Back to normal life?

[Girlwithadream 13]

What changes should i expect after the operation?? Will my life ever get back to normal and how i was pre op?

[AZhiker 2,251]

You can expect every aspect of your life to change. You will find a new normal. The old normal wasn't working so well, was it? Your new life will be so much better. Pre op is not easy, but it is only a small blip on the radar. Post op is not easy, but again, a small blip in the journey that will be the rest of your life. Preop is hard, also, because of the unknown. It is normal to be scared and anxious, but all of us on this side can tell you to jump into the pool - the Water is fine and you won't drown. This is a good support group that will help you through.

Highly advise you to get on YouTube and start watching everything that has to do with weight loss surgery. You will get a ton of information that will make you better educated and realistic about what to expect in each step. Personally, I really liked Dr. Matthew Weiner. He does a good job of explaining the procedures, the diet stages (although it may differ from your own surgeon's), the recovery, different challenges in the process, and how to maintain.

[Guest]

AZHIKER I agree with you .But, with all of the good youtube videos out there, there is a ton of bad, Girl with a dream, do not let the horror stories on there scare you off like they almost did me. There are a great deal of whiners and drama queens (and kings) on there with overblown expectations. some did not follow the plan. The last thing my Dr said after my consult "Stay off of youtube!!" But I didn't and actually sorted through some good advice. On the other hand many surgeons contradict each other on there as well.

[Hop_Scotch 1,626]

You may need to explain your normal...because do you want all aspects of your life to go back to the way life was? Weight loss is intended to change your life in a good way: fat loss, improve health, eating and drinking less and healthier. Not all aspects of your life will change but some is very likely to or should.

Is there a a particular aspect of your current life that you don't want to change but it may due to weight loss surgery?

Edited December 28, 2019 by Hop_Scotch

[Slimming Down Steve 176]

What changes should i expect after the operation?? Will my life ever get back to normal and how i was pre op?

On YouTube you can watch the type of surgery you are going to have. Some with unbelievable video, crystal clear.

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using BariatricPal mobile app

[AZhiker 2,251]

1 hour ago, Michael S said:

AZHIKER I agree with you .But, with all of the good youtube videos out there, there is a ton of bad, Girl with a dream, do not let the horror stories on there scare you off like they almost did me. There are a great deal of whiners and drama queens (and kings) on there with overblown expectations. some did not follow the plan. The last thing my Dr said after my consult "Stay off of youtube!!" But I didn't and actually sorted through some good advice. On the other hand many surgeons contradict each other on there as well.

Totally agree, but I hope most of us are able to discern the information that is helpful vs the negativity from people who had bad experiences for one reason or another. It amazes me that some people will have WLS, thinking it is some sort of magic pill and that all their problems will go away if they lose weight. Then they are shocked and angry that there actually is some pain involved (it iS major surgery, after all), and that they actually have to do some work on their own. This is a major commitment to a lifestyle change. It should not be done on a whim. I am so glad my insurance required a 6 month period before surgery. It gave me time to really research the procedures, examine my own feelings and commitment, weigh the risks, and finally come to the decision that was right for me.

Remember, too, that everyone who has a negative experience wants the world to know. There are 98-99 people who have positive outcomes, compared to the 1-2% that have problems, but you don't hear as much from the 98%. I am in that 2% - I had blood clots in my legs and also developed an ulcer. But it was still the best decision I've ever made for my life and I wouldn't go back for anything.

[Guest]

Well said AZhiker

[JRT Mom 919]

5 hours ago, AZhiker said:

You can expect every aspect of your life to change. You will find a new normal. The old normal wasn't working so well, was it? Your new life will be so much better.

HA!! Well put!! I read this post and thought, what is normal, anyway?? Your life WILL be different, but waaaay better!

[Recidivist 1,141]

I have said several times here that I feel like I'm feeling "normal" now that I'm in maintenance. By that I mean I basically eat what I want when I want, and I have stopped obsessing about how much I eat, how many calories, how much Protein, etc.

My new normal, however, is that I've developed completely different eating habits that no longer include sugar, high fat, high carbs, etc. The things I want to eat now are the things my body needs.

I'm not sure where that makes sense to you now, but hopefully it will one day.

[Girlwithadream 13]

11 hours ago, AZhiker said:

You can expect every aspect of your life to change. You will find a new normal. The old normal wasn't working so well, was it? Your new life will be so much better. Pre op is not easy, but it is only a small blip on the radar. Post op is not easy, but again, a small blip in the journey that will be the rest of your life. Preop is hard, also, because of the unknown. It is normal to be scared and anxious, but all of us on this side can tell you to jump into the pool - the Water is fine and you won't drown. This is a good support group that will help you through.

