Wayne Hunt

My surgery last Wednesday went off "without a hitch", unless you count the pain afterwards as a hitch. FYI, I packed everything in my initial list. Everything I thought I'd need, and everything that others had suggested. In the 2 days I was in the hospital, what did I find useful? Absolutely nothing. Not once, save for retrieving my iPad and iPhone (to let everyone know I was ok) did I even need, or have the opportunity to open my own bag. Not even for clean socks (provided) or underwear (I was always sufficiently gowned and they were uncomfortable to get on and off)... So in the end, it's hard to offer a recommendation because everyone's hospital or coverage is a little different. Being prepared isn't bad, but be prepared to be over-prepared when the time gets here for you. Wayne

I'm NOT trying to scare anyone here, but I am getting a little nervous with my surgery slated with tomorrow. Based on the other thread here, I've been watching (or at least trying to watch) the "Fat Doctor" (UK) videos on YouTube. What has me freaked out at the moment is that the surgeries they seem to do pretty much show people being cut open like a fish, all yucky and stuff. I'm very unclear on why this is, but the only thing I'm HOPING is that this is the difference between an "open" Gastric Bypass and a "laparoscopic" procedure (with scopes and stuff)..? I was under the impression that this procedure was essentially five incisions and a lot of little "bots" and "scopes inserted to do all the dirty work, not the whole "open heart" look... Watching the episodes has been very informative and helpful, but it's also got me completely freaked out... Please help "de-freak" me out... Wayne

Hi! I -- like a lot of others -- use MyFitnessPal.com to track what goes in, what I weigh, my measurements, and other things. I'm not trying to advertise for them, but I really like the work they've put into such a great project. Their web site is pretty much where you go to get your printouts and reports, but if you have a smartphone (Android or iOS), you can use their app to add things in from anywhere you happen to be. It also allows you to scan barcodes of food to instantly look up and add the item. Best of all, it's free and it's very, very easy... You just have to be absolutely honest with yourself and not "cheat" (meaning, you need to log everything that goes into your body... Wayne

Thanks for the replies. A bit nervous about it all at this point. I keep thinking "what the bleep are you doing?" And such, but I'm hoping everyone is right about the recovery process (for me)...

My Surgery is on Wednesday, which means I've technically been on the Protein diet for 11 days. In that time, I've cheated three times, but each time, in a VERY small and hopefully controlled fashion (small plates, eating very slowly, quitting very early). When I went to the hospital training session last Friday, everyone in the room mentioned it and what we were told was that the diet is necessary and prescribed for most, by most doctors, but they understand that you just have to "do the best you can". Wayne

Good morning! I'm having surgery Wednesday morning. I'm a real data geek, and in some respects, a "real boy scout" for prepping, so I'm getting ready (butterflies and all) I would sincerely appreciate any tips on anything I might be missing or that you found helpful? Here's what I'm currently carrying... A pillow and case (comfort, AND to place between myself and the seat belt on the way home).. ChapStick A list of my medicines Earbuds (or something to listen to during your recovery) ClothingSweats for the ride home. Robe (if I can find one in my size) Underwear / Socks / slippers Water bottle for the ride home Personal toiletries (toothbrush,toothpaste,shampoo,bodywash,lotion,deodorant,noxema / nasal strips) Insurance card iPad, iPhone, and chargersExtension cable Gas-X Baby wipes

I'm in the midst of list making, packing, and last-minute prep shopping for a Wednesday afternoon surgery. Distracts me from being overwhelmed by it all at this point... Wayne

I'm currently in day four of my "Bariatric Advantage" diet (my doctor abandoned "Medifast") and here's what I'm going through. I'm supposed to be drinking four shakes, one of their little chocolate bars for a snack, and one thing of Soup per day. The powdered soup is too horrid for words, and will probably be tossed as far as my arms can throw... That being said, the shakes as I've made them (Bariatric Advantage is powder, mix yourself) are following the directions of "2 rounded scoops to 8 ounces water". By the time I shake them, then add ice to cool, the entire shaker is full and it's very, very thick. I start at 7am, and between sipping (not chugging) the shakes, the bar for a snack, and soup for dinner, I find myself physically full until bed time. Between 3 meals and Snacks I'm supposed to be doing six a day, but I can't even do all six because I'm too physically full (if not just overly excited to get this all over with). What I find however is that the mental aspect is biting me hard. The mental notion that -- even though I'm not hungry -- I should be hungry because it's "Breakfast time", "lunch time", or whatever. Right now, for me, I'm fine hunger wise, but fighting the battle of will with myself over breaking the diet. 47 years of crap eating habits are hard to break overnight.. Rejoice in one thing... (Our respective) surgery will get here and pass, and (we) are hopefully doing this will all the right motivations in mind, so as someone above me offered, "keep your eye on the prize" and all will be well. Until then, if you find yourself concentrating on being hungry, make it a point to get up, move around, or find a project to distract yourself with... You can also call your doctor if it's really bad and see if they can offer any recommendations. Best of luck, Wayne

I went through mine a couple of months ago now. Actually two of them. One was for the doctor's office, one was the insurance requirement. Essentially in both cases, the psychiatrist sat me down, asking about my history, my environment, my support system (aka friends/family), my habits, and whether or not I truly understood the life-changing nature of it all... Even though my heart and mind are in the right place, I left feeling as though I had completely blown both because I life a thousand miles away from any friends or family, and I have terrible habits. That being said, I've got multiple "co-morbidities" and I've bounced up and down 75 pounds probably 3 times in the last three years, so I *know* and accept that life has to change. Surprisingly, Tuesday I call the insurance to check on the status of the Approval, got an e-mail approval notice 5 minutes later, and 10 minutes after that, a call from my doctor's office to let me know I was being scheduled for April 2nd (2 weeks). My point (sorry) is that if I can go through what I imagined to be 2 completely blown psych evals and come out fast-tracked, then it's really not a problem. My suggestion would be to let the interviewer lead with the questions, listen carefully and weigh what she's saying, then give her the best, most honest answer you can. You could patronize her, but that may not be in your favor since the entire doctor's office will use that information to know what to look out for to help you be successful... I'm now day four into my liquid protein diet (good shakes and protein bars, HORRID soup) and I'm equal parts gung-ho and terrified.. BTW, not that it matters, but My "last supper" was my favorite cheeseburger, fries, and 3 giant cookies at the Alamo Drafthouse while watching the 300 sequel Wayne

Just discovered this forum, and I'm slated for April 2nd. Equally gung-ho and terrified.. Wayne