Question:
I am having Gastric bypass surgery, scared, can you help me.
I am very excited about having the gastric bypass, although I need help with other people's experiences. I should be getting the surgery in about 2-3 months. I would love to hear from other people who went through surgery and how they managed the months ofter. I have been reading other people's testimonies and I am very nervous. I currently weight 335 lbs and need to lose at least half of my weight. I am 50 yrs old and have young children that I need to kept up with. I have been trying to lose weight for over 20 years, since I had my first baby. I am looking for support and guidance from other people who have shared the same feeling. Please help. — Donna M. (posted on February 7, 2009)
February 7, 2009
Donna,
Congratulations on making the decision for surgery. I had RNY 2/28/09
and started my journey with a BMI of about 66. I was 49 years old and my
doc told me that I would not live to see my 60th birthday if I did not take
responsibility for my health. I am sure most everyone here agrees that
they would do this again in a heartbeat. There are ups and downs with
anytype of WLS but it has opened up the opportunities in my life.
I actually spent a wonderful week in California for my 50th birthday
which I couldn't have dreamed would ever happen.
Ask anything you need to know from everyone here and it will help. Send
me a message via my profile anytime - Auntpamcakes4six. I just want
everyone to feel as good as I do!!!! Keep us posted and best wishes!
— AuntPamcakes4six
February 7, 2009
I can tell you that having the RNY was the best thing I ever did, next to
having my kids. I had no problems at all. I was 52 years old. I can move so
much easier now. It's been an exciting, wonderful experience. You'll get
loads of support here on the message boards. Put your posting on the main
message board and you'll likely hear from quite a few people. Best of luck
in your journey.
Lindie
— lindie
February 7, 2009
I had RNY 3/28 and I wouldn't change a thing. It is a challange to learn
what you can eat and when. It is a challange to work "me" time
into your crazy schedule with work and children, but I have 2 kids at home
and work full time and going to school full time. I just decided to make
myself important. Good luck... you can chat any time.
[email protected]
— phyllismmay
February 7, 2009
Educate yourself as best as you can. Attend nutrition classes & a
support group. I don't know it all, by any means, but I learned as much as
I could before surgery.I'm 5 months out and almost 70 lbs down....I'm
51....and I feel better than I have in many years. Following the new way of
eating and keeping up with the supplements and reaching daily protein
requirements are an absolute. I've strayed a bit here & there...the
surgery does not give you more will power but it does help you to control
the amount of food you eat....you have to control the choices AND be
prepared to work at exercising (I swim). i will be truthful.... some of the
"bad foods" are much easier to get down than the "good
foods" and if you were a grazer before surgery, you will still have
the same impulses....I know I do.....but then I set myself straight by
reinforcing "I got my plumbing re-routed..this is my chance...and I
must try my hardest." I still have another 60-70 lbs that I want to
lose. the one thing I hear over and over is that post ops who attend
support meetings on a regular basis are more likely to keep the weight off.
Keeping the weight off is what scares me most. Good luck to you.
Dee
— Dee L.
February 7, 2009
First thing to do is to find a support group in your area. There you'll be
able to ask questions and hear about recent post ops and their experiences
on their RNY journey. More than likely, you'll be able to find new friends
there who can help you through any difficult times as you learn the new RNY
post op lifestyle. Key things to remember, are that the surgery is only a
tool towards wt loss. The first 6 months are the "learning" time,
and where you'll lose the wt at the fastest rate. After 6 months, the wt
loss slows way down. I lost 100 pounds in the first 7 months after my
surgery, and it took a full 24 months until I got to my lowest wt. I
attended wt loss support group meetings faithfully, and I beleive them to
be an important step in your overall success. You can start prior to
surgery by doing some form of daily exercise, drinking water, giving up
sodas--sweets--high calorie foods--foods with a lot of refined carbs
(pasta, breads, etc.) Doing these few things prior to surgery will help
you lose wt and get into practicing what you'll have to do as a post op. My
profile story might be interested for you to read. Good luck on your
journey. DAVE
— Dave Chambers
February 7, 2009
Donna
I had my rny surgery 3/12/08 and it has been the best decision I have made
for my health. I am 50 yrs old and I have lost 105lbs, this is a life style
change and you will need to remember that. There will be some bumps along
the way but remember the goal you have set for yourself to be healty and
live longer. May God bless you on this wonderful journey. Keep in touch.
Charnita
— cbraxton
February 7, 2009
Donna, I too am scheduled for RNY a week from this Monday (2/16). What I
would suggest to you is to find yourself a good surgeon & that would be
a surgeon who is Board Certified & does this type of surgery ONLY. I
felt more comfortable w/my surgeon who does ONLY these types of surgeries
& not a surgeon who is all over the place. In my opinion, my surgeon
has perfected this surgery & I feel that I'm in good hands. He
performs these types of surgeries 3-4 of them a week. Secondly, make sure
that the surgeon answers all your questions & that his/her staff is
willing to help and answer your questions as well. Change is a difficult
thing to do. We humans don't care too much for change & the unknown
but as someone once said, "the greatest risk is not taking one".
I am excited about my upcoming surgery because it will get rid of my
diabetes & will make me healthier in the long run. I think not doing
anything to better your health is the scariest of them all. I hope I
helped somehow. Do a lot of research & get yourself a top notch
doctor. If you get your family to support you, you'll be fine. Good luck!
