Tell me something you wish you knew or were told before your surgery.

There's always something that we forget to ask, don't realize, What was that thing for you?

For me, it was nausea. I was given some nausea suppositories ? and that got old FAST. I was not typical, and my nausea continues today, though not as bad. If the medicine/dosage is not doing the trick, ask the doc/your medical team...

Oh man. I know few people who had WLS. I did MONTHS of reading and research. I am not sure there was anything I forgot to ask or wish I knew after surgery. I was crazy obsessed and prepared with gathering all the information I could. Good and bad.

I would say the biggest thing for me is out all of 8 people I know who WLS really only 2 of them were successful. This made me second guess surgery for years. I have lost and gained over 100 lbs, 4 or 5 times in my life. I thought, why have surgery if I can't succeed and keep the weight off without it how will the surgery solve that problem? Clearly the problem was my eating habits that I could not maintain long term.

Then some things hit me.

1) I need accountability! Like really bad, having to see a surgeon at least once a year for pretty much life provides that. (At least for me)

2) I lost weight by living off of chicken and broccoli with zero carbs and minimal calories, I was always hungry and always fighting the hunger to not eat. Not only is that not feasible life long but it is also extreme. The surgery would (did) reduce my stomach so less fills me up so I can eat less and not be starving all the time.

3) I am one dedicated b***h! When I put my mind to something there is nothing stopping me, i got this. I can do this, I just needed a little extra help!

4) I ALWAYS put everyone else first, F that. I am done with that, it was hard at first and now it is natural. I am always willing to help but if you want to go binge on a pint of ice cream, go ahead but I am not. If you want to sit on the couch and do nothing for days, go ahead but you are doing it alone. I am always here for my friends and family but if you can't support me you won't be hearing from me or seeing me much.

5) I am not everyone else. They failed because of them, I will succeed because of ME! I don't know what their issues where. I just saw what I saw. Maybe they didn't have support? Maybe they stopped trying, stopped caring? Maybe there is a medical reason? Who knows, it is not my business. What I do know is what I can do and will do.

I wasn’t prepared for how my body was gonna feel first two weeks post op when you are completely malnourished.(I had very strict diet) I never expected to feel so bad…wiped out…drained..no tolerance for daily activity.

A couple of things I wish I knew. The constipation is real. I average between 14 - 22 grams of fiber daily but still have to take something everyday. I wish someone had of explained that too me. I have rarely been constipated in my life until now. All the aches and pains I got. I am the only one of several people I know who got the surgery who has had issues. Weird hip pain where I couldn't walk without assistance and now Meralgia Paresthetica.

I had this condition many years (24) ago when I was pregnant and it came back with a vengeance. I refused any meds due to potential weight gain and will hopefully wait it all out.

50 minutes ago, Jessica1024 said:

I wasn’t prepared for how my body was gonna feel first two weeks post op when you are completely malnourished.(I had very strict diet) I never expected to feel so bad…wiped out…drained..no tolerance for daily activity.

I am working from home the week or so after, I am hoping that part doesn't hit me too hard.

44 minutes ago, Candigrl1 said:

A couple of things I wish I knew. The constipation is real. I average between 14 - 22 grams of Fiber daily but still have to take something everyday. I wish someone had of explained that too me. I have rarely been constipated in my life until now. All the aches and pains I got. I am the only one of several people I know who got the surgery who has had issues. Weird hip pain where I couldn't walk without assistance and now Meralgia Paresthetica.

I had this condition many years (24) ago when I was pregnant and it came back with a vengeance. I refused any meds due to potential weight gain and will hopefully wait it all out.

I had to look up what that was, that sounds terrible. I hope you can get some relief ?

Tell me something you wish you knew or were told before your surgery.
There's always something that we forget to ask, don't realize, What was that thing for you?

I wish someone told me how constipated I'd be and how that's normal. I'm like 5 months out and still can't go regularly most days because of the high protein diet. I pop stool softeners like it's candy lol

A couple of things I wish I knew. The constipation is real. I average between 14 - 22 grams of fiber daily but still have to take something everyday. I wish someone had of explained that too me. I have rarely been constipated in my life until now. All the aches and pains I got. I am the only one of several people I know who got the surgery who has had issues. Weird hip pain where I couldn't walk without assistance and now Meralgia Paresthetica.
I had this condition many years (24) ago when I was pregnant and it came back with a vengeance. I refused any meds due to potential weight gain and will hopefully wait it all out.

Omg SAME. I had compacted stool within 3 weeks post op and almost went to the ER. Dealt with it myself saved myself a fortune in ER bills and my pride.

It's still bad but not as bad as it was 1-2 months post op. I still have stomach pains, bowel pain, feel sluggish and nauseous from how backed up I get.