What has it been like for you?

Hey!   With my surgery still 2 months out and no one to talk to that's had surgery, I'm just wondering what has it all been like for those who've had surgery?  Obviously a lot of you have had great weight loss, but what are some of the thing that have happened that you didn't expect?  What's been the hardest?  Did you think something was going to be awful and it hasn't been that bad?   How have your family and friends reacted...positive, no?  Have you lost any friends?   I'm trying to get a taste of life after surgery and as I realize that I will never know fully until I'm there, every little bit of real life info helps and ecourages me.  Thanks much guys! 

~Emily~

hi emily. everything is been so wonderful for me!!! no complications. all my friends
has been really suportive. family everyone.  it´s been a blesing so far.  I`M very happy.
about the bad thing is that I`m staring to deal with be able to eat what i like again. and enjoy food. so the hardest part is when the honeymoon stage is over and you have to make the right choose.

i hope everything tourns. right for you.
hugs.

mariana.

Hi Emily!  There is so much that has happened I probably need to write a book :)

Right after surgery, I didn't expect the gas pains.  They were sharp almost throbbing pains in my shoulders that my mom rubbed out :)  I didn't expect to be able to get back to life so soon after surgery or the intense fatigue three weeks out.  The hardest was learning how to eat again... no more scarfing- only enjoyment.

My family is thrilled.  My granma occasionally makes remarks about what I'm eating, but I understand where she is coming from.  My sister and I had some major tiffs... but now that she's moved out attending school a few hours away, we're much closer and actually friends!

Friends have changed alot.  I thought I had friends before... yet I was mistaken.  Its truly hard realizing I was going through life blindly... I learn more every day and I proud to say I am confident I have at least three fantastic friends who will be there for me no matter what and for that, I'm grateful.

I believe I've lost some... as they were jealous.  As a fat person I still accomplished what I wanted in the real world... but in social circles, I was the fat jolly girl who no one cared about.  Social settings were changing and people were uncomfortable with my opinions and insight.

I wouldn't change a thing that I've done.  I've had my ups and downs, my rock bottoms and sky highs.  I would do it all over again... I have my health :)

Keep the questions coming, Em!

Honestly, the first month was terrible. I had a pretty terrible time with nausea and still do if I eat the wrong thing (i am 3 months out and still have a grouchy pouch). It was really hard to get protein in the beginning but I started right after surgery and at my 3 month checkup all my labs were perfect (which most people's protein is low). I really didn't tell that many people because I didn't want to deal with everyone's opinion. I am a nurse and I have learned that everyone has an opinion about gastric bypass. Not to mention the media really puts such a negative spin on the surgery. I feel like they think it is the "easy" way out. There is NOTHING easy about the surgery. There is no way I could have lost weight without the surgery. The people that do know about my surgery for the most part have been very supportive but I have had a few friends make snotty remarks when I have gotten smaller than them. Honestly, lately the hardest thing for me is not to shop. I have spent so much money on clothes. Another thing I didn't expect would cause me pain was the JP drain. They left it in for 1 wk and it hurt pretty bad, and if felt really strange when they pulled it out, but once it was out I started to really feel better. Hope that helps.