Question:
Is there one thing that in your experience that you where not prepared for?
In all of your preparation is there one thing that surprised you either positive or negatively after the surgery? — Charles S. (posted on October 17, 2002)
October 17, 2002
There are several things that surprised me. 1) the pain from the surgery
was nothing like I thought it would be. I expected to be in horrible
intense pain. I had very little, just soreness. 2) How quickly I noticed
a difference in every day walking around. Just the first 30 lbs off and I
was walking all over the place without losing my breath. 3) That this
really works. I really didn't think it would work, nothing else had. I
still am surprised as I continue to lose the weight.
— Monica H.
October 17, 2002
My surgery and recovery were great. Nothing really surprised me.
Afterwards though I have gotten smaller than I ever imagined, I never
thought I would really reach my goal. I had always read that people lost
about 70% of the weight. Now here I am only 5 months out and a couple of
pounds from my goal. If you want real honesty the biggest surprise for me
was how much better sex is without a 100 pound blanket in between you. I
had really been missing out all those years!
— Linda A.
October 17, 2002
Good question. I thought I'd prepared for all...but those first few nights
home (at least with open RNY) are the most uncomfortable nasty nights of my
life. Nausea and intense thirst specifically. Get SF popsicles to suck
on...I don't usually like them, but for those first days they were
awesome...also if you expirience nausea immediately post op ask for a
prescrip to help eleviate it right away...or at least call from home for
one if you develope it...and I'm talking nausea (sp) like I've never felt
before. Hope this is helpful. A yr and a half later I'd say it was a small
price to pay. Good luck! -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -135
— KimBo36
October 17, 2002
I was prepared for the pain...which I did'nt have but I was NOT prepared
for the head hunger.The first week I cried everytime I saw a pizza
commercial.:o) It does get better though.Now it's almost gone.
9/19/02 -21 lbs
— Tina C.
October 17, 2002
A few things surprised me. How nasty the NG tube was. I hated it and
especially hated the removal of it. I would prefer to have a root canal!
How darned thirsty I was upon awaking in recovery - and that stayed with me
for two days. I stole ice when they weren't looking - against doctors
orders. I just couldn't handle it. I was surprised by how managable the
pain was...mostly discomfort. The other thing that got me was how very
tired I was post-op. Still have it sometimes, but not nearly as bad as the
first month. Finally, I was surprised by how quickly I recovered over-all.
It's not been nearly as bad as I thought it would be and YES, I would do
it again. (3 months out).
— [Deactivated Member]
October 17, 2002
— lilmskitty
October 17, 2002
The only thing that surprised me about this entire procedure is how easy it
has been. The pain from the surgery was very manageable - I never too
anything for pain after leaving the hospital. Eating hasn't been a
problem, except that I don't do well with chicken and eggs. I guess if
there was anything I wasn't prepared for it was my total aversion to
sweets. Just smelling doughnuts makes me nauseated, and that's 10 months
post-op. I went to a family funeral yesterday and there were many pies and
cakes there - they didn't interest me at all. However, I did enjoy the
smoked meats.
Open RNY - 11/29/01 -150+ pounds
— Patty_Butler
October 17, 2002
I am now 11 months post op and I thought I was prepared for anything, I had
researched this surgery for sooo long. Here's my 2 cents worth of
unexpecteds:
1. The throwing up for the first month to six weeks after eating ANYTHING,
and then after that the nausea I still sometimes experience.
2. The emotional thing we go through having to learn to cope with our new
life and eating habits
3.Diarrhea, it is neverending for me and I take about 20 pills a day to
keep it under control.
— Lynda T.
October 17, 2002
There were a few things that I wasn't prepared for. One would be how
incredibly thirsty I was. I had my surgery on Thursday and my doctor
finally let me drink on Sunday even though my swallow test wasn't until
Monday. I must have used about 100 of those little sponge on a stick
things. =) Two would be the pain. Or should I say the lack of pain. The
worst was in the recovery room before the drugs. After that, it wasn't bad
at all even after they took my morphine pump and I ran out of pain meds at
home. Three would be the head hunger. Like a previous poster, those pizza
commercials really get to ya!
— Tanya B.
October 17, 2002
One word: PAIN!!!!
— Ruby S.
October 17, 2002
I think the thing I'm most surprised about is my lack of hunger or cravings
for the things I used to really enjoy. I thought I would be miserable
about not being able to eat 4 slices of pizza and huge peices of steak,
etc. but I've never felt as though I am missing much. Also, as another
poster wrote, I was expecing the pain to be much worse right after surgery
than it was. It was more sore than sharp and the pain was gone within a
few days. - Mike
— Michael N.
October 17, 2002
I too was surprised how easy my recovery was. After hearing all the
stories about constant diarhea and vomiting, I have turned out to be a
fortunate one that never had any problems in that department. Now just 2
days over a year post op and down 173 lbs, the only thing I wasn't prepared
for was the mental aspect of still feeling fat, like I still weigh 346lbs.
