New and asking a question

Hey there all, I have been researching to have Gastric Bypass for 2 years now and I have a question for all who care to answer...Do you wish you would've known the vitamin facts, nutrition facts before you had surgery, meaning would knowledge of how to eat better, and the exercise been a help before having the surgery? Thanks so much to those who feel they can answer...hope you all have a great day!

Jen, Welcome to the board. You should try posting on the main board as well you will get many more responses. RE: "meaning would knowledge of how to eat better, and the exercise been a help before having the surgery?" It would not have made a difference for me and I will give a few details. I am a sugar-a-holic and I could not seem to stick to any sort of program. I lost 80 LBS on weigh****chers once and then gained it all back and then some. I knew what I was supposed to eat or do, but it was not easy, nor did it last. I always gave in. I would think (even when dieting) "how bad can a little piece of cake be?" Well I have not had one bite of Sugar (A MIRACLE FORM GOD!) and I have not missed it since surgery. I know that sounds stupid but it's true. I tried to excersice, but I found it hard to go. My self esteem was low and I did not feel pretty. I was no longer lively as I had been my whole life. I needed this. It was an answer that I was not aware of. (it changed my life in so many ways) Everyoe says that and I used to tend to read right through it, I did not understand the meaning, now I do. I have lost 50 lBS in less than two months and I finally take pride in the way I look. This makes me feel better inside and outside. So knowing the rules made no difference for me. I think alot of people will have different experiences as to why it would/would not work, but it all comes down to you. What do you think you can do with that knowledge. I would never discourage anyone from doing it without surgery, I wish I could have. After years of trying I knew the answer. best of luck girl. Kristie 285/235/150ish PS: If you are simply asking will it help you to do this before hand the answer is yes, I may have taken it all wrong.

Kristie, Thank you so very much. Yes, I was asking if getting the info. before hand would help. I actually am a sugar a holic and to hear you say that you haven't had sugar or the desire since, is very encouraging, I believe that is part of my fear, to still "need" that substance. I have tried several "diets" myself, Phen Phen, Curves, Hydroxycut, Phentermine, as with everyone overweight/obese, I've tried it all...at least I feel as if I have. I guess I question my wanting/needing this surgery because of family influence, which I try not to do, but sometimes it's there and you keep thinking about it... I thank you though, mostly I was curious if anyone thought the knowledge of proper diet and exercise helped them through the journey...take care.

I knew all about nutrition before surgery . Dident mean I followed what I sould have .(Stress eater).It is very important that you go in knowing how to eat and be healthy.I started months before I had mine .Its a hard change but once you have surgery if you want to feel good you must follow the WLS rules. Protien and vitamins and exercise

Welcome Jen! I was fortunate, in that I had my surgery at Kaiser in San Francisco. They have a wonderful program that educates and informs patients about every aspect of the surgery and afterwards. The more info you have, the better! Joy

Jen, Well... I didn't have RNY, I had BPD/DS - but dang - I am so thankful I went into it knowing what would be required of me in terms of adequate vitamin supplementation, proper nutrition, and how vitally important it was for me (regardless of which surgery I chose to pursue) to track my post-op labs faithfully - and be proactive about my own health. The bottom line is - *I* an the one responsible for making an informed choice, choosing to make wise choices (or not) about my post-op diet and lifestyle, or not. I'm the one who has to live with the consequences. You know? Getting to know lots of other post-ops of not only my surgery, but more specifically of my surgeon, was probably one of the best things that I did. It was so helpful - gave me almost a step-by-step guide to know what to expect from the get go. Hope this helps some! Blessings, dina

Hi Jen, It is wonderful that you have been researching for so long now. You will be well prepared for your new life. I too researched for a long time. I was planning to have Gastric Bypass RNY also, when I started to learn about Duodenal Switch. For me, it was everything I wished a WLS could be, but didn't think existed. I still feel that way today, 1 year later. I LOVE to travel and I LOVE to eat. I am a travel agent, so experiencing the food etc of different regions has always been such a pleasure to me. I could not imagine going to a luau and only have a few bites of things. The DS allows me to eat normally and still lose weight. It is SO wonderful. 2 of my cousins have had RNY and are both doing fantastic too! I am glad I knew all the vitamin and nutrition requirements before hand, it has made my journey very smooth. Best wishes to you and yours Isha 366/198/170 sw cw gw -168 pounds in 1 year www.duodenalswitch.com Eat NORMAL and LOSE!!