Old Medic's advice from OH

Old Medic posted this and i thought it was very informative so I am posting it so I can come back and read it when I have surgery....

Post Date: 11/11/08 10:00 am There have been a number of notes lately along the lines of: I am so tired; I haven't lost a lot of weight; I can't drink much at a time; I'm losing so slowly; etc. These are mostly from newly sleeved patients, most of them within two weeks of their surgery.You are undergoing MAJOR SURGERY. This is a shock to your body, and you will be tired and listless at first. Your energy level will not be very high (there are exceptions, but they are rare). It may well take 3-6 weeks for you to get all of your stamina back. That is normal.Immediately after your surgery, your new stomach is swollen. You will not be able to drink much at all. It is not at all uncommon for people to be able to drink 1/2 an ounce or so, and they are full. This will change, so don't worry about it.You will likely NOT lose much in the first week or two. This is also normal, and don't get all freaked out about it. They pump you full of IV fluids, and you will lose that first.Gas - They fill your belly with CO2 during surgery. This gas remains inside you, until it is absorbed through your intestines and can escape from the body. This means burping and passing gas will happen, no matter what. You will feel bloated, and think you are the Goodyear Blimp! Not to worry, this too will pass.You will only be able to eat tiny amounts at first. That is also very, very normal. Over time, you will be able to eat more, but don't be in a rush.Weighing yourself - This can become a problem. My program recommends weighing yourself once a week, beginning two weeks after surgery. No more often than that. Your body will do its own thing, and if you try weighing yourself daily, you will drive yourself crazy. Weigh yourself on the same day of the week, and preferably in the morning before eating.What size is my new stomach? Frankly, what difference does it make what size it is? If it works for you, then it is the right size. Trust that your surgeon knows what he/she is doing (or why did you let them cut on you in the first place).DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE ELSE. Everyone loses at their own pace. On the whole, men lose faster than women. But there are so many factors involved, you will drive yourself nuts if you get into the "She's losing faster than me, what am I doing wrong" syndrome. IF you follow your program, you will lose weight. It may be faster, or slower than others, but so what?This is a tool for you. It is NOT a miracle, it is just a tool to help you lose the weight you couldn't keep off any other way. If you follow the program, everything will work out. If you know that you will regularly cheat, eat all the wrong stuff, etc., then you probably shouldn't have the surgery in the first place.QUESTIONS - QUESTIONS - QUESTIONS So many are afraid to adsk their doctors questions. Remember, the ONLY stupid question is the one you do not ask.Your doctor is YOUR EMPLOYEE. You hired them to do this work for you. Therefore, you are entitled to ask any, and all, questions that may come to mind. If they don't want to answer, or appear to be offended/upset by your questions, or make you feel stupid for asking, THEN GET ANOTHER DOCTOR!Any doctor that will not willingly answer any and all of your questions should be avoided. It is YOUR body, and you have the complete and total right to know everything you want to know about what hw/she is proposing to do to it.Lots of people are intimidated by physicians. Well, remember, their bodily functions are the same as yours, they get dressed the same way as you do, and I have yet to see any of them capable of walking on water.