Grace H.

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Kate G. 22 years, 7 months ago

You sweet lady! (ps - love your name - guess what my middle name is!) Thank you for your sweet words. It meant a lot, especially since I'm still preop. You made my day! All the best to you this holiday season and for 2003! Kate

Bernadette R. 22 years, 7 months ago

GRACE H - Loved your posting - it was sooooooo honest - i expect you wil get so many replies that you will be able to open up your own support group LOL May God bless you on this special journey kind regards Bernadette Reynolds

Helenjean P. 22 years, 7 months ago

Grace, Thank you for your post/comments. Too many times people do feel they cannot tell of the negative side of RNY. I did choose the VBG because of the side effects! lol As you said, being a "lightweight' led me to believe this was better for me. On a side note, you sound great! I am so proud of you! I finally hit the 40lb mark.

saxon1014 22 years, 7 months ago

Grace, you have found the key...your post about feeling liberated from the 'food demons' was right on target! I am having a revision from VGB to RNY on Feb. 25, 2003, and I keep thinking of this as my 'last holiday to eat'!! Now I KNOW how untrue that statement really is...I know that this is the last holiday season that I have to beat myself up for 'failing' yet again. I know how the 'season' started in Oct., but this year, I didn't buy all those lovely little bags of sweet slow chocolate death!! I did eat one or two of the little tart candies that my daughter brought home...but there is STILL a candy dish sitting in the livingroom that I'll probably end up throwing out since I'M NOT EATING IT!! Yes, there is freedom in boundries! Thank God! I still eat way to much sugar laced junk, but I am becoming more aware of just what I do eat, so I can be careful after surgery. With the old VBG and no bypass, there was NO dumping! I will have to experiment, and learn from my mistakes...I'm sure it isn't just chocolate truffles that set it off! I just keep thinking of how much money I am going to save...heh heh! Sort of like someone who gives up smoking...I will have so much extra spending money next year!! Keep up the good work...you are free!! :)

Sharon Neva 22 years, 7 months ago

GRACE~~ I haven't had any desire for sweets yet and so I figure that at long as I'm not missing them yet- I'm not going to worry about it. Maybe someday I'll have a piece of chocolate "calling my name" and then I guess that if the desire becomes greater than my fear of dumping, I'll go for it. Until then, I'm not even going to worry about it

Rebekah A. 22 years, 7 months ago

Grace~ I had Open RNY on 9-23-02 and so far am down 50lbs. I did tons of research and thought I was ready. I had never had any type of surgery before in my life and had no idea what I was getting into. The first two weeks after surgery I was very depressed and very uncomfortable. All I could do was think what in the world have I done to myself. If you had asked me then would I do it again I would have said NOT ON YOUR LIFE... BUT after the first 2 weeks I saw the loss (22lbs in 2 weeks) and was extremely excited. I think its hard for anyone to be COMPLETELY prepared for this surgery, the pain, not being hungry, etc but its worth it. I would DEFINATELY do it again in a heart beat! Was I prepared for the pain? No Was I prepared for the life changes? Sort of Was I ready to do something so that I could live to see 21? YES! Was/Is it easy? No Do I get depressed? Yes sometimes. Is it worth it? WITHOUT A DOUBT 100% YES! I hope this helps. Sorry its so long. I just wanted to answer your question. If you ever need anything, even if its just someone to listen please email me. Hugs and God bless!

DawnInMpls 22 years, 7 months ago

<b>GRACE H.- to your question "After all the extensive research you postops have done, were you really prepared for the changes after surgery?"....NO!</b><br><br>I really, really researched. All the procedures, all the follow-up care, risk factors, post-op experiences, the works. I prepped my body with a three month, pre-op exercize routine, and lost 25 lbs pre-op. I somehow got a "blind-eye" to how my life would be afterwards- I only remembered the "great" outcomes.<br>I have a high pain threshold and thought the pain would be a breeze- WRONG!<br>I thought since I was healthier than most pre-op, I would recover faster- WRONG! 10 days in hospital, two months to feel "normal"!<br>I thought since I exercized daily my weight loss would be like the best losers- WRONG! I plateau'd weeks two to seven, and lose about 2.5 lbs a week!<br><br> I really, really believe you cannot fully anticipate what post-op life is like. I do think you CAN prepare your life for change. I think WLS'ers who do prepare/anticipate and WELCOME change do the best. Initially, the way you eat will change, so use this time to permanently change your mental perspective about food. Don't mourn the foods you lose, celebrate instead what you will gain! Replace the food/mood enhancement with other things, treat yourself with non-food treats: walks, clothes, maincures, whatever makes YOU happy. We mis-used food as an emotional tool, now we must replace it with healthier ones. Use this tool to change your life for the better!

Teekay80 22 years, 8 months ago

Hi Grace. Although I am only pre-op I can understand your disappointment. But from what I have heard from the other posters is the weight does come off, just slower. And on the bright side..... Less extra skin in the long run. CHeer up honey.

Leslie E. 22 years, 8 months ago

Grace, I can appreciate that you spoke from your heart.I feel for you, for your frustration. You are really making an effort.Don't give up... It is going to turn around. I'm sorry to hear about your mammogram, I prayerfully hope it will turn out ok. Be strong. Everyone on this site is supporting you. Good Luck. Leslie E.

Carol P. 22 years, 8 months ago

To Grace H, You are depressed and disapointed because you see all these other people losing 7 to 10 lbs a week, right? BUT, don't forget how much you are walking....you're building muscle and muscle weighs MORE than fat! But keep walking because you are burning fat and pumping up your metabolism. Be happy! You have lost a chunk of weight AND you're getting healthier! WAAAAHOOOO!!!Also don't forget that the less you have to lose, the slower you lose. For instance I weigh 266 so I will lose faster than you,( at first anyway)....and someone who starts at 350 will lose faster than me. Once you accept the difference and stop comparing, your attitude will change. And you will be as proud of yourself as we are!! YOU GO GIRL! You can do this!! BIG HUG! Carol Percel