Advice You Wish You'd Known?

[diadori 22]

I am at the very beginning of my WLS journey and meet with the bariatric surgeon for the first time next week. What are some things you wish you had known or had asked questions about at the start?

[New To This23 102]

I made a list of questions before I went and I brought the list with me. The only thing I forgot to ask was when is your body (stomach) fully healed, I am going to be asking that on Wednesday when I go in for my 2-week post-op checkup.

[njlimmer 343]

For about 6 months prior to surgery, I was on these forums A LOT. I read about all the things... the highs and low, and honestly, I felt really prepared afterwards. Not that these forums replace your doctor, but hearing about people challenges, what worked, what didn't work... It really helped me to not stress out over the stuff that is really pretty normal.

[KathyLev 285]

I did a crazy amount of research before I saw the doc. I wanted to know ahead of time what I was getting myself into. When we met and he was telling me about the surgery , I knew what he was talking about . I even knew the name of a couple instruments ! He laughed and said "Boy - you DID study !" I was able to ask some questions that he forget to cover . It pays to do your homework - I was totally prepared.

[BigZ 102]

I am 3 months PO from VSG.

My surgeon and dietician were not on sync. Post OP instructions were different than what the dietician said. Make sure you clarify everything on your post op, ie timelines, restrictions.

Break up with food! I was at the point of hating food before surgery, it helped with the post op. I am being pretty strict with what I eat so far. I still mainly eat Protein, very few starches/carbs/veggies/fruits.

FOMO (Fear of missing out) does suck at first. Head hunger for me was the worst for 2 weeks post op. Exercise is still my downfall, my arthritis is still wrecking my knees, but less and less as time goes on.

Be prepared for Constipation.

Find out your Dietician's timeline if you drink coffee/alcohol. Every single one is different, they don't follow a guideline. Some are super strict and some are more relaxed. Find you Protein Drink you like, you will be drinking quite a few of them. I need to drink one everyday to make protein goals.

Find out what medications you can take before/after surgery. If you need to change them get it done before surgery. I am allergic to tylenol, so I am still able to take NSAIDs (Ibup) when I need it at a lower dose than before. i had to give up my knee meds as they are nsaids. Also if you are on blood pressure meds you will need ones that aren't a diuretic.

Get your supplements before surgery or right after, you will be taking them within a few weeks. Try and get chewable everything. pills suck to swallow at first.

[diadori 22]

Thanks for the great responses so far! I have a notebook that I am using to jot down questions as I think of them and have been all over these and other forums doing research. I am nervous but excited!