Since those of us here are self pay and won't have the same insurance coverage as others, I think it's important to be well educated about all aspects of our chosen procedure. One thing I came across is the increased rate of kidney stones post-op, so I got to looking around and found some more info on it. I rec. reading this:

http://bariatricsurgeryblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/bariatric-surgery-and-kidney-stones.html

It has some tips on how to avoid it. I see many people on these boards simply not taking care of themselves post op, not eating correctly, not drinking enough Water, not taking in enough calories - you can't do this to yourself! I know it's tough in that first month or so, but after 6 months you should be eating healthy, exercising and definitely drinking enough water!

Another topic you can research is starvation after this surgery. Not in the typical sense, but in the sense that you MUST take in adequate calories, even post op! Or it will affect you adversely!

Even pre-op, I see sooooo many people who do not take in enough liquids. Well, post op, you MUST DO THIS. It will help you avoid all sorts of problems!

I've even watched videos of people who are post op who are basically eating junk. You have to STOP that. This is about nutrition and feeding your body correctly after surgery. You cannot continue to eat fast food and potato chips and drink cokes. If you can't get your head around that, then you should reconsider this surgery!

And yes I'm saying these things as much for myself as for everyone else! This is serious and not a quick fix and there can be very long term consequences to not making healthy choices after this surgery. So I wanted to mention these things and make a post on it and tell people to make sure they do their research, KNOW what they are getting into, and know what they are going to do after surgery.

I'm a scuba diver, and there is a saying: "Plan your dive and dive your plan". This applies to us, too!!!! "Plan your foods and eat your food plan" applies to us too!!!!

Just want us all to do well.

I am ready to change my eating habits forever! I think the biggest challenge will be getting in the liquids, but after reading that post, I see another reason why it is so important. Thanks for the article.

One of the main keys is fluids intake. But you definitely hit the nail on the head.we need to really get in gear and stay that way.educate ourselves as much as possible BC there is no going back after this.if Ur not ready for a complete lifestyle change then the surgery isn't for u

I also have met a whole group of WLS people who have gained significant amounts of weight back for various reasons. (yes sleevers too!) This is not a magic trick, a guarantee or even permanent restriction! You MUST do the work NOW or you may find yourself gaining weight again in a few years.