wouldas, couldas, shouldas

Hi everyone,
My name is Gillian and this is my first post here, but I've been lurking and reading your posts here fro sometime.  Right now I'm pre-op, but just got my okay from Beaumont to schedule an appointment with my surgeon and am seeing him next week.  With the prospect of surgery looming ahead I had a question for those of you who have done this...

Is there anything you wish you had done to make this huge change and transition easier?  I'm even looking for little things that will help me get ready for this whole thing.

Thanks!
Gillian

Welcome Gillian and keep posting...

Things to help you prepare for your new lifestyle change:
Start an exercise program today, even if it's just walking. Your body will thank you for it.
It you are drinking diet soda, either cut back or stop all together. Drink crystal light, Fuze or water instead.

Practice putting your fork down between bites, eat slowly  and chew, chew and chew some more.

Start going to bariatric support groups now, go to several different ones, you will learn and get support from others.

I wish I had really gotten into a good exercise routine before surgery.  I'm not much of an exercise person and thought I was doing good with my walking, but it's not enough.  Make sure you chew your food well and slow down your eating.  Getting into these habits before surgery will help immensely post surgery.
Congratulations on making this most important decision.  You won't regret it one ioda.
Jan

Welcome to the board!  I agree with the others.....get into an exercise routine now!

Carey

I agree with the previous replies.  Try to get in some exercise, now.  I did exercise on a regular basis prior to surgery.  I had a very easy recovery and my surgeon attributed this to my frequent exercise prior to surgery.  It wasn't that I could exercise right after surgery, but I do think it helped with recovery.  And of course, it will help you being in that frame of mind....a focus...as you prepare for surgery. 

One of the BIGGEST changes I had to get used to was NOT drinking with meals.  I was a "take a bite, take a drink" kinda person.  So, that was a big adjustment.  You may want to try it first, but along with the other recommendation of eating slowly.  So slowing down your eating (take bite, put down the fork, chew and swallow) and not drinking kinda went hand in hand for me.  I  ate too fast, so was always taking a drink to help wash down the food.  Didn't realize it til after surgery.  Seemed like such a little thing, but it was hard for me.  

Hi and welcome to the boards,

I agree with the others.....of course LOL.  But what Tina points out about the drinking and eating is HUGE with my hubby, not me.  I actually didn't find it that hard, but he had the surgery about 6 mo's ago and I have to constantly remind him to wait after his meals.  So I'm pretty sure when I'm not around he isn't following that rule and in my opinion, in the beginning that is the most important rule to follow.  It teaches you how big your pouch is, get's you used to smaller meals and in the long run helps keep you full longer, which is really important when your hunger comes back.

So start early with the chewing like crazy and not drinking with meals.

Good luck,

Edie

Take your measurements!   That way, when the week comes when you don't lose a pound (and it will come, sooner or later) you will know that you lose pounds OR inches.  It helps the frustration of a  stationary scale.

Good luck to you!

\
Tuna

A couple things....

1)  I  *would*  have really regretted it had I  *not*  consulted with a surgeon who is capable of performing ALL of the major WLS options (DS, VSG, RnY, Gastric Banding).  Had I not decided upon which WLS would be best for me lifestyle / the lifestyle I wanted post-op -and- goals, I may have just let a surgeon decide what was right for me --- and that would have been limited to what that surgeon was capable of, and not what was best for me.

2)  I would have had my baseline blood work drawn at least 6 months pre-op and addressed the areas that needed work, especially those levels that would be effected by my post-op malabsorbtion.

Since I eat like a completely  'normal'  person with my DS, I can't give you any tips on what I would have practiced --- I can drink & eat at the same time!