I hear that this passes, but it is difficult some days. But believe me it
is not a complaint by any means and I am so thankful for this surgery!
— Marcie B.
October 17, 2002
1. The Pain!! Now this was my first
surgery so I didn't have anything to
compare it to.
2. The Head Hunger!!! Watching tv was
horrible. The pizza commercials made
me cry!!!
3. The lack of hunger..I never thought
I wouldn't be hungry EVER!. I'm 3
weeks out and I'm sure it will come
back to some degree.
~Traci~
— Traci A.
October 17, 2002
I was really surprised at how little pain I had. The only nausea I had was
from milk. (I am lactose intolerant now) I guess the head hunger is
probably the worst. That desire to cram food in my mouth. :) But I
can't, and it does get better as time goes on. 4 weeks post-op, down 28
lbs.
— joeandteri
October 17, 2002
I'll second the "lack of pain". I really expected it to be much
worse. It was very mild. The biggest discomfort in the hospital post-op,
was the dry mouth and throat.
— Melissa K.
October 17, 2002
The terror of trying to consume 60 grams of protein once released. I
thought it was an order, and then trying to get in the water at the same
time all whilst figuring out the 30 min. wait before and after. Physically
it is impossible, I didn't realize that it was OK if I didn't make it to
60, just TRY for 60, but definitly GET the 64 oz of water in.... It is
confusing, impossible to do and I beat myself up too much over it!
— Karen R.
October 17, 2002
I was also surprised that I never got as low as most in the weight loss. I
know there are many that didn't exercise as much as me, or if exercised at
all- still I only lost 80lbs. WHY? Why didn't lose the whole 127? Makes
me think my surgery wasn't done right. Compared to others.
— Karen R.
October 17, 2002
The unexpected complication that occured 5 days after the initial lap RNY-a
bowel that was sucked into a hernia and kinked-followed by emergency open
surgery. I was sick as a dog for a few days. However, knowing all that,
I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
— Cindy R.
October 17, 2002
I was so suprised when I was in the hospital and the nurse plopped that
food tray down in front of me, and the thought of eating ANYTHING made me
wanna hurl. I am still like that 2 months later. The only thing I enjoy
eating is salad and chicken soft tacos...both of those things I hated
before. lol
— fropunka
October 17, 2002
HEAD HUNGER!!!I KNEW I WOULD HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT -, BUT I NEVER GUESSED
HOW ROUGH IT WOULD BE.I'VE BEEN TOLD, AND IT MAKES SENSE, THAT YOU GO
THROUGH A GRIEVING PROCESS FOR FOOD.I DON'T DRINK OR GAMBLE OR SMOKE, FOOD
IS MY BIGGEST VICE AND NOW I DON'T HAVE THAT.I AM ALMOST 4 WEEKS OUT AND IT
HAS GOTTEN A LITTLE BETTER.
— PAM P.
October 17, 2002
I have to say the one thing that (so far) has been the worst was the first
week after surgery, EVERYTHING was EXTREMELY salty tasting. The thing that
bothered me the most and even caused some depression was that even the
water tasted salty. I was so upset that I would cry and cry. I would say- I
loved water pre-op and even THAT was taken from me! I was miserable. I was
also upset that I had never seen anything posted about this before so I
thought it was me. Apparently this is common and I was told it was from the
anesthesia (by two people who had surgery, but not WLS). Thankfully, it
passed after about a week..Good luck to you!
— karmiausnic
October 17, 2002
hey hon, the whole freakin experiance took me for a loop. I wasnt
prepared for the pain, I wasnt prepared for the effects of the morphine, i
wasnt prepared to feel like crap the first few months, and I wasnt prepared
for the emotional roller coaster. BUT I WAS PREPARED FOR THE WONDERFUL OUT
COME......weather I reached goal or not or lost fast or slow, I feel
awesome now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!good luck to you hon ....
— Deanna Wise
October 17, 2002
Carbs. I was not ready to give up carbs. I knew that we had to eat protien
first and all, but I didn't realize that they were basically not allowed. I
also was not realy for the taste change. I don't know what it was, but
everything that was good before tastes awful, and I am eating things now
that I would never touch before. I also think it is neato that I actually
get COLD now. I am losing my "coat" and now I get really chilly
real easy. I know you asked for one, but there is so many! :-)
— sammygirlwpc
October 17, 2002
Well, other than the complications I had, (see my profile), the thing that
I wasn't prepared for was how my tastes had changed initially. I didn't
like ANYTHING for about 6 months!! It was VERY frustrating! The only good
thing about it was that it helped me lose a lot of weight real quick!
— Kim B.
October 18, 2002
I can't believe no one has mentioned the EMOTIONAL STRESS OF PLATEAUS!!!
That has been the absolute hardest thing for me! When I go for a week or 2
and don't see the scale move I get horrified that I've lost all the weight
I will lose. It's gotten better over time and i just expect that I will
lose again. Often times it's because I need to get off my butt and
exercise more or start eating better.
— Robby E.
October 18, 2002
I can't believe no one has mentioned the EMOTIONAL STRESS OF PLATEAUS!!!
