LIFE AFTER WLS - DIDN'T YOU KNOW?

In speaking with some people over the last couple of days, I've started wondering exactly what people's expectations are for life after wls (regardless of the type of surgery you had).

Didn't you know that you were going to have to eat mainly protein, first and foremost? 

Didn't you know that you were going to have to drink more water than you ever thought possible?

Didn't you know that alcohol and junk food couldn't be a part of your everyday life?

Didn't you know that you would have to exercise to lose weight and maintain the loss?

Didn't you know (for rny especially) that you were going to have to take a vitamin every day, in addition to other supplements?

Did you think your bad eating habits would disappear with the wls?

If you didn't know - why not?  Didn't you research? 

To all those thinking about having surgery - I urge you to become as educated and informed as possible about the types of surgery.  Once you and your surgeon decide which is the one for you, research some more.  Take a look at the pros and cons of your surgery and how you're going to have to live your life post-wls and decide if you have it in you to succeed.

Something to chew on!!

Tia

I researched seriously for more than 2 years before I made my decision. I knew that when I would have wls that they were definitely not operating on my brain. So I knew that I needed to make a life altering change and it was not going to be the easy way out. 

So yes it is super important that everyone researches everything and know that having wls does not change the bad habits that we acquired throughout our lifetime. 

What really makes me wonder is when people post asking what they can eat after having wls when you are suppose to follow your surgeon's guidelines.  In order to succeed you have to adhere to your doctor's rules I remember my doctor making me sign papers promising I understood everything. Especially the one not getting pregnant until 18 months after wls that was an ooopsy!  lol

Thanks for posting this Tia.

I researched this surgery for a good year and a half getting all of the info I could find, reading all of the books and asking lot's of questions.  It always amazes me to see the amount of people who have this surgery, have their body rerouted and know nothing about the after life (what to eat, what supplements to take, the long term effects on our bodies and the big one YOU CAN GAIN YOUR WEIGHT BACK) it's just crazy!!!  Thanks for the post Tia hope it wakes some up.

Hugs!!
Stephanie

You know it took me 5 years of research before i actually had the surgery done.  That's how long it took me to get mentally prepared for it