hello, oh my goodness I remember having the same feelings and fears your having right now. I had gastric bypass 5 years ago. I have lost 155 lbs and have kept it off. Like you, I was a military wife when I had it done. Being put to sleep is a hard thing to do! You probably fear that you will not wake up??? I felt the same way. I asked my surgeon to give me something to help with the anxiety, and he did. He put it in my IV, and I relaxed instantly. I actualy fell asleep on my own, before they "put me to sleep". Before you have the surgery, try to be vocal about your fears to the people in your family and to your doctors. It realy helps if they know. I also went as far as writing secret letters to everyone. Kind of a "if your reading this i'm dead" it sounds horrible, but it really helped put my mind at ease. I dont think we worry so much about not pulling thru, but did we say everything we wanted to. Does everyone know that you love them? I find that losing weight is hard. Before my surgery I was a strict vegan, and I went to an all womans gym 5 days a week. Plus I was a bartender at one of the busiest restaurants in Central California. The weight would not come off. But, I gained muscle. I went from 40% body fat to 25% in about 30 days. I actually got heavier. I would ask your surgeon about that. Swimming is good. Lots of protein. After your surgery, and after you can eat solids again, protein will be your best friend.
I would also suggest finding a support group. These meetings are amazing. I had a emotional breakdown after my surgery, I had lost 40 lbs in less than 30 days, I couldnt eat, drink or smoke. All the crutches I had used in the past we not an option anymore. I actualy ran my car out on to the flight line at the base we were stationed at. My best friend found this group, and made me go to the meeting. There were women there that had been where I was and knew how I was feeling. Some, it had been 5 years, and others were getting ready to have the surgery. I had to stand up, say my name, how long it had been since my procedure and if I would do it again if I had the chance. I told them 30 days, 40 lbs and HELL NO! I wanted a smoke, and a bowl of chili!! They thought this was the funniest thing ever. But, I meant it. They gave me the best advise ever, "If you want chili, Amanda, have chili. But one bean at a time, see how your new stomach will react, and if you want a smoke, have one. You know its gonna kill you eventually" I came out of that meeting feeling like I had spent the last month over re-acting. I needed to relax, Its like feeding your baby real food for the first time. Pea's for a week, yams for a week. See how your gonna react to it.
Anyhow, the base your stationed at should have a gym, and a dietician. And its free! Go for walks, eat right. Dont stand infront of the fridge cause your bored! I still do that.....and I shouldnt. When you eat dinner, use a saucer plate, put all the food on there that you want to eat, without over filling it. This will prepare you for the future. Most post-patients over eat because they dont want to missout on food. Its all a visual thing, if your plate is full, you will be full. By using a smaller plate now, will get you ready for the future.
Lots of water, post surgery, you will have to drink more than eight 8oz glasses a day. More for circulation health, but it also washes out the system.
Oh,my there is so much, I could go on and on........ but I wont. If you want to know more let me know. I promise I wont suger coat it. It will be hard on everyone around you. Try to get all the information you can handle, than you will be able to handle the change.
Good luck.