That has been the absolute hardest thing for me! When I go for a week or 2
and don't see the scale move I get horrified that I've lost all the weight
I will lose. It's gotten better over time and i just expect that I will
lose again. Often times it's because I need to get off my butt and
exercise more or start eating better.
— Robby E.
October 18, 2002
Well I just read all of yesterdays answers an none of them mentioned the
post op depression!! That was by far the thing that caught me most off
guard. I hadn't realized just how bad that could be and that it would
definately happen! It was really horrible. I was so depressed and upset
with myself for having this surgery it was wicked. Fortunately by my 4th
week it has mostly passed and everything is great now.. 10 weeks out.. down
52lbs.! YEA!
— Tami D.
October 18, 2002
HI
I WAS NOT READY FOR ALL THE INCESION PAIN I HAD IT BAD FOR 3 WEEKS WHEN YOU
WALK YOU HAVE TO HOLD ON TO YOUR STOMACH AND IT IS PAINFULL TO WALK BUT I
GOT THROUGH THAT AND I AM SO HAPPY THAT I HAD THE SURGERY I AM 5 MOS OUT
LOST 83LBS
— ROSEMARY A.
October 18, 2002
I am only 3 weeks out so I am sure I have more surprises to come. however
at this point there are several things I didn't expect. The pain was much
worse than I expected.(I am not a wimp either, 3 childbirths no anasthesia,
and passed kidney stones taking ibuprofen for pain) My sense of smell is
intensified times 100. I am always cold. I have never been nauseated or
thrown up. (Knock wood!)
— **willow**
October 18, 2002
Dealing with being thin for the first time im my entire life! Buying
regular sized clothes... Selections galore and I had no idea where the
regular size mens dept was at K Mart. I had to ask... Reactions of old
friends, espically female. EVERY ONE I run into since loosing this weight
gives me a hugh hug. Most werent affectionate even ones I dated. Looking in
the mirror and NOT seeing ME! It took a long time to adjust to my new
appearance and even now it unnerves me a bit. Fear of regain. Oh how I
never want to be MO again...<P> Given all this the problems are mild,
and some fun, like running into folks and them not knowing who I am. The
bad one is looking older. A movie ticket seller asked if I was a senior, :(
I am only 45. But hey to be healthier and happier its worth it! One last
biggie. My depression left with the weight! They think it was my self image
being bad. Whatever I am thrilled its gone!
— bob-haller
October 18, 2002
I had no idea that I could plateau at 3 weeks out. I thought I was done
losing at 25 pounds. I was also surprised to not ever feel hungry (and was
disappointed when that little monster reappeared after month 4). I was
suprised to find that I expected to look like a supermodel after losing the
weight--and here I thought I was so practical and realistic about loose
skin and health over looks. I was also surprised to find myself depressed
once I reached goal and the excitement of seeing the scale go down was
over.<p>But the best: I was surprised to find that when I lost weight
I became--for the first time EVER--proportional and in single digit sizes!
I am now able to wear "the latest fashion," something I could
never do even when I wore "regular" sizes before.
— ctyst
October 19, 2002
I'm suprised by the fact that I have lost 90 pounds and I still feel like
me. I don't feel fat and I don't feel thin, I just feel like me. Pre-op I
was really concerned that I would lose my sense of self once I started
losing a lot of weight. I know it sounds silly, but even though I was MO I
always had a high self esteem and almost felt empowered by my size. I'm
the youngest of 5 (by 10+ yrs) and I was always the center of attention.
When I was preparing for this surgery, I think I was nervous that if I
didn't look different from everyone else, that I would just "blend
in" with society and my personality is much bigger than that. I've
learned that I am "me" whether I am 300 pounds, 200 pounds or
whatever. It was an important lesson to learn. It's also nice to realize
that although I was unhappy with how obese I had become, I still always
loved the person that I am on the inside. I think that has helped me
throughout the years in many ways, but I just didn't realize it until
recently.
— pam29922
October 20, 2002
I think that I was not prepared to be almost a year later still putting up
with people at work treating me like I am a side show freak...the constant
questioning of what I eat, how much I eat, etc. People do this when you
are MO and they still do it to me now...it gets a little grating on the
nerves. I also was not prepared for some of the emotional things I have
been and currently am going through...i.e., being apprehensive about going
to a wedding of a co-worker because of the meal...wanting to go out and
enjoy a big dinner...and knowing that I can't...it gets a bit depressing
sometimes...but I manage...but other times, I do cry over the loss of a
prime rib and baked potato dinner. Have a Sparkling Day!! ~CAE~
— Mustang
October 20, 2002
I have to agree with everyone not expected to being treated like a freak
show act. I feel like whenever I am with my family, that I am their show
and tell. I have never been good at taking compliments...and constantly
having to tell people how much weight I have lost, what size I wear and
answering "how much more weight I have to lose" is starting to
wear on me. Also having someone who saw me 3 days prior, telling me I look
like I lost a lot more weight when I hadn't lost all week!
— Ilene M.
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