Congratulations on getting started on your journey! My advice would be ask all the questions you feel you need to ask, do your homework, try to practice now the things you have to change after surgery, like eating slowly and not drinking anything within 30 min. before/after eating. Start exercising now. Prepare your environment for life after surgery - before surgery I bought smaller plates and utensils, I tried different protein drinks to see what I liked, I made sure I had a food scale and measuring cups, etc. Start using your food diary on MFP to get in the habit of logging and tracking everything, and make sure you weigh and measure everything you eat. Most of all, follow the plan you are given by your surgeon and his team. If you do what you are supposed to do, you will be successful! You are on your way to a healthier, happier life, this is so awesome for you!!

Welcome Darci,
So glad you joined our wonderful group and posted your question. This group was created to share advice and support. Always feel free to ask questions, share advice and concerns and most importantly, share support. We are delighted you are here.

It's so important, in the start of your WLS journey, to be completely committed to the process. The medical professionals (especially the psychologist) are pretty adept is spotting those who either have reservations or those looking for a quick fix.
So be as genuine as possible, be upbeat and positive and find ways to prove that you are indeed completely on-board with the voyage you are about to undertake. Personally, my 'proof' was daily entries on MyFitnessPal, online tracking of exercise with my Fitbit and continual weight loss on my visits with the nutritionist and surgeon.

Again, thanks for becoming a member of our group. :flowerforyou:

Christine

Welcome to the club, Darci. It is a hard decision but I made it in 2011 and my only regret is that I waited so long. Like any surgery, the first couple months may be a little challenging but then you get into the mode and you will be amazed at the changes in you. I am down 220# and am just now starting to struggle a bit but I am maintaining. It is just a tool, not a magic solution but it does work if you work with it. My one suggestion would be to be cautious on who you share your decision with. There are people who will judge you for "taking the easy way out". Just remember this is not the easy way. It is major surgery and requires hard work and changes on your part. I still have only told maybe 5 people (most of my family don't know) and am more comfortable that way. But that's a personal choice you will need to make. I wish you the best of luck. Make sure your surgeon has a good track record with this surgery, Ask how many they have done and what their mortality rate is. If they are good docs they won't be offended. Ask if they allow Residents (docs in training) to do any part of the surgery (prefer no one practicing on me), and do they work with a team (anesthesiologists, post op unit nurses, etc) who are used to working with their bariatric patients. Good luck. It can change your life.

My question is, do you have any advise you would give to someone like me who is just starting out on this journey?

Darci,

I started the same journey in October of last year, and just had my Gastric Bypass on the 2nd of April. That six-month, insurance-mandated journey is infuriating, frustrating, and designed to make you question whether or not you are committed to the program. After all, insurance really doesn't want to pay for it, so if they can frustrate you out of it, they win...

My advice to you is simply this.. If you have made the decision to move forward, don't waver. Realize that six months is "nothing", and if you just wade through the BS, it'll be surgery day before you can even blink. I saw a couple of people who gave up in that six months, but honestly, I really have the feeling they'll be back, so -- if you're truly decided -- you might as well see it through.

What I can tell you about my own journey is that it's truly been an odyssey. I went into the hospital that morning, woke up in my hospital room that night, no memory of anything in between.

27 Days out and I'm very glad I did it.

What I knew about, but find extremely weird to be confronted with now are;

1.The pain coming out of surgery.

---

I have no idea why, but I just never expected a "few little cuts" to be so gut-wrenchingly ouchy... Apparently bad enough to bring out my inner four-letter curse machine while on meds. (a sincere apology to my very wonderful nursing staff by the way)

That however is usually well-managed in the hospital and by the time I was sent home, it felt like it would after you fell off a skateboard as a kid.. Now in day 5, most of the pain is almost gone to the point I might wish I could return to work early (out of boredom), but don't... Take the time your body needs to adjust because this is a big, big deal.

Just be prepared. Other people might have experienced it differently, but for the first few days, every time I coughed, sneezed, or moved, it felt like my guts were about to burst. They haven't, but I do find it useful to hold a small pillow over my stomach when I cough just to cushion the impact of that action, but it'll be ok..

