Forum Newbie
I joined a while ago, but haven't really posted. My surgery is scheduled for 3/23/10 at West Penn with Daniel Gagne. I should have been doing more homework here on the forums, making connections, educating myself about vitamins and post-op nutrition. I'm now doing some catch-up. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.
~Laura C.
~Laura C.
Hey Laura!
Welcome to the boards.
Research IS key so yes, keep on reading and soaking information. Each surgeon's style is a little different so expect to hear some things from them vs some things from here/in books that don't match exactly.
Some rules of thumbs:
Directly after surgery (like a few hours into the first week) breathing exercises to expand your lungs, sip sip sip clear fluids (when they let you), and walk walk walk. Most of this (except the sipping) may be uncomfortable, but well worth it and helps you heal.
Do NOT stock up on any one protein powder prior to surgery. Anything you like now good chance you won't like after surgery - tastes change. Places like GNC and some online places give away (or charge a nominal fee) for small sample packets. Good things to keep on hand.
Some good websites for buying things/info: I'm sure there are others but I use these two:
www.netrition.com
www.bariatriceating.com
If you are interested in reading some books I suggest:
"The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery"
"Weight Loss surgery for dummies" (or maybe it's "the Idiots guide to weight loss surgery" I can't remember...but am pretty sure it's the first one)
Ask whatever questions.....
This is a GREAT forum. Keep in mind we are like a big family who wants EACH AND EVERYONE to succeed at all times. That being said - if you're doing something "wrong" or seem to be slipping off track, or seem to be NOT following directions...we will let you know. Some are a little more harsh than others but it is ALWAYS out of the desire to keep everyone moving in the right direction, be it 1 mos, 1 year, or 10 years out.
We've got some GREAT GREAT vets here on the board who know EXACTLY what they are talking about. 5+ years experience makes ya learn a little here and there, lol.
Myself...I'm 29, turning 30 this year. I am 2 1/2 years post op a patient of Dr. Pupkova @ Barix (there's a bunch of "barix babies" here...) I was at "goal" within the first year, losing about 110 pounds...and then in the past 6-8 mos have slacked off a bit with being careful with what I ate and was not exercising - and have an additional 5-10 pounds to prove it. So, I'm back on track, back at the gym, logging my food, etc etc. And yes, I got the talking to from my friends, and I actually ASKED For it (literally - I posted that I needed people to get me back on track and accountable)
Welcome aboard - jump on in!
Welcome to the boards.
Research IS key so yes, keep on reading and soaking information. Each surgeon's style is a little different so expect to hear some things from them vs some things from here/in books that don't match exactly.
Some rules of thumbs:
Directly after surgery (like a few hours into the first week) breathing exercises to expand your lungs, sip sip sip clear fluids (when they let you), and walk walk walk. Most of this (except the sipping) may be uncomfortable, but well worth it and helps you heal.
Do NOT stock up on any one protein powder prior to surgery. Anything you like now good chance you won't like after surgery - tastes change. Places like GNC and some online places give away (or charge a nominal fee) for small sample packets. Good things to keep on hand.
Some good websites for buying things/info: I'm sure there are others but I use these two:
www.netrition.com
www.bariatriceating.com
If you are interested in reading some books I suggest:
"The Real Skinny on Weight Loss Surgery"
"Weight Loss surgery for dummies" (or maybe it's "the Idiots guide to weight loss surgery" I can't remember...but am pretty sure it's the first one)
Ask whatever questions.....
This is a GREAT forum. Keep in mind we are like a big family who wants EACH AND EVERYONE to succeed at all times. That being said - if you're doing something "wrong" or seem to be slipping off track, or seem to be NOT following directions...we will let you know. Some are a little more harsh than others but it is ALWAYS out of the desire to keep everyone moving in the right direction, be it 1 mos, 1 year, or 10 years out.
We've got some GREAT GREAT vets here on the board who know EXACTLY what they are talking about. 5+ years experience makes ya learn a little here and there, lol.
Myself...I'm 29, turning 30 this year. I am 2 1/2 years post op a patient of Dr. Pupkova @ Barix (there's a bunch of "barix babies" here...) I was at "goal" within the first year, losing about 110 pounds...and then in the past 6-8 mos have slacked off a bit with being careful with what I ate and was not exercising - and have an additional 5-10 pounds to prove it. So, I'm back on track, back at the gym, logging my food, etc etc. And yes, I got the talking to from my friends, and I actually ASKED For it (literally - I posted that I needed people to get me back on track and accountable)
Welcome aboard - jump on in!
