One or two pieces of advice...

Hey all... I was thinking that although most of us are "newbies" we have all been thru some totally different experiences. So if there was someone who came to you pre-op what are one or two pieces of valuable advise that you would share with them ? 1) Establish a great support team who can handle the stress of it all- If you don't have them in your everyday world find someone online, a friend of a friend, whoever who is able to go thru the process good, bad or ugly and be there for you. 2) READ, READ, READ... You can never know too much and just when you think you do WHAM you are reminded that you don't know it all !

1.) No matter what you read, when you experience dumping and vomiting and dehydration and weight loss and weight stalls.....it makes it so real....and surreal! You are never really as prepared as you think you are. Get some support around you, preferably ones that've been through the surgery. When you are doubled over with pains that you are sure is death, you will be grateful to call someone that has been through it! I have nine friends that have been through some form of gastric bypass, and three of those that I call faithfully. I am SO grateful of those people in my life! 2.) Get into a support group NOW! It's so amazingly helpful to talk to people that have been through surgery. Even if some meetings you talk about recipes and other meetings you talk about poop and still others you talk about the hefty mistakes you make and nothing applies to you, GET INTO A SUPPORT GROUP! And stay in one after surgery for as long as you possibly can. Never forget where you came from and offer advice to as many pre-op people as you can!! 3.) Oh, and no matter how much you read pre-op, nothing and I mean NOTHING prepares you for the mourning you experience as a result of food leaving you. We all learn post-op how to eat to live, not live to eat! Chin up, though. That support network comes in handy during this time. They will help guide you through this time. "This, too, shall pass!" I'm sure I have more "pearls", but that's it for now. Jen Halliday

1. DO NOT and i repeat DO NOT compare yourself to others dont set goals for yourself that are to high. Be happy with what you do and if susie Q had the surgery same day as you and lost 5 pound more or can get into a 18 and you are still in a 20 dont get dissapointed cause in a week 2 weeks or even a month the tides can change and EVERYONE IS DIFFERANT! 2. I was SOOOO READY when i had the surgery but when it was all over and i was out in the real world i never knew how emotional it would be when the food that for so many years was my friend was gone and didnt satisfy me the way that it had. Eatting is just not as exciting as it once was. Find a hobbie, or something to help you with this. I cried alot and i know it seem silly know to cry over food but it for so many years was really who i turned to and now its gone. Thank god for my support system. AND ALSO REMEMBER....When you do lose the wieght Your not a differant person inside so dont try to change to fit the clothes youwear out side. J