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I decided to share my story with you all. I'm a sudden cardiac arrest ( also known as sudden cardiac death) survivor. I was at work on October 30th 2015 when I was stricken. I was clinically dead for over 5 minutes. I was revived with the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). I also suffered from mild cognitive impairment, kidney failure and laryngeal edema (swelling of the larynx) which was so severe an emergency tracheostomy was performed on me. I spent 30 days in the hospital with majority of them in ICU. The total survival rate from sudden cardiac arrest which kills 17 million people every year worldwide is only 1%. I am a walking and talking miracle and thank God everyday for my miracle. I was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy ( severe thickening of the lower left ventricle in my heart) which was the cause of my cardiac arrest and had an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) surgically implanted in my chest to shock my heart back into rhythm if my heartbeat becomes irregular. I have been advised by my cardiologist not to engage any strenuous exercises due to my enlarged heart. I've been obese since my late 20's (I'm 51 now) and decided to have WLS after years of failed diets and exercise, I decided to take control of my health once and for all. I had RNY surgery on April 11th and to this date, I am 93 lbs. down with in just a little under 5 months with 50 lbs. to go until I reach my goal weight and I feel great! I accomplished my current progress without exercise due to my restrictions. Follow your post-op meal plan closely and with time, you will see and feel the weight coming off. I just want let you all know, if your journey is slow and your faith is low, I want you to keep your head up! Just remember this, you did not become obese overnight, it took time and it will take time for the weight to come off. I'm sorry for taking up your time but I just felt compelled to tell you my story since we're all brothers and sisters in this journey.

Same boat as you - surgery was 8/24 and I stopped losing about a week ago. I'm tired, kinda cranky and not losing weight...can't wait for this stage to end. Good luck!

How long before you can have sex again? My doc says whenever I feel up to it, what did you guys experience? If you don't mind me prying lol

I wish you the best! Currently 2 days post op. The 1st 2 days were brutal.im no longer on pain meds and am finally tolerating fluids. Literally 1 oz every 1t t0 30 min. Still in the hospital because I developed high blood pressure. I miss my family and just want to go home. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Eggs don't have to be refrigerated.. they'll keep for a couple weeks if kept at least a little cool (like 70 degrees.. not 90). Premade protein shakes are going to be fine (if they are not found in the refrigerator section in the store). You CAN mix powdered protein in water, and get some powdered milk to add as well. Canned food will be your best bet. At first it's smooth soup like cream of mushroom (strained), applesauce, etc. Then you'll be adding chunkier soups. Canned fruit, veggies, all that. Canned tuna and chicken once you are onto soft foods. Get tiny packages of mayo since it will spoil out of the fridge (maybe the single-serve packets like they have at fast food joints). Pickles don't spoil quickly.

I have been on my pre-op diet for 3days now. I feel very low energy, a drained type feeling all day long. Thinking my body feels like its in shock, wondering what in the heck am I doing..LOL But I just have to simply remind myself why I am doing this. I know this hard work will reward me greatly and I couldn't be more grateful to have this chance to live life much healthier/happy. [emoji847]

Everything you're feeling is completely normal. The first couple of months pretty much suck. You just had major surgery, you're sore, tired, hungry, trying to figure out the whole eating thing mentally and socially. And yes, I think all of our expectations about surgery were pretty much wonky. We hear about these massive weight loss numbers, and for some reason think we are going to be at goal and living happily ever after in 6 months. That's far from realistic for most of us. The 3rd week stall is a completely normal thing that happens to 99% of WLS patients. And besides, weight loss isn't linear. If you look at it on a chart, it looks more like step on stairs than a straight line downward. We stall, go up, go down, and sometimes back up again. Then we have a whoosh, and boom...down 5 pounds. It's really strange! Take it from someone who is almost 4 years out...it gets better. Once you get into more normalcy and into a groove, you'll start feeling better about your new lifestyle. I feel completely normal other than I get full faster than other folks. And it's not even as fast as it used to be anymore, unfortunately. Don't stress, and just go with the flow. Take this time to learn all you can about health and nutrition in order to be as successful as possible losing--and more importantly---keeping the weight off. I won't even go into what a complete pain in the ass that is! Hang in there. I promise it will get better.

Thank you, I don't let any of that deter me from wanting my surgery done regardless of the date. I'm just excited for the positive changes the surgery will bring.

I used nothing that I brought apart from my hairbrush and extension cord for my phone charger. Everything else I just never cared about using or they provided for me, so I just used theirs. I also didn't shower there. Back home in 2 days!

Well done you for telling it straight. Find group support for your alcohol problem and maybe a nutritionist could help you get back on track with your eating program. Best Wishes