New

Hi,
I am new to this site. I am looking to have surgery the middle of November with Dr. Pender. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.









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Congratulations on the beginning of your journey!!!!!!. I only have one or two suggestions pre-op. First and most important I would start at a gym and a personal trainer. It strengthens your body and immune system to increase your chances of a quick recovery. I would also start trying some protein shakes to see which you prefer. Don't buy alot yet because your taste may change, but I would get a start on it.
I would also be patient, recovery and weightloss is different for each individual. Your body will be going through alot of huge changes with the major surgery and massive weightloss. You will have the whole spectrum of emotions and will more than likely have one day of regret or "buyers remorse". Try and remember through those times, it is expected and perfectly normal.
Also remember that we here at OH are more than willing to be supportive and answer any questions you think of.

Good luck

Audra

Thank you for the advice.

Hi Rita,

Welcome to the group. I think that you will find that this is a warm supportive group and we will be here to answer your questions to the best of our ability. 

I don't know if you have had the opportunity to read any books regarding weight loss surgery, but their are several good ones available. The other thing that you will need to address in the longer term, will be making some significant healthy life style changes. I really worried about that in beginning. I thought, if I haven't been able to make the changes thus far, what makes me think that I'll be able to make them down the road. My answer to that now, is that I now have an arsenal of tools to work with that I didn't have before.

Before I had my surgery, I wouldn't really say that I dieted, but I did start making some positive changes. I started eating in a 'South Beach Diet' style. Meaning more protein and complex carbs, less simple carbs and fats. In doing so, I lost weigh pre-op and now that I'm 3.5 years post op, I have to say that it is pretty close to how I eat now. I have to say that I don't feel deprived. I generally eat what I want, but I lead with lean protein and complex carbs.