Debbiebydesign

I think that particular "what if" crosses all of our minds in the days before surgery, especially with kids in the mix. My husband was and I were scared. Honestly, I woke up just fine, and it was easier than my c-section. I had some pain, it was managed and I am complication free at almost three months. I'm not going to lie, a lot in the first, maybe month or so, post surgical sucks. I still have an occasional bout with eating too fast, but mostly things are back to normal. I hope you have the kind of surgery, recovery I have because I truly feel great!

I went in on a Thursday, my surgery was delayed a few hours, I went home on Saturday afternoon.

I'm 80 days out, so almost three months. For me, the fun of food is gone and it just doesn't taste as good. That is not a complaint, however. I appreciate this tool more everyday as the changes become more apparent, and hopefully you will too. I've lost the weight of my 6 year old daughter, my diabetes seems to be in remission, and there are so many other ways I feel better. Even the occasional slip up, like too much food, the wrong food, not enough food or water, not chewing enough...they are all learning experiences. I had food funerals before surgery, but the changes are becoming my lifestyle now.

Well, working in a hospital, I can tell you that it is the LAST place you should think you will get rest. It's always noisy and they have to do their jobs, around the clock. As much as we try to be quiet, if we tip toed around nothing would get done. The first few days post op are the roughest. It gets easier. My first day in the hospital, an intern told me that I would feel like myself again in a week. Although that was a slight exaggeration, it was not that far off. I got to a point where I had to remind myself I had surgery just days ago, and I was often reminded with a pain here and there. Now 10 weeks out, still have had a few MINOR glitches, not chewing enough, stalls, and picking a wrong food, but I don't regret it. I'm averaging just under 5 1/2 lbs lost weekly. Things are continually changing and now people are NOTICING! I'm also finding distaste for a lot of fattening foods that I enjoyed before. Don't focus on the bad! Better days will come, try to enjoy the ride.

I think everyone I have talked to has had pain on the left. I was terribly fatigued. Some doctors call it "hibernation syndrome." The body shuts down to conserve energy. You need to rest when you can. Also, avoid sick people if you can! My daughter had walking pneumonia and then I got a respiratory thing while I was recovering from surgery. My energy is still rebounding a month later from that! I am getting better. I feel good, but I'm wiped out after work. I took 6 weeks off work though, because I had the time to take. Jackie- I went in to my first appointment and was disappointed by "just a 6 lb loss." The bari coordinator told me that at that point ANY loss is win because most patients gain fluid weight at that point. In a few weeks, you will feel like you are melting!

@bekki03---just visited Vermont this summer. Beautiful state! I would like to go on rides with my daughter when she is old enough. I would like to no longer fear booths! I want to be able to go kayaking this coming summer. I tried when we were on vacation last summer, and I am pretty sure it will be easier when I am lighter and smaller. My surgery is in February, and I have reservations to go to Montana this summer and I am hoping it will be more comfortable this year to travel.

I'm a counselor. I just did a group on holiday blues with the patients. We have such high expectations with the holidays, and that includes food, and more food. I'm a little down this year too. I think it is the combination of hating where I work, battling colds and other illnesses, Christmas foods, and fear (of the surgery, recent events.) We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make this season perfect. This year, my house is mess, I'm bummed. I'm run down and tired. I didn't send Christmas cards, I'm stressed out. It's a lot of things. But I got together the important stuff. I'll be with family, and I think my little girl will enjoy the day. It's not going to be a knock-your-socks-off kind of Christmas, but it's ok. My surgery is scheduled for February 7th. While I wish it was earlier, I'm kind of glad my first challenge will NOT be Christmas, right out of the gate. Valentine's Day seems less of a threat! Enjoy what you can, and at least try to have a peaceful day on December 25th.

I just got word I was approved today and was scheduled for surgery. It happened so much faster than I thought and I hope it is the same for you!