Newbie who is looking for support

I am new to the site and to this group.  I recently found out my surgery date and am really looking for a good support system.  I am not sure what to expect each week after the surgery...I think someone should write a book called, "what to expect when you're expecting to lose" not the best title but you get my drift. 

My surgery date is August 29 and I am feeling many emotions like most newbies.  I didn't have to wait long actually to get a date for surgery.  I went in for my consult in June and was approved in July. 

I am really looking for positive, helpful and honest support.  I really feel like this site and group will benefit me greatly.

-Jenn

Welcome to bariatric buddy group Jenn.  I had RNY almost 2 years ago, and will try to answer any and all questions you may have.  Seems like just yesterday that I was in your shoes.

The emotional rollercoaster waiting for surgery is normal.  You are extremely fortunate to get approved and scheduled so quickly.  Congrats.

Your surgeon will or has given you paperwork that talks about his/her expectations for for nutrition after surgery.  There are some articles here at bariatric buddy, check the blog area in the list above the leader pics to the right.  Head back several articles and there is one on hormanal changes that happen as you lose weight.  There is a book, "Weight Loss Surgery - for dummies", that covers a lot of very basic issues.  Check with your local library.  I enjoyed an uneventful recovery peroid, a brief episode of constipation, and love that I am over 100# smaller than I was.  Life is so much better will the results of wls.

Any specific questions?  Hugs

Hi I'm Jamie I am also new to this site.  I had my surgery April 24th 2011.  As of last thursday i have lost 57 pds.  Getting the surgery was the best descion I have ever made.  Before surgery I couldn't even stand for 5 mins with out wanting to cry because my feet hurt, my hips hurt, my back hurt.  Now I walk 1 to 2 miles a day. 
Follow everything your doctor is telling you.  Oh and I have to tell you this.  after surgery I think most people experience constipation if you get a liquid medicine to help this problem remember a little goes a long way.  The bottle I got said take a table spoon with a lots of water.  well I mixed mine in water and sipped like a 1/4 cup it worked. 

It has taken me a few times to remember to slow down and chew my food really good.  Also when you got to introduce new food I would like to suggest taking a bite and wait a few minutes to see if your stomach will allow the new food.  Because in the past I would eat it then it wouldn't agree then I would get sick. 

Also I had nausea and if you have nausea or vomiting you can call your doctor and they should be able to call medicine in to help it.  It really helps at least it did for me. 

I am so excited for you.  I wish you the best of luck.  Take care

Thanks ladies.  I do have a question, is it really normal to lose 100lbs in less then a year? Ive seen so maybe before and after pictures on here of people who have lost over 100lbs in less or equal to a year.  It blows my mind.
I lied I have another question...how long are you in the hospital? and how do you feel after-wards?

Thank you for the book suggestion!  Thank you for the information about the constipation.  I already have problems with this so I'm not looking forward to this part of post-op. Congratulations on the weight loss!

Jenn, I was in the hospital for 2 nights after surgery.  I had the hardest time reaching my feet to put on the hospital booties, disliked asking for help, but we need to get up and walk often after surgery and I needed the help.  In hindsight, I wish I had brought along a pair of slip on shoes/slippers.  Keep this tucked in the back of your thoughts as you prepare your bag for the hospital.  I packed several things that I thought I needed, wellllll I used the lip balm from my bag, most of the things that "I just needed to have" stayed in the bag for the trip back home.  I found that I was tired very quickly after surgery, otherwise, felt fine.  Needed to use the narcotic pain med for just a few days, then switched to tylenol for most of the discomfort.  The worst pain was not even at a surgical site (I had the lap procedure), the pain was about waist level, way over on my left side, about 3 inches below the incision.  They have to move things about to get at the area of your stomach.  Felt like and invisible bruise. 

Yes, it is possible to loose 100# in just a few short months.  Follow the plan set out by your surgeon, and the weight will be just falling off during the rapid weightloss time.   Get into your healthy new habits during this time of rapid weight loss.  This is not a "diet" but a lifestyle change.

My surgeon was fine with us using miralax, and it tastes, or doesn't taste really, fine.  I mixed it into my crystal light, never knew it was in there.  I was also told I could use milk of magnesia (mom),   ughhhhhhh, drinking chalk, no thanks, I did try a single dose.  I still have my bottle of mom, one dose missing, any takers, hehehehe.  Just kidding.

Any other questions, nothing too far 'out there', we are all human.  Just sharing my experience with others.  Hugs

Hi Jenn,
This is the best place to be for support. I had my surgery in March and was on here every day asking questions and getting some really great advice. Can't begin to express how helpful it was and still is. I don't post as much now but I still get on and read. Good luck to you  and enjoy the journey.
Michelle