upcoming surgery jan 12

I have my RNY coming up Jan. 12. I am very interested in any post op tips you might have to share. I know my tummy will be like a newborn and figure what I will be able to tolerate foodwise will be a see how it goes thing. I am wondering... it is my understanding I can't have caffeine. How long? If is forever so be it but, sure enjoy that coffee on occasion. I am really ready to get this done. I have had some nerves and second thoughts and have been told that is normal. I know this has to be done and with God's help I will make it. I am so glad this site is here as it will be easier to have someone to chat with that has been down the same road I am about to walk on. Again, any advice , tips or helpful links would be great. Have a Safe and Happy New Year, Karen

First off, congratulations! What an exciting year this has been for me, and so many changes, all well worth the hurdles, although for me there wasn't too many. I will be 1 year out on January 23, and have gone from 316 to 158. I feel amazing, and my life has come full circle. I am happy now instead of miserable, I love my life and everyone in it, although surgery definitely played a role in weeding out some of the people that were bringing me down, but I am grateful for that. I remember more than anything else that the first two months were exhausting physically and emotionally so allow yourself that time and don't get discouraged. Eating slowly is the key and trying new things one at a time so you know what you tolerate and what you don't. Caffiene wasn't an issue for me since I don't drink coffee, but I know many of my friends on here do and they have no problems, hopefully you will get more tips and advice from my fellow Jan06 pals, they have been amazing support for me and all have great things to contribute. Good luck to you and feel free to ask me anything, or email me anytime! Karyn

Congrats on your surgery and good luck. It takes a few months to figure out how much you can eat, what you can, etc. It is better not to drink caffeine. I just drink decaf now. You can count it as water for your liquids you have to have everyday. You may get a lot of good advice on the January 2007 surgery board because it will be people having surgery at the same time as you and you will all be at about the same spot. We're all almost a year out from surgery here and have different issues than brand new post ops. You are welcome here on the January 2006 board. You have a very exciting journey in front of you. I weighed 337 at surgery and now weigh 190 and have gone from a 30-32 to a size 14 and Large clothes. It feels great! I look and feel much better and have a lot of energy now. Karla

Hi Karen, Congratulations to a new you in the new year. I will be a year out on Jan. 20th. I have gone from 245 to 147.. from 2 or 3x tops ..22 to 24 pants... to.. med to large tops and size 8 pants. I can eat most anything I drink mainly water and hot decaf tea. But I do have one or two regular cups of coffee a day. Just remember any caffinee drink you drink can not be counted as fluid intake. Only decafe drinks count. The best advice I can give is .... Drink at least 64 oz a day get all your protien in and take all your vitamins! I had a lot of trouble getting in all the fluids, but I'm finally getting it in. And don't freak out when you start losing some of your hair in the 3rd or 4th month..that will stop in about the 6th or 7th month. Good luck on your surgery and keep us posted on your progress!! Hugs, Anna 245-147-130ish

You are about to start on the most wonderful, horrible,exciteing year of your life. This is not an easy fix, but it is so worth it. I have gone from 257 on January 19 th to 154. I was wearing 28-32 tops, and size 20-22pants. I now wear S-L tops(depending on how they are made and 2-4 jeans. I was on medication for high blood pressure and diabetes. Now I am off of it all. Don't let it scare you when you start looking like a domestic violence victim. Most of us went through the bruiseing phase. You are alway welcome on Jan 06 board, but stay plugged in to the Jan 07 board. The support of people going through the same things you are is invaluable. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing. I will be praying for you. Protein and fluids. Proteins and fluids. Protein and fluids. I can't tell you how important those two things are going to be to your future. Not just breifly, but forever. Get started on a good exercise program as soon as possible. Don't obsess over the numbers on the scale. Your loose inches even when you aren't loseing pounds. Once again Protein and Fluids. Hazel