Question:
Steps for Success

I am still waiting for approval, but am wondering if there is anything that i should be doing to help make the transition a sucess. I have heard about some breathing exersizes, "what are they" and what about diet or vitamins? any help and info would be great. Thanks!    — Alma H. (posted on May 14, 2000)

May 14, 2000
Good for you on stopping the smoking. That is the most important and probably the hardest thing you will have to do. Start walking. Even if you aren't able to go far, do it as much as you can. That will build your respiratory system and give you a good base for goal setting post op. I lifted light weights to build my arm muscles and that was a great help in getting around after surgery. It is hard to do some things with your abs so tender and having strength in your arms will be a great asset. Get in the habit of taking a multivitamin daily and you will be on your way to a good recovery. Good luck in getting your approval and surgery. It is a life changing experience. Surgery 1/19/00 -- 66 pounds gone forever.
   — S S.

May 14, 2000
A good thing to start pre op is taking a good multivitamin/mineral supplement. Also, extra iron will help to ensure that there won't be any "surprises" (anemia) on your pre op testing (which could postpone surgery. Deep breathing exercises are good and also any type of exercise will improve your chances for a better recovery. A couple of good books to read would be The Ultimate Fit or Fat (1999) by Covert Bailey and also Stop the insanity by Susan Powter. They are really sensible books about exercise of all forms and can help to prepare you for surgery and after. There are sections which deal with beathing and passive exercies, too. It is very good to start to prepare now. I know for me, as I exercise aerobically 5 times a week, I have hope that all this exercise will finally help me (thanks to the operation).
   — Fran B.