One thing you wish you knew before

For all of you who have undergone surgery already, what one (or more if you want to share) thing do you wish you knew before surgery or want to share with others that will make their road just a bit smoother than you?

The one thing thats has held true for everyone i talk to is the walk and sip..
The thing i found out for myself is that you arent hungry ,but you have to try to eat.
I didnt and it made me feel worse so at least try..
Also i wrote everything down and took pictures  looking back it keeps it all in perspective of just how far i have came..Fool me forgot to do measurements though.
Good Luck sweetie

I wish I would have known that I would not be able to sleep on my side for awhile.  I am a side sleeper so being stuck on my back for two weeks was horrible.  If I would have known I could have practiced sleeping on my back and maybe it wouldn't have been so horrible.  It made me ache all over.

Jeannie

This is one thing I am having trouble wrapping my head around.  I got this way because I ate when I wasn't hungry. 

It's getting close, and yep - I'm getting scared.  I'm so thirsty all the time (being diabetic), how am I going to retrain myself to just sip?  I guess the first time it comes back up, that will do it!

Anyway, I'm pretty nervous - less than 30 days to go.  And no sleeping on my side for awhile???   AGGHH!  I am a side sleeper.

Christie, I eat by the clock.  I eat every five hours, if I am having a good eating day and staying away from carbs I dont need snacks between meals.  I track my food intake on the daily plate and watch for my protein intake if I need to add a protein shake I do.  I think the surgery will work best in the long run if you get into a routine of eating at the same time daily.  I eat at 8 1 and 6 daily or really close to those times. 

I have been really lucky with my drinking.  I can drink a lot of water, I sipped at first but after six weeks i can chug.  i am so greatful for that.

Practice being on your back, because it hurts when your not used to being flat.  To me that was the hardest part of my recovery.  The first night I was able to sleep on my side I slept like a baby.

Jeannie

Okay, My gas pain was BBAADD!
It hurt like ^%$#. I can't really take pain meds and they made me sick, that made me feel even worse. I felt alot better 1-2 weeks out, though.
When I got down to where I am at. The weightloss has came to a crawl. I didn't realize it would be so hard the last 7-10 pounds. It was easier to lose the first 50 than the last 7! THAT SUCKS!

Yes, walk and sip are important... VERY Important.. but I wish I knew that I could just do my best with the protien intake at first..I stressed it so bad I was a nervous wreck.. The important thing is to aim for your goal.. but if you dont make it one day aim for it the next day..and take your Biotin...heck start it now if you h aven't already... all your  vitamins really.. start them now.. Be the best you can be but don't stress it... It will all come in time promise.

Linda Kay

I'm with Linda Kay. I wish I had known about Biotin pre-op and I would had started taking it as soon as I had my consult. I would had lost way less hair then! So pre-ops and Newbies: don't wait until your hair starts falling out to ask the nut what you can do about it. Start taking Biotin (a B vitamin) now.

Sherri

I wish I had taken accurate measurements. They took my measurements at the surgeon's office, but they did it around my clothes and they really aren't accurate. Therefore, I really don't know how many inches I've lost.

You will be fine, looking forward to reading your Wow! posts.

Jenny

Wow, thanks everyone. All that info is great. Few questions that stem from your suggestions.
Can someone tell me exactly what vits I will have to take after surgery so that I can start them now? I haven't yet had my class.

Also, I would love to do measurements, but not quite sure how. Any suggestions? Thanks so much!