Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda

[Licia2210 11]

Anyone have anything they wish they knew before surgery or after? Anything they wish someone had told them? Give the gory, gross, uncomfortable or happy surprises. I want to know everything before my surgery.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

If I knew post-op life was going to be like this, I would have self paid, years ago.

[Licia2210 11]

That is so encouraging. I hear that a lot. I am 31 and just started my insurance drama. I am looking forward to being the person I want to be.

[wantingabetterlife 364]

If I knew post-op life was going to be like this, I would have self paid, years ago.

I agree! I would have had this surgery a long time ago and enjoyed living life healthier!

[kranky813 477]

Honestly... I know it varies for everyone but I will tell you that the first week is complete hell. I don't really remember days 1-2 because Day 1 was surgery day, and day 2 I was drugged up in the hospital. Although my husband says I really didn't complain much and walked around a lot. Day 3 is where hell started for me. I was so nauseated and was unable to drink so on day 3 I was readmitted into the hospital for dehydration. I was so dehydrated that I was completely incoherent. Days 4 and 5 weren't too bad because I was in the hospital hooked up on pain meds, anti nausea meds and an IV bag. Day 6 and 7 were ok but day 8 (yesterday) was awful. I was so nauseated, shaky, light headed, and miserable. It required a trip to the ER where I was infused with fluids again (no over night this time though).

Day 9 - oh beautiful day 9!! I am having the best day!! it's the first time that I feel good, really good. I am tired and weak but I was able to go to the store today and concentrate and feel almost normal. I don't know what is going to come after today but today makes me forget all of the other days so far.

The other thing that I will mention is that I have been an emotional roller coaster. Up, down and sideways. I am not normally a person who cries but I have been crying and crying. Almost non-stop! I have said over and over I regret this decision and what did I do to myself. But honestly, I don't feel like that today and from what I have been told it's a normal reaction post - op.

Now, not everyone goes through this, some breeze right through recovery. I am only telling you this because I wish someone would have told me that this stuff "could" happen. I researched for a year and all I heard about were the happy stories, the ones that are successful. I really didn't hear anything horribly bad. If I would have known... I still would have had the surgery but I would have been more prepared for what I am going through now.

[Licia2210 11]

Thats great to hear. I want to be prepared for the good and the bad. Any possibilities. Thanks you!

[Babbs 14,680]

That the weight doesn't just "fall off" for most people. Although it helps so much having the restriction and general lack of hunger, I've had to work just as hard or harder than any other "diet" I've been on. Oh, and also realizing that this isn't a diet, but a lifestyle change. I was also unprepared for the anxiety I feel the closer I get to goal about maintaining my loss and weight regain.

I wouldn't change a thing

[IncredibleShrinkingMan 437]

I wish so many people hadn't scared me into thinking I wasn't going to be able to work for six weeks, or lift anything heavier than a paper clip, or have violent physiological responses to all but the simplest foods. I feel that three weeks out, I am still tippy-toeing around life and I need to rebuild my confidence. FWIW.

[CANDI254 31]

I am 9 weeks out and I would have not have done the surgery if I knew that I would be going through so much after the surgery.(3 surgeries in 9 weeks) I am glad I didn't know cause I think I am glad I had the surgery but honestly I am not sure yet.

[Licia2210 11]

I am 9 weeks out and I would have not have done the surgery if I knew that I would be going through so much after the surgery.(3 surgeries in 9 weeks) I am glad I didn't know cause I think I am glad I had the surgery but honestly I am not sure yet.

Can I ask why you have had so many other surgeries? Were they related to the sleeve?

[Restoration15 6]

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

[Licia2210 11]

I have not lost much weight at all. I had my band removed in December 2013 and sleeved March 2014 and only lost 34 pds and gained back 13 pds. Now I've learned I'm battling hypoglycemia. I worked out hard over the past few years watched my fat intake and now I'm told I'm not getting enough fat in and to stop working out. Been battling dehydration for over year. I get headaches and acid feeling from my stomach which triggers headaches. I really regret this surgery. All of them

Did your surgeon provide you with a nutritionist or dietician? Did anyone explain to you why you aren't losing any weight?

[Restoration15 6]

Yes and yes...basically I'm not getting enough in and my body had been in starvation mode post surgery

[Licia2210 11]

Is there anything you can do to fix it? So you lose weight again.

[Restoration15 6]

No

I would imagine after I get my body out of dehydration mode I can lose weight again

And get out of low sugar mood it will fall off when I start working out