Hey, @@Joey Jackson. Here's the stuff I wish someone had told me:
That it hurts like hell when you first wake up! But the improvement starts almost immediately and after 2 weeks you'll feel pretty decent.
That the first few trips around the floor are really hard, but after that walking actually starts to feel pretty good.
That they would transition me from IV pain meds to pills during the night in the hospital. And yes, you can swallow a small pill.
That the pain meds are only needed for 3 or 4 days.
That Water is even more important than Protein during the first week or two.
That if you don't get enough fluids, the Constipation is gonna really suck!
That you should have some kind of laxative or stool softener ready. (Miralax is pretty good.)
That food and drink are going to get stuck at various points in your esophagus at various times in the first few weeks, and make weird noises going down. This is normal, and due to swelling, and it improves pretty quickly.
That tons of fluids (eventually) are the best way to keep your skin elastic, which might help down the road.
That tons of Protein (eventually) plus Biotin is the best way to try and keep your hair.
That Vitamin B-12 is a happy pill. (I prefer timed-release to sub-lingual.)
That around week 3 after surgery, all weight loss may stop for 2-3 weeks! This is completely normal and here's why. good article
That if I follow ALL the rules about what and when to eat and drink, never eat starches or sweets (or drink alcohol), and get regular exercise, I could lose 111 pounds and reach my goal weight in 7 1/2 months.
And.... that if I did all of that, I would actually enjoy the journey... and I have!
Good luck! I wish you all the success in the world!!!
I am a Marcher. March 4th that is. I start my pre diet the 22nd of Feb. Waiting on the hospital to call me for pre op stuff. My primary Dr. visit is the 24th. I have to say that ball is rolling fast.
