POLL: What's one thing you didn't expect??

We've all done tons of research on our surgeries, but until you are post-op (and heck, during the pre-op process), there are just some things you don't expect.

So what's something that you didn't expect about WLS? It doesn't have to be something negative... it can be positive too... just something you didn't expect.

Ex: struggles, support system, foods, head games, success, etc.


ME?

I didn't expect that I'd win against a plateau. I didn't have much faith in myself when I started. I had always lost against plateaus.

I also didn't expect that it would take this much effort.... it's dang worth it... but.. you know... don't we all wish this was easy? lol

Elena,

For me, it's the wonderful friendships I've made, and a wonderful support system.....

Also, I didn't expect to get to where I am.....Even though I still want to loose a few pounds, I never expected I would ever be this size......

Also, maintenance is WAY harder.........The weight used to just melt off......Now it's an everyday watch what I put in my mouth kind of thing.......

Kelly

I did not think this process would consuming my mind so much. Especially in the beginning your thinking so much about what you can and can't eat. The mind games about food

Of course the friendships that I have created have certainly been a huge surprise on this journey!! Without them I really don't think I would have been so successful!!

Lastly, I did think I was immuned from any complications and I ended up with complications in the beginning of my journey.

All of the unexpected is so worth it. I love life now and love how much different the world is to me now!!

Malabsoration on  meds I wish I would have know more about it. And the wonderful friendships!!!!!

I never thought the weight would come off so fast.  That blows me away.  I also did not expect to meet such great friends.  I KNOW that without the support I have received, I would not be as successful as I have been.  I also never would have thought that I would embrace exercise as I have.  It has really been life changing.

I did not expect the changes in my meds from tablets to liquid to cause an immediate ulcer and to have to take prilosec every day. I also did not expect that I would experience the emotional roller coaster ride.

I saw here online that there is a great support system. I am so glad that the people here care for each other, in things that affect all of us. In other words, the support my daughter and I received when Nemi was born premature. When I would bring her to group and the love she has been shown.

I am glad to be a part of this wonderful group  of people.

Karen

I didn't expect to realize that I have such an addiction to food and that it would come back with such an extreme vengence at almost two years out. My eating is spinning out of control and I'm starting to gain back and I'm terrified. I don't want to go back to where I was, but I think about eating all the time. I want the sensation of chewing and swallowing all the time. I've even starting chewing gum to help with it and it is helping a little. I think it's time I let the professionals try and figure this out. I'm at a loss as to how to get a handle on it.

On the positive side, I never expected to meet so many wonderful, supportive people.  I have met several people over the course of my life that seem to glow with empathy, but going to the MG coffee gatherings easily quadrupled the number of such people who I had met.  It makes me smile just thinking about it.

On the not so positive side, I never expected that my talent for expelling noxious gasses would be taken to a whole new level to the point of embarassing even me.

RP

As far as my relationship with food?  I still have not regained a sense of hunger.  My apologies to those of you that have and are frustrated by it, but it's really just perplexing to me.  I'm NEVER hungry!   I always thought it took a special kind of stupid to forget to eat, but it's a regular occurance with me now.  (hush, Elena...)

Physically speaking?  The most unexpected thing that has happened to my body since WLS has been the amicable divorce of my thighs.  I don't remember exactly when I posted about that, but it was WELL over a year ago - and it still amazes and THRILLS me every day!

Emotionally?  The friendships, hands down.  I've never felt I was lacking in that department, but the friendships I have made and know I'll CONTINUE to make as a result of this journey?  Mind boggling, humbling, and beyond heart-warming. 

*sniff sniff*.... I'm feeling farklempt...

1.	farklempt
	Yiddish - meaning choked u*****t feeling good.  Was often used on Saturday Night Live by Mike Myers in "Coffee talk"   "Oy, i'm getting a little farklempt, talk amongst yourselfs, i'll give you a topic - Rhode Island. Neither a road, nor an island.   Discuss."

Hi Elena....

I never expected to get so much out of this OH site. I have made so many friends and have gained so much knowledge. I LOVE the MN board and all of you!!!!

I also am concerned about my keeping my levels where they need to be. It takes more work then I thought it would.

Hugs....connie d