Pre Op Suggestions???

I have an appointment with my surgeon on 11/23 and will be scheduling RNY then.  I was wondering what suggestions you have for those of us who are pre-op....

One thing that was suggested to me from a co-worker who had RNY 2 years ago was to start using neck cream (??? have u heard this?) for extra skin, and to make sure that I am taking lots of pics as i lose weight (even pre-op) bc I will want to see my journey.

What other things should i do now to prepare myself (mentally, physically, etc???)  Do u have other www's that helped u? I just feel kinda overwhelmed with all the info....

I don't know if neck cream would actually work or not.  I am leaning twords no just because if there was a cream that actually made us not have excess skin, we'd all be using it already.  But cream is good anyway because it will make your skin nice, so there's no harm in using it but don't expect any miracles.  

There's lots of things you can do now to prepare.  READ READ READ.  I read any book about WLS I could get my hands on and it helped me out so much just to understand what I was in for now and in the future.  Mentally, I went to the psychologist and discussed some things with him..that helped out a lot.  If you have any support groups in your area, start to attend meetings so you can hear first hand from post op patients and get into the routine of going to meetings.  I don't have the option of going to meetings because they are too far away...so if you are able to, GO!  

I realize it's a lot of info to digest (pardon the pun) all at once but don't worry.  I like to compare WLS like being a first time parent ~you can't completely understand what it's like until you are living the life.   

Good luck!!
~Emily~

Thanks for your suggestions. 

I have been reading and researching for about a year, but i'm open to any suggestions -   Was there any particular book that you found interesting?  Part of the bariatric program i've been attending has been with a social worker/ psychologist.

sorry to hear that groups are too far from you... luckily, the bariatric center also has monthly post-op meetings for me to attend in addition to routine follow ups, etc.  i'm also glad i found this site because i've been searching for ppl around my age who have gone thru WLS.

Hi there! I just had RNY yesterday and my husband had it in Aug. He is 70lbs. down! The book that I read that I found most useful was called "the Real Skinny on WLS"
Also Just talk to anyone and everyone you can going through it.

Good Luck!

Thanks for the book suggestion - i just ordered it on amazon. 

I've been playing 20 questions with the ppl that i know!

Omigod, yesterday?  How are you feeling?  It will be nice to have him to help you thru it all!

I would suggest talking with someone that has had complications.  It is unlikely that you will have them, but everyone I had talked to pre-op had a perfect surgery and recovered quickly.  I was under the impression that it wasn't going to happen to me and I have been in and out of the hospital since June when I had my RNY.  I was completely stunned bc no one I talked to had any problems.  I would have still done it, even knowing what I was going to have to go thru, but it was tough and I am still dealing with problems.