New To This

I'm so new to this I don't have a date or anything except the dr. first visted. and I just starting this with so many questions to ask. that I don't know where to start. First I have to say. I have though long and hard. about this surgary.I am a little scared that what going to take place after the surgery. And what life going to be like. what I will be able to eat and will the hungry go away after a while. It seem like I stay hungry all the time. I have already gotten off the pop. now what else do I need to do. What and how does one eat after this.

It is scarey. This was my 1st surgery ever but I'd do it again. I had mine at Georgetown. They give you a week to week diet to follow that increases every wee****il after 4 months you can eat anything. I think everyone is different after the surgery. I've got friends in Cambellsville & they can't eat ice cream & I can't eat bread or pasta. It feels like a brick in my stomache. When I feel hungery, I'll grab a bite of something that's high in protein like chicken or tuna salad with crackers. At dinner I eat the protein 1st followed by veggies. I can only eat about 1/2 of any meal so if we're eating out I'll get a to go box & eat on it for 2 days. Because my stomache holds 2oz I get filled quickly & food isn't the no.1 thought anymore. If I'm really wanting something I'll order it because I know I'll won't fini**** I've lost 70 lbs so far & I've got into clothes that haven't seen the light of day in years. I can go to a resturant & sit anywhere without scanning the room for the biggest table. There are so many "wow" moments after the surgery. Giving up pop was pretty big for me too. What I did also was order some protein shakes so that I'd know what I liked. www.baraticeating.com has a sample basket that's real good. Best of luck to you! The 1st month is the hardest but it's so worth it.

Hi Ruth, Welcome to the board. This site answered every question I had about the surgery so ask anything! It's very normal to be scared, I know I was. I've seen alot of stories of people having head hunger but for me it hasn't been a problem. The first week home I was hungry but once you start healing up inside and the nerves in your new pouch grow back the hunger isn't bad, you'll feel full and shouldn't worry much about it. Everyone is different though, Some people have Dumping and some don't. I do lol. I'm actually glad though because it will definately keep you straight on eating the right foods. I'm 4 months out and I can eat somewhat more than I could but it's still a very small amount. Life is much better now, I don't take any meds and I don't have sleep apnea anymore. I would go through the whole process in a heartbeat all over again. It just takes will power like any diet, but it's easier with the surgery. You're surgeons office will tell you what you can eat in each phase of your recovery, Going off the pop is a great start also start exercising and walking all you can, that helped me recover better because they will have you up walking not long after you wake up, it's really important. If you have any other questions let us know! Take care and goodluck to you.

Hey Ruth you are doing great - off the pop so soon - wow I am impressed. That was my hardest thing so far. I was such a diet coke junkie. I am one week from surgery and I can understand all the questions. I have learned so much from these boards and know you will too. If you have a question just ask, someone will know the answer or advise you where to go for the answer. Every doctor is so different on what he wants done when so the main thing is following his orders. As you progress make sure you stay on top of the insurance co and your doctors office. Make sure they have all the paperwork they need and they are working toward you getting your date. Don't let them put your papers aside and let them get lost in the shuffle. You will do great - it is just a process that you have to take each step as it comes. Don't assume anything and ask questions of the office as much as you have to - get your answers - it is your life you are trying to save. I was one of the lucky ones and from the time I first went to the seminar and have a date was 6 months. I have read posts on here of waiting years. I think we are so fortunate to be on board when the insurance companies are being better about getting approvals in quickly. Best of luck to you. - Vicki ps. I was born and raised in Flatwoods.