If there's one thing you think pre-surgery members should know...

[NewPath4Me 1]

Hi. I'm new to this site and haven't had the sleeve performed yet, but joined because I want to learn as much as I can about what to expect, understanding that everyone is different, as are their experiences. So, if there is one thing you think I should know about gastric sleeve surgery, good or bad, pre or post op, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for your time.

[Penpen 28]

I would love to find out too!

[lostalongtheway 5]

This should be interesting. I need to know as well.

[wishes 125]

Whether you are paying for your surgery out of pocket in Mexico or going through insurance hoops, prepare beforehand. Find out about the surgeon, what he or she requires for surgery, and be able to ask questions. Also, don't leave the insurance handling to the people at the clinic be an active participant in getting your surgery covered. I think that is really important.

[iegal 460]

I felt I was prepared prior to surgery but did I really know how much this would change my life?

• Wish I would have learned to eat more slowly, drinks separate from meals prior to surgery
• Wish I would have realized how special my surgeon was and asked more questions about post op care.

I have no regrets, wish I would I would had the sleeve surgery earlier.

[Stacy160 201]

Here's mine:

Try not to get too complacent with the fact that initially, the sleeve really does do the work for you, through pure and simple restriction. You couldn't not lose weight if you wanted to. Even when you get to solids, you're still so tight and restricted that you can have a little treat here and there and not have it affect your weight loss, so it's way too easy to not work hard enough on your eating habits.

But here's what can happen: You get a few months out, and not only does your weight loss slow down naturally as you get closer to goal, but pretty much all the swelling's gone down inside, and you can eat a lot more. Suddenly the freedom to eat like you're in maintenance instead of the losing phase isn't there, and trust me, it is SO HARD to get both the body and especially the mind back where it should be to get the pounds off.

So, my advice is that no matter how great the weight loss is going, no matter how easily the pounds fall off initially eating "normally," remember that it WILL NOT LAST that way and stay on track until you hit goal... don't count on the sleeve to do the work for you, just know that it enables you to actually DO the work yourself for the first time ever, and that you WILL have to do it yourself.

[sunnyd 32]

I agree with Stacy- that would be the most important! I also think immediatley post-op take the SIP-WALK-REST approach seriously. Walking really helps you feel better! Good luck with your surgery!

[Jane_J 117]

My advise is eat your Protein 1st, then some green veg and then you will be full and you will lose weight. I cut out carbs for my weight loss phase and that worked brilliantly.

[swizzly 901]

My advise is eat your Protein 1st, then some green veg and then you will be full and you will lose weight. I cut out carbs for my wight loss phase and that woked brilliantly.

This is always good advice. Even though I'm not allowed to cut out carbs entirely, I do quite restrict them and make sure they are 'good' ones, not junk ones. I find that Protein first is the best way to ensure I don't have room enough for other bad stuff.

Also, really: DO drink a lot of liquids. So easy to fall behind on this one.

[kemo46 82]

Having the support of your friends or family are very important. If you have the support, it will help you with this life changing experience and make it much easier. My wife has started eating much better and is losing weight with me, it makes it much easier when everyone in the family is eating healthy. I think a big sign for me is know when you are full and stop eating. Your newly sleeved stomach will let you know when you are full. Eat Protein first and you will do fine. I am so glad I had this surgery, I just wish I would have had it a long time ago.

[ldydrgnkpr 49]

Protein, Protein, protein. Fluids. Exercise even if it is walking. I'm a little over 12 weeks out. I'm lifting weights now. It feels wonderful. I have eliminated certain carbs from my diet. I do eat watermelon, lettuce and a little Tomato. I haven't had bread, potatoes or Pasta since before my surgery. And I don't miss or crave them. I also don't miss sodas either. It's been almost a year since I had a mtn. Dew or pepsi. I think giving up all of those has made my transition a lot easier than if I didn't give any of those up. I don't regret having the sleeve done at all.

Deb

[Tiffykins 673]

Pretty much the first month sucks, and if you happen to one of the few that it doesn't suck, CHERISH it.

Sip, walk, repeat is a motto to live by. Your body needs to recover. This is MAJOR surgery, you are opting to remove 85% of your stomach, it's not just a gallbladder or appendix surgery.

Do NOT think for one minute that the sleeve is responsible for your success 100%. You have to diligently work on your relationship with food, find other coping mechanisms if you use food to soothe your emotions or fill some other void.

Getting skinny, petite, average sized does NOT and will NOT make your life immediately perfect. If you have your self-worth tied to your pant size, sadly being skinny doesn't automatically mean you're gonna love yourself. You might be like me, hate your increased wrinkles on your face, or your deflated boobs. But, I never thought any less of myself at 270lbs than I do at 125lbs. I love myself more than anyone else every could ! ! !

The mental aspect of this journey is one that has many ups and downs. Throw in several physical changes, lifestyle changes, and above all a level of compliance that is required for lifetime success.

Stalls happen. Water weight sucks, and we surely didn't get fat overnight, so stop expecting to get skinny overnight.

[Marie from Michigan 11]

My piece of advice is to join and actively participate in a support group - whether in person or on-line. I didn't realize how important this step was and didn't start attending my clinic-sponsored support group until after my surgery and recovery. I now know that my group would have been a great source of information and inspiration!

[thinoneday 445]

Hi. I'm new to this site and haven't had the sleeve performed yet, but joined because I want to learn as much as I can about what to expect, understanding that everyone is different, as are their experiences. So, if there is one thing you think I should know about gastric sleeve surgery, good or bad, pre or post op, I'd love to hear from you! Thanks for your time.

Hi and welcome to you and all newbies. . . well you certainly come to the right place for advice and hints and such. . . I've noticed lots of advice and that is good. . so I won't say to much other then do your research. Be sure this is what you really want. Remember that this surgery is permanent there is no going back once you have it. . .it's not a cure all either, you still have to work at it and I mean work at it. . . your body does great in the beginning but then slows right down and you don't lose fast at all anymore, then you have to kick in and increase the exercise, follow your diet plan, etc. . . it's tough, it's not a easy ride like a lot of people think. . . . good luck with the decisions you make. . .

[Brian66 85]

I think the one thing I would want pre-surgery sleevers to know is that THIS WORKS!

You need to do your homework - make sure you understand the surgery and what it will and will not do. Find the right doctor -- one that has lots of experience with VSGs and make sure you are comfortable with him and his staff. You don't have to love him or his bedside manner (I find that most surgeons don't have a lot of it), but you do need to trust him and have faith in him (or her!). Remember, you are looking for a skilled professional, not a friend. You also need to follow the instructions you are given by your surgeon and the nutritionist. If you do that, I think it is difficult NOT to be successful with this procedure (at least in my experience).

Here I am -- 11 months out today - and my life and body has changed in the following ways:

Weight: 300 pounds to 179.2 pounds (as of this morning)

Suit Size: 54 to 42

Pants: 44 to 34

Sport Shirt: XXL to L or M

Dress Shirt: 19 neck to 16 1/2 or 16

sleep Apnea: Gone

High Cholesterol: Gone

High Blood Pressure: Under control with decrease in meds.

I struggled with my weight each and every day for about 25 years and this surgery has allowed me to lose weight in a way that was never before possible. It has, without question, been one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and my three children. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Good luck to each of you.

Brian