alsims463 @alsims463

Welcome to Mayo Connect. Looking forward to being with you during this journey.

Every clinic is different on how they run their program. Many have website that outlines their program.
Based on past experience I had and others have shared, here is what is ahead for you. I actually never talked to a surgeon till I had done of the requirements of program (classes, etc...).

The surgeon will most likely discuss your options.
- Will tall about medical history and what you have tried before to lose weight.
- Are you a candidate for surgery.
- What type of bariatric surgery are available, and if they have a recommendation.
- The clinic's requirements pre-surgery. Often these are classes to help you understand lifestyle changes that are necessary.
- Most clinic require you to show you can make theses changes prior to surgery, that is why the classes.
- May order blood tests

Come prepared,
- list of medications and dosages
- info on any previous surgeries you have had, especially abdominal
- why you want surgery, you articulated well in you discussion, quality of life

Also. have you checked with your insurance about coverage. Once know requirements and what they recommend, verify it is covered.

Please keep us informed how Thursday goes.

Hi, I just recently joined this group too, but I had my surgery done in June 2023. I would suggest writing down any questions you have because when we are stressed or the doctor starts talking about something else, you may forget some important questions. Check them off your list as you go along and briefly write down answers because the amount of info is overwhelming.
Different surgeries have different side effects and different outcomes in regards to weight loss. If you haven't already, read about them online at reputable sites to give you an idea of what you might prefer. I got the gastric sleeve because I was less nervous about the side effects. The gastric bypass is more likely to have effects like dumping syndrome, but it is ight more effective in helping to lose. According to the info I got, about 10% more weight of the excess you have to lose will be lost, so if you have 100 to lose, you would lose 10 more pounds than with the sleeve. It's a personal choice.
I lost weight rapidly in the beginning but in January I had some exceptionally stressful events and I didn't follow the plan like I should. I ate the right amounts at meals but ate a bit of junk sometimes in evenings when I was stressed. Since I am past menopause and already had a hard time losing weight because of PCOS, it didn't take much to stop the weight loss. It
wasn't a good way to deal with stress, but it's the truth so it's no use lying about it. My only son got severely ill and my only sister died. After having lost my mom 2 years ago, it was too much. So, of course my weight loss has stopped, but that is my fault. I am at the one year post surgery mark very soon, so that also has an effect as most lose their weight in the first year post surgery. My advice would be to follow the diet as carefully as possible, to slowly increase exercise but at a level you can tolerate without causing pain so you can keep it up, and to join groups for people undergoing bariatric surgery which will help you emotionally. Getting a therapist is a good idea, too. I had one during the entire time but it just wasn't enough to keep me from resorting to comfort eating. It did help though. I have stopped the 2 main food culprits in my weight loss stagnation (hazelnut chocolate and plain Lays potato chips) and am hoping to lose more. Oddly, prior to surgery, I rarely ate chips. But for some reason I did after. It was odd.
I wish the best of luck and much success in your journey.

usernameimpossible, Thank you for sharing. You have carried a considerable burden over recent times and I wish you the best. It sounds like you are doing the things you need to do to get through it. Best of luck.

You comments do make be think about what burdens I carry and have to deal with. Fortunately for me, I am retired now for about a year and half. When I am asked about stress in my life, I have to look at things on a relative scale. Compared to my career, especially the last 10 years or so of it, I have no stress now. In fact, I think I am in a pretty good place right now except for some habits that are carried forward from those 10 stressful years, which led to part of my weight gain. I am working on that now, but not as a stresser, but as part of moving onward and forward. I am excited about learning new things and trying new things and finally having the time to think about and focus on good things for myself and my family. This is quite the transformation for me as I had to be very work focused. The consideration of Bariatric Surgery as a tool to address my weight is part of that transformation. Nervous about it? Yes, but only about the transition and learning to cope with that transition. Excited? Yes, about the potential outcome to address something I have battled with much of my adult life.

For you, I can only offer my best and let you know that it does get better if you can let it go a little bit and think about yourself. Your therapist will obviously know more than I do about this, but I want you to know your story has implanted itself in my thoughts.

Hi I had my bypass 18 years ago. I never regretted it. Fortunately I didn’t have any problems, which I thank my surgeon for. My first appt. Included a consultation. I was told that I needed to lose 20 pounds before surgery. (To see if youre dedicated). I had to meet with a Psychiatrist, Nutritionist, and a Cardiologist before surgery. I continued to follow up with the surgeon post surgery as well as a continuing relationship with a Nutritionist. The most important thing that you HAVE TO DO, is be religious about taking your vitamins and supplements FOREVER , or you’ll regret it. I currently take 2 multivitamins/daily; 50,000 U of Vitamin D/weekly; 1,000 ml shot of B12 monthly. As well as Iron, Magnesium, potassium and most important of all Calcium Citrate, 1500 mg/daily. I am now experiencing Osteoporosis since I wasn’t diligent about taking everything required especially the Calcium. When you don’t you can become anemic, and your other levels can dangerously drop. You must be diligent in your water intake also. If you eat something that you shouldn’t (excessive foods w/sugar or sugary drinks you’ll get dumping syndrome. Once you experience it, you’ll never put yourself in that position again. (I thought I was going to die). That’s the learning curve about keeping the weight off. There is a constant reminder of Dumping (make sure that you don’t drink water with a meal. Drink about 30 minutes after, not prior. Make sure you keep track of your protein intake. Very important). It sounds strict but it becomes 2nd nature. Yes, you’ll be able to increase your food selections eventually, and even have a drink. (A couple sips of wine or alcohol I’m buzzed, but, it leaves me quickly). Last but not least, chew, chew, chew slowly and completely or it’s going to come back up. The surgery was laparoscopic. Up the same day. No problems or stitches. Relatively pain free. Just pamper yourself and be patient and the weight loss will happen. (Down 120# for 18 years). Good luck. (Make sure that you find a really good surgeon if he doesn’t require all the prep work before and after surgery, move on,