healthyme1963

Wow! Definitely time to find a new PCP!

I don't want to get 'skinny'. Throughout my teen years and yound adulthood, I was a size 7. At 17, I had two surgeries a few months apart and lost about 10 pounds. I looked horrible; I was really gaunt and didn't look healthy. Ideally, now, over 30 years later, I believe I would be very content in a size 10, maybe even an 8, but I don't think I would look very good if I were much thinner than that.

Welcome aboard! Good luck with your surgery!

First and foremost - breathe! Follow your doctor's pre-op diet. Pack a bag with your phone/tablet, charger, toothbrush, toothpaste, basic toiletries, clean underwear, comfortable slippers or shoes (you'll be doing a lot of walking in the hospital) reading material and lip balm. I also packed my own pajamas because I absolutely despise hospital gowns. Pack loose, soft clothing to wear home from the hospital. Go shopping for all of the liquid/sublingual Vitamins and supplements that your surgeon has ordered. Stock up on Protein Drinks, broth, sf Jello, cream Soups, popsicles - basically everything you will be allowed to eat in the first couple of weeks. Make sure you have a pill crusher or have your pharmacy give you liquid versions of your Rx medications, if available. If you are the primary cook in your household, make ahead a few casseroles or meals that can be frozen for your family to just heat and eat for that first week or so. Good luck; keep us posted on your progress.

Your weight loss should begin after your first appointment with your surgeon. They will record this as your starting weight. If you lose, say, 12 pounds before your first appointment, this will not count toward your 10%. So, you probably don't want to start losing weight until the surgeon's office records a starting weight and tells you to start losing. They will generally put you on a specific eating plan at that point, as well. Good luck! I wish you much success and good health!

After any weight loss surgery, tastes tend to change a bit, so you may find that you don't enjoy some of those spicy foods anymore anyway. The 'no water' rule during meals was the hardest part of the surgery for me to work through. After months of practice before and after the surgery, it's become much easier for me to enjoy those spicy foods without the luxury of Water during the meal. Just keep at it and you'll work through it. I really like Bufflehad's suggestion to munch on a lettuce leaf while eating spicy foods. Thanks for the idea, Bufflhead!

It sounds like your husband is concerned about the risks of major surgery. Encourage him to attend your appointments with you so he can ask the surgeon/nurse/dietician/PT all the questions that he has. If he hasn't been to an informational seminar, drag him to one of those as well. Once he understands the risks of the surgery vs. the risks of morbid obesity, he will probably relax a bit. Good luck!

Congratulations on taking control of your health! I'm happy that you're doing so much better with the GBS. My surgery was also in March and I know, at least for me, it was the best decision I've made in a very long time. I'm off my Rx meds and my pain levels are sooo much better. My fibromyalgia and arthritis pain have decreased and I'm able to be so much more active. Good luck with your journey; I wish you much success and good health!

Woot woot! You look fantastic! Congrats!

I do 90% of the cooking in our house, but the absolute fear of dumping syndrome is always at the forefront of my thoughts, so I don't have to worry about absent-mindedly tasting anything! Most surgeons give their patients a card that you can show to restaurants when you go out to eat. The one I have also has a bit of emergency info on it. You can order a medic-alert type bracelet with any info you need to include on it. Those are pretty helpful in an emergency situation.

I took my iPhone, charger, some magazines, my own pajamas, lip balm, some comfy slippers (you will want comfy shoes or slippers because you will be doing a lot of walking in the hospital), toothbrush & toothpaste and other toiletries and loose, soft clothing to wear home from the hospital. Good luck! Keep us posted on your progress.

I am planning a couple of things. First, a roller coaster and zip line road trip! I love roller coasters and haven't been on one for years, and I've been wanting to try zip lining. Second, professional photos (by my lovely and talented daughter, a photographer).

My surgery was June 4 and was released today. When does the pain get better? I keep moving and it is improving but, need to feel a little more norma You just had major surgery, so your body has to take time to heal. Keep walking and sipping water; you'll feel improvement each day. You'll feel better before you know it.

What an inspiring story! I love that you have your best friend to go on this journey with. You already have a built-in support system! Good luck to both of you; I wish you much success and happiness.

I had laparoscopic RNY and was back to work in two weeks. My co-worker had her surgery a month after me, but hers was an open procedure, so she was off for three weeks, and came back half time the first week. I think a lot will depend on whether your surgery is lap or open, and how physically demanding your job is.

I took my own pajamas; I absolutely hate hospital gowns. I got some pretty interesting looks (& a lot of smiles) while walking the halls in my yellow t-shirt and fuzzy, very brightly colored M & M pajama bottoms! You'll want to take your phone and/or tablet, charger, reading materials, toothbrush/toothpaste, hairbrush, underwear, etc. Wear something loose and comfortable to the hospital and you can just wear that home. That way you won't need to pack extra clothes. I brought my own slippers, too.

I use unjury unflavored Protein powder because I can add it to a drink or just about any food. I also use Premier Protein drinks because they have 30 grams of protein per shake and I occasionally have a Quest bar, which has 20-21 grams protein per bar.

Congrats! You look terrific!

Good luck to all of you having June 'birthdays'!

Well, the dreaded hair loss has started! I have fairly thick hair, but am now losing over twice the amount in a day that I ever did before. I'm taking Biotin, and am going to start using a Nioxin shampoo as well. Hopefully, this phase passes quickly.

I only had one major enemy after surgery and it was Water. I experienced pain in my pouch every time I sipped water (or any liquid colder than room temperature, but especially water). My surgeon said it would cause less pain if I drank warm liquids. So, I drank mostly warm tea and warm broth for the first month. The different food textures didn't bother me as I progressed through the stages, but boy, water was a different story! Each week the pain lessened, and finally after about a month or so, I was able to drink cool liquids again. After the second month, I was able to drink (not just sip slowly) any temperature liquid. I love ice water and can finally put ice in my drinks again. Yay! Your pouch will heal soon and you'll be able to drink again. Hang in there!

Wow healthyme, I had mine march 19th and I've lost 44lbs but I still can't handle a lot of foods? The 60 pounds I refer to goes back to the pre-op diet phase. I guess I should have clarified that in my post.

Good luck to you MMM & BB! You are about to embark on an incredible journey! Don't worry about the 'what-ifs' and just focus on the healing and getting healthy. You'll do great. Keep us all posted on your progress.

Thanks Healthy Me1963, you always motivate and inspire me to stay focused on the reason I had WLS, to get healthy and stay healthy for the rest of my life. It's awesome how we cheer each other on and pick each other up when we are feeling down. Have a wonderful evening!!! Thanks! You inspire me as well! The fine group of people who frequent this site are always very supportive. I've learned an awful lot in the past few months from all of them.

Almond milk is a great alternative to milk. I love the taste and it doesn't upset the stomach like some dairy products can.