KNOCK, KNOCK IS ANY POST OPS HOME?

I have been sitting at home waiting for these meetings to take place Wednesday 4.26.06 and on 5.3.06(pre-op). As a 418 pound man what should I expect from this surgery(Weight Loss I know) is it a rapid weigh loss??? Is there anything that I should be doing while I wait for surgery??? What do I do for protien because I do not eat redmeat or pork and I dont drink milk????? The extra skin thing , what do you do??? Come on folks help a brother out..........Talk to me. Is it alright to be up all night thinking about this surgery???? At work studying all of this stuff(should be making sure the kids are safe) :-s :-s :-s :-s :-s :-s

Derrick, Relax!!! All wil be explained to you. Your just taking the first step so don't keep yourself up worring. Thru the process you will be talking to doctors and others that will be giving you advice that suits you. So get some rest . Look at some of the profiles of people on here to see what a dramatic difference this surgery can make. Also read the posts of others so you can see that it canhave a few bumps in the road as well. Take Care, Julio

Hi Derrick... I think it's wonderful that you're taking the time to really get educated about this surgery. It's a big commitment and the more you know, the better your success will be!! Everybodys weight loss is different. Compared to other people, I think mine has been a little slow (92lbs in 7 months). But there's so many factors that contribute to that. One is age, another is the amount of water and protein you get in everyday and also, being a man you'll probably lose faster than I would. There are protein drinks that are not milk based, like Isopure. But it's all trial and error which drink you'll like. As for redmeat and pork...there's always chicken, beans, eggs, fish...don't worry!! Alot of people have extra skin but again, it all depends on other factors. Skin elasticity, age, exercise. I'm losing my stomach but my arms are another story!! They look like bat wings!! Just make sure to dedicate yourself to exercising to give yourself the best chance to get rid of the extra skin. And there's always plastic surgery for those trouble spots when you're at goal. A little nip and tuck is the way I'll be going for my ugly arms!! For right now though, calm down, keep educating yourself and wait for those meetings. You'll learn alot. But I know..the waiting is the worst!! Good luck!! Kim K.

Hi D: Your questions are valid, and as Julio says, they will all be answered as you journey through this process. It all takes time and patience. There is a lot to think about when approaching WLS. So going into this with eyes wide open is a good thing. It can be a bit daunting at times. But you have the ever present OH CT Forum here to help you through it. I don't know much about Dr. Valin's practice and what he has to offer. Suffice it to say, in my humble opinion, it helps to have consultation with a nutritionist and psychologist pre and post op. This is just my opinion, one that held me in good stead so far. One thing I can tell you is to become (if you are not already) flexible, adaptable. That is what will keep you on an even keel as you move forward. The particulars will fall into place. Good luck and WELCOME to our family. Towanda

hey derrick, i am home post op 6 days, before i had my surgery done and after i finished the sparing diet, i decided to just get my favorite foods that i only eat at special times and enjoy something different everyday. i am glad i did that now i have no feelings for these foods. i too had my procedure done by dr. valin, and i had no problems what so ever. all i can say to you is listen too everything they tell you, make sure you follow directions to the letter, (i am not kidding). while in the hospital make sure you walk and walk, you will feel better. now, so far as the waiting is concern, just take each day and say my "life is going to change soon" try to celebrate each day ie: doing something different with friends, try a new resturant, go to the movies, go to a play and etc. this will keep your mind from stressing over the procedure. i hope everthing go very well for you, please keep us updated. bye

Hi derrick, like julio says...Relax,I am post op 2 weeks almost 3,and doing great,I had laproscopic gastric bypass at danbury hospital,before surgery I followed a sugar free pre -op diet,now I have gotten the isopure fruit protien drinks,they have 40g of protien per bottle,you really wont feel like eating or drinking much after surgery,but remember to sip liquids all day long,,its not as hard sometimes at it May seem,,you will be just fine,,take care and good luck,,oh,,do everything the dr,tells you to do!!!!!!!! Cyndee

Hey there double D. First of all, I just wanted to tell you that I had Dr. Valin and had an excellent experience with him. He and Deb are great and the rest of the staff is wonderful also. I am sure that they would be willing to assist you with any questions that you have. Bring them to the seminar. I know some people who shot for a normal range BMI as their goal. I should have as I am almost 5 months out and an almost at my weak goal. Oh well, time for another. Nervous, you are normal. A lot of people go through it. I could not get over it untill I came here, got some great support and stuck to my decision. Lastly, Here is your official invite to the Men's board or as we call it, the locker room. Have a great one. Scott Men's board link: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/men/