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Hey there, I had gastric bypass but it's basically the same thing for incisions. I suggest something loose and comfy. My surgery was in the winter, so I wore elastic waistband pajama bottoms and a loose top. You may be a bit puffy from IV fluids and surgical gas so expect to feel bloated and not wanting anything tight on your abdomen. If I were choosing an outfit for summertime, I would probably go for a sundress with no waistband or light pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. I actually wore my clothing in and back home because I arrived first thing in the morning and immediately changed into the hospital gown, which I wore until I was discharged, so my arrival clothing was clean. Just brought underwear, socks, and very basic toiletries. You won't need much, but I do suggest chapstick because dry lips is a real problem. Some hand lotion, too. I brought my Kindle and never turned it on.

I also think that all the stages reiterate how serious this kind of surgery is too. It certainly isn’t for the faint hearted or those wanting the loss thinking this is the easy way. My first group session sounds very similar to yours. The nurses said right at the very beginning that jabs like Ozempic or Wegovy were not available and you could see that some were disappointed. My next group session is in August so it will be interesting to hear from others at that session. We were given a lot of reading matter to familiarise ourselves with the whole process and encouraged to contact the Bariatric department if we had any questions or concerns, which I found reassuring.

For surgery on the NHS, it has to be shown that the patient is fully aware that the surgery is only a tool and that the patient has realistic expectations of life post-surgery. We have to show and understand that we are prepared to put in all the necessary work (daily vitamins and regular blood tests, to adhere to the rules of eating both immediately after surgery while we heal and then the lifelong commitment required to maintain their losses) I’m glad that my NHS Trust has hoops to jump through if I’m honest, as it inspires confidence for me. Would I love surgery now? Of course! I’m I mentally prepared for it? No, I don’t think I am. The past couple of weeks have shown me that I do respond to emotional situations by trying to soothe myself with food. Will I be able to do that post-op? Very, very doubtful as I would be worried about undoing both the surgery and the psychological readiness I know I need to undergo said surgery. I do read some posts on various forums that do give cause for concern as a pre-op patient, just as Tek identified above. I’m in no position to advise but it is comforting that the more experienced posters do their utmost to give advice and guide the user in contacting their surgeon, doctor etc or to re-read the advice they should have been given 🙂

You might have (temporarily) gotten lactose intolerance. Most medications have lactose as a binder and if you’re sensitive, look out! You’ve sure been through a lot! It’s only been a week so I guess you’re on liquids. I used OWYN shakes because there’s no lactose in them. Others on here turned me onto Fairlife milk and shakes, there’s no lactose there either and both are high in protein but less than 5gms carbs. Who’s at home with you now?

I wore home what I wore to the hospital: a loose thigh length top & pull on trousers with elastine. The pants fit snuggly (not tight) a little above my wound line & I actually found them supportive around/against the wound line. Also knew they’d be easy to fold down if they did put too much pressure on the wounds & the top was long enough to cover the folded waist. My wounds were in line with my belly button but some sit below the belly button - you never know where they’ll be exactly. If you’re worried I’d go the dress route. All the best with your surgery.

Bipolar disorder is not something that would be caused by surgery but it usually does not present itself until someone is in their early 20’s. (Of course that’s not always exact- there is also childhood bipolar and people who go undiagnosed so they learn about it later). It’s likely just coincidence time wise but I suppose the hormonal changes may have exacerbated it some If you have bipolar and had one episode of depression you are not cured now, I’m afraid. The episodes just come and go and they can be depression or mania and last different amounts of time from one person to the next. The medication helps lessen the extremes but it can take some trial and error to find the right one and you have to continue to take it, even when you are feeling better. It can be a bit challenging but if you work with your doctor to find the right meds- and again I stress that you must take your meds every day- it should be manageable. Talking to a therapist can help as well.

Wow. You have certainly had your plate full. I’m glad to hear that you were able to get a revision now though which hopefully will get you back to where you want to be. How are you feeling after a week?

Yea. Mine seemed like a joke as well. I mean he did ask questions about my history and my expectations as well as what support system I had and stuff like that. I just didn’t feel like it was really on depth enough. I feel like someone who was just saying all the right things could have easily passed.

"i eat a lot less than i used to...btw, i looove your shoes!! where did you get them???" OR "i eat a lot less than i used to...btw, i need your expert opinion on <insert topic here>"

I wouldn't be surprised if you losing weight is absolutely terrifying to your ex. As long as you are obese, he can assure himself that you'll never find anyone better than he was, which seems to be important to a lot of people regardless of whether they ended the relationship or you did. It's a pride thing. But when you start losing weight, now you're probably happier with more energy, you might look more attractive, maybe dressing in nicer clothes, too... uh oh! Now he sees you were totally settling for his sorry butt and are likely to find someone way better, and then his ego will be bruised as all your friends and family tell you how lucky you are. My ex, (who is legally not my ex yet, which is very annoying) is the sabotaging type, too. I see him 5 days a week when he picks up the kids for school or drops off from activities. I've had to tell him about the surgery as I'll need his help with the kids, and I am still on a family plan insurance so he'll need to know about deductibles and such, but I fully expect him to start panicking as the weight loss becomes noticeable. I can hardly wait to find out how he'll try to sabotage me.