I have  lost 23 of the 25 lbs I was supposed to lose before my  surgeon  books my  surgery.  I  am  have appts for  abdominal ultrasounds,  sleep apnea testing  and the  surgeon.  I  was wondering  was there anything you wish someone  had  told you before you had the  surgery?  Things  that could help you be prepared?

No.

Between the preparation sessions at the bariatric centre and being on OH I learned what I needed to.  I had 16 months from referral to surgery.  So it was a long enough time to learn. 

I created WORD files on my computer of various topics, like anemia, what to do if you are experiencing constipation, what to bring to the hospital, and any other tips.

I also updated my will and power of attorney for medical incapacity.

I ended up with no issues post-op (other than just having major surgery and I was tired).  I took 4 weeks of sick leave and 4 weeks of vacation leave for my recovery period.  It was a full-time job ensuring my nutritional needs the first 6 weeks post-surgery.  Then once I was back at work, to remember to take my vitamins at the various times throughout the day (used Outlook calendar for reminders).  I found that it took approximately the first 3 months to feel comfortable knowing the protein content of what I was eating.

I had no issues with any new food I have introduced to my diet.  No strictures, etc.

Good luck with your last two pounds.

Judy

The best advice would likely be to begin attending support groups prior to your surgery.  I attend 3 support meetings a month and see too many post ops "clueless" on how to survive the first few weeks post op.  Not every patient has identical expereinces, BUT, you can hear how others faced challenges and what worked for them.  I began attending support groups prior to my surgery, and found it very beneficial.  I've always found that actually interraction between actual humans to be a more effective learning tool than reading a book, forum, etc.  You'll likely have more understanding of why and how to proceed after surgery from these groups.  DAVE

Good luck! I had never been under anestisia before so I wish I had talked to my doc or NP about the impact on my bowels (I know a little TMI) but it was the worst part about my recovery. If I had taled about it I would have at least been prepared.

What happens with your bowels!? Yikes!

They stopped moving! For days! I eventually ended up in the ER for an enema - really embarrassing but it had to be done! If I had known I would have done a bowel prep and gotten it all out before sugery. If I ever go under anestisia again I know I should do that! I just wish I had even known to talk to my NP about it before hand.

Things that surprised me as a post op:

1) Nothing would taste good for at least 6 months.  I got no enjoyment whatsoever with food
2) My sense of taste would change drastically as a post op.  The protein drinks I'd selected to drink post op might have well been poison.  Get many single-serving sizes of different brands and flavors and don't try them until you're post op, and you can select what sucks less.
3) Don't wear any personal pajamas at the hospital (wounds seep and soil them quickly). 

I feel incredibly lucky, because there WERE things someone told me before surgery that I REALLY needed to know.

I was scheduled for an RNY, but I met a couple of ladies who were abouot 18 months post-op from the DS. Talking to them completely changed my thoughts about what WLS could, and SHOULD, be.

That was almost nine years ago---and I give thanks EVERY DAY that I met those ladies. My life today is wonderful, and it's all because I chose the DS.

Have a wide variety of drinks for afterwards. I had just milk and vanilla flavored shakes. I grew tired of that after three days. Almost three weeks later the idea of eating or drinking anything vanilla makes me feel sick.

That I would permanently lose all of my hunger.  Almost five years later and I have never once felt hungry again.  I get full on a small amount of food and still malabsorb much of that.

 You  guys  are  great!  Thanks  for your  replies.

my advice is to talk to as many people as you can that have had weight loss surgery.. i think it wouldnt even matter as to what procedure they had, but just to get a general idea of the realities.. i started reading this board before my surgery and i was able to gain a good bit of what the future held.. just one thing has really surprised me even though i had read about it.. that would be the emotional side of life after surgery.. i knew i wouldnt be able to eat what others were eating (im still on the first phase-liquids).. im pretty much a hardass, so i figured id just keep a stiff upper lip and barrel through it.. although i may not be physically hungry (or cannot tell the difference between hunger pains and surgery pains) i find myself missing the actual process of eating.. i dont hold any resentment for anyone that can eat, but i feel a tad of resentment that i cant, if that makes any sense.. i also get a lil pissed from watching tv and actually noticing how much food is being pushed at people.. so if that may be an issue for you, id suggest planning a way to cope with the emotional realities ahead of time.. good luck!

 Thanks.  I  am  a bit  nervous  about that  part  but soon enough I  will be  through it, right???? lol  Good  luck on your  journey.  I  appreciate the advice.

Talk to the anestesia dcotor about giving you everything he can to prevent nausea after surgery, believe me I was told this and it was a miracle.  I watched my roommate dry heave for four days when I felt fine, and I knew that suffering well because I had had my gallbladder out a few years prior and was sick as a dog.  Now I tell the doctors before any surgery and no more nausea.

Having had my surgery in 06, and have lost 278 lbs, I wish they would have stressed counseling. My doctor in the Vanderbilt practice did not do this. I went through a very tough 2 years of drinking and bar play...along with the boy toys.  After being "invisible" for most my life, i did not know how to handle the attention men gave "the new me"!  at 50, I am finally stable with my life but could have saved me a lot of pain if I had understood the mental changes that come along with this.  Also, take the baratric vitimins!  I lost several teeth and had to have a partial because I was not doing this!  I was so stupid!  Listen to the professionals!

Wish I had known that the biggest challenge was head games and mental attitudes. I'd say the weight loss game is 75% mental and 25% physical. You really have to have your head in the right place before surgery or you'll pay for it after surgery.