jandbmom

Congratulations! You are on your way to a new you. As for packing either comfortable slippers or sneakers, as you should be walking a lot in the hospital. I packed pjs for sleep, but I wore loose fitting, comfortable capris or short set to wear during the day, because again you will be out walking a lot. Then a comfortable outfit to go home in. Good luck to you!

I was able to shower the next morning in the hospital. My surgeon used dermabond or something similar on my incisions. I just had to make sure I didn't rub them or try to pull it off.

Leticia, NSV is non scale victory. Examples are crossing your legs (something a lot of us could not do for a long time), walking without getting short of breath, no longer needing a seat belt extender to fly on a plane; things like that. Kathy

For me, that meant I ate too fast or did not chew well enough. That is the only time I had that problem; which by the way was on multiple occasions. It is a learning process. I now go slower. My worst time was at work when I didn't pay attention to the time or I was really hungry and ate too fast. I now play games on my phone while I am eating at work. I make sure I play with my dominate hand. If my hand it busy with the game I go slower eating. It has been a great tool. Not saying this is necessarily what is causing it for you, but it was definitely my problem. If it lasts you should speak to your MD.

That as been my biggest problem post surgery. I am 6 months out on 4/7/16. I have had to try a lot of different things. I tried Benefiber 3 times a day and that didn't work. I added in generic Colace (docusate) three times a day and I still had trouble. I now do Benefiber once a day, the generic Colace 1 in the morning and 2 at bedtime and then MOM 2TBSP every other night. I finally am comfortable with my BMs. I had not heard about the tea that was mentioned, but I am going to look into it. I cannot stand the MOM, either flavor. Good luck!

Thank you for all the helpful tips. I am not a master of planning my food and this reminds me of the importance or pre-planning.

Excellent article, thank you!

Your attorney general website has information. I attached the link below. Hospitals and doctors offices should also have the forms that you need. Make sure you keep the original and give copies to your proxies, the hospital and the doctors office. https://www.azag.gov/seniors/life-care-planning

I had my surgery 10/7/15, 3 month follow up is 1/14/16. I am down 45.5#. since surgery and 93# overall since July 2015. I just went over the 1/2 way point for my weight loss goal. Congrats to everyone! I know there has not been one day since the surgery that I haven't been grateful that I finally did this.

You have a lot going on, so the fear and frustration are understandable. I cannot tell from your post where you are on your journey. I know I had to go to a psychologist prior to surgery to ensure I was mentally prepared for the surgery. Many of the people in my support group that are much further out than I am have said they have been back to see the psychologist which is helpful. The nutritionist told me that they are underutilized by the WLS population. It may be to your benefit to revisit the psychologist, or if you haven't seen one yet find one to talk with. Talk with your surgeon or PMD to get a referral if you do not have one yet. I wish you the best of luck!

I chose to wear a loose fitting capri outfit instead of pjs during the day and then changed into pj short set at night. The capris allowed me to stay cool and covered without needing a bathrobe. I too was only one night. I also agree about the toothbrush. I brushed my teeth and changed my clothes as soon as I got to my room. The taste you will have in your mouth is terrible. Good luck

Some of my NSVs are: Walking into work without getting short of breath. I went to a restaurant and could fit in the booth without squeezing in. I can bend over and tie my shoes instead of bringing my leg up onto the bed or sofa to reach my laces. I can actually bring my leg up and cross it on the other one.

I had my RNY surgery on 10/7/2015, as a birthday present to myself (DOB 10/23). I decided it was time for me to get my life and health on track. I peeked at 350 lbs, had shortness of breath just walking into work and constant knee pain. I made the decision in July to start loosing weight and to finally look into wgt loss surgery; prior to that I could not put the effort into the life change and I also thought I should not need this tool to help me lose weight. I went to 2 different informational sessions, which changed my mind on needing the weight loss surgery. The physician I wanted to see was booked solid in July so I couldn't get into his until August; I booked an appointment for the August session, but didn't want to wait so I went to another hospital and listened to their information. Five minutes into the August session I was positive that Dr. Baranov in Saratoga Springs was the surgeon for me. My original appointment for the one on one session with Dr. B. was not until just before my birthday, but I was placed on a cancelation list. A week after the informational session I got my appointment moved to 9/3. By the time I got into the office I had lost 25 pounds. He asked me when I wanted surgery and I ended up scheduled for 10/7. He said to keep losing weight prior to surgery, which I did; by the day of surgery I was down 47.5 pounds. I am now 1.5 months out and I am down another 24.5 pound (72# total). I stayed in the hospital one day and have not had any complications so far. I have found that swordfish causes me some significant chest pain. I have not tried beef, chicken or turkey yet; saving the turkey for Thanksgiving. I have had mild nausea a couple of time when I think I have eaten too much and also whenever I eat anything in mayo (going to try the low-fat to see if that helps, otherwise I will not continue with mayo). I have been very careful to follow Dr. B's 7 week post op diet plan, so I am just branching out to new foods. I think the most difficult thing for me has been not drinking 1/2 hour before and 1 hour after meals. I have always consumed large volumes of liquids while eating. Prior to surgery I tried a number of low calorie prepared foods so I would know what not to eat post operatively, based on need to drink while eating. I am very happy I decided to have the surgery and I am positive that Dr. B. was the best choice for the surgeon. He and his staff are great and want to make sure that everyone has the best experience and outcome. Kathy