2.Suddenly -- at least for a while -- you REALLY aren't hungry.

---

For my post-surgery liquid phase, I'm supposed to be drinking 64 ounces of water and at least two protein shakes. So far, I can manage the two shakes (breakfast and supper) but I *really* don't want them at all. The rest of the day, I'm forcing myself to sip half-dosed bottles of Crystal Light, which are now actually too sweet and make me extremely gassy, but it's still better than tap water...

For the first three weeks or so after surgery -- and it was VERY difficult -- all I could do is two 11-oz protein shakes and about 32 oz of water a day. Now I'm in the "mushy / soft food phase", and things are getting easier.

3.Take a look at what your doctor recommends for an after-diet.

---

Make sure you have those in abundance before leaving for the hospital. In my case, premixed protein shakes (Premier), a small variety of broths (I recommend boxed, and the Swanson "flavor infused" make for a nice change), Jello, and so-forth.

4.Buy all your post-op meds and vitamins before-hand.

---

For the rest of your life you'll be taking vitamins. It might cost you a buck or two more now, but at first buy small quantities rather than Sam's Club size because honestly, you'll probably find one you like better.

For example, I thought the taste of an cinnamon-flavored chewable sounded awesome. Now, after chewing the giant pills three times a day for 5 days? Not so much...

5.Speaking of vitamins, be prepared to devote a good portion of your time getting used to taking them on a set schedule.

---

I now have five different types that I have to spread out in multiple dosing schedules throughout every day.

6.Be prepared to sip water or sugar-free Crystal light ALL DAY LONG.

---

In a day, if your doctor is like mine, he'll recommend 64 oz of water a day. Pre-surgery, not a problem when you could drink a 4 oz gulp easily. Not so much any more. Anything more than a sip at a time (at least for me) results in gas and a bloaty stomach... (mild dumping)

7.Lovenox shots.

---

Even if you're in a good way, you will probably end up having to subject yourself to two weeks of self-administered shots to your lower (fatty part) belly. Lovenox is a blood thinner, and helps to ensure that you don't end up with blood clots after your surgery. Bright side is, everyone knows how much these suck, so they've generally made the needle so small that it's virtually painless.

For *me* to be able to do it (so far) is one hell of an indication that anyone can do it.

8.Gas...

---

Wow.. Ok. For the first few days at least after the surgery, you're going to be an extremely gassy beast. All of us (as I understand it) are because of how the Laparoscopic procedure works, inserting air/gas into your body cavity to shift/move things around. This might be embarrassing, or you might just take a little pride in "letting 'er rip". Either way, it helps you feel better, because half the pain you feel after surgery is that gas. The other half is caused by the incisions and internal cuts themselves.

9.Walking helps...

---

if you're like I was, walking will help in getting rid of that gas. Trouble is, on Days 1 and 2, they might have to pull you kicking and cursing from your hospital bed to take those initial few hundred steps. Once you can equate the walking to the Willy Wonka soda-room belching, you'll be far more willing to get in a little activity in exchange for a little relief.

Everyone has given you some great advice and like you, i struggled ultimately with the decision because i knew I could do it on my own. But July 2013 I made the decision to have lapband and I am currently 5 weeks into post op. I couldnt be happier with my decision. I researched and studied up on all the WLS options and felt lapband was the right one for me. I wish you all the best. feel free to ask questions. I may not know the answer but we can learn together.

My question is, do you have any advise you would give to someone like me who is just starting out on this journey?

Darci,

I started the same journey in October of last year, and just had my Gastric Bypass on the 2nd of April. That six-month, insurance-mandated journey is infuriating, frustrating, and designed to make you question whether or not you are committed to the program. After all, insurance really doesn't want to pay for it, so if they can frustrate you out of it, they win...

My advice to you is simply this.. If you have made the decision to move forward, don't waver. Realize that six months is "nothing", and if you just wade through the BS, it'll be surgery day before you can even blink. I saw a couple of people who gave up in that six months, but honestly, I really have the feeling they'll be back, so -- if you're truly decided -- you might as well see it through.