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses. 
Oh - and make sure, regardless of how much you might HATE to do it to do the following:
Take a before picture within the week before surgery. Preferably front, side, and back view
TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS as well. This is KEY. There will be times that the scale doesn't budge, but you lose inches. Has to do with the weight of muscle vs. fat.
Measure:
Neck
Chest (I always did "both" chest measurements..like you are being fitted for a bra)
Waist
Hips
Left Bicep
Right Bicep
Left thigh
Right thigh
Left Calf
Right Calf
I wish I would have measured my wrists...but that seemed soooo ridiculous to do - but lemme tell you - I lost a bunch there, too...cause I have bracelets that now I can't wear, lol
Measurements no more than once a month after surgery
Take a before picture within the week before surgery. Preferably front, side, and back view
TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS as well. This is KEY. There will be times that the scale doesn't budge, but you lose inches. Has to do with the weight of muscle vs. fat.
Measure:
Neck
Chest (I always did "both" chest measurements..like you are being fitted for a bra)
Waist
Hips
Left Bicep
Right Bicep
Left thigh
Right thigh
Left Calf
Right Calf
I wish I would have measured my wrists...but that seemed soooo ridiculous to do - but lemme tell you - I lost a bunch there, too...cause I have bracelets that now I can't wear, lol
Measurements no more than once a month after surgery
Instead of complaining that the rosebush has thorns, be happy that the thorn bush has roses.
Hi Laura!
Welcome to the PA forum! I think Pam gave a great overview, so I don't have much to add. Ask any questions you have---there's no such thing as tmi here. Also don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Another good website for buying sample packets of protein is www.vitalady.com.
If you haven't done so, you might want to start eliminating caffeine and soda now, and start increasing your water intake. You might also want to start getting some exercise now, even if it's just a short walk each day.
Stick around---you'll like it here!
Welcome to the PA forum! I think Pam gave a great overview, so I don't have much to add. Ask any questions you have---there's no such thing as tmi here. Also don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions. Another good website for buying sample packets of protein is www.vitalady.com.
If you haven't done so, you might want to start eliminating caffeine and soda now, and start increasing your water intake. You might also want to start getting some exercise now, even if it's just a short walk each day.
Stick around---you'll like it here!
Julia
When life hands you lemons, ask for tequila & salt and give me a call!
Hi Laura and WELCOME to the PA Board!
It's great that you're getting active here so early - I didn't find the board at all until just about a week before my surgery and didn't really get "into" it until after surgery, but now it's a vital part of my support network. So good for you to get to it now!
Pam's overview was great - one site to add is the one I've recently found by Barix:
http://www.barixclinicsstore.com/recipe_main.html
They have a spectacular array of recipes using protein powders (as well as others for later stages), which made a huge different immediately post-op for me in finding recipes that were tasty and that I didn't feel I was having to "choke down." They also have (under Resources) a bunch of good articles, food logs, and other info that is very helpful.
You'll find a ton of great people here who will chip in to answer just about any question you can come up with, and remember that there's truly no such thing as "too much information." We talk about everything here, because we've all been through it.
Good luck and welcome!
karen
It's great that you're getting active here so early - I didn't find the board at all until just about a week before my surgery and didn't really get "into" it until after surgery, but now it's a vital part of my support network. So good for you to get to it now!
Pam's overview was great - one site to add is the one I've recently found by Barix:
http://www.barixclinicsstore.com/recipe_main.html
They have a spectacular array of recipes using protein powders (as well as others for later stages), which made a huge different immediately post-op for me in finding recipes that were tasty and that I didn't feel I was having to "choke down." They also have (under Resources) a bunch of good articles, food logs, and other info that is very helpful.
You'll find a ton of great people here who will chip in to answer just about any question you can come up with, and remember that there's truly no such thing as "too much information." We talk about everything here, because we've all been through it.
Good luck and welcome!
karen
Laura, let me welcome you and agree that keeping a journal with your measurements each month will be a terrific motivator. When the time comes that you feel like you haven't lost "much" weight....the numbers don't lie!
Photos along the way are terrific too. You won't believe the change, and a picture is worth a thousand words!
Photos along the way are terrific too. You won't believe the change, and a picture is worth a thousand words!
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