1) liver shrinking diet from Thursday
I am wondering which one you have been placed on. It goes quicker than you think and all you have to try and remain focused on, you are doing this for you, to make sure the surgery is safe for you...which will prevent the point below.
2) dying on the operating table
This is exceptionally rare but all surgeries carry a risk, even on slim healthy people, so please try not to dwell on this as once you are on the losing side there is so much to look forward too. This is a positive thing you are doing for yourself...
3) being in loads of pain post op
There is some pain but it's bearable if you keep up the pain meds. After a while that goes to discomfort. I think what I found hard is not being able to use the abs like before, I felt a little weak round the middle. But you will soon be back to normality and those days/weeks will fade away.
4) coming home the same day
I couldn't wait to get back to my own things. I went in at 8am, op done at 12.35pm, in recovery at 3pm, out by 3.30pm, was up and getting dressed by 4.30pm....I felt ok, they give you good pain relief and you feel suprisingly well. All my obs were good so it seemed odd staying when I didn't really need the bed.
5) going back to work the week later
I definitely think that is an optimistic return date they give. I know I would not have felt comfortable. But it does depend fully on what you do. I would say only you can judge if you are ready to return. You can get a sign off if you need one. Just remember you are healing and any exertion will slow this down.
6) trapped wind
Can be a problem, I found a warm drink helped that and walking about. I went for 15 minutes walk in the mornings from the day after surgery, twice a day. It was a slow and steady pace but it shifted most of the wind in a few days.
7) slippage
Once again, rare but can happen. If you follow your surgeons advice to the letter all will be ok. Don't push yourself when returning to normal foods, take small bites and chew, chew, chew. If you get any nausea, go to the docs and see if you can get anti-sickness pills, as throwing up in the early stages can lead to problems.
8) missing food I like
Yep at the beginning that can be tough but just remember how good you will look when you get to goal. Also after a few weeks you can have those foods again, in moderation. I still indulge in chocolate, just a few squares or a couple of bourbon biccies dunked in tea. In the past that would have meant the whole pack tho...LOL. I have been out to dinner and had venison, scallops and all kinds of healthy nice things. Eating well is still possible, just do not be afraid to try what you enjoy but in smaller, sensible amounts. If you are scared of getting things stuck, you won't get back the range you had before.
9) wondering if I can give up alcohol!
I still have the odd glass of red wine, just have it as an aperitif or later in the evening in front of the telly after I have eaten.
10) everything else!
Anxiety and fear are normal responses, you will do just fine.
Is it normal?
It's normal to feel all of these things but you will do just great and you will recover quickly and your life will change, the weight will drop off and you will see a world beyond the walls of what I call "fat prison"
