Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss: Meet others & Share

@bweikel

Welcome to group. Sounds like you are approaching this life change sensible with doctor advice and research.

I had my RNY over 10 years ago, and do not regret decision. Weather you decide on RNY or a sleeve, it takes dedication to healthy life style changes.

What is your next step? Do you have an appointment with specialist to discuss options?

Hello. I live in Eau Claire, WI. For the last 20 years I've tried just about everything besides bariatric weight loss surgery to lose weight and improve my health. I am now exploring surgery options and look forward to the health benefits and a more active and engaged way of life. I appreciate the shared experiences and information on this site as I prepare for next steps.

@inezmarie

Welcome to Connect and Bariatric group. It is a lifestyle change , after years of yo-yo dieting I had surgery 10 years ago. Everyone's experience is different, but I am glad I had surgery. I have maintained my 100 lbs weight lost. I do fluctuate occasionally, but then I have to go back to the basic, watch what I eat and move more.

Have you attended any of the informational sessions that are offered by Mayo Health System for people in their area?

Hello all, Im a 56 yr old cis female, 20+ yrs post op RNY, lost 175 but didnt change size very much, still happy I did it though. I’ve gained back about 65 gradually. I dont have any big questions or concerns, just thought I should reconnect to see what the state of things are in our bariatric community these days. I’m managing fibro, chronic fatigue, and autoimmunes but am good otherwise. Had iron infusions last year which were great. Ferratin has been good since. PT and acupuncture, and home pilates are all I do, no Rxs

@herbi13

Welcome to Connect, this group has people considering surgery and others who have had surgery. My RNY was 10+ years ago. I am still glad I did and I also fluctuate but been very stable last few years.

Like you, my Ferritin has it's up and downs and have had iron infusions , last one was two years ago and I have my yearly recheck next month. I just started doing pilates at a pilates club. It is an effort, but can tell it is building up muscles in core. I have 3 month membership at new club that open in Rochester, at end of 3 months I will decide if decide to try doing at home instead.

I do a yearly recheck up with Mayo endocrinology dept which does blood and urine test and a group zoom call. It does more blood work them my PCP usually orders.

What do you find your biggest challenge in keeping weight off?

No - not yet. I believe we’re still waiting for insurance to be confirmed, etc. I am excited to attend an information session and get the ball rolling.

Any advice you can offer would be very appreciated.

@inezmarie

I am tagging a few others in group who are either looking at or recently started process for their suggestions on what can do while waiting for insurance and starting pre-surgery program.
@joysmiley64 , @turberg , @mvorpahl , @stephaniew

There are few things that most programs emphasis before and after surgery you could start on now. It is a start to a healthy life style.
1. Increase amount of water you drink
2. Eliminate or at least reduce caffeine / alcohol / carbonated beverages
3. Increase activity, even if just few more steps daily. I would park at end parking lot so had walk farther. Or started doing one flight of steps. Of course, if have physically restrictions, do what you can do.
4. Keep a food diary - that is one thing I had hard time doing, but some programs really emphasis.
5. Reduce junk food, smaller portions, less cards, more protein, everything you do on other diets
6. If smoke, must stop

Even if you pick one or two things, it is a start.

Hi, I am excited to start the weekly meetings online and thank you for the info. I have lost 13 pounds since I started this journey and stocking up on PROTEIN.

I believe we're still waiting for insurance confirmation, etc. I am doing research on the differences between RNY and sleeve, and trying to identify the pros and cons to both. I'd be very happy to get to the point where I could take fewer medications and no longer need to use a CPAP. I was once a very active, healthy, and able to go and go. While I do understand age slows people down, I so look forward to more energy. My only concern is feeling ill from eating too little. I am a rule follower, so hoping that'll help maintain my overall wellbeing and increase my energy instead of reducing it further.

Pilates was essential in my post op recovery. I was in a lot of pain even several months out. Pilates helped so much!

My body doesn’t seem to confirm to a single pattern or consistency or diet or strategy, so I just never know what to do or try. I have not been able to access additional plastics after the panni and am left looking remarkably odd. This body is hard to use but I have resolved that Im stuck as I am now for the most part. Just trying to be the best whatever I am from here on out.