What do you wish your were told before you had gastric bypass surgery but were not?

I'm schedule to have the gastric bypass on OCT 10th, although I'm very excited I must admit I'm extremely nervous. I know this is going to be a huge life changing event for me and all those around me. Just wondering what advice could anyone offer and is there anything you wish you knew pior to surgery but didnt? Thanks

Hi I'm Brandy I wa sleeved in April. I did so much research and I fully believe you never know completely everything but its one of those things you never really know until u experience it. I knew what I was getting into head first.

 I would say sip sip and sip some more, everyone different.
Take you time and do you.
congrats too.

I am nervous too!!!  I been approved for revision from Realize Band to RNY.  I am nervous this time around.

Hi MrsSarjo, and congrats on your upcoming procedure to take control of your life.  It is a huge life altering decision.  One that should be thoroughly researched, and then researched some more.

I'm in agreement with Thicklin.  You never know all of the nuances of the procedure and its outcomes until you go through it.  It is all so personal and individualized in its implementation and results.  Your experience will be like no one elses.  Having said that, know and understand clearly that it's not a magic procedure.  Know and deal with your relationship with food and your eating habits.  Your results will be greatly influenced by them, as well as your resolve to follow instructions to succeed in losing the weight.  Research the effects your procedure will have on hair loss also.  For many, hair loss has been substantial.  And lastly, keep in mind that you may lose some relationships with family and friends as your weight drops.  Not all who smile with you are as happy for your success as you'd think they are...........You'd be surprised how those closest to you are now intimidated by you or even just envious.

Best wishes for a successful wl journey!

JJ

ONE:
No one tells you that some of us loose slowly regardless of procedure.  Its metabolic and for many of us there is no way around it. 

We will be frustrated as we do all of the right things and don't loose as well as a no op going to weigh****chers every week.  Even many surgeons and especially inadequately trained nutritionists will accuse us of cheating, adding to our feelings of inadequacy.   I am lucky enough to have had a good surgeon who explained that all metabolic issues can't be fixed.  He also has rny so he really knows what we go through.  Still, it does not cure the short and long term frustration. 

The plus side is without surgery there would have been no wl for me at all.  It may have taken me three time as long as other post ops and I'm not yet where I want or need to be for life.  However, I am so far ahead of where I was.  Three years plus post op I know I will eventually get where I need to be for good. 

If you are among the unlucky don't get too discouraged.  Do your homework.  Learn your body's preferences.  Make adjustments as needed.  You will get there too.  It just won't be quick. 

TWO:
Regain or bounce back weight is NOT a fact of life.  It is a choice in life and a hard one for folks like us.  We slip back into old habits and we will tire of the diet for life routine.  I use the "bad" word diet because for me that is exactly what this is.  Diet simply defines how I need to eat to maintain my weight loss & nothing more.  

We can and we do choose where we want to stick our weight loss landing (still in olympics mode, lol).  I'm not saying it is easy to stay at or below goal.  I'm also not saying the bmi die hards are correct or incorrect.  I AM SAYING WE HAVE A CHOICE. 

There are 29 lbs between a normal and an obese bmi for me.  That means with today's life exectancy, I can be morbidly obese well before I out live the old school life insurance death tables.  That is, even if I gain less than a pound a year for the rest of my life.  I made my choice when I decided to have surgery. 

THREE:
Having a bad week, day, hour, or moment... get right back on your program.  No putting it off.  No waiting until some imaginary magical time point. 

We are dealing with a life time of behavioral issues that wls will not address.  We may even have selected our wls procedures to ensure we can still continue some of our dysfunctional eating behaviors.  These boards overwhelmingly ignore issues of eating disorders and obesity.  Find the help you need.  I keep links in my siggy as a starting point.  

Most of us feel that pull back to the old ways that got us through in the past.  We need to find new positive outlets based on our individual needs.  Understanding what our persaonal issues are is complex and painful.  However, this knowledge can save us from ourselves. 

I just want to say thank you to everyone for all your advice, reading your post has help me in more ways than I could imagine! I know this is not going to be an easy task, but with god on my side I know I can get through anything. So glad I have you all to come to for support. Reading your stories and seeing  your success makes me look forward to my own success! Once again thank you, I really appreciate it from the bottom of my heart!

Make sure you learn to eat the RIGHT way.  Watch portion, the way your foods are cooked I.e. grilled vs fried, TAKE  your VITAMINS, exercise, get your blood levels checked often (mine every 6 months) check with your doctor .  The best advise I can give is to enjoy the ride it won't be easy but it will be worth it you will meet new friends and loose some current friends. Just stay knowledgable about your procedure and listen to your body for warnings.