Final Five for Tanya

I may not be a good person to reply to this post, since my answers to this question are a little different than the average WLS patient ... but here goes, from the perspective of one the few who had complications: 1. The drain. Oh yes, it was that bad. I had mine from May 24th until July 7th. And my skin does not like tape. Ow. 2. The nausea. Mine was severe, and caused by a leak and a later infection, caused by the leak. I was expecting nausea ... but I got N.A.U.S.E.A. 3. Pooping every time I visited the bathroom. I wondered if that would last forever. It did not. 4. IV Nutrition. I needed to give my digestive tract "time off" so that the fistula would heal ... and so I was fed through an IV. I was still so nauseated ... when the nurse would bring that IV bag full of white stuff, I would gag and cry, and gag and cry ... just the thought of it, hanging there and dripping into my arm, made me sick. 5. Hair Loss. The longest-lasting "pain" ... it started about 4 months post-op, and stopped about 8 months post-op. I'm waiting to see some regrowth now! I'd do it all again if I had to The results have been worth it! The real work is changing our brains and the way we feel about, and deal with, food. I'm excited for you Tanya! (Mary, love you lots! ) Dawn

1.) The drain tube didn't hurt, but it made me feel like I was some male bull with my nads just flopping around. 2.) The tape on the bandage. It took a month of scrubbing to get it all off. 3.) When I took the pain meds, it jacked me up and I could'nt sleep. I didn't take that much, but what was in my system from the hospital and I jsut took naps throughout the day and night. 4.) Figuring out what to eat. I was afraid everything had sugar in it. I wouldn't eat baby food or puree my food so I had to be creative. I found that won ton soup, broth only, was a life saver. 5.) Fighting the urge to cook, clean and do stuff in the house. I like things done my way, and even though Trent and the boys did good, I still like the towels folded a certain way, the dishwasher loaded my way and ect. I finaly backed off. I didn't dust for a month, I still don't have it all. Be prepared, be positive and pray. You'll be fine if you have those under controll. Deb

OK, the general top five holds true for me also, but here are a few more for laughs. I had forgotten some of this.... 1. Allergy to band-aid tape, already sore incisions and drain site, but now a big rash to deal with too 2. Dumping on strawberries at my desk and having my boss nudge me awake after several bathroom visits... NO STRAWBERRIES 3. Throwing up in the car while driving in traffic (keep those Wal-mart/Target bags with you just in case!) I can only imagine what people thought... MORAL OF THE STORY: Don't try to get in a few extra sips while sitting in traffic 4. Baggy Butt: as you lose weight, your pants get baggy in the butt and your friends will point that out and laugh at you 5. No more Chic-fil-A... It even make me sick now, 1 1/2 yrs out. What I wouldn't give for a #1 combo Despite all the "problems" I would do it again without blinking an eye! It is the best thing I ever did for myself. I love my life now and have so much more freedom since I am not thinking of my fat body all the time. Good luc****lly