What did I eat after surgery? My choices were soft foods. I ate a lot of cottage cheese, yogurt, a single egg, home made soup without meat. (I still can't eat chicken or beef) and after a few weeks I was able to eat Wendy's chili.
How did I feel or what about the pain - Although I did have pain immediately after surgery, I made full use of my morphine pump while in the hospital. I was sent home with a prescription for Roxicet which I took every time I had real pain. Occasionally the pain woke me up, but within a few days the bottle was empty and I wasn't in need of pain medication again.
How many days in the hospital? - I went in the hospital early Monday morning and was released on Thursday morning. Healing is much better at home.
How long was I out of work? Well I was out of work almost 6 weeks and by the time I was ready togo back to work I was feeling pretty darn good. Remember my surgery was Open RNY
How much did the surgery cost? I was a cash pay and the surgery was $15,000. I got a bit of a break because I had the cash.
Did my insurance cover any part of my cost? Basically no except for a few lab tests I managed to sneak through.
What about driving - Once I was off the pain medication for 3 days my surgeon gave me permission to drive.
What about hunger? Well, it's been over 3 yrs since my surgery and I don't actually get hungry. Do I have an appetite??? You bet I have an appetite when it's time for my meal. I must admit that I still like to see a lot of food on my plate but I can't eat very much at one sitting. If I'm out at a restaurant I get the take out box immediately or share a meal with whoever is with me.
After losing 200 plus pounds - I eat pretty much anything I want. Yes I occasionally have a bite or two of cheesecake or even a hamburger. I'm still not able to eat that 3rd bite but let's face it those are the two best bites in the world!
Sex after surgery - Yep I have sex these days and even with my saggy skin, sex is still pretty darn good and most probably the best exercise one can get, it is good for the heart ya know.
When did I stop losing weight? Contrary to some of my fears I did stop losing weight at about the 1-2 yr mark (this varies with each person depending on how much weight you have to lose). Once I hit 210 I started having a difficult time losing weight. I really had to concentrate to get the next 50 lbs off. I actually attend Weight Watchers meetings because it's a place where I get ongoing support and weigh in on a weekly basis. I am at goal with them and this keeps me at my 165 goal weight. I'm thrilled to have lost 200 lbs and think that if this is my weight for the rest of my life I'm a success!