diyana

Congrats to Alumace and NewJeffrey!! May I ask what surgeries you did, and where? My RNY gastric bypass surgery is 11/19 at Kaiser in Fremont. My pre-op appointment is tomorrow. I'm trying to get all my "ducks in a row"; like who is going to watch my dog, and I need to get some unflavored Protein powder for Stage 2. Please share all your experiences and anything you think might be helpful for pre-ops to know. Thanks!

Good luck tomorrow, NewJeffrey! I'll be sending prayers and positive energy your way. My surgery is 11/19. I'm feeling nervous...but I'm not worried about the operation...just the life changes. I know in my heart I can stick to all the eating/drinking rules, just some self-doubt creeping in.

Hi! My surgery date is November 19! Less than 3 weeks away! Yikes! I'm excited and nervous about it. Does anyone have any suggestions for things I need to get ready prior to surgery?

Another excellent book is called "It Ain't Over 'Til the Thin Lady Sings" by Michelle Ritchie. She's a Bariatric Counselor who is also a WLS patient. She focuses a lot on emotional eating and how that has to change. And she also talks about the physical aspects of the surgery. It's a very good book. http://www.amazon.com/Aint-Over-till-Thin-Sings/dp/0897934911/ref=tmm_pap_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1409697590&sr=8-3 Good luck!

Can someone please tell me what the Kaiser (or any) psych eval is like? I've been on anti-depressants since both parents passed away from cancer 10 years ago. Also, I kind of went off the deep end 2 years ago after my now ex-husband told me he had fallen in love with a friend of mine. Just one momentary lapse of judgment. I've never had such thoughts before or since. What should I share with the psych? 99.9% of the time, I'm a positive, upbeat happy person and I feel very optimistic (and realistic) about the surgery and how this tool will help me be able to get back to walking and hiking, which is limited now because my back doesn't like weight-bearing exercise. Also, I'm hoping to send my diabetes into remission.

How was your psych eval? What kinds of questions were asked? I have my psych eval in 3 weeks.

Congratulations! I'm looking forward to joining you in Onederland in a few months!

I'm still a pre-op (not even scheduled yet), but I found this list on another forum: A typed list of the medicines you take Loose fitting comfortable clothes - like loose fitting gym shorts, sweats, loose tops Extra underwear Front zip sports bra A robe A pillow (To put over your stomach so that you can put your seat belt on after surgery, to place over your stomach when you need to cough) ChapStick Gas X - the kind that melt on your tongue were highly encouraged for me Dry Shampoo Open back Slippers (non-slip) iPod with headphones (or something to listen to during your recovery) A loose house robe to go around your hospital gown A good book Lotion Water bottle for the ride home Personal toiletries-toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, lotion, hairbrush, make-up and deodorant Earplugs (In case your roomie snores!) Important Phone numbers Insurance card Biotene mouth spray (For dry mouth) Mouthwash or mouth spray Cell phone and charger Gas-X Baby wipes hair band A camera to take before pictures CPAP machine if you use one Reading glasses or prescription glasses Favorite photos that will comfort you A copy of your living will A copy of your power of attorney A fan (if you like sleeping with one) Room Fragrance -- You might find that you are a little ‘gassy’ after surgery and the smell may surprise you! If you’re someone that doesn’t want everyone that walks in the room to share the aroma, bring a bottle of air freshener.

Congratulations! I'm so looking forward to my surgery (still working on the pre-op weight loss) so that I can achieve similar scale and non-scale victories to the ones you're experiencing! Have a wonderful trip to Belize!

I'm SO grateful to this forum where people can discuss all these bodily functions that aren't usually discussed in the "regular" world. We're all changing our bodies so dramatically that it's no wonder our bodily functions change a bit, at least temporarily. I'm so incredibly grateful for all the "post-ops" who share their experiences!

Thanks, Shauna. I'm still pre-op...so no diarrhea. I was just trying to "plan ahead". LOL

Rnybuttafly, are you pre-op or post-op.

Good point, winning_by_losing. Can I ask all the post-ops, if y'all had diarrhea with the liquid diet (pre- or post-op), did you ever feel you had to resort to "Depends" or some other panty liner. Meaning was the diarrhea or loose stool that bad?

I'm "diyana9" on MyFitnessPal, and I sent you a friend request.

Becky, I am THRILLED to hear you doing so well. I can "hear" the joy in your words!! I'm so very, very happy for you! Wishing you a continued smooth recovery! Hugs, Diyana

Quick question...when you get diarrhea due to the pre-op liquid diet...can you take Immodium or Pepto Bismol to "plug you up" or does that defeat the purpose of the liquid diet to "clean you out"? Sorry if it's TMI.

I hope you're doing better today. Sending hugs and prayers your way.

How did it go?

That is a lot of exercise. I started off doing 30 minutes 4 days a week, and now I'm up to an hour 4 days per week (yoga twice a week and Water aerobics twice a week), and 45 minutes of recumbent bike riding 2-3 days per week. It does get easier the more fit you get. The key is to make sure you get adequate Protein (which it sounds like you are) and adequate rest. BTW, I'm still pre-op and I know that right after surgery, I'll just be walking, and it will take a little while to get back to the level I'm exercising at now.

Hi CaliGirl99 - I've been eating roughly 1,200-1,400 calories per day, focusing on Protein, limiting carbs. And I've been exercising approximately 45 minutes at least 5 days per week. The first 9 lbs came off pretty easy...these last 11 are taking longer. I haven't been perfect. I've had a several "food funerals" for things like Taco Bell and ice cream, so I know that has slowed my progress. I track EVERYTHING I eat (even the "bad" stuff) in MyFitnessPal. I've already called in to record my weight once, and I'm scheduled to do so on Monday. I just hope like heck, I can be down at least 5 lbs by then. My home scale says I'm down 5 lbs, but it's not always accurate. I plan to weigh myself at the gym tonight. Good luck Caligirl! --diyana

CaliGirl99 - I also am having my surgery done at Kaiser in Fremont, and I have 11 more pounds to lose before surgery (no date set yet). I go to support groups in the South Bay mostly (San Jose, Santa Clara, Campbell, Los Gatos).

Here's a link to a PDF that I got from Kaiser in Fremont. It lists Kaiser and non-Kaiser support groups: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/Images/ADA-06-Support%20Groups%20-%20Where%20they%20are_tcm28-532134.pdf

Sounds awful and painful. I hope you find something that alleviates the chafing and the pain soon. If you do, please post here.

Hi. I'm going to have my surgery done at Kaiser in Fremont. I still have approximately 11 lbs to lose before I can have surgery. I have checked out several of the support groups (Kaiser and non-Kaiser - meaning at other hospitals). Some are better than others, but I have learned things at each meeting. I usually get to 1 meeting per week. Sounds like you are close to having a date scheduled. How exciting! How was your psych eval? I need to lose 6 more lbs before they'll schedule mine.

I'm so glad to hear that your surgery went well, and that you're home and doing great!