Congrats from a May 2007 member!

Hi everyone. I was surprised to see so many May 2008 members here already! On May 25, 2008 I'll celebrate my one-year surgiversary. I wish you all an incredible journey. And, most importantly, form your bonds now. You'll all be taking a magical journey together. You'll find that your May 2008 Family (or team as we like to be called) will be sooooooooooooooo important to you. I started my journey at 265.8 pounds. On May 25, 2007 I had my surgery. I came home from open RNY on May 28th...Memorial Day. The next day I celebrated my 42nd birthday. It's been the most amazing 10 months for me. Today is my 10 month surgiversary and I'm 144.4 pounds. My surgeon's goal for me was 150 so I'm a happy girl. lol I wish you all the best! Enjoy every single moment. It won't always be easy. At times you'll be frustrated, but it's sooooooooo worth it in the end!!!! Congratulations!!!!! * Cyndi *

It's so nice to hear from someone who's been there. I just get more excited the more I read about other peoples experiences. I can't beleive that next year I can be just like you. Thanks for the message!!

"Can"? You'll be in an incredible place in just a few months! I hit my surgeon's goal on my 9 month. I was in shock. lol It's an incredible ride. Make sure you take your before pics. I do front, side, side, and rear. I also take my measurements on my surgiversary. I have a big old Excel spreadsheet I use. Be sure to take your Biotin pre-op. That'll help with the hair loss. And, get your protein in!!! That's the most important thing besides walking and sipping. You're all going to do GREAT!!!! * Cyndi *

How long before your surgery should you start with the Biotin? What about pre-natals? Some people say they take those also, whats your take on those?

I would start the Biotin now. I take three a day and buy them from Walmart. I've heard of people taking the prenatal vitamins but I couldn't stand them when I was pregnant. No way was I taking them now. I'm happy to have my four Flintstones chewables. Even this far out my surgeon said it's fine. He told me I can switch to a multi "big girl" vitamin whenever I'd like to. But, it got my daughter taking her vitamins and, well, Flintstones are kind of yummy. It's not broke, my labs are fantastic so I'm not fixing it.

Yes, thanks Cyndi for stopping by and rooting us on! I get more and more nervous but in a good way I think and anxious for this process to unfold.

Don't worry, Kristy. You'll have so many emotions going up to the big day. It's perfectly normal. Feel free to pop in and read my blog. I pull no punches there. LOL And, you can see my dreaded pics from Thanksgiving 2006 which were the reason I went full-steam into the process. I'll be posting my 10 month pics in the next few days. But, here's something cool to think about: 5/25/07 - Walked into the hospital wearing a 2X shirt and size 26 stretch jeans 3/25/08 - Wearing size 6 black jeans (no stretch!) and a small shirt. Can you see why I'm a HUGE cheerleader for RNY??? Congrats to you all!!!! * Cyndi *

Biotin! Thanks for the advice. I'd have NEVER thought of that but then again I've only been "big" on vitamins while I was pregnant - better change that mindset quick!!! My co-worker had this surgery 3yrs. ago and she drinks her vitamins, they're super good...plan on doing that instead of pills. I was curious what those first few weeks were like...as far as eating and how you felt. My surgeon's office has us take home TrePuree meals which are frozen meals consisting of puree'd protein, vegetable and carb, which we eat 1/4 of per meal, thereabouts. But what else is "ok"? Yogurt I hear will be my friend (and my enemy), where you able to eat that right away? I am going to Disneyland with my two little girls, husband, and parents to see my brother in CA May 30th...about 24 post op. Too much?

You definitely have to follow your surgeon's plan. For the first two weeks I lived on jello, any clear liquids, broth, and sugar free popsicles. lol Then I moved to phase 2 which was pudding, yogurt (never did it cause I hate yogurt), still jello, and mainly liquids. I hated the thought of eating until I was about 4 weeks out. I force-fed myself. LOL Who'd have thought huh! You're pretty brave taking on Disneyland so soon after surgery. Keep in mind, this IS major surgery. There's no way I would have done a huge trip so soon. The main thing I focused on was getting my fluids in, getting my protein in and getting my vitamins in. I love the Fuzzy Navel protein mix with Sugar Free Tropicana Orangeade. It's wonderful! I pretty much live on that because I'm not a protein shake fan. Fuzzy Navel with orangeade is fabulous!!! lol

What Cyndi said is so true for me too!! I had my surgery on May 29, 2007 so I am 10 months today. However unlike Cyndi I am not quite at goal yet. My highest weight was 325lbs and I weighed 318lbs the day of susrgery. I am currently sitting at 196lbs!! whooo hooo!!! Getting to ONEderland is wonderful!!! I wish all of you the best as you start this journey. One advice I would give....take a picture in an outfit in front of something that you will take pictures in front of again (for me it was a door). I was amazed as the door appeared behind me and I could tell how much less wide I was!!! I take pictures every month on my surgiversary date. You will be amazed at the changes!! Good Luck to all of you!!!! Donna