pink22

My whole first week was entirely liquid, @@pink22 and they weren't concerned. Just told me to focus even more on liquids to prevent dehydration.

Great attitude @pink22. I am trying to do the same. My surgeon told me at first visit she would like to see me under 200 but I would have to work hard for that. 6 1/2 months post-op, I am only 13 pounds from that goal. Luckily at 5' 10", I carry my weight well. I like the idea of getting to a "normal" BMI, but I am not focused on it just yet. Now when I get closer, I wonder if my mind will change but for now, I just want to become healthy and lose enough to get plastic surgery on various body parts! Oh ok, and small enough to stay off my meds...

My surgeon told me that the surgery alone will do about 65% weight loss. He said once you get there it is all up to you and how hard you work whether you get below that 65%. I think that's why the surgeon and the nurse said two things.

I'm new to these boards and only 3 days out of surgery but I have noticed that a lot of people's goal weights are much, much, much lower than what the surgeon told me to expect. I am 5'2" and he'll be happy if I get to 180. However, the nurse said there is no reason I shouldn't get to 115 if I am totally compliant. When I heard such wildly diverse numbers I decided that I am going to try to not pay attention to the numbers so much as to how I feel. I want to have an active lifestyle. Before surgery I exercised almost every day, paddle boarded, swam, curled, hiked but as I got heavier it became a little bit more more work and sometimes aches and pains would set in. I have had the surgery so that I can maintain my lifestyle and be outdoors as much as possible. I am going (for the first time in my life) to not worry about the numbers and focus instead on how I feel and the healthy and wonderful foods I can eat - avoiding junk and eating whole, nutritious foods. I will be 50 next year and see this whole thing as a "reset" a second chance to do the things I need to do. I may be too idealistic (and am still on pain meds) but at this moment that is how I am feeling about it all.

I'm new to these boards and only 3 days out of surgery but I have noticed that a lot of people's goal weights are much, much, much lower than what the surgeon told me to expect. I am 5'2" and he'll be happy if I get to 180. However, the nurse said there is no reason I shouldn't get to 115 if I am totally compliant. When I heard such wildly diverse numbers I decided that I am going to try to not pay attention to the numbers so much as to how I feel. I want to have an active lifestyle. Before surgery I exercised almost every day, paddle boarded, swam, curled, hiked but as I got heavier it became a little bit more more work and sometimes aches and pains would set in. I have had the surgery so that I can maintain my lifestyle and be outdoors as much as possible. I am going (for the first time in my life) to not worry about the numbers and focus instead on how I feel and the healthy and wonderful foods I can eat - avoiding junk and eating whole, nutritious foods. I will be 50 next year and see this whole thing as a "reset" a second chance to do the things I need to do. I may be too idealistic (and am still on pain meds) but at this moment that is how I am feeling about it all.

Thanks...so looking forward to this surgery...because it is scheduled for Dec 28 I feel as though it is my Christmas gift to me!I have so many things I want to do...feeling good and carrying less weight will allow my to excel in all areas of my life....you guys keep me inspired! Thanks.

Hello fellow December surgery peeps! I had my surgery on the 16th and my bottom end woke up at 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Now Friday evening and have pretty severe gas but am doing well overall. I'm not in nearly as much pain as I had expected. I've had two 27 gram Protein Shakes today and chicken broth with 6 grams of Protein for lunch - will do the same at 8:00 p.m. So I will have gotten the 60 in. I can't wait for this gassy part to be finished though, at times it takes my breath away! I try to focus on the breathing exercises they gave us at the hospital and that helps a lot. Overall, on the mend and doing well, no regrets!

It seems to me from all my reading on here that not all offices do a good job. I am so lucky to have a wonderful doc and staff. I was given paperwork that detailed instructions, diet, pre op, first 7 weeks post op. I read and read and highlighted and highlighted and took notes on that paperwork. I agree, some people don't do their homework and don't read what was given to them. You have to take responsibility yourself, it is your life and surgery and body. Be sure you get educated, hopefully by doc and NUT, and if not educate yourself. I would be Leary of a doctors office that didn't give me ALL the info I needed personally.
This is a GREAT place to ask questions!!!!!! I love the people here. I knew just what to expect and feel after surgery. I was so prepared!!!!

Hello fellow December surgery peeps! I had my surgery on the 16th and my bottom end woke up at 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Now Friday evening and have pretty severe gas but am doing well overall. I'm not in nearly as much pain as I had expected. I've had two 27 gram Protein Shakes today and chicken broth with 6 grams of Protein for lunch - will do the same at 8:00 p.m. So I will have gotten the 60 in. I can't wait for this gassy part to be finished though, at times it takes my breath away! I try to focus on the breathing exercises they gave us at the hospital and that helps a lot. Overall, on the mend and doing well, no regrets!

Surgery went well yesterday, according to my surgeon. I'm still in the hospital but I should be going home today! The hard part begins soon.

Hello fellow December surgery peeps! I had my surgery on the 16th and my bottom end woke up at 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Now Friday evening and have pretty severe gas but am doing well overall. I'm not in nearly as much pain as I had expected. I've had two 27 gram Protein Shakes today and chicken broth with 6 grams of Protein for lunch - will do the same at 8:00 p.m. So I will have gotten the 60 in. I can't wait for this gassy part to be finished though, at times it takes my breath away! I try to focus on the breathing exercises they gave us at the hospital and that helps a lot. Overall, on the mend and doing well, no regrets!

