New recruit

Hi I am having my surgery in 2 weeks and would like any advice that I can get. I have read some pretty good things on here so far. I am having trouble trying to stop smoking, Been doing really good with it but as time grows nearer I find myself wanting one Any sugguestions

My advice is to start an exercise program (slow at first, and keep upping your time) as soon as you can after surgery! It definately helped me. And I'm sure that the sooner you can stop smoking, the better. Where are you having your surgery? Jenni

High Jenni I am Having my surgery at Olathe Kansas with Dr Opie. I have already started walking a little. Tried my stationary bike but my knees wont let me so walking was the best I can do. Did you find it hard to stick to the diet the they put you on after your surgery. And do you feel much better about your self after you had this done. Im hoping that besides my health it will get me off my kids back. Im thinking that the are so skinny that I find myself getting jelous of them. I wont to enjoy doing things with them again. Is this terrible of me. Thanks for talking with me. Kate

I do feel better about myself though I really wasn't one who lacked confidence even when I was heavy.....but I find I will do more things, try more things now....I'm not afraid of BREAKING things so much! I've even gotten on my kids' trampoline! I'm still a rather "intense" mom but I guess it is my job to raise them to be decent adults.....and I see so many kids that just do whatever they want....and I don't want mine to be like that. Anyway, you will feel so much better physically, mentally, everything....but give it a little time. It doesn't happen overnight but then I'm not even 4 months out quite yet and can't believe the difference already! God bless you and your upcoming surgery! Jenni -70

Kate, I had surgery with Dr Opie August 18, 2003. I have lost 115 pounds so far on this journey. (I need to get a new picture up, I don't look the same!) Dr Opie is wonderful. He if very thorough and will keep on you if you have a vice, mine was caffein. I have not had any caffein since my surgery! The diet is not hard to stick to at first. You really don't feel much like eating and it takes very little to fill you up. The hardest part at first was learning limits and not being able to have much variety. You learn as you go what you can tolerate and what works best for you. Remember everyone is different! I hope you will be able to make it to the support group meeting at Olathe hospital tomorrow April 15, it will be on the first floor of the hospital off the lobby in the ambulatory surgery. I look forward to seeing you and wish you luck and prayers on your journey! Do you have a date yet?