Hello all!

I just wanted to introduce myself. I am new to this site and in the beginning stage of my wls journey. I'm a 34 year old Special Ed. Teacher and live in Owasso Ok. I'm married and have 7 children. I have struggled with my weight since the birth of my first child 15 years ago. I have contemplated wls for many years but just recently decided that it was a must for me. I have my 1st appointment with my surgeon on Jan. 20th and will complete the 3 month program per insurance requirement. Since I am off in the summer I'm hoping to have everything complete and approved for an end of May surgery date.

I'm really hoping to gain a lot of information from everyone's experience and am looking forward to sharing my journey with you all as well

Congrats!! I'm very excited for you. I live in Broken Arrow, OK and had my surgery at Bailey 9/30/14. Hope to see you at the support group meetings, they are wonderful.

I was told that I would have to give up caffeine and carbonated beverages when I had my surgery (RNY). So I went cold turkey when I started my 6 month medically supervised weight loss program. I had a 6 diet coke a day habit for several decades. I found it interesting that going cold turkey on these cokes along caused me to lose 20 pounds.

The other thing that I found interesting is the fact that my body went through a severe withdrawal when I went cold turkey. This lasted for about a week and I sustained severe headaches during that time. I understand that many people go through this withdrawal syndrome. It is best to get this over with long before surgery than compound these effects with the effects of surgery. It would like getting a double whammy.

Welcome! You're on a good supportive site!! read lots! Ask your questions. Everyone is so helpful. Oh, and don't take things personal. Everyone just wants everyone else to succeed. all the best!!

Thanks everyone! I feel like everything is in a whirlwind right now with all the "to do's", appointments, pre op diets and everything else. I'm hoping to get a game plan together soon. My next step is to figure out foods...the part I've been dreading most. while it's not a requirement I'm hoping to lose 20 pounds during my 3 month pre op stage. Any suggestions on good tasting protein shakes would be great!

@@jbauman13 congrats on your surgery! Glad to see someone on here in my area. I plan on attending the support groups and will probably have lots of questions so excuse me if I stalk you for the next few months lol!

Lol no problem at all. My husband had it also and it almost a year post op so if I can't answer a question he may be able too. Hope to see you tomorrow night.

Thanks! And you just answered my other question...wanted to know the date for support group. I saw first Monday on something then second on another. So, yes I will definitely try and make it tomorrow...where exactly is it located at Bailey?

It's the 2nd Monday of every month. It's past the cafeteria, they usually have a sign and you will see the table to sign in at.