What I can tell you about my own journey is that it's truly been an odyssey. I went into the hospital that morning, woke up in my hospital room that night, no memory of anything in between.

27 Days out and I'm very glad I did it.

What I knew about, but find extremely weird to be confronted with now are;

1.The pain coming out of surgery.

---

I have no idea why, but I just never expected a "few little cuts" to be so gut-wrenchingly ouchy... Apparently bad enough to bring out my inner four-letter curse machine while on meds. (a sincere apology to my very wonderful nursing staff by the way)

That however is usually well-managed in the hospital and by the time I was sent home, it felt like it would after you fell off a skateboard as a kid.. Now in day 5, most of the pain is almost gone to the point I might wish I could return to work early (out of boredom), but don't... Take the time your body needs to adjust because this is a big, big deal.

Just be prepared. Other people might have experienced it differently, but for the first few days, every time I coughed, sneezed, or moved, it felt like my guts were about to burst. They haven't, but I do find it useful to hold a small pillow over my stomach when I cough just to cushion the impact of that action, but it'll be ok..

2.Suddenly -- at least for a while -- you REALLY aren't hungry.

---

For my post-surgery liquid phase, I'm supposed to be drinking 64 ounces of water and at least two protein shakes. So far, I can manage the two shakes (breakfast and supper) but I *really* don't want them at all. The rest of the day, I'm forcing myself to sip half-dosed bottles of Crystal Light, which are now actually too sweet and make me extremely gassy, but it's still better than tap water...

For the first three weeks or so after surgery -- and it was VERY difficult -- all I could do is two 11-oz protein shakes and about 32 oz of water a day. Now I'm in the "mushy / soft food phase", and things are getting easier.

3.Take a look at what your doctor recommends for an after-diet.

---

Make sure you have those in abundance before leaving for the hospital. In my case, premixed protein shakes (Premier), a small variety of broths (I recommend boxed, and the Swanson "flavor infused" make for a nice change), Jello, and so-forth.

4.Buy all your post-op meds and vitamins before-hand.

---

For the rest of your life you'll be taking vitamins. It might cost you a buck or two more now, but at first buy small quantities rather than Sam's Club size because honestly, you'll probably find one you like better.

For example, I thought the taste of an cinnamon-flavored chewable sounded awesome. Now, after chewing the giant pills three times a day for 5 days? Not so much...

5.Speaking of vitamins, be prepared to devote a good portion of your time getting used to taking them on a set schedule.

---

I now have five different types that I have to spread out in multiple dosing schedules throughout every day.

6.Be prepared to sip water or sugar-free Crystal light ALL DAY LONG.

---

In a day, if your doctor is like mine, he'll recommend 64 oz of water a day. Pre-surgery, not a problem when you could drink a 4 oz gulp easily. Not so much any more. Anything more than a sip at a time (at least for me) results in gas and a bloaty stomach... (mild dumping)

7.Lovenox shots.

---

Even if you're in a good way, you will probably end up having to subject yourself to two weeks of self-administered shots to your lower (fatty part) belly. Lovenox is a blood thinner, and helps to ensure that you don't end up with blood clots after your surgery. Bright side is, everyone knows how much these suck, so they've generally made the needle so small that it's virtually painless.

For *me* to be able to do it (so far) is one hell of an indication that anyone can do it.

8.Gas...

---

Wow.. Ok. For the first few days at least after the surgery, you're going to be an extremely gassy beast. All of us (as I understand it) are because of how the Laparoscopic procedure works, inserting air/gas into your body cavity to shift/move things around. This might be embarrassing, or you might just take a little pride in "letting 'er rip". Either way, it helps you feel better, because half the pain you feel after surgery is that gas. The other half is caused by the incisions and internal cuts themselves.

9.Walking helps...

---

if you're like I was, walking will help in getting rid of that gas. Trouble is, on Days 1 and 2, they might have to pull you kicking and cursing from your hospital bed to take those initial few hundred steps. Once you can equate the walking to the Willy Wonka soda-room belching, you'll be far more willing to get in a little activity in exchange for a little relief.

