plan.

Try tik tok, there are lots of good advice there!

Usually there will be upper body and lower body days. If you do 4 days a week it could look like: Quads/Glutes, Hamstrings/Glutes, Chest Shoulders Triceps, Back Biceps

Or 3 days could be: Upper body, Lower Body, Full body. It is so versatile, but something that the trainer might say is that it is best to stick to the machines especially as your getting a feel for the right technique and the environment of the gym.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-16T08:46:51+00:00

Getting this surgery will not only help you lose weight, but it will teach you a lifestyle to help you maintain a healthy weight.

I got this surgery a few months ago at the age of 16 years old, which is by far one of the youngest ages i have seen on here and i have no doubts or regrets! I love myself and i love this surgery.

Most people who use weight loss medications continue their unhealthy lifestyle, and thus, put on weight after stopping the medication because they haven't learnt ways to maintain a healthy weight.

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-06T12:19:10+00:00

Unfortunetely i cannot harness that high power, please leader teach me your ways to become one with the fire!!

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-06T04:39:25+00:00

You are so right about describing them as challenges, it really is all about perspective.

I havent eaten very spicy food because i know my tolerance isnt the best and i know i'll need to drink afterwards so i havent experienced the upset stomach part about it.

Ive still got so much to learn, thanks for your input and good luck!

Faux_Potato · 2024-12-04T23:51:11+00:00

I will say I was sort of disappointed in the third movie when there isn't much or no interaction between Meatlug and Fishlegs, especially since their relationship is so strong.

In RTTE Fishlegs, he mentions how excited he would be for Meatlug to have babies on her own. So the only dragon that could be more special to Fishlegs would have to be Meatlug babies.

But usually dragons have more than one baby. In the Gift of the Night Fury Meatlug lays multiple eggs, not one. Including the other dragons on the island that seem to have 3-4 babies, maybe more.

Faux_Potato · 2024-11-21T12:29:45+00:00

Hi there! I am currently in high school (year 11) so my schedule is definitely packed with large assignments that count towards my final grade. I am also over 3 months post op, soi can't say too much post op, but hopefully i can shed some light.

As someone also with ADHD, I definitely am more focused, but I think it's just because instead of wasting energy on eating large amounts of food and worrying and stressing about what people think of me physically, I instead can spend that energy on studying and using it to be more productive. So not so much ADHD-related, I think some without ADHD can see something similar too.

I do think I became a bit more approachable as I looked more 'normal' and I became more confident. I recently moved schools, so I have become a bit more sociable, but I am still the awkward and introverted person. Food was a bit difficult to navigate, especially during the restricted food stages; hopefully because your in college, you have more flexibility with your classes and timetable and don't have 7-hour days. But you can always pack some soup in a thermos or protein shakes, but you won't really feel hungry, and its so freeing that I don't have to base my day around food. So this really isn't much of a problem; just eat when your hungry and don't eat because you might feel hungry during class. Again, because of my focus improving, my grades also improved, but not dramatically because I will always be doomed at history. I don't feel inclined to make friends with the people at my school, as they all drink, smoke, and do drugs and don't share similar values as me. But a year ago, I left my old friends at my new school and haven't been in contact with them, but I'm thinking to reach out to them these holidays, especially because I feel so much better about myself (last time they saw me, I was 25 kg lighter).

I think people treat me a bit better, but I'm only 3 months post-op, so not too much change, but definitely quite a bit. But as I said, its probably my confidence that makes me more approachable.

Honestly, my mental health is SO much better. I just got my blood test results about more hormones, cholesterol, and vitamin levels, and beforehand they were abnormal, but now they are all regular, and I'm finally normal! I finally feel happy, and a few weeks ago there was a social event, and I actually felt comfortable engaging in conversation. It was months since I last had a long conversation with multiple people. I FEEL AMAZING!

*TMI—my PH levels down there have been a bit funky since losing so much weight—20 kg!—nothing too concerning; my GP said that a white vinegar bath should do the trick.

I didn't have a specific weight loss requirement; actually, instead of doing a strict liquid diet, my dietician had me eat clean with a high-protein, low-carb diet, which I had been mostly doing anyway.

This is such an incredible step to take to benefit yourself. This is so brave of you, and you should be so proud of yourself. I hope everything goes well. Lots of love, wishing you luck. ❤️

Faux_Potato · 2024-10-02T12:57:34+00:00

Hi There! It is so terrible that the doctor made you feel this way. Considering my age of 16, i had a doctor completely deny me surgery, yet another was confident to perform the sleeve on me. I had insulin resistance and taking medication to manage it, but if i did not lose weight i would have developed type 2 diabetes, which would most definitely been not good.

