My surgery is scheduled for Jan 8th

I have never used a chat room in my life! My wife thought I should get some extra support seeing that i am a big baby. I was reading some of your messages and i am very nervous about surgery and the AFTERMATH of the nausea that everyone talks about. The feeling like you have to burp but can't. (for me that is taking away my manhood) . Like my Grandpaw said jokingly " when it comes to surgery Iam a coward and i cant stand pain" Can I get some insight.....pointers............tips..............help.......anything????

Hi John. Keep in mind that for every problem that someone posts, there are probably 10,000 people who didn't have the problem so they had no reason to post. And your wife is right (of course), you do need support. Most of us need support, and this website is an excellent place to get it. I am 7 weeks post op, and have had very few problems with nausea. Usually they are related to eating too fast or too much, and most episodes passed after a short period of time. As far as burping goes, I must say that my burps have mostly been unsatisfying. Just remember, if you lose the ability for big burps, you still will be able to toot (also known as fart) to prove your manhood! And last but not least, it is important to keep pain under control post op so that you can deep breathe and cough, and walk, so don't hesitate to take the pain medication that is available. And if you're still in pain, let the nurse know. Medications can be changed. One more point - it's important to remember that each day gets better than the previous one.

Hi John A year ago today I had my surgery. While there are some unpleasant things associated with this I am not sorry. In fact this surgery saved my life. I am at overy 100 pounds lighter a much happier, healthier and yes thinner person. I still have a little ways to go but know that I will make it. I wish you an uneventful surgery and a smooth and easy recovery. I know that a year downthe road you will be very happy that you made this brave decision to change your life. Best regards, Ronna

hey John ... support is a VERY important part of this entire journey ... sure, its great to have family and friends that are supportive, but to actually be around and talk with people who've "been there, done that, bought the t-shirt", does tend to help even a bit more. OK ... like one of the responses said, not everyone has an issue with nausea, and if you do, there is medication to help. I was nauseated for about the first four or five months, plus I did throw up a lot, BUT despite what I went through ... I would have surgery again ... in a heartbeat. I'm sure you'll find others who had complications who would opt for surgery again. You can try to minimize the nausea and throwing up ... basically, you have to make sure you get something in your stomach every 2-1/2 to 3 hours (at least for the first few months after surgery). If you go too long without food, you'll feel nauseated, and then when you finally do eat, you'll feel even more nauseated ... its kind of like you need to keep your pouch "lubed" (even if you find you're not hungry). Also, if you eat too fast, it'll come back up. if you eat too much, it'll come back up. And, if you don't chew good enough, it will come back up. SO ... if you turn on Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds", I can almost guarantee that singing along will calm you somewhat ("every little thing ... gonna be all right"). Hang in there, best wishes. Where are you having your surgery? Karyn

Thanks Karyn you have given me some good helps. My surgery is at st alexis medical in hoffman estates and my dr. is dr Rantis. I am 5'8" 304lbs. bmi is 46. My goal is 190. I am commited to the complete program. I am very encouraged to hear about your sucsess. Thank you for sharing. How much did you lose within the 1st 3 months of post op? John

Well, this is a great way to start the new year for you. Just remember that people lose at different rates ... those with more to lose will initially lose more, men lose more and generally faster than women. For me, I did lose 68 pounds in the first 4 months. Best to you ... please keep us posted ... good luck becoming an official "loser'! take care, Karyn

John Ihave given birth to 5 children the last two at home naturally. But when I had my herna surgery last December I asked for not just pain medicine but I told them I wanted the GOOD STUFF. I dont' like shots but I was happy to get these so don't feel like a baby. Only strange people like pain. I know it will be coming my way again this year when I have surgery but mental and emotional pain hurts too so the thought of the physical pain assocciated with surgery is only a temporary thing. If you are going through ST. Alexis most likely your surgery will be laprascopic and that ain't bad. Just think how good you will feel once you are loosing.