Ruth
— Ruth M.
February 7, 2009
Donna,
Congratulations on your decision. Understand your nervousness. I'm 54 and
had WLS 21 years ago. I too battled weight all my life and I am still
battling. Its a lifelong commitment no doubt but anything worthwhile is.
I do fine. I weighed almost 500 pounds when I had my surgery.
I am now doing some different things such as swimming, exercise, yoga and a
food moderation behavior I like to call it. A lot of yogurt is consumed
but I like yogurt. I have also stopped smoking; almost 4 years now. You
need to pay attention to everything your doctors, nutritionists, and
psychologists or counselors tell you. People become heavy for different
reasons. I'm getting to where more and more I make and cook all my own
food. I just don't want all the added preservatives and sugar and salt
that is in most processed food. As far as keeping up with the little ones;
I have 5 grown kids and 7 soon to be 8 grandkids. I think my oldest who
has all the kids needs to watch. Her father and I were both heavy.
Anyways, sorry I rambled some. If you follow your program you usually do
fine. Even if you move you can find doctors who are willing to work with
you; that is important and you need to trust the doctor you choose. You
will also find out that there is no "magic fix" to weight loss.
I am currently quite active in training for an event but that isn't for all
of us; I am saying if you start out with a short walk as soon as you are
able after surgery it will help in many ways. "Each journey begins
with one step"....Let us know whats going on with you; i'm
[email protected] if you want to email me personally. Also a website
called eons.com you might want to try. Good Luck and God Bless,
vinnigirl, retired RN
— vinnigirl
February 7, 2009
Best wishes for you as you begin the Journey.
I had my surgery (RNY Gastric ByPass) 22 JUL 2008. My BMI was 40 then and I
had High Blood Press, Sleep Apnea, High Cholesterol, Borderline diabetes,
low energy, low libido, etc. I did,t like looking in the mirror.
I was back to work in 3 weeks (felt ready sooner but gave it an extra
week).
Today I have a BMI of 25, Normal Blood Pressure, Cholesterol of 136, I
don't snore or have sleep apnea, normal blood sugars, plenty of enery, and
the libido of an 18 year old. I look marvelous :)
I am very glad I had my surgery.
— Bill_Nagle52
February 8, 2009
Hi Donna I am 54 had Lap Rny March 25, 2008 my weight the day of surgery
was 390 this morning I weigh 196.4. I have had a few problems but they
could never outweigh the benefits of losing the weight I have lost. I have
lost 100s of pounds over the years and always gained them back. People
almost don't reconize me now. I get so many compliments. I do have a lot of
extra skin but just to go to WalMart and buy off the shelf is amazing. I
hope one day to be able to remove the skin but if I don't it is OK I am
healthy and free from 194 pounds that is an entire obese person. You can
write me anytime [email protected] I live in south La. Good Luck and I
know you will be happy to get rid of that excess weight.
— KajunMomX3
February 8, 2009
Donna congratulations on you decision to have WLS. Being scared is a
normal healthy feeling. Like the others have stated this is a life choice
not to be taken lightly. For me, it has been one of the best decisions I
ever made. I had lap RNY 12/9/2008 with no complications. I've lost 75
lbs. The keys to my success are my support system: I signed on with a
surgeon and practice that provide support, regular follow-up care, access
to a dietician and nutritionist for the rest of my life. My family members
are a huge part of my support system. They have been involved from the
beginning. Lastly, find a support group!! I attend a local WLS meeting
once a month. The members have become like family. They are supportive
and understanding because we all have something in common; obesity! It's
wonderful to see first hand the good results, get advice on no-no's, and
support when you're feeling scared.
I wish you the best of luck and hope to see you on the "losing side of
things" soon!
LisaRae
— Fircrkr64
February 8, 2009
Hi Donna...1st of all, Congratulations on your decision to have
WLS...you're in for quite a ride !! I also agree with Dave...finding a
Support Group is a must...you're with people who are going thru or have
gone thru the same thing, can relate, and know exactly what you're talking
about. I had (open) RNY on Nov. 4th, '08, I'm 50 years old and feel great
!! I'm down (almost) 50 lbs., 3 jean sizes and 2 blouse sizes !! I was a
Type II diabetic, taking 3 pills a day, had meds. for high BP and high
cholesterol...I am now off ALL medication and loving it !! The nervousness
is perfectly normal...we've all "been there done that"...I want
to wish you all the very best and hope you'll keep us posted !! Take Care
~
— debz_58
February 9, 2009
Hi Donna. I'm excited for you...you are entering the most amazing time in
your life. I had my surgery on Sept. 4th, 2008. So far I have lost 78
pounds and my life has changed in every way. I am doing everything I used
to do, and I feel wonderful. Have you read Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies?
That book helped me a lot in preparing for the whole experience. Best of
luck to you, and congratulations! Susan
— ssg216
February 9, 2009
Hi Donna, Congrats on your decision! Follow all instructions to the letter
and you will be fine. I had LAP RNY on Dec/10/08. Best decision I ever
made. I just came back from the gym and for the first time in the last 25
years (I'm 54) I can do 1/2 hour workout from start to finish. My energy
level is up and I can actually tie my own shoes. I wore strappy sandals
yesterday for the first time in 20 years. Good luck with your program, just
remember to take enough time out to recuperate properly. Blessings!
carolcooper
— carolcooper
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