I need friends!!

Pre-op appointment is tomorrow and RNY is next Thursday (1/14/16). I'm stinking excited but feeling a tremendous amount of anxiety today after reading so many posts about complications. They are frightening and I know there's no guarantee I won't experience any, but it sure is tough to think about ahead of time.

Anyways, I would love to connect with OH members both new and old as I start this adventure!

Sara

Hi Sara, I had my RNY two weeks ago. Happy to report - no complications. You are right -- no guarantees.

I was able to keep my enthusiasm by focusing on what I needed to do to maximize my odds for a great surgery day....like drink water....lots and lots of water (or water-ish beverage) and get those protein shakes in to shrink that liver. Also, I made an elaborate plan for how I wanted to do before photos and create a photo timeline to my big "after" photo. Probably the most fun I had pre-op was I gave away ALL of my fat summer clothes.

You are going to do great!

Monica

Sarafer I felt the same way you do when I had my surgery in August.  I'm not saying its an easy process and I've had no complications other than a few bouts of diarrhea and dumping but now at 5 months post op I can say it was worth it.  If you'd asked me a few months ago I would've said no.  Truely it does get better and easier with time.  As far as complications if you stick with what your surgeon is telling you for the physical aspect and join support groups  both in person and ones such as this one and of course on FB you will do fine for the emotional aspect.

How exciting! I certainly remember the fear and anxiety in the weeks/days leading up to surgery. 

I had surgery just over 10 months ago, and wouldn't change a thing, except for maybe doing it sooner. I didn't really have any complications after surgery, just remember to move as much as you can, it really does help make you feel better.

I settled into my "new normal" pretty easily, however, there are days that are still a struggle. But they have become few and far between lately. I would suggest being active in support groups, both virtual and in-person if you can. I find them to be invaluable.

Good luck!!

Hi there,

I had my RNY 11 years ago (7/20/2004) - well almost 12 years now :).  It was the best thing I ever did for myself.  I have maintained my 100 lb WL (of course, I have had struggles throughout the 11 years).  Holidays and celebrations are still difficult, winters are tough, as I live in CT, and we get snowed in quite a bit, and that makes for wanting to jus****ch TV and eat things that we shouldn't.

The best advice I can give you is do not take sugar, carbs i.e. bread, cereal, rice, back into your diet.  Once you do, they will cause a problem.  Some may not agree with me, but the reason we all got here was from bad eating habits (and yes genetics).  Establish a good eating plan with your doctor/nutritionist that gives you flexibility, so you don't get bored.

Good luck.  Please feel free to reach out at any point.

JA

I was terrified before surgery. Reality is it is pretty terrifying being Morbidly Obese and I was guaranteed to have complications from that. I know I will never be 'normal' there will always be a struggle, but I would much rather struggle at a normal weight than Obese. No regrets. It is a mental challenge as well as a physical one.

Your surgery is scheduled on my birthday.  

I was terrified before surgery, too.  I was super morbidly obese (57 BMI) -- and I was scared that I would have multiple complications or worse... die.

Please consider that people tend to post most when they have a problem.  The great huge majority of us that have no complications don't start posts that say, "No Complications day 790" ...  

I am two years out, at a normal BMI and have had no complications from surgery.  In fact, losing two hundred pounds has most certainly made life less complicated.  My only regret (as cliche as this is!) is that I didn't do it sooner.  

Good luck -- you've got a great day for surgery!

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. I had my preop yesterday and discussed in detail complications/risks with my surgeon and that provided a lot of reassurance. And you're right- people don't post on a normal "no complication day". Just because I read one post with someone reporting that complication doesn't make it routine!