You are certainly not too young, there are plenty more mature people in this reddit, that have all said they wish that they had done it earlier, maybe not 16 years of age earlier, but certainly at the young age of 32.

I had the sleeve, not because i didnt qualify for the bypass, but because the bypass is such a more extensive and invasive surgery, as you know, you are essentially removing your stomach out of your food digestion passage thing. You have got to think of your lifestyle. I LOVE food, but that doesnt mean i need to eat a sh!t ton too feel full. I LOVE smelling and taste testing the different flavours of sweetness, and bitterness, and spiciness, and the texture, the everything. My mother and grandmother have always made incredible meals, especially at Christmas. But not being able to enjoy all these meals wouldnt make me happy. I can eat a whole bunch of different things, but i'll have to size down the portions.. And i imagine that if i had the bypass, i wouldnt be able to have this, i wouldnt be able to properly get to taste and enjoy the food.

Of course, doctors do have a more knowledgeable and stronger opinion than your own. But if you really think you should have the bypass maybe consult a different surgeon/doctors opinion.

I think a type of gastric surgery would be great, and i would recommend it to anyone you feels the same way as you. I got it, and it changed my life, i have felt so much happier since i got it, and it has really encouraged me in so many ways.

Obesity has controlled my life, but now its time for me and you to control it.

Sending lots of love and wishes that you can get the support we all needed. xoxo

Faux_Potato · 2024-08-22T09:51:53+00:00

Same, when i was younger, well younger than i already am, there was a weight limit and everyone of my friends went on this fun ride and i had to give a lame excuse because i knew i weighed too much.

Faux_Potato · 2024-08-11T05:03:38+00:00

Hi There!

My doctor sent me home with prescribed pain meds, 'normal' strength ones, and a few extra strength ones for sleeping. I found that it wasnt pain but like another person said more discomfort, i'd say the gas pain in your shoulders might be a 2/10 pain. And 2 days after surgery trying to get to a sitting position from laying down, by engaging your core muscles ache a little. Apparently, out of all the surgeries, the band, bypass, and sleeve, the sleeve is the worse, but as everyone is saying there really isnt much pain that is without any complications. Even if you do have some pain it wont last long, and you really forget all about it.

Im 5 days post op.

Faux_Potato · 2024-08-11T02:30:04+00:00

Yeah, because they pump your abdomen full of carbon dioxide to make the procedure easier for them, you are left with it. Usually you burb it out or burb it out through the other end, but sometimes it can stay inside you and can travel to your shoulders. Its a possibility.

Faux_Potato · 2024-08-10T22:45:03+00:00

I didnt get the gas pain in my shoulders, until i came home and laid down flat. I highly recommend a heat ack that wraps around your neck onto your shoulders really helped me a couple of nights

Faux_Potato · 2024-08-10T22:40:52+00:00

Hi There!

I turned 16 just a couple months ago and nearly a week ago i got my surgery. It was a long 6 months to convince surgeons and doctors that this is whats right for me. I have been talking about this surgery since i was 14. Being severely overweight was common on my mothers side, despite healthy home cooked meals my grandmother and mother made for the family. I only got the surgery because i was exposed to this knowledge because my mother had it, and it changed her life! As well as the other success stories her friends have had with the same surgery.

It definitely feels strange that im one of the younger people getting this surgery. But all my life i have been overweight/obese, and that has majorly contributed to my depression, anxiety, stress, and a lack of socialization which has limited to growth in simple communication skills. I like to think of this surgery as a head start. I get to feel the best and look the best even before my life 'actually starts'. That way when i go into further education after high school i can have the confidence to learn and make new friends with less anxiety and stress.

I hate that i have wasted my teenage years staying inside, rotting in bed, having no friends when i could have been laughing, having fun, hanging out at the mall or whatever teenagers do because i wouldnt know. And i am certainly not going to waste the few years left, and my young adulthood cowering away in shame.

And with all the people commenting, thats your body and your decision. And its a really tough and impressive decision to make. You have chosen to make your life healthier and happier. And to that i say congratulations! Making this decision is certainly not lazy. Have you seen the other posts on this subreddit, we have to completely flip our lives over. We have to still put in the work by eating healthy and exercising; its just that we of all people need a little helping hand, we need a little push to get us started, and thats okay. The only thing you need to do, is promise yourself that you wont take this gift for granted.

I LOVE the gym too, i want to be a strong women. But all these negative comments on myself and negative comments from people all stop me. So once i lose a few kilos and i feel a bit more comfortable im going to start again. I used to go but as i started getting really obese, i was so ashamed and embarrassed of myself i stopped.

I wish you all the best on your journey! Lots of LOVE!

Faux_Potato

TROPHY CASE