New Kid on the Block

Hey everyone!  This is my first message board posting.  I have been going through the "process" since October and FINALLY have my date!!  I'm wicked excited to say the least.  I can't wait to have the surgery but I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit terrified.  Since getting actual confirmation of my date a few weeks ago it is all I have thought about.  I have been going through this whole thing with one of my best friends and we had hoped to be able to have surgery on the same day but she has encountered some insurance hurdles that I haven't so that's not going to happen.  That being said, this is the first time I've really been on my own throughout the whole journey and I'm really realizing how comforting it has been to have someone going through the exact same thing to talk to.  So here is where I need your help!!  I am starving for any tips and advice you have to offer.  I have my first nutritionist appointment in months on the 8th and I'm nervous that I haven't really lost anymore weight since the last time I was there.  I have more than exceeded my necessary goal for pre-surgery weight loss.  Is that going to be enough??  I have planned to take the full 6 weeks off from work.  Is that too much?  I've read that some of you only took 2 weeks!!!  I have a million more questions but this post is getting pretty long so......please share!!  Thanks;0)

Welcome!  Quick answers, you should be fine with your weight loss, they just don't like to see any real gain.  I took four weeks off, and am only back part-time last week and this week. Many people went back after two weeks but I wanted time to get used to my new way of eating and to know how my body would react to things in the comfort of my own home before I was out in the real world. 

Good luck and glad to see you are posting here. There are a great bunch of people and you will find lots of advice, support, and a few good laughs too.

You should be golden with your weight loss.  Dr. L only requires the 10% of your body weight.  I currently stay at home with my kids and attend classes online so I didn't have to worry about returning to work, but it really depends on the individual.  Everyone heals differently, I didn't have a lot of pain the few days after surgery but in my mother's case she was very sore and achey for a few weeks, especially on the left side. (It's very common for RNY patients to experience this).  She took the whole 6weeks off and was still not up to par when she did return.  I know for myself, by week 3 exhaustion caught up with me and the energy I was starting to build went down the toilet.  You are in great hands with Dr. L and staff, they are very knowledgable and take very good care of you.

wellcome!! congrats on being approved for surgery!  I have planed on taking three weeks of from work post surgery. I could take more but i dont want to be away for to long i know its going to put a burden on my coworkers. i am trying to lose as much weight as i can pre op. Its been a strugle! I know that surgery will be easier on me and the Doc if i lose as much as posible.

I don't think they'll be too concerned you haven't lost anymore weight as long as you've met your weight loss goal for pre-op AND as long as you've been keeping up with your food log (I think they REALLY like to see those food logs!)

I took the full 6 weeks off from work and I'm glad that I did!  Adjusting to the different diet stages was almost a full time job for the first few weeks.  AND........I got to enjoy some time with my kiddos!

I agree with Shell that you are in GREAT hands with Dr Loggins and his staff!  They are awesome!

If you have any other questions..........feel free to ask or pm me.........I'm around most days!
Good luck!


BTW.......have you been to any of the support group meetings?  I'm usually there..........say hi if you go!

I had my RNY on May 27th. Yesterday was my first day back to work. I'm very tired this week. I was out 3 1/2 weeks. It would have been nice to have the full six weeks off and as far as work I was approved for it but the doctors secretary didn't think my short term disability would pay for me to be out the full six weeks to "adjust" to my new habits. It's not a medical condition was what I was told. Overall being back to work isn't that big of a deal other then being tired. My co-workers are very good about making sure I'm ok. My concern is if something doesn't agree with me and the effects because I'm alone from 1 - 4:30 each day. Not good if a client should come in! 

You'll do fine. Good luck to you!! 

Welcome aboard.  Congratulations!!  I took off three weeks and could have returned much earlier.  I did not have the tiredness that most have.  I had a ton of energy starting with the two week liquid diet and was bored stiff at home for three weeks.  Did alot of shopping and needed to go back to work or I would have been broke. LOL  Good luck!!

Welcome to the gang. 

Welcome!
Augusta is right around the corner. Of course you're getting nervous and worried as the date draws near. We would wonder if you weren't.
 
Ask away. You have a wealth of folks here to draw information from. Many from your surgeon's practice and the rest of us from other programs.

Welcome & congratulations!!  I am lucky enough to be a stay home mom and foster parent so I did not have to go back to "work" .  I have 8 kids (4 teens that helped a lot!)  I had no pain at all.  I never took a pain pill, even in the hospital.  I did not have the tiredness that most have.  I have had a ton of energy almost since the day I came home.  Good luck!!