What I wish I knew before surgery?

[caligul 102]

So..I'm just 7 days from my GB surgery date (6/2/15)!!! I'm half way thru the pre-op liquid diet...and holding strong! What are some things you wish you had known...or words to the wise you want to pass on to those of us just beginning?

[kelli7603 7]

I had GB on 5/5. I wish I could have tried it out first. I had no pain, just soreness and uncomfortable. Went back to work after 6 days. Kind of weak and tired, but that is to be expected, even still. My mind plays tricks on me and says, "this isn't working", let's eat!" But, it is physically impossible. It often feels like things are stuck, and I would love to chug Water, but can't. My advice, stay positive, don't sweat the first couple weeks. I made multiple trips to the grocery to try and figure things out. My stomach is my new toy, it's kind of interesting to think about and I know the rewards are coming. Would I do this again, heck yes! Good luck, and it is so going to be worth it.

[Djmohr 6,965]

Honestly I wish I knew that I could do this, I would have done it 15 years ago before I caused so much damage to my body.

I was too scared.

[VDB 800]

I agree with all before on this thread --- really wish i had done this sooner in my life, but I had bad misperceptions about the bypass surgery and felt it would be a defeat. I am 5 weeks out, and very glad to have it done.

I like the idea of what Kelli said...experiment with foods. Some people can handle different foods than others. My pouch can handle hot sauce, low fat pepper jack, refried Beans, V-8. My pouch rebels at anything with sugar alcohols, mustard, anything with fat except olive oil and avocados.....

Good luck.

[wicked 61]

No one told me that a percentage of people who has GB will have to have their gallbladder removed. I read somewhere that it is 15% to 25%, which is not exactly small. My surgeon never mentioned it; I found out online.

I would have likely still had the surgery, but I wish I had been told.

Edited May 26, 2015 by wicked

[kbjolley@hhc.org 1]

My surgery date is scheduled for 6/8. I'm so excited but...God I want a diet dr pepper! Pre-op diet sucks!

[caligul 102]

@kbjolley. ...it sucks! !!! I don't even want junk...I just want salmon. .. lol. ..I almost puck at each Protein shake.......it'll be worth the wait! You will be in my thoughts. ..I'll let you know how it goes! #wegotthis!!!!

[jamieeatworld123 6]

I am a 21 year old girl who had the surgery 10/22/14. It is the best decision. I have ever made in my life and I would never ever take it back. So far I am 130 pounds down and I feel amazing. Some things I wish I knew? Well, I knew what would happen physically, there would be pain, less eating, weight loss, loose skin. On my clear liquid diet I was very week I could barely make it up the stairs and I passed out from trying, so we started my full liquids a couple of days earlier. That was the only thing physically that I wasn't expecting g was how week I would be from the liquid diet. What I wasn't prepared for was the mental issues. I wear a size 16 now and when I look in the mirror I still feel like I wear a size 30. It breaks my heart. Your self esteem grows but not as fast as you lose the weight and I wasn't expecting to feel like this. It's hard to see yourself as beautiful. I also struggle with losing my food addiction. And not putting it toward something else like shopping, alcohol, sex. It's been so rough mentally. Just know when you lose the weight it is good to have a good support group and you won't yourself immediatly but you will with time

[caligul 102]

@jamieestworld123.....wow... thanks. .. for sharing. .I will definitely make a mental note!

[Abbie213 2]

Kbjolley I am on the 8th too..... I am glad we can say anything here. My family just doesn't understand and my other half has started a new business so he's busy all the time.. I look forward to being able to keep up again!

[wildGoose 207]

The two things that are most important to me now are drinking Peppermint Tea everyday and drinking lemon Water (½ liter water and juice of one organic lemon) first thing every morning. the peppermint really settles my stomach. the lemon water is a great energizer and cleanser. As time passes (7 months) I realize the absolute importance of drinking liquids to keep losing weight and to keep you from getting constipated. constipated is the worst problem I have had. It is usually because I have not taken enough fluids. also, I use MyFitnessPal to record all of the food and liquids I have in a day. I learned very quickly that I could not remember everything I ate. A diary keeps me honest with myself. good luck.

[caligul 102]

Thanks all..some great advice!!

[patriciaxoxo 3]

We had surgery the same day!! Hope all is going well.

[caligul 102]

Awesome. ...other than my allergic reaction to the glue from the incision tape everything is going well. The first 5 days was tough but glad I had my hubby around to help. How about you @@patriciaxoxo?

**update** I wish I knew my incision sites would be so itchy. ..still....even at 15 days post op.

Edited June 17, 2015 by caligul

[lisaanewme67 123]

I am a 21 year old girl who had the surgery 10/22/14. It is the best decision. I have ever made in my life and I would never ever take it back. So far I am 130 pounds down and I feel amazing. Some things I wish I knew? Well, I knew what would happen physically, there would be pain, less eating, weight loss, loose skin. On my clear liquid diet I was very week I could barely make it up the stairs and I passed out from trying, so we started my full liquids a couple of days earlier. That was the only thing physically that I wasn't expecting g was how week I would be from the liquid diet. What I wasn't prepared for was the mental issues. I wear a size 16 now and when I look in the mirror I still feel like I wear a size 30. It breaks my heart. Your self esteem grows but not as fast as you lose the weight and I wasn't expecting to feel like this. It's hard to see yourself as beautiful. I also struggle with losing my food addiction. And not putting it toward something else like shopping, alcohol, sex. It's been so rough mentally. Just know when you lose the weight it is good to have a good support group and you won't yourself immediatly but you will with time

yes thanks for giving us this part if you... Wow super strong I am proud of you. I'm 6 days post op and continuing my journey. I too love my decision. God Bless us all!