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Hello everyone I had my 12-week post op appointment with my surgeon today. As soon as he walked into the room and saw me he said "You look so different! I can see the weight loss... you look great!". Well, I am far from "looking great", but it sure did feel good to hear him say those things. Plus, he said that I was right on track, asked me how I was feeling, etc. After meeting with him I felt like jumping up and down with joy! I felt so encouraged. Next step is to have bloodwork done to make sure my Vitamin B levels and Iron level look good. Then I am to make an appointment with my dietician and just go over my daily eating habits with her and see if she wants to make any changes. Victories so far since the Pre-Op diet 2 weeks before surgery: 1) Dropping below 300 pounds 2) Going from a size 28 to a size 20 3) Losing 51 pounds up to this point 4) Being able to clip my own toenails 5) Taking a bath and being able to see past my stomach that used to stick out and hide everything 6) Putting on my socks and shoes without struggling or being out of breath 7) Now when my husband gives me a hug, he can fit his arms around me with room to spare 8) Being able to exercise more 9) My 2 incisional hernias that were so painful in my stomach don't hurt anymore! And I'm sure I am forgetting some things, but these were the things that came to mind at the moment. I am looking forward to even more victories! Just wanted to share.

I honestly thought I was the only one that did that. . I will do my before and after pics when I can finally get 'Before pics' that I wasn't hiding behind people, or didn't take from a 'favourable' camera angle. Might need friends to send me random/candid pictures

Those are some great accomplishments!! Congrats to you and keep it up. I like that you focused on things beyond the weight but 51 lbs is awesome in 12 weeks!

I was excited yesterday taking photos for before & future after's. Today I'm just so anxious for tomorrow questioning why I'm making myself do this surgery & putting myself through this??? Nervous for the surgery & anesthesia horrible literally want to cry.

Just wish it went off as easy and fast as it goes on

There is an updated version of: Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook For Dummies (2016). I believe it's one of the most well-known.

Had my surgery 1/30, trust me it's more of a discomfort/soreness than a pain. I had knee surgery some years back now that was pain with a morphine drip. This was just uncomfortable mainly due to the co2 gas they put in you not the surgery incision or stomach it's self.

They should give you pain meds via an IV... Don't be a martyr, get topped up every four hours. It will help you sleep too, in between the sipping and walking. The pain is minimal. Focus on the benefits you will have in the future. Good luck for tomorrow and speedy recovery? Kate

It can all be very confusing!! Are you still trying to lose weight or are you at maintenance? I think that will make a huge difference. You are right that it's hard to find options that are both low in carbs and fats. Sometimes we have to create our own recipes. I saw one recently that looks really good, that might help you with your taco craving. I saw where someone took cheddar cheese and spread it out on parchment paper. They put it in the microwave and melted it. Then they laid the melted cheese on the paper, over an upside down bowl. The cheese hardened and formed like a bowl. After it hardens, fill the "cheese bowl" with all the ingredients used for a taco. I'll see if I can find the recipe and attach it. If you haven't already joined, go on Facebook and join Rock's Kitchen. The administrator had WLS and wonderful recipe ideas are posted every day.

Pain Management requires at least 2 things: 1 - Attitude going into your surgery: Your mindset before the surgery is a crucial part of your post-op experience. Go into your surgery EXPECTING to be successful and victorious. There is a well-worn axiom "If you think you can, you're right! If you think you can't, you're right!. Now choose". Work to be as positive as possible in order to increase your chances of a smooth recovery. 2 - Perspective of alternatives: As uncomfortable as the day after your surgery may be, it's NOTHING compared to the series of painful compromises and surgeries that accompany a long-term weight issue. Choose this recovery over surgery for an amputation down the road (I have seen this in my extended family, so this is no idle threat to our health). Embrace this as the corrective step needed to reset your health and embrace YOUR future. Keep your eyes on the Long Game.