Hello fellow December surgery peeps! I had my surgery on the 16th and my bottom end woke up at 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Now Friday evening and have pretty severe gas but am doing well overall. I'm not in nearly as much pain as I had expected. I've had two 27 gram Protein Shakes today and chicken broth with 6 grams of Protein for lunch - will do the same at 8:00 p.m. So I will have gotten the 60 in. I can't wait for this gassy part to be finished though, at times it takes my breath away! I try to focus on the breathing exercises they gave us at the hospital and that helps a lot. Overall, on the mend and doing well, no regrets!

Thank you. I'm very happy that I found this online support group. Everyone has been great.

Congratulations Brandy - new year, new you! 2016 is going to be awesome!

Words of encouragement coming right at you - my best advice get up and walk around your house it will help with the pain and to get things moving! You can do it - this first bit is the hardest!

Good luck jengabee - it will go great! Keep up your positive attitude and remember that your only job post op is to get walking and peeing! Can't wait to see your email from the other side!

My bag was much of the same. Packed a couple of my own night gowns. Not necessary, but made me more comfy once the catheter came out.
I must say, the distractions you packed (electronics, books, etc)...I found myself so sleepy, that was my distraction! :-)
GOOD LUCK!

To be honest, I did regret it several times over the first 3 months. I remember someone posting this same question when I was probably 5ish weeks out and I answered that yes I regretted it. Having said that, at 107 pounds down and off diabetes meds (right out of the hospital) and my stricture being fixed, I absolutely do not regret it. I still question sometimes if I did the right thing (always wondering if I will be able to maintain the loss) but not regret. Even having lost my job last week and facing unknown unemployment, I still have been able to NOT run to food for comfort is the biggest victory of all. I do have my days that are a little more rough than others but not at all as I felt when I responded that first time 5 months ago.
As you have read, the fears are normal. Just keep working the program. Come here and learn and vent and cheer on others and be cheered on by others. And to me, most important - don't stop meeting with your nutritionist or counselor!

One year today on December 15, 2014, I was given a new life and a second chance to live my life to the fullest instead of letting it pass me by. I want to wish myself a Happy One Year Anniversary on my weight loss journey! I may not have hit my goal of losing 200lbs by today, but I am proud of the 185lbs that I have lost. Plus, I know that I will get pass this stall and hit my goal of 239 very soon. This journey has had its ups and downs but it is worth it, so I can live to grow old with my husband and see our kids grow up and have a family of their own. I have to thank my family and friends for all the love and support they have given me while I have been on this journey. It is just the beginning for me and my family, as we all start to really enjoy life and all that it has to offer.

I'm laying in my hospital bed about 20 hours out of surgery. I feel incredible....MUCH better than I ever imagined I would! My pain level is minimal to nothing. I've still used the pain pump occasionally to "stay ahead of the pain".
Going to get the catheter out this morning. I think the restrictions of that have been the worst.
Expecting to start dinner clear liquids this morning. Then lots of walking to get gases moving (farts & burps, good times!).
Good luck to you all!

I am friending everyone who is having surgery the same week as me so that I can follow progress... We will definitely have to stay in touch through the coming weeks. It is going to be interesting.

I took Naomi's approach as well - I'm telling everyone I see regularly. I figure that they will see me losing weight and I would rather be in the open about it. I am treating my obesity as a disease and my recovery as an important step in regaining my health.
Really the only negative feedback I have had was from my best friend, my dad and my sister. I think they are worried more than anything. While on a hike I mentioned that I wanted to stop for an ice cream on the way home because I might not be able to eat it again after surgery. My best friend snapped and suggested I do a bit more research before taking such a drastic step. I realized she was processing things in her own way and was afraid for me. I explained all of the research I have done, the fact that it has berm a decision which was a long time coming and that everyone is different after surgery and that I may not be able to tolerate certain foods in the future. This helped a lot and since then things have been a lot easier.
I suspect my dad and sister are a little bit annoyed I am ruining their Christmas. I have not taken the same time to educate them because quite frankly it is my body and my life. They have not been very supportive - they have grudgingly offered to look after my dog, drop me off at hospital etc. It is ironic because my dad has spent my whole life bugging me about my weight and my sister is also obese so she has her own issues and may not want me to be taking this drastic step because she will have to look more deeply at her own circumstances.
Rather than dwell on their behaviour I am setting up a support system of my friends.
Ultimately everyone else has been extremely supportive.

My surgery is on Wednesday Dec 16 - I have been on Optifast since November 25th and my clothes are already a little bit looser. I'm not nervous but am having random thoughts about things I may never be able to eat again. I'm feeling great and motivated and excited about the future - 2016 is going to be an amazing and transformational year!

I'm glad you posted this question. I am having my surgery 2 days before you and am also a teeny tiny bit jittery. I know it is the right decision for me and I have given it a lot of careful consideration, but it is an extreme measure. I know two people who have had the surgery and one is super excited for me and the other told me that I will wish I had done it sooner. I'm going to focus on their words of wisdom because they have been there, they know me and they are 3 and 5 years out and still thrilled with their choices. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think your feelings are normal and they mirror my own this close to our dates!

10 days out for me. I had similar thoughts prior to having the surgery. I know I need this tool to help me revise and develop good eating habits, lose weight, get healthy and be able to do things I'm limited to due to wait.
My experience has been very positive. The incisions are tiny and my pain was minimal. I was on painkillers for 3 days and Tylenol for 1.
It is wonderful to feel full after drinking such a small amount. Yes, some of the shakes are horrible. I've found mixing the powder with soy milk and letting it sit for a while really helps.
Nashua Nutritions sells samples of the majority of powders. I bought a bunch to try before buying a big container.
You're going to do just fine. Waiting is the worst.????