Okay so my experience was similar and different.....Again, I'm 2 years post op from RNY:

I didn't feel any pain to speak of after surgery and was surprised at that. My surgeon uses liquid Vicadin as the post op pain med and I cannot take it as it makes me vomit. So I was on a tiny pill of some other painkiller. I had surgery on Friday morning and came home on Sunday morning and felt fine. I never took a pain pill after I was released from the hospital. Walking helps recovery A LOT.

Make sure you are stocked up with post op foods before you come home from the hospital. I could have water, broth, sugar free jello and herbal tea. I really hate jello. Honestly I stuck mostly to water for the 1st 4 days, then I had my post op class where they introduced food.

Don't make a big investment into vitamins or protein shakes, get as many sample and single servings of different ones as you can. It will take some experimentation to find what you like and tolerate well. Even after 2 years I go back and forth on vitamins and switch it up between liquid (bariatric advantage wild berry crystals) and pill vitamins. And I've tried about a dozen different protein shakes, some I liked, some not so much. Even if you think you like one, don't buy the big size right away, for a while your tastes will be changing rapidly and your pouch tolerance for different things will as well (that gets better, now at the 2 year mark there is very little I can't tolerate). You might really do well with a particular brand of protein shake for a month and the next month you simply can't stand the taste or it suddenly makes you feel nauseated. It's perfectly normal and it happens so don't make too big an investment in any one thing.

I never had to do Lovenox shots or any kind of shots at all. I did have to take 90 days of acid inhibitor post op. Had an allergic reaction to Protonics and was switched to Omiprozole.

Yep, you'll have gas. You'll burp a lot and pass gas. This too will pass but not for a while. If it's really bad, take smaller bites and eat more slowly.

You will stall or plateau most likely somewhere in your 1st 6 weeks post op. You will most likely freak out and become worried that you are the only person in the world that the surgery doesn't work for. This too will pass. Most people plateau for a week or three a this point and it will pass. My advise is to have someone remove or hide your scale. Seriously. When I plateaued I was weighing myself like 6 times a day and freaking out. My husband hid the scale from me for a month, I calmed down and the plateau broke.

Darci,

I started the same journey in October of last year, and just had my Gastric Bypass on the 2nd of April. That six-month, insurance-mandated journey is infuriating, frustrating, and designed to make you question whether or not you are committed to the program. After all, insurance really doesn't want to pay for it, so if they can frustrate you out of it, they win...

My advice to you is simply this.. If you have made the decision to move forward, don't waver. Realize that six months is "nothing", and if you just wade through the BS, it'll be surgery day before you can even blink. I saw a couple of people who gave up in that six months, but honestly, I really have the feeling they'll be back, so -- if you're truly decided -- you might as well see it through.

What I can tell you about my own journey is that it's truly been an odyssey. I went into the hospital that morning, woke up in my hospital room that night, no memory of anything in between.

27 Days out and I'm very glad I did it.

What I knew about, but find extremely weird to be confronted with now are;

1.The pain coming out of surgery.

---

I have no idea why, but I just never expected a "few little cuts" to be so gut-wrenchingly ouchy... Apparently bad enough to bring out my inner four-letter curse machine while on meds. (a sincere apology to my very wonderful nursing staff by the way)

That however is usually well-managed in the hospital and by the time I was sent home, it felt like it would after you fell off a skateboard as a kid.. Now in day 5, most of the pain is almost gone to the point I might wish I could return to work early (out of boredom), but don't... Take the time your body needs to adjust because this is a big, big deal.

Just be prepared. Other people might have experienced it differently, but for the first few days, every time I coughed, sneezed, or moved, it felt like my guts were about to burst. They haven't, but I do find it useful to hold a small pillow over my stomach when I cough just to cushion the impact of that action, but it'll be ok..

2.Suddenly -- at least for a while -- you REALLY aren't hungry.

