Question:
Due for roux en y in March 2010 and getting NERVOUS

I have already done post of the pre-op tests (blood tests/bone density scan/g-scope etc) & now I am getting nervous as the time gets closer!They say you can lose up to +- 70 of excess weight-can one lose more?Has anyone started off eating a little & then forced size of pouch & putting back on?Any bad effects on the bowel movements?My husband thinks I am mad & thinks I will die-now he is making me worried!What period would one lose the most weight?Does it stabilise & then get stuck?Is exercise essential?Does your body feel & function normally (like before) or do you have days when you "feel" different in your body & think "what have I done to myself"?Anyone in South Africa who can help a nervous pre-op patient?Any comments would be appreciated!    — paulamill (posted on January 19, 2010)

January 19, 2010
I am in the USA but no reason to get nervous. I am 2 weeks out and am doing ok. It is so important to follow the dietitian and doctors orders. I have lost over 29lbs so far and dropping. I don't think you will have any problems. Just keep focused on loosing the weight it will happen after surgery! TRUST ME!!
   — smokeybonefan

January 19, 2010
I think that those nervous feelings are common for many of us. I had my rny last April 1, 2009. I have lost approx. 115 lbs. and have stabilized for the last 4-6 weeks at about 144 lbs. I'm 5'7", so this is about where I want to end up, also wearing a size 8. Wow! The first week is a little rough. I slept for three nights in my recliner. I couldn't climb into our bed--it has drawers underneath, so up really high. Your husband I hope will come around and be more supportive. You don't say how old you are. I was 55 when I had my surgery and one day couldn't run after my granddaughter. That was it - I wanted to be able to fit in the swing at the play park, keep up with her, it turned my thinking around. Also my doctor when I asked him, rny or band, said rny definitely. They know what the success rate is for rny, how it works out down the road, etc. My friends keep looking at me and saying how wonderful and skinny I look. One other big item---I started back at our fitness center right after six weeks, slowly of course, walking, bicycling, etc. Then a few weeks later, I hired a personal trainer to help with a fitness program. I know that has made all the difference in the world. I have muscles and don't look like a melted ice cream cone. Sure the weight will come off, you've had your stomach done, but you need to put forth the effort also, especially the core muscles and your back that are all out of whack from holding up a big stomach. Good Luck!! It is not an easy decision, no way no how. I asked the anesthesiologist about getting off the cart on the way to the operating room--if anyone ever had--she said oh, one or two. Then I woke up and mine was done. Follow what your dietician says, liquids till you heal, then soft, etc.Carol in Iowa
   — CarolH1953

January 19, 2010
I AM DUE FOR MY BYPASS ON THE 3RD OF FEB. I TO AM NERVOUS AND CANT WAIT FOR A NEW BEGINNING IT WILL BE OKAY. JUST LISTEN TO WHAT THE DR. SAYS AND YOU TO WILL BE OKAY.
   — NANALINDA56

January 19, 2010
I'm in the USA so I hope this helps you. I will be 4 years out of RNY on 3/22/10. The most I lost was 162#, 38# from goal. Then I got lazy! Didn't exercise, wasn't following my plan, etc. I was working out of town and over a year or so gained 50#! I signed up at Curves, went back to basics and have dropped 28# so far. There is always some anxiety when facing major surgery. You husband's attitude isn't helping. Just relax, and remember why you are doing this: to improve your health and be able to do things you cannot currently do! I go bike riding now, go swimming, can walk more than 50' without having to stop and rest, can cross my legs, can bend down and tie my shoes without getting winded. Exercise is extremely important!!! You will have an 12-18 month period called the "honeymoon period"-during this time is when you will drop the majority of your excess weight. Also during this time is when you must develop better eating habits, make healthier choices and exercise. Walking is probably the most popular activity post-op. Your surgeon will let you know when it is ok to start. This will be a lifetime committment. One thing you can do pre-operatively is to make up small meals according to your plan and freeze them. Doing that helped me tremendously. Good luck with your journey. This site has been a big help to alot of pre and post op patients.
   — babs71958

January 19, 2010
Thanks to all who replied. The one comment that Barbara made, made me think that it is possible to put weight back on!I thought that it was impossible to put back on as you just cannot eat the amounts you used to eat.So, is it possible that one can put all the weight back on?If so, then whats the difference between the RNY and any other fad diet which never works permanently!I certainly don't want to spend R100 000 (rands in South Africa) just to have to get back to where I was!I know I would have to change me eating habits but I honestly thought it was impossible to regain!Has anyone found that their bowel movements have changed for the worse.I am 41 years old & probably have to lose about 35-40Kgs to be super thin!Can I lose ALL this weight?My BMI is just over 35.I can't stand exercising-never enjoyed it-even when I was thin 4 years ago!Is this essential?Is it the best thing you've ever done which you feel was worth it.This would be the last resort as I have tried everything-I am led to belief that this is a great tool in weight loss.Would you have to have the self discipline like on any other diet or is it easier because you cannot eat that much?Paula -sunny, hot South Africa!!
   — paulamill

January 20, 2010
Paula, the surgery is simply a tool. It helps you lose weight as long as you do your part. Your pouch will force you to eat little and during that time you can learn to eat what's good for you. You will get sick if you eat too much or too fast or eat sugar and too much fat. You can stretch your pouch and stoma if you force the issue. You can also gain weight if you drik during your meals. I am three years post op (RNY) and have not gained weight back. I do eat properly and recognize the fact that if I do eat properly and drink my water I won't have true hunger pains. If I do have hungar pains it is probably "head hungar". Good luck to you. Keep us posted.
   — Muggs