I'd love to hear from post-ops what you'd do different if you knew then what you know now!!!

Hey Red, I went to your page and I didn't see any problems.  What happened?  I think I missed somthing. Betty

Suffice it to say I had a lot of trouble eating and drinking and had supplemental feedings through a feeding tube for six months.  But -- my surgery was perfect;  I did not have a stitch out of place as evidenced by the numerous CT and MRI's I had done back then.  I had some problems with my kidneys and pancreatitus shortly after surgery and ended up back in the hospital.  I was also dehydrated.  I was one sick puppy for awhile.  But I always knew that one day the problems would be behind me and I would be living the DS good life.  And I am! Red

Thanks Red, you did have a rough go but I can attest via your pics and your super advice...you are a true DS "loser." B

I feel the same way about my DS as I do the rest of my life. I wouldn't change a thing. Everything I have been through, in life and in the DS, has brought me to where I am right now. I wouldn't want things to be any different. I am where I am supposed to be, I feel it in my bones. (And my knees, my back, my shoulders ..  LOL!) My advice would be to take notes. Start before surgery, and journal. Write about the highs, the lows, the dreams, the WOW! moments. Write what you are feeling before you go to the hospital. Write about your experiences there. Keep writing as you go along. Many of us (me!) sort of slack off after a few months, and if you are like me, if you don't document it you forget it. You will really treasure the words as the months and the years go by, and you can go back and read them. They don't have to be public, though that is nice and always helps the newbies to see that others have the same feelings and experiences. And take pictures along the way. And never pass up an opportunity to meet other DSers when they are in town. That is the funnest! Jeanie

What would I do differently? Not much! But here are some tips: 1. DEFINITELY keep that positive outlook! Remind yourself that it's NORMAL to feel nauseous in the beginning. It will pass! 2. Take your acid blocker without fail. Whatever your surgeon recommends ie, Prilosec, etc. 3. Gatorade (thinned with water if need be) helps some with nausea 4. If you feel good: SIP. If you feel bad: SIP MORE! 5.Don't sweat the small stuff! You'll do great!

Oh Lori!  This is just SO right around the corner for you!   I remember last summer being focused on the DS they way I was focused on my babies during my pregnancies.   I really can't think of anything I'd do differently.   Perhaps I would have gone easier on myself activity wise.  I went back to work at two weeks out, because I really needed to get my semester off on the right footing with my students.    I was awfully tired until about five or six weeks out, and made sure I came right home and took a nap.    I think I expected a bit less pain post-surgically.   I didn't realize I'd have so many incisional areas inside of me.  DON'T be afraid to take advantage of every pain  med available.   I tried to tough it out, and my pain spiraled completely out of control.   A wonderful kind nurse noticed my ashen grimace and said "You look just like a person whose pain is not being well managed.   Let's get this back under control" and set to getting new orders from the docs for pain meds and got me nice and comfortable in no time.     Use your pain meds when you get home. I SO agree with Mary - a positive attitude is so important.   I have noticed a direct relationship between post-op success and attitude on this forum.   That's not to say it's 100% - complications do occur - but the cup is half full people seem to do much better. Walk, walk, walk!    Keep those carbs low until you get close to goal weight.   You will be wasting valuable stomach space if you don't and it can slow your weight loss down.   We are very excited for you to begin this journey.   I know you will be rocking the DS here in no time. Julie

I'm sure you're gonna do fine but a coule things:

* Take a vicadin or whatever pain meds you have before you go have your drains removed....

* Take the vicadin, which are gonna look like horse pills to you, but take it anyway.... I think it helps you relax which I think helps your body to heal faster....

 

See you on the losing side.

 

Jenni

I'm a pre op but I just wanted to wish you well with the surgery.  I'm so excited for you.  I think you have been doing your homework and have a reasonable idea of what to expect. I've noted all the advice on this page and hope to use it when it is my DS time. I think you will do well...surly if you follow the words of wisdom these DSers have given you. Betty

Great post Lori.  I'm thinking the same things.

Hi Lori, I have few regrets but the biggest one is that I didn't take my measurements before my surgery.  I also would have been more adamant about being given my psych meds or I would have brought some with me. Oh honey, you're going to do so well with your DS because you're such a positive light on this board.  I can't wait for you to join us on the *Loser's Bench*. Love and hugs,