When to start

I have a lot of questions so please excuse the numerous post. I have my consultation on 03/09 with the BTC doctor in Columbus. I've had all my blood work and sleep study. I have my psych evaluation on 3/19. I was wondering when do you start testing the protein drinks..cutting certain foods and drinks...walking..exercising..water ( Icurrently drink 5-8 glasses a day)? Which vitamins do you reccommend for hair loss and nutritional purposes? Has anyone experience extreme hair loss or no hair loss? I heard the BTW only does open. Is the scar horrible? I'm 28 and want to swim wear. If you have a scar what creams do you use for the scar?

I can't answer all your questions but here's my take on a few of them. Get off caffien NOW or start cutting down if you drink a lot of it. I also would start sampling the protein drinks, but don't buy a lot of any one. Your tast may change after surgery and then your stuck with something you really don't like. I would start walking or exercising now also. The better shape you are in before surgery the better and faster recovery you'll have. As for the vitamins I'd start with a good mulit, but each surgon is different and may want you on something special after, so PLEASE talk it over with them. I'm 15 weeks out and so far have not had much hair lose. Just remember to keep your protein up. Again others may have better advice. As far as the scar goes, mine is getting lighter each day. I know you will get a lot of good advice and a lot of it will be different, make sure that you talk everything over with your surgon to be sure doing what's best for you. Good Luck, Robin W 11/17/03 218/166.5/120-115

Hmmm, I just replied to this, but its lost in cyberspace I guess. I have a pic of my scar at 10 months post-op if you want to see it. Also, BTC only does Open, which I would choose again without hesitation. They close the incision with glue and tape, not staples, and that's a big plus for me. Go to this link and click on Jessi's Weightloss Journey to see the pic, its on page 2. http://groups.msn.com/TheCrueaBunch ~Jessi

Hi there I would start by not buying anymore products. I would start stocking up on sugar free jello and popsicles. As far as cutting out caffeine? I would not worry with that until the day of surgery. MORPHINE SULFATE makes the headaches non-existant at least for me. I drank loads of caffiene pre-op like 12-18 cans a day! For tasting the protien products and other non-sugar things I would waite until post op. If you are like most of us that have had WLS you have probably already tried alot of them like atkins and others from past diets. Also if you wait you wont compare the real sugar treats to the protein substitute treats. For hair loss try the biotin I take it and NO hair loss yet I am 4 months post op now. There is a cream called maderma(?) that I have had some tell me they have had good results with. I have a friend who has had colon surgery and used it said the scar is prctically invisible. I also have a friend who is a cardiologist said he has had several patients use it with succes. It is very expensive and there are NO garentees so I said nahhh. Exercise and walk as much now as possible!!!! It willl make recovery easier. Well thats just about all so GOOD luck wityh surgery and recovery..... Jim-114lbs Open RNY 10/27/03