questions?

I am planning to visit my grandson 10 days post op. We will be driving to Nashville, Tn for a long weekend. Will I be feeling pretty good by then? About how long before I can get back in the pool? I love to swim! Also about how fast does the weight come off? I know every one is differant. How fast do you go down in clothing size. I have written these questions down to ask my Dr., but was hoping I could get some insight here too. Thanks, Wendy

My stepdaughter and her family came to visit us from florida about two weeks after my surgery.  I felt descent , not great but just descent.  I had my first bout with constipation for a couple of days when they were here and was in horrible pain because I didn't recognize the symptoms and head it off fast enough.  Luckily for me the couple of days when I really felt like crap they were off visiting other family members so no one was the wiser.  On the other hand I think Shanna said she went back to work full time after 9 days and she has a very physical job, so it just depends.

I had to wait for my wounds to totally heal before being able to swim, my doc release me to swim at 3 weeks post op. 

there are as many aswers to how fast the weight comes off as there are people here.  I am down 107 pounds 33 of which is pre op weight loss.  I am almost 8 months post op. 

I lost my first 50 pounds before I went down a pant size.  I now weigh 181 pounds, stand at 5' 5" tall and wear a size 16. 

To add to what Jeannie has already said, going on a car trip that long that soon after surgery, you will definitely want to schedule in pit stops.  You will need to get out and walk around.  Don't want to risk blood clots!

You will probably feel decent, but expect to feel tired.  That's a normal side effect of anesthesia.

You should be able to go swimming as soon as you've been cleared to take a tub bath rather than a shower - once the incisions are fully healed.  Probably 3 weeks or so.

As far as the weight - we're all different.  I was 3 months out on 3/9.  I'm down 64 pounds.  Your mileage may vary.


PS:  Love your name - I named my daughter Wendy.

Wendy,  The other girls who have posted share my opinion on the first couple of questions you had. 

You will feel tired... so get your rest when you can.  Be sure to carry along some type of pain meds, just for discomfort in case you need it.  I was using Tylenol after 3 days post op.  I didn't have any serious pain.   Walk often because of blood clots and also the soreness that sets in if you don't move alot.  Be sure to take LOTS of bottled water with you!!!  Don't forget to drink while you are out and about and on the long ride down there.  Fluids are sooo important!

As for the weight,  Christie says it best... "your mileage may vary!"  LOL.   I have noticed most RNYer's have lost about an average of 25 to 30 pounds in their first month.  I lost 50 lbs in my first 3 months but did not change pants sizes until my 4th month.  I carry my weight in my hips and booty.  So it took longer on the pants to change sizes than on my tops.   Don't be surprised if you have the opposite results if you carry your weight more above your waist.   It is different for everyone so that might give you a general idea of what to expect.  Sorry there are no solid answers.  I just know, if you stick to the WLS "bible" they give you at St. V's ... you will do fine.  Results vary because people are so different.

I am excited for you!  Best of Luck!

Huge hugs,
Tracy

Wendy,
    I lost 53# in my first 3 months after surgery.  In 6 months I lost 93#. In 1 yr. I lost 140#. 18 mos 168# . 2 yrs 192#. 30 mos 213#.  This does not include the 25# I lost the 6 months before my surgery.   But I believe what is more important than those numbers is that I have maintained the weight loss for over 6 years now.
    I will tell you what worked for me.  I went into the surgery with no expectations that I would do what everybody else is doing.  I was only going to do what Kathy was able to do, my best.  As long as I was doing EVERYthing that my yellow sheet said that I was supposed to do, and I was exercising everyday, and getting my water in, and my protein, and taking my vitamins, and my calcium, and going to support group meetings, and keeping my appts. with my wonderful Dr. Glass, and seeing the dietitians, and calling them if I had any concerns at all........I was good.

.I don't mean to make it sound easy because it is damn hard work.  But YOUR success should not be measured or compared by anyone else's numbers because the ultimate success of your journey is NOT in seeing how fast the pounds will be shed but in your success at learning to change your emotional eating behaviors.    As they say, "Actions speak louder than words or in this case.....pounds!"

They teach us that our tummies are like a new little baby tummy and give us a sippy cup, baby spoon and very small quantities of food.  I also  made a personal decision to re-train my brain and start over from the infancy stage to re-introduce new foods to my mind and how I thought about food in my life and why I ate the way I did and worked on changing that thinking.....not just focusing on wanting to drop the pounds that everyone else was.  

I think of myself like the turtle and the hare story.  The hare jumped out front first toward the finish line, but the turtle ends up crossing the finish line first because he was diligent and perservered one step at a time. He didn't  become complacent  like the hare did.  I complied with my program, I followed the rules, but I'm sure not perfect.  But I'm very determined, focused, open minded to still learn, very positive, and will never quit .  I hope this helps.  Even tho I am late in posting it.

Kathy