Cathy_Anne

It sounds like weekly time with a really good counselor could be helpful while making all these needed changes? I have so much to learn, so my plan is to be a sponge and learn from those who are ahead of me in the process, those walking along side, and those who are positive and forward thinkers. I’m so ready for this! ... but so scared [emoji51]

Congrats to all! My date is Nov 15 and I'm excited, scared, apprehensive and you name it - all at once. I'm excited about meeting many of you - hearing your story - and having the opportunity to walk with you through this journey. I've learned quickly that many of the peeps who love me very much, simply don't understand what this is all about and it's been a struggle for some. I believe this forum will be a great place to let it all out!! For those of you who've already been through the process, can you tell me how long you needed to be off work? I co-own a business and I know I'll be anxious to get back. My job can be very sedendary if I want it to be, so that part isn't an issue. I'm hoping to go back, at least part-time, within a week. Is there a lot of pain after the surgery? Thanks everyone! Cathy

I’m in a difficult situation. My surgery is November 15. I am co-owner of a business that is very close to my home. It will be very hard for me to be away more than a week. Most of my time is at a desk and walking around (we own a Massage & Spa business and have 13 employees). I can modify my surroundings to the way I need them. Has anyone gone back to work after one week - with the exception that they could take it as easy as needed? Is the main symptom after surgery tiredness? Or is the abdomen really sore? Also, my dietitian told me part of the reason for the long time away from work is to get ready for the new lifestyle. Did you find that to be true?

Thanks for the great advice! I can already see I will have some people very close to me that just don't get it and most definitely don't understand nor support my decision. I got my surgery date on Friday - it's Nov 15! That's so crazy because its only 2 weeks away! I do have a few questions: The first, how long does it take to recover enough to carry on with life? I am a co-owner of a business and it will be very hard to be away for a long time. My surgery is on a Wednesday, and I'm hoping I can return the next week (just for short periods of time). My work isn't physical, so I don't need to worry about heavy lifting and all of that. The second question is about nutrients. I've read through my binder about 10 times and I've talked with our nutritionist and the surgeon, but I'm still concerned that I will have trouble getting enough calories and vitamins. Even at the weight I am right now (253), I have a pretty small capacity for food. I'm a grazer, not a binge-er. I'm one of those people that doesn't eat breakfast or lunch, then I have dinner and snack through the evening on high carb foods (or dairy, my fav). I take meds for a hypo-thyroid and my metabolism is totally shot. This is mainly how I've gained and stayed at this weight. My question - do any of you have a hard time getting in your calories and is it hard to be creative with your meal choices - making sure to get in your protein, etc.? And, did you lose hair? How much weight did you lose per month? I've heard many people say they lose most of their weight in the first 6 months? That's a lot of weight! Lastly, what about extra skin? Has that been an issue? Thanks so much for listening to my ramble! I'm so glad to have this platform and I'm especially excited about meeting and making new friends that 'get' this process Cathy

My surgery date is November 15. I found out on Friday! I am scared and excited and apprehensive and whole bunch more- all at the same time. I’m nervous about getting the right amounts of vitamins and protein and minerals etc. - after surgery. I’ve done a lot of research and I read my binder about 10 times, but I’m still nervous about the nutrition part. I’m going to stay here on these boards and keep learning from all of you! I do have to say, I have tried to lose these 100 pounds about a bazillion times and I know I am making the right decision doing the gastric bypass. That part feels good!!

Hi all! Tomorrow I will receive my surgery date. I’m excited and nervous all at once. I feel prepared in terms of knowledge - but I still have several people who love me very much expressing major concern regarding my decision to do gastric bypass surgery. As we all know, this is our decision – but hearing others who think I’m making a huge mistake – it kind of gets into my head a bit. I’m so glad I found this forum. My new peeps! I will need you greatly as I get ready for surgery!!!

Hi everyone, this is my first post to this site - and I'm guessing, not my last! I have my appointment with the surgeon on Tuesday, after a myriad of tests and appointments and classes. I was told to lose 5% of my weight because it makes it easier and more safe for the surgeon to do his work. Apparently, when we lose some weight, our liver shrinks a bit and it's easier for him/her to move it out of the way to get to the stomach area. In any case, I've been doing the pre-surgery diet and I've gone from 271 to 253. I'm scared they might tell me to keep up the good work and not have the surgery because I've lost almost 20 pounds in a month. But, this is my typical thing. I can get myself to about 245 and then I start to gain again.