let's do a survey to get to know one another

1. what's your first name? 2. what state are you in? 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? 4. how far in the process are you? 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? 6. what kind of support system do you have? 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? just figured we could all get to know each other better

1. what's your first name? Adrienne 2. what state are you in? state of insanity. lol. jk. Virginia--northern 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? Walter Reed 4. how far in the process are you? closer to the start of the process. I've only had my referal and initial consult. 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? I just want to learn more about the changes that I'm going to have to make. I'm positive that I want to do RNY though, as opposed to the lap band. 6. what kind of support system do you have? Eh. Not a whole lot of support from friends and family, but I really think they don't understand my situation. 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? Not really...other than make sure your paperwork is in alignment, and double check everything. That way, there are no delays...or as little delay as possible

1. what's your first name? Donna 2. what state are you in? Georgia 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? Military 4. how far in the process are you? Post Op 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? Getting in all my water and proteins 6. what kind of support system do you have? Local group, husband, family, obesityhelp.com and a few groups on yahoo.. You can never have to many 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? I would try to drink at least two protein drinks/shakes per day before surgery to help with speedy healing after surgery, also make sure you are well hydrated night before surgery.

1. what's your first name? Julie 2. what state are you in? Arizona but next month, N. Carolina 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? Went to civilian provider here in AZ 4. how far in the process are you? Way down in the scum... 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? Where can I get the surgery!!! 6. what kind of support system do you have? my husband and my mom. 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? I have NO WISDOM at all!

1. what's your first name? Jaye Jaye 2. what state are you in?Alabama 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? Civilian 4. how far in the process are you?about half way 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? at this point I am all about concentrating on what I have to do to get the surgery....apointments, etc. It's not that I am not concerned about the surgery or afterward. I guess I am just really wrapped up in the process of completing things. 6. what kind of support system do you have? my husband, my mom and my dad 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? Don't give up. It is frustrating to begin with. If this is something that you really believe will help you...go after it with all you got.

1. what's your first name? Andi 2. what state are you in? Oregon 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? civilian 4. how far in the process are you? 2 months post-op 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? I still don't feel hungry/forcing myself to eat. I'm often eating dinner at 9-10pm because I forget to eat. 6. what kind of support system do you have? Hubby, other family, OH 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? Take before pictures and before measurements! You'll be so glad you did!

1. what's your first name? Jennifer 2. what state are you in? Texas 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? so far it is military 4. how far in the process are you? just starting. inital consult on friday 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? this might sound weird, but nerves about taking the liquid pain meds. i seriously throw up after taking any liquid meds (nightquil ect...) 6. what kind of support system do you have? here in town, i have about 3 close friends, hubby. away from home my mom, and then various online groups 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? i am not there yet, so i dont feel inclinded to advise

1. TaReesa 2. North Carolina 3. I went to a civilian provider. My PCM is civilian also. 4. I only have to my pschy eval left before I submit and get my date for surgery. 5. I am just concerned about the recovery. I am worried about pain too. I want to know how much pain to expect after surgery. 6. I have my husband and a few close friends. My mother is against it, but my brothers are for it. 7. Hang in there. It may get tough or the wait may seem long, but don't give up.

I am Diana. I live in Idaho. I see a civilian dr. We are retired Army. I am just 1 month out of surgery. I am doing quite well. I had a sustantial blood loss because my platlets don't stick very well and I bruise and bleed easily. I have with every procedure I have had done. I just ooze for a while after. I had a GI bleed for about a week. Everywhere they cut me I bled. there is not much they can do about this. It just takes time to quit. I don't lose enough to be really dangerous. I am adapting quite well because I can have the things that really matter most to me, fruits and vegies. I'm kinda weird. I just get to eat one plum (they are small) rather than 10. I am getting my strength back and am now able to walk a ways. I can't walk far becasue of my knees and back. I am a slow loser (better than a sore loser). I'm sure it will pick up a little as I can walk more. I have lost 25 lbs and my blood pressure has returned to stable and normal. I have also lost over 2" off my waist and my hips. So, I am happy. I have a very good support system with my Dr's group. We have a lot of fun and help each other all the time. I'm not sure I have much wisdom. I do say it is important to be prepared. I practiced chewing my food forever and no water with meals before surgery. That has helped a lot. I have not been able to tolerate the protein shake that I started with. It is not the milk as I can drink milk fine. I found out it was the protein itself. I could drink it fine and it tasted OK before surgery, but after I couldn't gag it down and I dumped big time with it. I went to Isopure and it is working well. I do take about an hour or 2 to drink it and I dilute it more than they say to. I use the powder and use a lot of ice with it. I actually enjoy it. I have been able to get in all my water since about 4 days after surgery. I just keep on sipping. Gluping makes me sick. I think this is very important.

1. what's your first name? APRIL 2. what state are you in? BILOXI, MISSISSIPPI 3. are/did you go to a military or civilian provider for your wls? MILITARY PROVIDER @ KEESLER AFB. 4. how far in the process are you? 4 DAYS POST-OP 5. any concerns that you have at this point regarding your wls/recovery/new life? JUST IF I'M DRINKING TOO MUCH... 6. what kind of support system do you have? VERY GOOD.. MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUP MEETINGS, MY HUBBY, FAMILY & FRIENDS ARE 110% BEHIND ME.. 7. any wisdom you can pass along to those in earlier stages of the wls procedure? WALK-WALK-WALK ASAP POST-OP. & CHAPSTICK!