New to all this!!!!

Nina, I go to a fitness center. I walk 1 mile daily @ 3.5 mph with a 5.5 incline. I also ride a stationary bike for 2 miles, I'm not sure of the speed. It's whatever feels comfortable. I do calf extensions. Somedays I do weight lifting, just for toning right now. If I pull my belly mucles, I will not do weight training for about 1 week. I only lift weights with my calves, arms & legs. Very light weights on machines, no free weights. If I feel the muscles in my belly beginning to pull or feel sore, I stop weights for about 1 week. I don't want to rip any incision. Your fitness center sounds great..FREE. Go, go, go. My Dr. allows "fake" sugar. Such as Splenda (which is sucralose), Sweet & Low, Nutra Sweet. Any "fake" sweetner. No surgars that are "refined" or real sugars. And there are alot of cakes, candies, drinks, gums, etc that are made for diabetics that have artificial sugars in them that we can eat...once our goal weight is achieved. So we can still have the "sweet stuff". Warmest Wishes On Your Journey, Shannon

Nina: I regret - daily - having the surgery - as I know that I NEVER really gave diet and exercise a chance. I might have claimed I did - but I really did not. I am 20 pounds from my goal weight and love that...But - I can't eat anything with more then 3 grams of sugar (Check out labels and you will find that rules out TONS of foods- some of which you would never think had sugar in them!) I can't eat bread, pasta, tortillas, etc. I am sick at least once a day....Not necessarily throwing up - but feeling like I need to. If I could go back - I would really diet and exercise... But - I made a choice and have to live with it. (For more info - read my profile) Anne

Hi Nina, First rule, do a ton of research like you are doing. Also, realize there are other options besides RNY - like lap band. The band is much less invasive, less complications, 10x less mortality rate, adjustable and reversible. The weight loss is a little slower but after 2 years you will have the same results. And, there is no "window" but the band continues to work for you for the rest of your life. The best part - completely reversible. If there are ever any problems, they can take it out and there is no cutting and/or rearranging of your intestines. There is a forum on this website under communities, surgery types. Best of luck!

Nina, There's an independent support group in Milwaukee called Milwaukee WLS. We will be meeting this Saturday (always last sat of month) at the Champion Chicken on Lisbon Ave at 10:00 am-11:30. CC has created a bariatric menu too. After the meeting some stay to have lunch, others don't. It's a great group of folks. Most have had RNY and a couple of us the lap-band. You're welcome to attend if you can make it.

Hi Nina, I started this journey back in Oct 04 and I have a date for 2-3-05 for the surgery. Just 2 years ago I was totally against it. After researching & meeting many people that have done well with the surgery and some that have had some complications I've changed my mind. None of them regret having the surgery & some even say if they had to they would do it annually. They love their new life! I'm 37 & have dieted & exercised off and on since I was 16. I always lose drastically and keep it off for 2 or 3 years but then those bad habits creep back & so does the weight! This time the weight didn't creep it bombarded me and now I'm double my "normal" size. My legs, back & knees hurt and I feel worse than I've ever felt. I never had to worry about fitting in chairs or rollercoasters and that's what scared to death. I've past the lil' chunky phase and I'm down right fat. Clothes forget it, walking & I used to walk five miles a day, forget it and a flight of stairs are avoided always, if possible. I'm afraid to "diet & exercise" again because when I do that I gain back what I lost and more! That's why I've opted for the surgery, I figure with the "new" stomach & tool I can have more control and not slip back into my old habits. I wish you the best and tell you to research, research, research!!! I know that this is what I want to do BUT I'm also a bit scared too.....I've never stayed overnight in a hospital let alone had someone cutting on me. Take your time & exhaust all options! Take Care!

Not only do you research each procedure make sure you research your surgeon very well. I have read profiles were people did not want to wait for a surgeon so they went elsewere and as it turns out that dr. has lawsuits against him or a high mortality rate. If there is a waiting list for a doctor than chances he is that good. DO NOT SETTLE with your life. Us woman are accused of being more careful with shopping for a pair shoes than looking for someone to cut us open. good luck to you and make sure you chose a procedure you can live for the rest of your life!

Hi Nina~ You've already received great information and advice in response to your post, but I wanted to add my two cents' worth anyway . Weight loss surgery is truly a life-changing event, and your committment to making the necessary lifestyle changes is the most important factor in your success. I really encourage you to read, read, read everything possible about the various surgeries so you can make an informed decision as to what procedure is best for YOU. Like many people who finally seek weight loss surgery, I didn't realize there were other options besides gastric bypass. I am SO grateful that I found out about adjustible gastric banding (Lap Band), which has been done for many years in Europe. Surgery in the US was approved by the FDA in 2001 and many bariatric surgeons are now trained in this procedure. Lap Banding is a much safer surgery and is completely reversible. People may tell you the weight loss is slower and while that's generally true, the weight STAYS OFF with proper band adjustments (fills). Please come visit the Lap Band forum on this site and see if this might be something you wish to consider, in addition to the RNY. Anyway, please look at ALL of the options for surgery and don't let anyone else make the decision FOR you. This is your body, your life, and your health! All the best! Bobbi

Dear Nina, My surgery was December 1999. Fast forward, I am a size 8, weight 188 pounds. From 420 pounds. I felt like a prisoner and now, though I am middle aged, I work out, stay in shape and can eat what I want though I don't each white sugar or animal by products. I felt like a prisoner during the time I was fat, I would have done any of it and all of it 1000 times over. I will be thinking of and praying for you. I know that you will enjoy great success and don't let any other thoughts inside. Andi

Thanks so much everyone for your advice and words of encouragement. I am sorry I haven't posted sooner but I am a full time mom w/ 5 kids and a full time student. My first, middle and last name are BUSY BUSY BUSY! Anyway....I went to the seminar about the surgery and got to meet the surgeon as well as patients that are 1yr post op. I have made up my mind to have the surgery. I go on the 22nd of February to my first consultation w/ the surgeon. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am and how I DREAM on a daily basis of a better more fullfilling life. Nina

Hi Nina. I am 3 years out and 54 years old. My only regret is that I didn't have the surgery 20 or 30 years ago. I cannot tolerate very cold foods unless I eat them slowly. So yes, if I gulp my ice tea I spit up -- I still can't vomit like an adult, just spit up like a baby. I don't have to chew my food a million times like they make it sound before the surgery, but if I wolf stuff down it causes distress until I get it back up. My post-op period was terrible -- I couldn't even wipe my own backside which is pretty humiliating. Once I couldn't get out of bed quickly enough and had a poopy accident. I eat a lot of chicken but can eat 1/2 a burger if I want. I eat pizza occasionally. One benefit is that I used to have acid reflux really bad, and the RNY totally solves that for ever. Food is no longer such an important part of my life. I eat mostly what I want, but in small portions. For example, 48 pretzels only have 100 calories. Man, that's a lot of pretzels. I do better with toasted bread. I had trouble with lettuce for probably a year, but love those onions and peppers that I was never able to eat before. Don't think you have to rely on your surgeon and staff unless you want to. I'm not into groups, so I haven't been back since my 2-week post-op. I take a good multi-vitamin everyday and a fiber laxative, and I love the way I look. The best thing that ever happened was a year out I went to Wal-Mart and picked up a pair of size 12 shorts, thinking I could take them back if they were too small. Got them home and they were TOO BIG. I never enjoyed taking anything back so much!!!!!!!!!! Best of luck. Don't look back -- just look at the great life ahead.