Well, here it is finally, my first year anniversary! I can't believe a whole year has gone by so quickly! Throughout this time, I've been blessed to have had very minimal problems and have felt like a whole new person almost from day one. Because of that fact, I thought it might be a good idea to have a page that you can print out for the future in case you may need any help along the way:

Before surgery: (Take pictures so that you will have them when you reach your goal!)

1) Do NOT eat all you want and gain more weight! I did this and gained 10 pounds between consultation and surgery time. If I hadn't done this, I would be ten pounds less now. As the weight starts to come off, every pound counts! Just try and start eating sensibly (follow the Atkins diet if you can) and lose as much as you can on your own as soon as you know this WLS journey is for you!

2) Research all you can about which surgery you will have. There are many types of weight loss surgeries and RnY isn't for everyone! Each person has to do what is right for them! If you are 100 pounds or under over your ideal weight, then I would suggest going with the banding surgeries. I've seen patients that are only 100 pounds overweight and have the RNY and they end up being almost anorexic. The doctors usually have to start people like that on a program for them to GAIN weight back. It can be very scary and you really have to work at gaining the weight back! Personally, I believe RNY are for people who are over 150 pounds overweight or more. Any less than that, the other surgeries should be the way to go.

3) Be VERY choosy on which surgeon you want! Go to the obesity help site (www.obesityhelp.com) and click on your state. Then click on each surgeon and look at their referrals. Write to their patients and get their experiences first hand! That is the best way to find out whether or not the doctor you chose is the right one! Make sure he/she has performed hundreds, if not thousands of surgeries! Don't pick someone who is new at this!

4) If you have questions about anything, write the people at the obesity help site, or spotlight health (see links page). There are many post-ops with great advice and they know what worked for them!

5) Purchase the things you will be consuming before surgery time. Get the list from your doctor. Make sure you have everything before you go to the hospital. You won't feel like shopping afterward!

6) Keep up with the insurance company during your waiting time. Stay on them weekly to see what the progress is to find out whether or not you were approved for payment!

Surgery time:

1) Don't bring a lot with you to the hospital. Just the necessities. Find out from other post-ops what they brought. You would be surprised how little you will need.

2) Make sure someone can be with you at night. You will need extra help getting in and out of bed and sometimes the nurses just aren't strong enough.

3) Walk, walk, walk! Walk before you take the breathing treatments and before you use the incentive spirometer! It helps open up your lungs to be able to inhale better!

4) Follow your doctor's instructions to the letter. Call him/her afterwards if you have any little problems or questions! It's better to be safe than sorry! Keep a good eye on your temperature for a few weeks after surgery to make sure you don't have an infection of any kind.

First 6 weeks after surgery:

1) If you get nauseous, nibble on crackers! I know that some doctors will put you on liquids, but crackers are just about the only thing that helps during this time! It is a lifesaver and they won't hurt you!

2) Follow the post-op instructions on what to drink and/or eat. Don't lift ANYTHING to prevent getting a hernia or busting open your stitches. Take it easy and rest often. Sleep in a recliner if you have to, as it is easier than trying to sleep in a bed.

3) Don't be obsessed with your weight loss at this time. Just concentrate on getting well! Just because you made it through the surgery doesn't mean you won't have problems. You have to really baby yourself during this time and get as much rest as possible!

4) If your doctor recommends drinking protein drinks daily, then make sure you follow at least 100 mgs of protein at intervals of 30 mgs at a time (the body can't absorb more than that).

5) Wear your binder as much as possible and for as long as possible! This helps with healing of your incision if you had an 'Open' incision!

Two months out and beyond:

1) Don't exercise until after 6 weeks and don't overdue it. Pay attention to your body and it will tell you what it can handle and what it can't. Just do small amounts as your body is healing and then increase it as you are able.

2) You would be wise to weigh only monthly if you can. If not, then weigh weekly to prevent getting depressed if you hit a plateau. Concentrate on doing the 'do's' and not doing the 'don't's' and you will get there in your own time.

3) DON'T compare your weight loss with others that had surgery as the same time as you did! Everyone is different! People that had their surgery who are taller and younger, will lose weight quicker than those who are older and shorter! Men will lose quicker than women will also.

4) Keep a journal of what you are eating and drinking. It helps to see exactly how much you are consuming. Also, take your measurements monthly - it helps a lot when you are on a plateau!

5) Make sure to drink at least 60 oz. of water a day! That is so important during this journey. Drinking tea with sweetner is ok too. Drinking Crystal light MAY hinder weight loss some! You would do better drinking tea with splenda or stevia.  The best thing is just PLAIN WATER! If you choose to drink diet carbonated drinks, DECARBONATE the drink first! You can do this in just a few minutes. Just take two tall glasses and pour the contents into one of the glasses. Then pour the contents back and forth from glass to glass for about 3 minutes or until you no longer see bubbles. Carbonated drinks will harm the pouch!

6) Make sure to always take your vitamin supplements. You can purchase these at any local health food store or GNC or Vitamin World. The following is the schedule I have kept and has worked for me:

Breakfast: 1 multivitamin (chewable)

2 sublingual biotin (1000 mg)

1 sublingual B-12

1 gelcap vitamin E (optional)

Lunch: Either chewable or liquid calcium citrate (600 mgs)

Supper: repeat breakfast without the multivitamin chewable

Bedtime: repeat lunch

Also optional: two Metamucil wafers or Fiber Choice wafers at bedtime with a protein drink to help keep you regular. Many people have gotten bowel obstructions because of constipation. I truly believe this has helped with weight loss for me!

7) Keep up the protein drinks as much as you can. At least continue to consume one to two daily! You want to make sure your body isn't losing muscle mass and is losing fat!  They are what keeps you from getting weak and shaky also so they are a MUST everyday!

8) The best way to lose weight after surgery is to follow the Atkins diet along with keeping track of calories. Eat mostly protein first (either lean meats or protein drinks, vegetables second and don't drink during your meals! Stay close to 20 grams of carbs daily and 1200 calories a day and don't go over that! It is better to eat 1-2 oz. of protein, green vegetable or fruit every two hours or so. Stay away from all starches and dairy products (except cheese)!  Protein (including protein drinks) and green vegetables and fruits are the only way you can lose this weight as quickly as you would like!

9) Keep up the exercise and increase it as you feel your body is telling you to. Exercise helps rid the body of toxins and keeps you healthy and staying well! You will feel so much better every day if you exercise first thing in the morning. You have much more energy at that time and can do much more than if you did it in the afternoon or evening time.

10) Always follow your doctor's orders on getting your bloodwork done so that he/she can see your levels and if you are deficient in anything! This is very important!

11) Take pictures as you hit certain goals you have set for yourself! This is a great motivator!

12) Buy yourself something as you reach each goal! You deserve it for all the hard work you have done!

Note on Hair loss:

During months 4-8 you might experience hair loss from the surgery. I personally stopped using conditioner during this time and it helped with the hair loss tremendously! If it continues to come out and you have long hair, you might consider cutting it short so the weight won't cause it to fall out more.