What to expect?

Hey everyone! Im going to have the surgery in a few weeks and im wondering if any of you were scared? I know its normal to feel nervious about the whole thing but I was wondering if you can tell me what kind of concerns or fears you had going into the surgery and what the outcomes were. for instance, one of my concerns is hair loss... after the surgery, how did you deal with that? any concerns and outcomes appreciated!

First of all, congratulations on your surgery!! This is THE BEST thing I have ever done for myself.  I would do it 10 times over if I could. I had surgery 17 months ago.  Started at almost 300 lbs (a size 22) and am now down to around 160-165 (and am a size 6-8).   Your first few days and weeks out from surgery will really test your patience.  Be sure to drink a lot of water (sip, sip, sip) and walk as much as you possibly can.  You will more than likely have a freak out moment of "what did I do to myself?!!  When will I feel normal again?"  etc.  This will be normal- we all go through it.  You will eventually feel "normal" again, I promise.  Today, I eat and drink normally (just smaller portions).  Anyone looking at me while eating would just think that I watch what I eat carefully. Your hair?  Keep up with your protein and vitamins.  Having said that.....you will lose some of your hair.  At least I did, and I followed all the directions to a t.  My hair was very long (more than 1/2 way down my back) and very thick, so while my loss was noticable to me, I never had bald patches or any scary stories like that. One piece of advice I want to emphasize, is not to stress too much about the things you can't control.  Will you lose hair? I don't know.  Will you have excess skin?  I don't know.  Just do the best you can-- drink your water, vitamins, protein, etc.   I am currently recovering from a tummy tuck I had 2 weeks ago.  Even if I hadn't of had the tummy tuck, I would still be THRILLED with the results from my gastric bypass.  I can assure you that the joys of being healthy, happy, someone who now LIKES exercise, and a size 6 (Even if my hair is a bit scraggly, lol!!) is better than how miserable, unhealthy, depressed, ugly, and generally uncomfortable I felt at a size 22. I wish you all the best in this exciting journey you are about to embark on.  It will be the ride of your life.  Congratulations and good luck!!! :)

Thanks for taking the time to post this response....it was very informative and helpful to me as well....I am excited but scared... And it definitely helps to hear from someone who has had such AWESOME success :-)  congrats and thanks!

Rianne- I checked out your profile.  I too, have PCOS.  Prior to WLS I would diet and diet and never achieve any results (even when I was treated by a PCOS specialist- was put on metformin, etc). A lot of my PCOS symptoms have even lessened since the surgery and losing weight. Best of luck to you!!

I know what ya mean.....it STINKS!!  I've tried and tried and no matter what, even if I did lose a few lbs I would gain it back immediately!   I was recently put on metformin...and...nothing! Thanks :-)

Thank you so much for all your advice, Im kinda seeing the picture a little clearer now. thanks agian and congrats on the weight loss and tummy tuck!