Lots of questions

Thank you to everyone replied to my other post. I am so excited I can't stop thinking about it. I feel like I am being given a new beginning on life. I have a million and one questions. Not so much about the about the surgery itself but about life after surgery. So here goes:
1.) how does it affect your period?
2.) will I need someone to stay with me after I come home from the hospital? Its just me and my daughter (she's 10).
3.) it it hard to lose/keep the weight?
4.) will I eventually be able to eat normal food? Not quanity but if I make a meat loaf for my family will I be able to have a small portion also?
5.) how did your family and friends feel about you having surgery? My closest friends are happy but my family doesn't really seem to enthused about it. I keep hearing that I am making a mistake. I disagree.
6.) I don't smoke cigs but I do smoke pot sometimes. I have stopped because of my surgery but I read that they test for nicotine so I am wondering if they test for marijuana too? Is it a blood or urine test?
7.) can you regain the weight? I don't mean a few pounds I mean large amounts of weight.
8.) Do I have to have plastic surgery afterwards? Will exercise help shrink the extra skin?

Sorry it's so long I just have so many questions and I don't know anyone personally who has had it done?Thanks again

Lisa

How exciting Lisa, I think its great that you have so many questions.  I'll answer the ones I can offer the most help on.

1) I was fine with my period until almost a year after then they became heavier and I developed PMS. I never had any female issues before, the PMS made me really blue and kind of tired. My doctor linked it to the weight loss and the rapid changes in my hormone levels. Estrogen  is stored in your fat cells and many women experience some sort of menstral changes after WLS. My surgeon said almost all of his female patients experience it. Once I started birth control it all went away and I'm fine now.

5) My family was completely resistant to me having surgery. I didn't care I was hell-bent on doing it anyway. (its all in my profile) Now that my mom sees how healthy and happy I am, she's fine.  My sister still hardly ever aknowledges that I've lost weight and it irks her when someone does say something.  DO THIS FOR YOU, not everyone will be happy for you...its sad, but true.  Accept it, and move on.

7) Yes, you can regain weight. Some patients gain back 20-30 pounds, but some who gain back all their weight and more do exist. They have not chaged their eatig habits, and most likely have not dealt with any compulsive behaviors that make them overeat.  This surgery is a golden opportunity to address whatever is bothering you, go to therapy, get help, talk to someone so that you can find some peace and not regain the weight.

8) Exercise will help with some of the extra skin, but not all of it.  There are also a few other factors to consider like your age, how much water you drink, and genetics (which you can't really do anything about).

I do believe that Monica got all the answers right.  You get an A on the exam!

Got any more maybe I can answer, seeing as I wasn't here and Monica hogged the answers!!!

Diane

1. ?
2. Not really...If your surgery is open, you may need some help...Otherwise, you'll be fine.
3. Hell to the yes! Surgery is NOT the answer....The further out you are, the harder it becomes...

4.  Yes

5. I have met more friends and family have been very supportive.

6. I don't know about pot.

7. I don't know about massive weight gain but I know it's common to regain some back a maybe more.
8. Expect loose skin....Exercise will not help the loose skin but will help some.