Thank you. I agree.

The medication and notes area a must. I scaned it to my Dr.'s after the first week with comments or concerns.
The year before my surgery I had 3 - 4 episodes and lost 20lbs.

I had 4 mths to get ready for my surgery.
I stayed on low residue diet and Mesalamine to keep inflammation at bay around the clock.
There are other med's you can get but, this one was the best for me to tolerate. I depleted all the stock from my surrounding areas. I even called the MFG. Sun Pharma and they did stated that this medicine was on extended backorder, and they do not know when it will be available.
All my local pharmacies pulled together to get the amount needed until surgery day!

After my surgery I lost another 7lbs.
1 year after surgery I have gained back 5lbs.
Note- for my height I am at my "good" weight and BMI (I think I do not gain because I do not eat after 6pm. I make sure and make my breakfast or lunch my "main" meal and rotate these on how I feel.

After the surgery.
Tired all the time. This lasted a long time and my Dr. was concerned.
I had to get motivated. (only took a couple pain pills, really did no need)
I have an infrared dry sauna. When I was allowed, I used it, and it would give me the energy I needed to move. I also used after exercise if need for soreness. It was a miracle worker for me.

I felt full and no hungry pains. I had to make myself get the proper food because I felt "full" all the time.
The fear of eating was the hardest to get used to. I also had the FEAR of the resection not taking and come apart. I know crazy but, my mind has been my hardest challenge.
Start small and start adding 1 thing at a time. Especially Fiber.
I have always drunk water but need more fluids needed after surgery.
I would make my cocktail every day.
It consisted of white grape juice (no sugar) coconut juice, Gatorade, vitamin water, and mineral water.
I would also drink chamomile and peppermint tea. Best for fullness and nausea.

After the 4th mth. I started having normal beautiful BM's LOL
Another must is a potty squatty. the best for going. Never sit there, never strain.
Now foods I was avoiding (fiber) I eat every day.
For me fresh spinach, figs, avocados, kiwi, banana, artichoke hearts. oats with sliced almonds etc.

I did pick up a habit that is bad! Because you feel so full in the late afternoon instead of eating, I would have tootsie pops or hard candy. Sugar was replacing my meal. NOT GOOD

PROTEIN is a must for the muscle. And that is what I lost so much of.
I have always worked out but, now use more resistance.
I think in the last year I had to take MiraLAX maybe 4times.
But, if you eat right and MOVE your body you do not need.
Last GET OUTSIDE every day and get your D!
Mine was very low and only prescribed med I take. (went from 23 to 87)
I also have always had hard natural nails, and they became so weak and brittle.
I ask my Dr. and was told because they had to open me up that is normal.
I have also been taking Biotin for that, and it is helping.

I wish I had the surgery sooner before the damage that made it go from robotic to being cut open.