Hello ...I am new to the board
I have been reading all your post, and am so happy to find such a great support of people. I am working my way up the ladder now, and just went and seen the nurse and nutrionist and psycho and am very nervous about the outcome of it all. Have not met with my surgeon as of yet, they said about 2 weeks.
So any word of advice..
Hi! Cngratulations on making the decision to have WLS so that you can live a longer, happier, and healthier life!
Please try not to be nervous about any of the pre-op testing/consults or the waiting game. Easier said than done, I know, but worrying doesn't help. You don't have to be a Pollyanna or anything, just stay positive about your decision and confident that you'll soon be on your way to having surgery. As you know, the surgery itself is just a tool that will allow you to be successful at long term weight loss. As such, you don't have to wait until you get approved or have the procedure to start taking better care of yourself both mentally and physically. Do you have any pre-op dietary guidelines? If so, stick to them. If not, why don't you start trying to find a variety of protein supplements that you like and begin drinking them either as a meal replacement or snack? Post-op, regardless of procedure, most people end up eventually eating a very high protein and very low carb & fat diet. Start that now - the South Beach Diet is a good introduction. If you can start changing the way you eat pre-op, you will increase your odds of success post-op and will have already won the battle against the sweets and starches monster! Plus, this won’t be a “diet” in that the end goal isn’t a certain number on the scale, but rather a successful surgery! Do you exercise? If so, great, keep it up! If not, even if you have mobility issues like I do, you can do some chair yoga or water aerobics. Even walking to the mailbox counts as exercise!
You are going to be fine! Remember that!
Amy
Having WLS was the best decision I ever made for myself! It took me 7 years to complete the first part of my journey, due to other medical complications. Try not to worry about all of the pre-op testing- it is all done for your own good and to help you be successful after surgery.
Before surgery, walking 500 feet felt like running a marathon for me. Now, at 4 months out, I walk 2 miles each morning on the treadmill, plus another 30 minutes of cardio. I have even begun to do strength training at my gym.
The best piece of advice I have is to find a good support group and keep going to it!! It is my friends in my group (both the formal and informal groups) that have kept me going and on my way to a much healthier life! The other piece is to find an exercise program that works for-- I go to the rehab gym connected with the hospital that I had my surgery at, they are great!!
Good luck to you and keep us updated on your progress,
Reenie
Try not to worry about things that are out of your control, it will just wear down your immune system and steal your joy. I know, easier said than done. There is a lot of info coming your way right now. It WILL get easier.
Good luck!
-Dawn
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AMY
