Different

Everyone experiences things differently and different tactics work while others don't. For me, I hated the idea that anything was restricted or banned. If I told myself I'm not allowed to have something, it naturally made me want it more. So, I allow everything, but find that my stomach makes the good choices for me. It was amazing how many things I loved pre op doesn't sound or taste appealing being post op. For example, I loved potato stuff (fries, mashed,baked, etc). But now, I just don't find it as tasty or satisfying. I will still have a taste or two, but then I'm on to the protein...which is tasty and satisfying. Same thing with the no drinking before and after meals. I struggled with this so much pre op but being post op....I do it without trying much now (at least for me). When you're full, drinking anything beyond a small sip just isn't appealing until several minutes afterwards. I honestly think it's a mind game you have to play with yourself. If you fixate on the rules and restrictions then it can seem more difficult and challenging...but if u go into this with a more experimental mindset....you might find that many of the good choices may naturally happen. Some things will still take some effort, but I think the key is minimizing how hard you are on yourself. I'm two months post op and I had a glass of wine recently. For me, I didn't find it especially appealing. It tasted different and I felt the effects quicker, but I can say this won't be a thing I desire to do much now. Sorry, I guess I got way off topic....but that was my experience. Everyone does things differently and it's best to do what's best for you and your health. Good luck on your journey!!!

I can understand the second thoughts and challenges. I went through those thoughts all the way through the process. I'm two months post op and overall, I feel great. Down about 85 lbs from my heaviest. The benefits of being lighter outweighs (a bit of a pun there) the challenges the journey brings....in my experience. I have coffee now every morning. Doesn't make me have any ill effects. I also have the occasional glass of wine. Now I do recommend not trying these things right away...you want to heal up before doing too much. In reality, wine and coffee didn't even sound appealing until much later in the process for me. I recommend not getting too hung up on what you're giving up...it's not the same type of temptations post op as it was pre op. Everything feels so different post op that it's like trying everything over again and you find new things u like and realize you might not like old things you used to. These are only my experiences...everyone can experience and tolerate things differently. Good luck with your journey.

I'm a little over two months post op...to be honest, I don't think you need much. The basics for sure, toothbrushes, hair brush, etc. Some comfy clothes for the ride home....but that was all I used. I thought I needed a bunch of stuff like my tablet, and laptop, OTC meds, clothes, etc...i thought I would watch movies and maybe even catch up on work. But in reality, all you want to do right after surgery is sleep and heal. The shopping list comes more into play after you're home from hospital. I lived on bottled water, popsicles, and broth. The best and most inspiring piece of advice I can give you....is that it's a quick recovery. I was amazed at how better I felt each day, it was exponential. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hard at first, but you will be amazed at how quick it actually goes. You'll do great. Good luck on this journey.

I vaped all through my preop period. It never came up and I never thought about mentioning it. After my pre op testing, they found very high levels of Nic in my system....which honestly, I didn't even know they check for that. My CRNP asked about my nic levels and I explained that I used to smoke but quit and started vaping instead (I quit ciggys in 2014). She said she'd let the surgeon know and told me to stop right away...but I was already only a week or two pre op. she explained that smoking is a deal breaker for surgery, but given the circumstances she would talk to the Dr. I did vape right up until the day of surgery. I noticed no ill effects from it, but I didn't start vaping again until several weeks after the surgery. After surgery, it just didn't seem appealing, which was a surprise. I thought I would be the guy sneaking vape hits in the bathroom....but it just wasn't appealing at all. Looking back, that would have been a great opportunity to completely give it up, but since I felt like I gave up so much already....I went back. I make my own juice, so I still put a very small amt of nic in (less than 2 percent). So, it is what it is, I guess. Disclaimer- this was only my experience....I'm not encouraging anything negative, addictive, or unhealthy. Do what's best for you and your health. Good luck on your journey!!!