
Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group
Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.
I am new here also. I just stumbled on this site yesterday actually. I had my surgery on November 5th and I cannot tell you how different it is. I dont know if I just had a weird abnormally unhealthy relationship with food or if its normal but its been difficult for me. I was in the hospital for 5 days because of swelling issues but after that Im healing great. They tell you to walk when you can and that is so true because first the air needs to get out of your abd and now that Im home I get really stiff if I sit to long. Let me know if you have any questions. Oh by the way I just turned 24 the other day so Im kinda in the same range as you!
the biggest challenge before the surgery was trying to start eating a healthy diet and sticking with an exercise regiment. In the past I would be able to stick with it for a while but would gradually fall off and gain the weight back. My blood pressure was extremely high and my cholesterol was very high. What really did it for me was when the surgery was approved I knew I had to be as healthy as I possibly could be when the date arrived. Knowing this is major surgery completely changed my mindset. I set a goal of losing as much as possible before my surgery. I also found that sticking with a diet of six small meals a day pre-op helped me out post-op because I had gotten used to the small meals which I will pretty much be eating for the rest of my life. It is all right to be scared and nervous. Most of us here have been there so we know how you feel. After you have your surgery you just have to grab the new life you have been given and make the best of it you can. You are having this surgery for a reason and that reason is the same reason most of us in this community had for having the surgery: to improve our quality of life. In the long run it is going to but it might be hard at the beginning. You just have to fight through it and know it will pay off. Just follow you DR. orders pre-op and post-op and everything will work out for you. Have a happy and safe holiday season.
I just want to add my experience I am 6 months post op now, and down 115 lbs....and it has been the best experience ever...there have been hard days, but when I look at the big picture....they are small issues in comparison.
My experience from start to finish has been fabulous, the insurance process, all the way through medical work-ups, and then down to the surgery. I was in and out in 24 hours, and really doing fine, really didnt much in the way of meds after I got home, bout once a day...and yes walk all that you can stand, and that is also what the pain meds are there for, if you are comfortable then you can walk...so take them!
I am a single Mom and came home alone, and I was worried I would be depressed, but my Mom stopped by everyday and brought my kids over, and I had a ton of calls, some visitors, but everyone was afraid to come over and bug me, even though I tried to reassure them i was fine, and needed the company, I was driving 7 days post op, had to get myself to the Dr so then I decided to go by my office and see them...they couldnt believe I was up and around, but I really was doing well. I have experienced most of the normal things one can expect, I ate too much once, and got sick, my hair was falling out at a faster rate than i expected (now growing back) had a hard time getting all my requirements in (protein, vitamins, water) but now 6 months later it all seems like a million years ago...just another phase in life. I think it is important to have a positive attitude when going in for surgery, while I was scared as well....I still was in a good frame of mind, and I think that is really important to have. Feel free to chat anytime.
PS wish I was in Nebraska....my boyfriend is there and has been for 3 months....miss him a ton :(