Newbie here -- Pre - Op

Hi Everyone --

My name is Stephanie.  I'm 43, 5'6" and 270-275 pounds.   Like many of you, I have had a history of being overweight... but when I look back at my high school photos, etc., I think to myself "Wow, I wish I could be that overweight again!" -- Maybe I was 140 or 150 or so?  

Anyway, I am hoping to get an RNY in August -- I have an appt this week with the surgeon.  I am hopeful.  

I am looking for keys to success, if anyone wants to share.  :)

Welcome stephanie! Glad to have you in our group.
Keys to success...
...get in your water
...get in your protein
...get in your activity
...get in your supplements
...Stay away from all whites, except milk (sugar, flour, rice, bread, noodles...stay away from these whites for sure!)
...Chew slowly and enjoy each bite, noting taste texture and really enjoy it.
...Stop eating when satisfied...never until FULL
...Stay away from the soda
...embrace life and all it has to offer!
...Let healthy new habits replace the old bad ones starting today, so they are firmly in place when you are a ways out from surgery and must have these healthy habits to continue weight loss or to maintain.
...Always reach out for support when you need it. You never should have to go it alone!

 Hi Stephanie!

I just had my surgery on Wednesday, so I'm relatively new too, but I'd like to echo some of the things Patrece said:

--start making changes NOW.  I changed a lot of my diet months before I had surgery, and it really made a world of difference.  I lost more weight, pre-op, which showed my surgeon that I was committed to the program and to getting healthy...plus I felt better about myself because I knew if I could do it before RNY, I had a much better chance of success post-op.

--get involved with support groups, like this one, or maybe a local one near where you live.  When I first got into the program, I was scared to death and unsure if I could do the surgery because I was afraid I'd never be able to have a normal life afterwards.  Meeting other people and hearing lots of post-op success stories helped me realize that I can still go out with friends, I can still go to theme parks with family--I can still live a normal, "me" lifestyle with modifications to how I eat so I'm more conscious of what I put in my body.

--start keeping a journal now.  It really helps to see pictures of yourself before the surgery so when you're having those down moments afterwards (and everyone tells me you WILL have those moments after when you go "why on earth did I do this?"), you can look back and reflect on where you've come and all the changes you've made.  This tip isn't one I've had a chance to test out just yet; I'm journaling, but I'm still so recently post-op that I've not had those moments to reflect on just yet!

Good luck!

I have a free printable jounal I offer on my site. If interested, let me know and I'll send you the link. There is also a recording that goes with it you can get to listen to. Just let me know if you are interested.

sure, would be great to have!  thanks!

sent you a message with the info!

Id like one to Thanks.

Just wanted to jump in and welcome you!  I haven't had my surgery yet though, I just recently started jumping through the hoops to get started for the pre-op stuff.  So I've probably got at least 6 months before surgery.

Welcome to the family Stephanie.  It is great to have so many losing friends.  I echo the list of keys that Patrece stated.  She read my mind, lol...

Support is vital, support from family, friends, wls support groups, local and here at OH.  I am here for you.  Hugs