I am starting this so all of us who are beginning 2013 in a big way can share stories, advice and experiences.

My surgery date is 1/21/13 and this has been a year long journey for me. I began last December with a physical and my Dr. and I decided it was time. I had to go through 6 months of weigh-ins and visits with the nutritionist before I was even allowed to see the surgeon. I finally met him in July and then was given a whole new list of tests and appointments that needed to be done. My insurance finally approved me earlier this month, but only for surgery after January 1, so January 21st it is.

I am so excited to start this journey and thank you all in advance for sharing your experiences here!

So proud of all of you! Sounds like you're doing great, just sore from gas, incisions and concerned about intake-that's me too! Let your own body be your guide, but walking, sitting up and sipping will be your best bet. I'm on day 6 and still have a little pain from my 6 incision sites (port incision is the worst) and now only take a half dose of my pain meds 1x a day. You are not a wimp if you need these at home, just know that the longer you use the pain meds the longer it may take to get regular.

I still get dry mouth, very important to keep some water with you at all times, (even by your bed at night so you don't have to worry about getting up once you've settled in). Put it in something small, it may feel like a ton of bricks for a day or two, lol.

Be prepared for the head hunger you may experience, I'm still dealing with it but not as much. I think its worse for those that didn't have to do a pre-op liquid diet. I wasn't able to get in all my water and protein, still can't, but you will slowly build up tolerance-just don't focus so much on the timing. Sip as you can, drinking water is the best for you. Like Gen, sf Popsicles are great for dry mouth, so is Chapstick, ice chips and sipping your water.

Depending if you're on clears or liquids, you'll have a different range of choices-don't be afraid to ask any of us for ideas or how we tolerated certain things we ate/drank. We're here for you, as well as in the January 2013 post op forum.

There's been some issues During the swallow test, I had to do it twice. No leaks, but delayed emptying due to swelling and edema. I threw up the barium 5 times. Now they want to do an abdominal xray tomorrow...and I may be in the hospital longer In so much pain and cried a lot today. I guess I still have awhile to go in the hospital.

Trying not to regret this...but why are there so many complications??

There's been some issues During the swallow test, I had to do it twice. No leaks, but delayed emptying due to swelling and edema. I threw up the barium 5 times. Now they want to do an abdominal xray tomorrow...and I may be in the hospital longer In so much pain and cried a lot today. I guess I still have awhile to go in the hospital.

Oh no Love, I am so sorry you are having complications. Keep your chin up and remember that you knew this was not going to be easy and the complications will pass. Keep your eye on the prize and know that it will get better soon.

Just left the hospital and am heading home. I have had some pretty bad pain at night , but I walked a ton and it helped get those pains to go away. I am still on the pain meds, but I was able to pass gas, burp, pee, and drink drink drink!

I am looking forward to getting home and really getting this journey started!

Trying not to regret this...but why are there so many complications??

Regret is always a hard thing. try to think positive. You were in a great place for them to find something is wrong. You'll pull through it, think positive :-)

Gen :-) 12/15/12

There may be an edema and a kink in the surgery....and if there is, then I will need surgery again Friday to fix it.

There may be an edema and a kink in the surgery....and if there is' date=' then I will need surgery again Friday to fix it. <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />[/quote']

Sorry about that my well wishes to you . Be sure and ask for pain medication to be given to you as soon as available. I know it is hard but try and ambulate as much as you can in the hallway. I had initial buyers remorse as I am sure most have but this will pass and better times are around the bend.

Ok lets get this party started' date=' my date is one year from when I started jumping through all the hoops. And sucessfully, I might add without snappling out on any of the people that I had to work with. God bless the child. Amen and Amen

January 31, 2013!!!!!!!!! [/quote']

My surgery is the same date!! Good luck to you!!

Oh no Love' date=' I am so sorry you are having complications. Keep your chin up and remember that you knew this was not going to be easy and the complications will pass. Keep your eye on the prize and know that it will get better soon.[/quote']

Oh honey I feel just horrible for you!!! Having just got home myself I can't even imagine. Know my thoughts & prayers are going out to you!!! Walking is always good & may help shrink swelling so they can see exactally what's going on. Stay ahead of the pain too. Do u have a pain pump? It was a little much but it most def controlled the pain!! Keep us posted as we keep u in thought!! Hugs Honey & hang in there!

There may be an edema and a kink in the surgery....and if there is, then I will need surgery again Friday to fix it.

Hang in there! Complications are sometimes part of the process. Never fun but I know that in a few short weeks and then months you will be doing great. I would much rather have the complications while you are there in the hospital then at home. I am fully attempting to prepare myself for complications as my surgery is next Thursday. I hope I don't have any but things happen. Thinking of you and Hang in there..

MrsPolk - Jan 02

Nikempster - Jan 3

Thynnlynn - Jan 4

Preacherswife26 - Jan 7

Frogjlr - Jan 7

Truebind - Jan 7

Jmaromano. - Jane - Jan 7

MollyB38 - Jan 8

Teka2011 - Jan 9

BrattyAsh - Jan 9

BigMike - Jan 9

Ducky07 - Jan 9

Ready2Smile - Jan 10

Ksierra319 - Jan 10

Lucky13 – Jan 10

Feelin-Lika-Cow - Jan 14

Kloveburd - Jan 14

Trailblazer57 - Jan 14, Greenville, PA

TLP1212 - Jan 14

Mommywifeandfat - Jan 14

tzbandtobypass - Jan 14

lovealways - Jan 15, Long Island, NY

mrs.mda - Jan 15

mapannell – Jan 16

Libra_Lisa - Jan 18

Catgyrl68 - Jan 18

Teresa's turn - 18

blackcherrie25 - Jan 19

Wdwfreak - Jan 21

Jayla_Mom_of2 - Jan 21

Cookie - Jan 21

Dotie316 - Jan 21

Copmom - Jan 22

Vbgirl264 - Jan 22

Fiusha - Jan 22

Sissy - Jan 22n

nikarjc - Jan 22

Workingmotherofthree - Jan 23

Nienie - Jan 24

Dizzywzi - Jan 24

A Rose - Jan 25

Jessica9190 - Jan 25

Aimee - Jan 28

PianoMom1 - Jan 29

MrsPitts11367 - Jan 30

tika - Jan 31

Trailblazer57 - Jan 31

Ms. Shawnie - Jan 31

Trying not to regret this...but why are there so many complications??

Sorry you're going through all this, we're here to support you any way we can. Feel free to message me if you like.

This surgery sure isn't for sissies, which is why I think it takes so long for us to go through the process of getting it. You're stronger than you think you are. There are different issues for different people, i don't think its easy for anyone but am quite positive it IS harder for some (both pre-op and post-op). I think we all regret it for at least a moment or two if we're honest with ourselves. It's a HUGE lifestyle change that's scary and seems very daunting. There will be even more challenges when you get outside the hospital, but you're being prepared for them now and as your body heals, you will be happier about the choice you made. You worked so hard to get to this, soon you will turn the corner from problems to productive and start enjoying the new you-you just have an extra few hurdles to jump over before going home. Obviously your medical team has your best interests at heart and its ok to lean on them, to stay longer while you heal (using your pain meds as much as you need and are allowed) and get a handle on things.

We believe in you. Be proud of yourself, look forward and not backward-and even when you don't think so, YOU GOT THiS!

There may be an edema and a kink in the surgery....and if there is' date=' then I will need surgery again Friday to fix it. [/quote']

Very sorry to hear this, praying that you get good news!

Trying not to regret this...but why are there so many complications??

So sorry but hang in thr I know it must be hard but you'll do fine. Your in our prayers