Question for anyone post surgery..

[JBrand]

Hey everyone-
I’m wanting to gain some more personal perspective on life after surgery. I’ve done my research and have my team of doctors but I’m looking for info that maybe no one mentions or something you wish would of been told to you before going under.
Is there anything you wish you would of known or discussed prior to surgery? Also, any tips that you found super beneficial to help get to your body goals?

 

[eladams2015]

My number one thing would be that having your mindset right is the most important factor in success. Your relationship to and with food must change - it cannot be your friend, support, comfort, etc. The surgery is not a magic pill, it is a tool. Too many people think the surgery does the work. The mental challenge of the post-op diet stages, although temporary feel like forever and can be a struggle. Learn to listen to your body - it will tell you what it needs - the body is such an amazing machine when we let it function as it is supposed to. Also, don't try to make your journey look like someone else's. Everyone's journey is different, and your body will change and adjust in it's own way. It may be faster or slower than others. During stalls, don't get discouraged - instead focus on non-scale victories to get you thru.

 

[Brenda2010]

My number one thing would be that having your mindset right is the most important factor in success. Your relationship to and with food must change - it cannot be your friend, support, comfort, etc. The surgery is not a magic pill, it is a tool. Too many people think the surgery does the work. The mental challenge of the post-op diet stages, although temporary feel like forever and can be a struggle. Learn to listen to your body - it will tell you what it needs - the body is such an amazing machine when we let it function as it is supposed to. Also, don't try to make your journey look like someone else's. Everyone's journey is different, and your body will change and adjust in it's own way. It may be faster or slower than others. During stalls, don't get discouraged - instead focus on non-scale victories to get you thru.

Excellent advice!

 

[mmitti]

Hey everyone-
I’m wanting to gain some more personal perspective on life after surgery. I’ve done my research and have my team of doctors but I’m looking for info that maybe no one mentions or something you wish would of been told to you before going under.
Is there anything you wish you would of known or discussed prior to surgery? Also, any tips that you found super beneficial to help get to your body goals?

Aside from the mental stuff: Constipation! It's usually mentioned in passing, but I'm day 3 post op and had 2 brutal bouts while on the shakes pre-op. I think it needs to be addressed as part of the program, but maybe it's just my system. I'm going to take a Dulcolax sensitive stomach one tonight.

 

[JBrand]

My number one thing would be that having your mindset right is the most important factor in success. Your relationship to and with food must change - it cannot be your friend, support, comfort, etc. The surgery is not a magic pill, it is a tool. Too many people think the surgery does the work. The mental challenge of the post-op diet stages, although temporary feel like forever and can be a struggle. Learn to listen to your body - it will tell you what it needs - the body is such an amazing machine when we let it function as it is supposed to. Also, don't try to make your journey look like someone else's. Everyone's journey is different, and your body will change and adjust in it's own way. It may be faster or slower than others. During stalls, don't get discouraged - instead focus on non-scale victories to get you thru.

Thanks for the advice! Great insight.

 

[JBrand]

do a search for constipation. At least one storied member here suffers from it chronically. it is really serious and must be addressed. I recommend fiber laxatives for many reasons, but it's the easiest, most nutritious way to stave off this horrible thing.

Thanks for that. No one has yet to mention that as being an issue; I’ll be sure to bring it up at my next appt.

 

[Brenda2010]

And another

Thanks for that. No one has yet to mention that as being an issue; I’ll be sure to bring it up at my next appt.

Quick side note, do you know if they'll be taking your gallbladder out in conjunction? It's done fairly often to prevent future issues. I had emergency gallbladder removal 6 months before surgery and it led to chronic diarrhea. Then after my RNY, it became severe to the point of dehydration a week post-op despite drinking more than enough. I had to go to the ER for IV fluids. Based on my interactions on this site, this is rare but I just wanted to mention it since constipation was discussed. Good luck with everything!

 

[JBrand]

And another

Quick side note, do you know if they'll be taking your gallbladder out in conjunction? It's done fairly often to prevent future issues. I had emergency gallbladder removal 6 months before surgery and it led to chronic diarrhea. Then after my RNY, it became severe to the point of dehydration a week post-op despite drinking more than enough. I had to go to the ER for IV fluids. Based on my interactions on this site, this is rare but I just wanted to mention it since constipation was discussed. Good luck with everything!

Wow, sorry you had to go through that. We only briefly discussed taking my gallbladder out but it wasn’t definite yet since I’ve never had any issues with my gallbladder before. I’m supposed to discuss it more with my surgeon at my next visit so I will keep that in mind.

 

[mmitti]

Thanks, everyone.

 

[Brenda2010]

Wow, sorry you had to go through that. We only briefly discussed taking my gallbladder out but it wasn’t definite yet since I’ve never had any issues with my gallbladder before. I’m supposed to discuss it more with my surgeon at my next visit so I will keep that in mind.

Don't get me wrong, have it removed if your surgeon advises it. Running to the bathroom is far better than the years of painful episodes I had before they took mine out. And as I said, most people don't have the same issues, it's just a possibility I want you to know about.