Everyone who is post op- are there things that you wish you had known before you got the surgery, or side effects, or any information that you didn’t know about beforehand that you would like to share with everyone pre-op so they have a leg up?

Learning to make peace with my imperfections, keep my eyes on the long term prize & to rest when tired but not giveup are lessons that have helped me greatly.

Also protein (candy) bars are generally evil ?

Edited April 28, 20197 yr by GreenTealael

Well I guess I could start out. I assumed when I started losing my fat, the skin would be loose and hanging, but mine isn't. Its like bands still there, almost like corduroy fabric. We shall see if it finally smooths out but I find it weird to look at. And if it weirds me out, I'm not showing it to a guy, so nolovers until I get closer to hoal!

I would have liked to have known about the infamous Week 4 Stall, occasional other stall are normal and that I wouldn't be losing a continuous 1-2 pounds a week every single week.

Honestly theres nothing that I haven't learned through basic trial and error.. of what works and what doesnt.. but I'm only a week past six months post-OP but ya I've made mistakes with food choices and I've had to deal with the consequences.. noones perfect.

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I wish I would have known that when they say your tastes will change, they mean what was okay before surgery will make you nauseous and queasy after.

It is more than just not liking something... just the thought of certain foods/shakes makes me physically ill.

Yeah I know what you mean, Tomkitten asked me the other evening " What would taste good to you, Mom?" Nothing, absolutely nothing, and a bad thing, I feel better if I don't try eating, I am indifferent towards food. Just taking enough to keep from malnourishment.

I wish I would have known that when they say your tastes will change, they mean what was okay before surgery will make you nauseous and queasy after.
It is more than just not liking something... just the thought of certain foods/shakes makes me physically ill.

Hmm.. I guess I have a strong stomach in that sense because I haven't really had any issues like that. But maybe that will change in the future. I'm six months and a week post op.

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I think most Americans who go through the courses and education to get insurance are at a huge advantage in knowing what to expect. I’m in Australia, decided to have surgery I’m late June and had it in August. I was pretty unprepared. The main thing I did not know is that you get a honeymoon period in the beginning and weight just falls off (for most). Take advantage! Later you will deal with stalls and the restriction lightens and it becomes more work to lose weight.

Eventually you feel pretty “normal”, like after 18 months or 2 years, regular portions go down pretty easy. Also carbs go down easy. I can eat half a large pizza or a large bag of chips in one sitting, or like a massive box of popcorn. If you want this to work long time, you still have to avoid slider foods.

Also, the psychological aspect of WLS was pretty intense and unexpected to me. You can lose friends. My Mum is nicer to me now that I’m not super morbidly obese. Suddenly you are no longer invisible to the general public (or the opposite sex). It’s a lot to deal with. Plus you can’t blame all your problems on being “fat” anymore. There are huge highs and lows during the first year!

I’ve learned to cope with the negative side of WLS. I had it in 2013. Sick feeling if I eat one bite too much, the runs, flatulent, taste changes and the rest. Bottom line, at least for me, I would not do it again. I would diet on my own and watch what I eat. Also, I have noticed others that have had surgery, and lost a good deal of weight, have put it back on if they are not careful. Just my feelings.


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I'm a month out from WLS. I wish someone had told me that will still like candy and salty/fatty things and not to cheat ever or it's all going to be for naught. I didn't spend $14K for a new life just to ruin it again.

You'll still need just as much discipline to break head hunger and breaking bad habits as you did before. I don't even want a snack sometimes, but I'm still standing in front of the refrigerator staring into the shelves looking for something that I don't need or want. It's very hard to get past that....VERY HARD...