Just a piece of advise for all having WLS

Greetings All, I just wanted to let you all know of a secret I wish I had known before my surgery. I spent so much time on this board that I was starting to get freaked a bit. I wish someone would have told me to visit the prior months posts to see what was happeneing with those folks. You will see that so many people come out of the surgery with no issues at all. We all know that there are risks involved, but I would have been much more confortable seeing the bazillions that had no gas pain, did not wake up with a tube down their throat, had no issues and advised the pain was minimal. To know that a lot of people actually had a pretty good expereince was comforting. (I listed other helpful hints on my profile) I was one of those people that came out with hardly a scratch and I just wanted to encourage those that may be a little freaked to visit the January or December posts for an encouraging piece of news. It may even help you get prepared (grocery wise) on what to have handy for after surgery. You will all learn and grow together. I am two weeks post op and my scars are totally healed and I only had an issue with a twisted knee (from favoring my legs instead of my stomach when getting out of bed after coming home.) Getting out of bed and walking in the hospital was relatively simple. I did not go home with a drain tube, I was not able to even come close to the required intake of calories/food/protien/water for 4 days after my release which is normal, but nobody told me. I wish you all the best in your journey and pray that each one of you comes out of surgery with flying colors and has a rapid recovery. If this informaiton helps calm the fears of even one person I have accomplished the reason for the post. Good luck and God Bless! Kristie 285/260/150

Hi Kristie I had surgery on July 27, 2005. I just wanted to say that I think you have done a great thing by putting this post here for the "newbies". I also was fortunate enough to not have any complications after surgery. My "earthworm" scar has healed nicely, it still has quite a ways to go to being the white color that my other scars have healed to, but it will eventually. I started my journey at 444 pounds. I don't know if makes a difference, but I had open RNY, not lap, and I didn't come home with a drain tube in me. I was sore, don't get me wrong, but like any other surgery, it takes time to heal and everyone heals differently. You have to also think about your insides going through the healing process right along with your outsides. I know I didn't even think about it until my 6-week check up, then it made sense...our bodies are litterally bruised on the inside from major surgery, and I have scar tissue from other surgeries that made the healing process a little more difficult...a bit more painful, but nothing I couldn't handle. I didn't want to even drink the broth or jello the first 2 weeks. I basically got in my fluids through crystal ligh****er, and ice chips. The first few weeks, you cannot really get in all your protein if you are like me and are suppose to have 70 grams a day....that is a lot! But I did have gas pain...not comfortable at all, but it is pretty common. So if you newbies feel like you are about to die of gas....just go into a room by yourself and let 'er rip!!! I know that sounds silly, but trust me...you will want to be alone for the process. Not a bad idea to make that room be the bathroom, and ready on the toilet if you know what I mean. (I am sorry to put it so bluntely...but there really is no other way to say it). Anyway....if anybody out here has any questions....find me on my July board....my name is Mandie and I am always lurking about, and trying to be a faithful participant in my little support group there. This board will become your new best friend and make you feel more at home once everyone has had surgery and is going through everything at the same time...It makes you feel not so alone in the world. Take Care and Good Luck!!!!!!!!! Mandie Pre-op 444/DOS 426/Current356/Goal 150 Yes it is going slow right now...but this too shall pass...

Hi Kristie, I spent months on here reading, and about 6 months ago had pretty much talked myself out of proceeding further than I had. Then I came to the conclusion that every ONE is different and that I had to make the best and right decision that I felt comfortable with for myself. So I decided to continue reading the posts and making the most of them, in a positive productive way. Not that I don't read the good WITH the bad, but I'm no longer focusing or allowing the negative posts to control or change my decision. I'm learning so much from the positive AND negative that will help get me through the next two months waiting for my surgery and after. So, thank you for your post! I'm glad your experience went so well for you. I hope mine does as well : ). Lisa