Topic One: I Wish I (knew, did, etc.) Before WLS...

Like everyone else has said, Thanks for starting this thread!!!

I had my WLS almost 6 years ago and wish I would have known about OH before having my RNY.  I had a lot of support but I basically had to wing it after WLS.  My doctor and staff helped me a lot but I didn't know 1/2 as much as I know since joining OH (thanks ya'll!).  The one BIG thing I wish I would have known how important it is to drink enough water and when to drink.  I never stopped 30 minutes prior or waited an hour after until I found out about it 3 years PO.  Anyway, it's never too late and it helps me feel full now. 

Have a great day!!!


 

This is a wonderful thread Shauna,
I am on my way to do my second work out and will have some time to reflect on your question.
Actually my 1 year anniversery is on Friday and I have wanted to post some thoughts on that but with your question I can do that by answering you.
                                Annie

Unfortunately, I had to delete this post due to privacy concerns.

Hi Shelli,

I'm so sorry that you are soooo hungry, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. I know that people kept telling me that I wouldn't be hungry and I'm telling you that if a small child walked by near the end of my liquid diet, they might have been in serious jeopardy... LOL, okay maybe that's a bit of an exageration, but OMG, I never thought I'd be soooo hungry.

I'm glad that your time to start eating again will be here soon.

Wishing you all the best,

Barb

Actually what my responce is to this question is I feel I was prepared as one could get.
I do wish however had had looked into other hospitals to do my RNY journey.
A higher power was looking out for me when I switched to UNC.
My wls surgery is a mental journey along with a physical one.
I know I was very ready to take the step to have my surgery.
I agree with Barb that we have to be accountable like recording our intake.
I did not learn this till just two weeks ago.
Sometimes I think I can eat most anything but of course in moderation.
I just had an open faced ham and cheese sandwich and boy was I looking forward to it.
To this day my pouch will not allow me to eat half of a sandwich.
My mind says Oh This Is So Good but my pouch will not allow more than it can hold.
So I deal with situations like this many times but I am still grateful to have my pouch.
As far as OH there is never a day that goes by that I dont think of this board and the people on here.
A good way to describe how I feel about this forum is like a line from a Bob Dylan song.
"Shelter From The Storm" This forum is my shelter from a storm I have been in for many many years and I find great comfort and love here.
                                        Annie

Like most everyone else, I researched the heck out of it before I went through with WLS, so I really didn't have any suprises...plus my wife had WLS three months before me.  The only thing I wish is that I would have put my nerves aside and done it earlier! 

Shauna,
I like you are still waiting, but this is a wonderful thread and I can't wait to see what other topics will be researched.  I thank Barbara for her wisdom and for all the other supportive people on this NC board.

Shelia

I wish I had forced myself to start some kind of regular and strict exercise routine before surgery.  I hated excercising before surgery and I still hate it now!!!   I also thought I was prepared for the mental part of this journey as far as being able to handle everyday life problems without turning to food but unfortunately I still struggle with this post op.  The only difference is now I pay for it if I try to overeat or eat junk that I know I shouldn't.  You'd think I'd learn by now, right?  WRONG ~ I still make wrong food decisions when I am having an emotional day but I am trying so hard to do better.  And last but not least, I am so thankful for this website and this board in particular.  Even though I've only met a few of the wonderful people on this board, I have made life long friends who have traveled this same path and truly understand what this journey is all about!!

Hmm...I wish I would have been able to get my head in the game much sooner! With the Lap band many people are still able to eat the same way as they did pre-op...I am unfortunately one of those people. I did not put enough effort into changing my eating habits and dieting, which was essentially what I needed to do until I started to get some restriction through my fills. BUT...I'm happy to report that me and my band are working together now, and I'm very happy!

now this is a great post shaunab68. I have not had surgery yet, My surgery is sched for 10/14 (RNY). I have been trying to learn as much as I can. The answers to the post will help alot..