Hi-- new and nervous

[ruthkatniss38 9]

This is my first post... I wasn't sure where to post but this seems like an active board.

I am scheduled for RNY gastric bypass on January 16th. I have a big appointment Thursday called a team meeting at my hospital and I'm hoping that is supportive. I've done a ton of research and gone through all of the pre-op clearances (just a few more appointments to go) and my spouse (who is naturally rather thin) is generally supportive, but I am still feeling very nervous and alone--and terrified about both the pre op liquid diet and the surgery itself, even though I am in therapy and emotionally preparing (long history of anxiety and depression--and yes, I have a psych clearance, but, like anyone, I struggle).

I am doing this so I can be a healthy wife, mom to my five year old, and professor (that's what I do), but I just felt alone and overwhelmed in this moment, so I posted. This seems like a great community. Just looking to be part of it and learn from others.

Weight last June (when I started to research): 275

Current weight: 264

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[catwoman7 11,212]

the pre-op liquid diet is the worst of it. You just have to white knuckle through it - and know that it gets better after the first 3 or 4 days.

The surgery, for me, was a breeze, and recovery was pretty easy. I really had no pain except for some very sore abs that felt like I'd done 1000 crunches..

are you worried about the safety of the surgery? Techniques have vastly improved over the years and it's become so common it's really a routine surgery at this point. It's one of the safest surgeries out there - safer than a hip replacement, and they do those every day.

[ruthkatniss38 9]

Thanks for your reply! I'm a tiny bit worried about the surgery but the numbers both nationally and especially for my surgeon are great, so I know the odds are good. My biggest fears are of the emotional challenges of the diet (I am working a lot on all of my emotional food issues in therapy, obviously, but it will be hard) and, what frightens me the MOST is how I will physically react to the liquid diet--- part of my struggle to lose weight has been the fact that I get Migraines when I am hungry, and I get dizzy and hypoglycemic easily (pre diebetic) The rational part of me says to just discuss this with the nutritionist on Thursday. The less rational part of me is picturing two weeks of headaches and dizziness while I try to do extra parenting to make up for the time my spouse will take off from work the week of the surgery. We have help from our parents set up for the two weeks AFTER surgery. It's the before that is daunting. But she does go to school and it is at a low stress time of the work year for me, so that's good.

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[catwoman7 11,212]

I think I remember having headaches during the pre-op diet as well. It was tough all around - but again, it was the worst part and everything was all uphill from there.

[Nicetomeetyou 82 41]

First off welcome and I hope you can join in a lot. I have been on this board for almost a month and I have found it helpful. For me, my preoperative diet was Optifast shakes 5 a day x 14 days. I could have as much Water as I wanted as well as sugar free Jello and sugar free popsicles. The first 4 days and last 3 days were rough. Surgery for me was rough. I am only 5 days post op and I am struggling. The support on here has gotten me through. Just pace yourself 1 day, minute or moment at a time.

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[ruthkatniss38 9]

Thanks to you both! That's good advice-- and good luck with your recovery! Hang in there.

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