Honestly this has been the one question that i've been dying to ask everyone who has had wls.

Everyone is different, so what was the biggest change for you?

Was it realizing that you can no longer eat certain foods? Or is it exercise? Or was it emotional changes like depression?

Or anything else you can think of.

I'm just trying to get myself mentally prepared for all of the many changes about to come.

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Oh man you guys are so amazing. Each post is putting me at ease. Thank you all! @@Dairymary @@Bufflehead @ @jessee10616 and everyone else to come.

Would you all recommend seeing either the psychologist or the dietician regularly post op or is that not necessary?

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@@Sai i've heard two different things from two different surgeons about the pre-op diet. Exactly what is it?

I've heard that it's only Protein shakes and liquids. Another surgeon said Protein Shakes and small meals and Protein Bars. Did you eat actual food during pre-op or just liquids?

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@@xoxococojay I recommend at least trying out the psychologist and dietitian post-op. If you find they are not useful to you, you can always stop.

Keeping my secret, and getting comfortable with the little white lies I have to tell to do so.

Makes perfect sense.

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If you find yourself struggling emotionally, seek help. My surgeon has a life coach on staff, and i get to see her on regular visits, to discuss eating, and anything else. She is great. I would say living day to day and not worrying about tomorrow, is the best advice. Just give me beef jerky and a cheese stick and I can get through a day. I miss my mamas chicken and dumplings but I can tell you it is like eating ourselves to the grave.

Oh man you guys are so amazing. Each post is putting me at ease. Thank you all! @@Dairymary @@Bufflehead @ @jessee10616 and everyone else to come. Would you all recommend seeing either the psychologist or the dietician regularly post op or is that not necessary? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I didn't find the dietician all that helpful. For me, eating high protein/low carb was pretty much common sense. But my therapist has been invaluable....probably more vital to my long term success than surgery itself. I stopped seeing her around 2 1/2 years out but started again after a severe accident left me bed/wheelchair/walker bound for many months. She helped me work through the depression of feeling useless and regaining some weight. Been on my own almost two years now, though.

@@Dairymary that's good that you found your therapist to be helpful. Glad to hear that you're doing better.

I still need to schedule my appointment with a therapist

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I have a great counselor who keeps me in check. The support is so helpful. I saw the Dietitian, but after a while basically it was just repeat info. My worry is maintaining...I'm only 2.5wks out. The vets all impress me. They are amazing and I'm learning a lot from them.

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@@Dairymary that's good that you found your therapist to be helpful. Glad to hear that you're doing better.I still need to schedule my appointment with a therapist Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I told you what worked for me, but everyone has different experiences when it comes to therapy. The important thing to realize is that while the surgeon gives you a physical tool, you need psychological tools, too. And they can come from a variety of sources....psychiatrists, counselers, online or in person support groups, addiction recovery programs, self help books, etc. Seek help wherever and whenever you need to.

@@Dairymary that's good that you found your therapist to be helpful. Glad to hear that you're doing better.I still need to schedule my appointment with a therapist Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I told you what worked for me, but everyone has different experiences when it comes to therapy. The important thing to realize is that while the surgeon gives you a physical tool, you need psychological tools, too. And they can come from a variety of sources....psychiatrists, counselers, online or in person support groups, addiction recovery programs, self help books, etc. Seek help wherever and whenever you need to.

TRUTH! awe are all different. Do not compare yourself to others! Listen and learn!

I miss the EDIT button!

@@xoxococojay Great topic, thanks for asking the question!

@@Bufflehead Thanks for such a truthful reply. This first 4 months has been SO easy for me...I eat like a bird, weight is falling off, everyone is all 'oh, you look great!', all new clothes AND shoes, more energy, etc, etc. It's all good except for a little foaming. In 40 more lbs, I'm going to have to make this stick and I'm a little afraid of my own ability to do so, because I've ALWAYS been able to drop weight...but I couldn't ever keep it off. Reading what you wrote has given me some things to think about for the future <3

AGREED!

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KEEPING the weight off is the biggest prize of all for me.

Ya. I could lose it, but not having it stay gone was very frustrating and hard for me[emoji486]

Thank goodness I heard about WLS, took a chance, and it has helped my life in many ways.

Best of luck to all of us. It doesn't get easier, but I get more compliant.

Ps the hardest habit for me was not drinking water with and after meals... And not snacking mindlessly as I was prone to do

Edited October 15, 20169 yr by Julie norton

@@xoxococojay,

Great question! It’s a great way to prepare yourself for the journey ahead.

One of the hardest parts for me is something that is unique to the lap-band, so it will not apply to you if you are going for the gastric sleeve. For me, a challenge was to get into the “green zone,” which is the exact right level of restriction that the adjustable band gives based on how full the surgeon fills it. It was tricky for me to figure out whether I was hungry because the band was not tight enough, or because I just needed to get used to the hunger. On the other end, it was tricky for me to figure out if I felt pinched because the band was too tight, or because I needed to be patient and wait for it to feel more comfortable.

A lot of weight loss surgery (including gastric sleeve) patients do have the mental challenge of realizing that this is forever! You will never get your stomach back, and you will never be able to eat endlessly again. On the other hand, this can be a huge relief, because it is a major step towards controlling your weight forever.

I think a lot of it is about staying positive and thinking about opportunity rather than loss.

Good luck as you move forward!