I'm on the road to bypass surgery. pulmonary appt on Fri, and then getting the surgery date. I'm hoping for mid June as soon as school is out. Is that enough time to get adjusted to my new life before school starts again mid August? My other question is for teachers who have had the surgery, how do you find the food requirements of small meals and side effects (bathroom issues, etc) work with your tightly scheduled day as a teacher? I teach 6th grade. Any suggestions and tips appreciated.

While recovery varies from patient to patient I believe if you do your research regarding nutrition and allow yourself to heal you will be ok. Many people who have bariatric surgery are lost when it comes to nutrition and the stages of eating after surgery. They don't meet their protein requirements, fluid intake, or stay on top of their vitamins. Yes, some of that education should come from our nutritionists and surgeons but I believe the bulk of the responsibility is that of the patients. There is a ton of information and resources out there. Armed with that knowledge and being psychologically ready to make these changes and commit to them for life is critical. Ideally 6 weeks out you should be able to start on "normal foods" as your body tolerates them. As a former educator and thinking of the routine throughout the day you will need to get some of your fluids in during class time. You should be able to get in your breakfast, lunch and at least one nutritious snack by the end of the "school day." I pack an insulated lunch bag every single day with small portioned containers and liquids. Bathroom habits definitely vary from patient to patient and day to day. But this will happen regardless of when you have your surgery. By the time you return to school you will have had time to adjust to the way your new body works and you will continue to as time goes by. ????