Originally Posted by Jayleigh63

Hi! Here are the things that worked for me. One thing you'll learn is that everyone is different and will react in a different way to different protein drinks, foods, mental challenges etc.

1- Buy "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies" and READ IT! I have read it through at least three times and use it for reference frequently!

2- Lose as much weight as you can pre-surgery. It will make it easier for the surgeons and you.

3- Find out the triggers for eating BEFORE your surgery. I found that, during my 2 week pre-surgery liquid diet, I had more head hunger than anything. I had to figure out how to recognize it and then just say no. It was interesting and a great learning experience for me... and not as hard for me as for others, it seems.

4. As a single mom, get help and get set up for your post-surgery recovery. My friend was unable to get up (practically) for 2 months, while I felt great (compared). I was tired, but not incapacitated.

5. Go through your clothes, and I mean all of them. Organize them from highest /biggest size to smallest. As you lose weight, it is easier to slide down through the sizes than continually grabbing clothes that don't fit anymore/yet. Pick out the outfit you will save as your "before" clothes (the one you always see of someone standing in one leg of their big pants) and then be prepared to sell or give away all the stuff that is too large, as soon as they get that way!

6. Find a good source for liquid protein and have several ready for you. You may not like or tolerate the taste after surgery, so don't stock up, yet! I always get my fluids and protein DAILY... and I credit ISOPURE drinks (40 grams of protein and 160 cals, no carbs and 20 ounces of fluid!!) Some people add equal or sweetener, but I don't need to. You are really killing two birds with one stone, that way. 2/3 of your protein and 1/3 of your fluids in one go. I use it as the first fluids I drink after my breakfast has settled.

7. Understand the rules of the pouch. Read up on the reasons behind them! I poo-pooed the don't drink liquids within 30 mins before and 30-60 mins after rule because I didn't really get it. I wondered why my weight bounced around so much and why I plateaud... until I read up on it and GOT IT. Now I know about satiety and fullness... how important that is. It is just over 2 months out and I have lost over 45 pounds.

8. Plan to exercise! Figure out what you can do, now, and plan to start out soon after surgery. Start with walking... and press yourself in different ways. I challenge myself with going a certain amount of time (started with 20 mins) and then usually go way past that. But I don't worry about it when I do 20... that is my minimum, and I am okay with that. Some days I just go for a certain distance. I started with 2k and now am up to 3.5 or more. If I only do 2 k then that is okay. Remember, this is a life-changing experience, not a diet! The third option I have is my pace. I started out at 3 K per hour. Then I average 4.5 k. Now, occasionally, I push myself to a higher PACE and do 5.2 for the set minimum time, and then cool down. See? Set a minimum, challenge yourself and be kind to yourself. Exercise and your surgery (following the rules!) will help change you for the better!

9. Don't be afraid to say "no." No to cravings. No to old bad habits. No to wanting to be lazy "just this once". No to the desire to keep eating just because it tastes so damned good! No to people who try to push you from YOUR plan. This is for YOU. Listen to your surgeon and nutritionist. Figure out what works for you. Don't be pressured or swayed by people who think 1- you aren't eating enough or right 2- you aren't exercising enough 3- you need to do WHATEVER they think is right. You must have conviction that this is it for you. Everyone, even those with your best intentions in mind, don't know you and your situation as well as you do! Get educated enough to be confident in your plan. Then stick to it.

10. Figure out what works for you with weighing in. I am a scale-whore, and I won't deny it. But I find that it keeps me really honest! Some people will get frustrated with the occasional gain, so they might be better off with a weekly wiegh-in! I know that I am doing really well and am following my plan. When I do have an "up", then I just think about how much I would weigh and would have gained if I wasn't where I am and making the decisions I do!

Finally, go into your surgery knowing that this is good and this is right. I had a truly positive attitude which surprised even my surgeons! When they walked into the room I'd ask them how THEY were! I asked for help when I needed it, but kept a positive thought-process working the whole time. I prayed and I was grateful for my blessings. I would do it again in a heartbeat... only one caveat: I'd do it again at least ten years earlier.

Blessings to you and good luck.

Originally Posted by Evanna

I am so blessed to have found the TT! I am doing a 90 day pre-op program re my insurance requirements for the RNY. Hopefully I will be approved for the procedure in August.
I have a question...does anyone know if the LENGTH of time a person is overwt has any affect on the weight loss? I have been in the morbid obese category since first grade. i can see a light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel; but I wonder if I will lose weight differently than those who gained it in their adult life. Being a 'pear shape' makes me wonder if i will be skinny up top and balloon out the back! ; ) just wanna know if i should be looking for jackets and long shirts. Thanks!