---

For my post-surgery liquid phase, I'm supposed to be drinking 64 ounces of water and at least two protein shakes. So far, I can manage the two shakes (breakfast and supper) but I *really* don't want them at all. The rest of the day, I'm forcing myself to sip half-dosed bottles of Crystal Light, which are now actually too sweet and make me extremely gassy, but it's still better than tap water...

For the first three weeks or so after surgery -- and it was VERY difficult -- all I could do is two 11-oz protein shakes and about 32 oz of water a day. Now I'm in the "mushy / soft food phase", and things are getting easier.

3.Take a look at what your doctor recommends for an after-diet.

---

Make sure you have those in abundance before leaving for the hospital. In my case, premixed protein shakes (Premier), a small variety of broths (I recommend boxed, and the Swanson "flavor infused" make for a nice change), Jello, and so-forth.

4.Buy all your post-op meds and vitamins before-hand.

---

For the rest of your life you'll be taking vitamins. It might cost you a buck or two more now, but at first buy small quantities rather than Sam's Club size because honestly, you'll probably find one you like better.

For example, I thought the taste of an cinnamon-flavored chewable sounded awesome. Now, after chewing the giant pills three times a day for 5 days? Not so much...

5.Speaking of vitamins, be prepared to devote a good portion of your time getting used to taking them on a set schedule.

---

I now have five different types that I have to spread out in multiple dosing schedules throughout every day.

6.Be prepared to sip water or sugar-free Crystal light ALL DAY LONG.

---

In a day, if your doctor is like mine, he'll recommend 64 oz of water a day. Pre-surgery, not a problem when you could drink a 4 oz gulp easily. Not so much any more. Anything more than a sip at a time (at least for me) results in gas and a bloaty stomach... (mild dumping)

7.Lovenox shots.

---

Even if you're in a good way, you will probably end up having to subject yourself to two weeks of self-administered shots to your lower (fatty part) belly. Lovenox is a blood thinner, and helps to ensure that you don't end up with blood clots after your surgery. Bright side is, everyone knows how much these suck, so they've generally made the needle so small that it's virtually painless.

For *me* to be able to do it (so far) is one hell of an indication that anyone can do it.

8.Gas...

---

Wow.. Ok. For the first few days at least after the surgery, you're going to be an extremely gassy beast. All of us (as I understand it) are because of how the Laparoscopic procedure works, inserting air/gas into your body cavity to shift/move things around. This might be embarrassing, or you might just take a little pride in "letting 'er rip". Either way, it helps you feel better, because half the pain you feel after surgery is that gas. The other half is caused by the incisions and internal cuts themselves.

9.Walking helps...

---

if you're like I was, walking will help in getting rid of that gas. Trouble is, on Days 1 and 2, they might have to pull you kicking and cursing from your hospital bed to take those initial few hundred steps. Once you can equate the walking to the Willy Wonka soda-room belching, you'll be far more willing to get in a little activity in exchange for a little relief.

I'm 20 months post RNY. Good, good, good advice. All of it is true. The only thing I have to add is most of these are short term problems. You must think long term about this surgery as well. It will certainly drop the weight for your short-term. You can't help it when you are being limited to only about 500 calories a day for the first two months or so. It is meant to be a tool to change your lifestyle. Embrace the changes for best results. I don't eat rice or pasta, not out of necessity, but out of choice. I choose not to eat them, as they were my pre-surgery staples. Even now potatoes and bread are limited to about 1 or 2 servings a week, at most. Typically less than that. 50% of weight lose surgery patients gain it all back in five years. Yes, amazing to think about with how limited you are right now, but it's true. At 20 months post op I can take down half a large thin crust pizza if I let myself. So the potential is there to abuse your new innards. Just something to keep in mind.

The pain from surgery is minimal. Yes there is some pain, but not much. I was on pain meds for 2 days. I have had several surgeries, and this one was by far the easiest i have experienced. I am now 4 and a half weeks out and doing great. I had the gastric sleeve done. I haven't yet got back to working out as hard as I was, but I am getting there. I walk about 2 to 3 miles a day and do Zumba.