I was wondering.......

If, as a veteran bypasser, you could give your top five bits of advice on how to be successful, what would they be? I have not had the surgery yet. I am looking forward to having it done in the near future. But I really want to be successful. I was wondering what others that have already done it, would say are the top five things that they did that helped them lose the weight and keep it off.

Ooooo, pick me, pick me!

1. DON'T CHEAT. Yes, your stomach is smaller, yes, you're not absorbing the calories as well, but eating garbage and/or too often just might be what was the problem in the first place-and it still will be.

2. I am not you. You are not me. It's really hard, but try not to compare yourself and your progress with others on this site. Everyone's journey with WLS is different.

3. Move it, Move it! Even if you're tired, even if you're not in the mood, even if the weather stinks. Getting up and moving around (even just slow paced walking) will help you digest, trim inches & get that heart rate up. What? It's raining? Time for laps around the kitchen!

4. Patience is a virtue. We didn't get to the size we are in 2 weeks... we're not going to lose it all in 2 weeks. You'll stall out. You might be hungry. You might hurt. Who knows? Keep your eyes on the prize and the great decision you made for a healthier life. 2-3 weeks on mushy food might be maddening (not to mention the 50 bazillion Protein shakes you'll experiment with), but it's all temporary. You'll get back to regular food soon enough.

5. There are no stupid Questions. This is a huge procedure- there's no way you could ask too many questions about it, and this is a great place to do it!

most importantly, never trust a fart! (for me, just in the first couple weeks) and I forgot~

Thanks suzemuze! I was hoping to get feedback from lots of different perspectives. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me. I liked your advice. You gave me several things to ponder.

Ooooo, pick me, pick me!

1. DON'T CHEAT. Yes, your stomach is smaller, yes, you're not absorbing the calories as well, but eating garbage and/or too often just might be what was the problem in the first place-and it still will be.

2. I am not you. You are not me. It's really hard, but try not to compare yourself and your progress with others on this site. Everyone's journey with WLS is different.

3. Move it, Move it! Even if you're tired, even if you're not in the mood, even if the weather stinks. Getting up and moving around (even just slow paced walking) will help you digest, trim inches & get that heart rate up. What? It's raining? Time for laps around the kitchen!

4. Patience is a virtue. We didn't get to the size we are in 2 weeks... we're not going to lose it all in 2 weeks. You'll stall out. You might be hungry. You might hurt. Who knows? Keep your eyes on the prize and the great decision you made for a healthier life. 2-3 weeks on mushy food might be maddening (not to mention the 50 bazillion Protein shakes you'll experiment with), but it's all temporary. You'll get back to regular food soon enough.

5. There are no stupid Questions. This is a huge procedure- there's no way you could ask too many questions about it, and this is a great place to do it!

most importantly, never trust a fart! (for me, just in the first couple weeks) and I forgot~

This gave me a good chuckle. Then I thought. Wait. I wonder if she is serious?LOL I think you are........

This gave me a good chuckle. Then I thought. Wait. I wonder if she is serious?LOL I think you are........

For the first couple weeks, with your new baby belly, you get new baby poop. I swear that's what it was like. Sorry for the TMI.

Not tmi at all. Those are the things I want to know. Even if hey are disgusting. Any other words of wisdom?

For the first couple weeks, with your new baby belly, you get new baby poop. I swear that's what it was like. Sorry for the TMI

Be patient! Go with Protein and I mean protein first, then Water, then vit. Drink plenty of water. Rest, and don't make your body rush into anything. You have just had major surgery, let the dust settle.

The fart thing though. No joke. It got me also once.

just got back from surgery ( 1 week) but i already know that streaching for a falling nurse call bell is stupid and very very painful. i had forgotten i had just had surgery now im sore and i wont be picking things up either as that hurts too.

my advice take it easy the first days or you put yourself back

I'm still pretty new, but here's what I learned:

1. Drink your Water. And then drink some more. You cannot overstate how important staying hydrated really is.

2. Be smart. You know that eating something not on your plan (chips and salsa at 2 weeks, anyone?) is a bad idea. Follow your team's plan.

3. Get off your butt.

4. Don't panic if the scale doesn't move for a day. Or a week. Or even several weeks. Give your body a chance to catch up to you. The scale will move again. Trust.

5. Give yourself a break. Your path is yours alone; follow it and take in the sights. Enjoy the process and your accomplishments along the way. My fave quote? "Comparison is the thief of joy"

1. When the going gets tough, take a moment to be grateful.

2. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

3. Chew 30 times.

4. Learn to recognize that you're full.

5. Take advantage of the first six months. That's when you can lose the most weight. Follow the rules.

These are all great bits of advice! I am very grateful Thanks for everyone's input, it will help me on my journey.

Keep the words of wisdom coming!

I'm still pretty new, but here's what I learned:

1. Drink your Water. And then drink some more. You cannot overstate how important staying hydrated really is.

2. Be smart. You know that eating something not on your plan (chips and salsa at 2 weeks, anyone?) is a bad idea. Follow your team's plan.

3. Get off your butt.

4. Don't panic if the scale doesn't move for a day. Or a week. Or even several weeks. Give your body a chance to catch up to you. The scale will move again. Trust.

5. Give yourself a break. Your path is yours alone; follow it and take in the sights. Enjoy the process and your accomplishments along the way. My fave quote? "Comparison is the thief of joy"

1. When the going gets tough, take a moment to be grateful.

2. Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.

3. Chew 30 times.

4. Learn to recognize that you're full.

5. Take advantage of the first six months. That's when you can lose the most weight. Follow the rules.

Be patient! Go with Protein and I mean protein first, then water, then vit. Drink plenty of water. Rest, and don't make your body rush into anything. You have just had major surgery, let the dust settle.

just got back from surgery ( 1 week) but i already know that streaching for a falling nurse call bell is stupid and very very painful. i had forgotten i had just had surgery now im sore and i wont be picking things up either as that hurts too.

my advice take it easy the first days or you put yourself back

Hi,

I'm 9 weeks post op, RNY.

1) follow the rules your team gives you. Mine are, Protein first, then veggies, carbs last, if you have room. Nothing to eat or drink 30 minutes before or after a meal.

2) don't graze! You won't lose weight, and you'll wonder why.

3) be honest with yourself.

4) log your food!

5) measure your food!

6) be honest. It bears repeating!

I have to honest with myself and you, I have eaten carbs, grazed, didn't log... I read these posts so I remember! Good luck!

Oh I wouldn't trust a fart either. I have experienced some embarrassing moments because I did! Ugh! Sorry if tmi.

Hi,

I'm 9 weeks post op, RNY.

1) follow the rules your team gives you. Mine are, Protein first, then veggies, carbs last, if you have room. Nothing to eat or drink 30 minutes before or after a meal.

2) don't graze! You won't lose weight, and you'll wonder why.

3) be honest with yourself.

4) log your food!

5) measure your food!

6) be honest. It bears repeating!

I have to honest with myself and you, I have eaten carbs, grazed, didn't log... I read these posts so I remember! Good luck!

Oh I wouldn't trust a fart either. I have experienced some embarrassing moments because I did! Ugh! Sorry if tmi.

That sounds like very good counsel. Thank you for sharing with me. All of the posts seem to have a similar vein, yet each one is unique. I love hearing when things are repeated by different vets. It means I really need to follow that piece of advice! Thank you everyone

PS Keep Posting Please.