A week away from surgery

I am now 16+ months post-op from RNY and my life has completely changed. I eat differently, I am active for the first time in my life, all of my co-morbidities are gone and I am off the meds and CPAP, I look completely different, I am able to do things that I couldn't 30 years ago. Sometimes now I wish that I'd had surgery 5-10 years ago so I could have enjoyed life sooner, but I just wasn't emotionally ready.

The biggest thing for me is that surgery is just a tool. A wonderful tool, but the key to success is committing to change your brain, which isn't part of the surgery. Look for positive support, whether than is the forums here on OH or a therapist or a good friend. You will need it as you make this journey. All of the changes in life-long habits and the way your body looks and feels can cause a real struggle, but the results are well worth it, just be prepared and be proactive.

Log in and let us know how you are doing!

I would do it again in a heartbeat and in addition, I'd go back and have it every year if I had to! My life as a normal weight person is even better than I dreamed!

I didn't lose any hair, either. I thought I noticed some extra hairs in my comb starting around month 5, but it could have been my imagination. At any rate, if I did lose some, it certainly wasn't noticeable.

and like Librarian67, I wish I'd have had it done years ago, but then again, I'm not sure I was mentally ready for it then. It takes a lot of work and commitment - the surgery just makes it possible.

Good luck with it - even though "buyer's remorse" is common during the first couple of weeks, once you get through the rough spot, I'm sure you'll be really happy you went through with this!

Yes, I'd do it again. I do wish I'd done more strength-building exercises in my lower body/core area prior to surgery. I seem to have had more pain than I hear others report and getting up and down from bed, sitting, the toilet, etc really was tough. I think it would've been easier if I had some stronger muscle tone in those areas.

I would like to thank you all so much for your informative replies. I'm still pretty nervous but I just loved all of your positive responses. Thank you again

I so want to thank you again for your thoughtful and informative answers. Also I'd like to let you know...I DID IT! This is my forth day post-op and so far not too awful. After surgery the pain was more intense than I had anticipated, but the hospital staff was there to help.

What are somethings you wish you'd done when you were just starting out on this journey?