Highly advise you to get on YouTube and start watching everything that has to do with weight loss surgery. You will get a ton of information that will make you better educated and realistic about what to expect in each step. Personally, I really liked Dr. Matthew Weiner. He does a good job of explaining the procedures, the diet stages (although it may differ from your own surgeon's), the recovery, different challenges in the process, and how to maintain.

15 minutes ago, Recidivist said:

I have said several times here that I feel like I'm feeling "normal" now that I'm in maintenance. By that I mean I basically eat what I want when I want, and I have stopped obsessing about how much I eat, how many calories, how much Protein, etc.

My new normal, however, is that I've developed completely different eating habits that no longer include sugar, high fat, high carbs, etc. The things I want to eat now are the things my body needs.

I'm not sure where that makes sense to you now, but hopefully it will one day.

5 hours ago, JRT Mom said:

HA!! Well put!! I read this post and thought, what is normal, anyway?? Your life WILL be different, but waaaay better!

6 hours ago, AZhiker said:

Totally agree, but I hope most of us are able to discern the information that is helpful vs the negativity from people who had bad experiences for one reason or another. It amazes me that some people will have WLS, thinking it is some sort of magic pill and that all their problems will go away if they lose weight. Then they are shocked and angry that there actually is some pain involved (it iS major surgery, after all), and that they actually have to do some work on their own. This is a major commitment to a lifestyle change. It should not be done on a whim. I am so glad my insurance required a 6 month period before surgery. It gave me time to really research the procedures, examine my own feelings and commitment, weigh the risks, and finally come to the decision that was right for me.

Remember, too, that everyone who has a negative experience wants the world to know. There are 98-99 people who have positive outcomes, compared to the 1-2% that have problems, but you don't hear as much from the 98%. I am in that 2% - I had blood clots in my legs and also developed an ulcer. But it was still the best decision I've ever made for my life and I wouldn't go back for anything.

8 hours ago, Hop_Scotch said:

You may need to explain your normal...because do you want all aspects of your life to go back to the way life was? Weight loss is intended to change your life in a good way: fat loss, improve health, eating and drinking less and healthier. Not all aspects of your life will change but some is very likely to or should.

Is there a a particular aspect of your current life that you don't want to change but it may due to weight loss surgery?

8 hours ago, Michael S said:

AZHIKER I agree with you .But, with all of the good youtube videos out there, there is a ton of bad, Girl with a dream, do not let the horror stories on there scare you off like they almost did me. There are a great deal of whiners and drama queens (and kings) on there with overblown expectations. some did not follow the plan. The last thing my Dr said after my consult "Stay off of youtube!!" But I didn't and actually sorted through some good advice. On the other hand many surgeons contradict each other on there as well.

Thank you everyone, to be more clear im worried about my social life, i live in lebanon and most of our outings are dinners/ lunches/ drinks and such im scared i wont be able to have a life or go out for drinks. Im scared that my taste buds will change drastically. I also Thank you everyone, to be more clear im worried about my social life, i live in lebanon and most of our outings are food and such im scared i wont be able to have a life or go out for drinks. Im scared that my taste buds will change drastically. I also have the most amazing and supportive boyfriend who is holding my hand every step of the way but im worried my hormones changes and new life will cost me this relationship. Thats why i wanna get back to normal as soon as possible

[Meadow76 150]

6 hours ago, Recidivist said:

I have said several times here that I feel like I'm feeling "normal" now that I'm in maintenance. By that I mean I basically eat what I want when I want, and I have stopped obsessing about how much I eat, how many calories, how much Protein, etc.

My new normal, however, is that I've developed completely different eating habits that no longer include sugar, high fat, high carbs, etc. The things I want to eat now are the things my body needs.

I'm not sure where that makes sense to you now, but hopefully it will one day.

When others think having surgery is easy way out- luckily there aren’t many- I tell them everything about food has changed for me. When I eat- what I eat & how I eat are totally different now. But in my eyes it’s a GOOD different. A healthy different. Even though I’m only a little more than 3 months out from GS it’s pretty much 2nd nature now. There’s still a lot of food I won’t eat yet I.e. most carbs I still feel I’m not missing much. I eat when I’m hungry not when I’m bored which is major change. I do miss occasional cocktail or my glass of wine but eventually I may try a little down the road. This is major commitment that is so worth it. And I’m not the fastest loser but as my support group mantra states “Trust the process” you will get there. As of this AM I’m down 38.5 lbs & 12 inches. I’m sure during this holiday season plus my birthday is in 2 weeks I would have gained!