← Return to New to bariatric surgery: Advice to mentally & physically prepare?

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@usernameimpossible

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.

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Replies to "Hi, I just recently joined this group too, but I had my surgery done in June..."

@usernameimpossible |

I am sorry about your sister and hope your son is doing better.

Unfortunately, when stressed, we often return to habits we have used in past to deal with stress. It may be alcohol, drugs or eating.

The important thing is to recognize what is happening. Glad you have a therapist to help deal with grief and stress. Sounds like your starting to make changes to get back into a healthy diet.

Have you talked to therapist about healthy ways to deal with stress?

It looked like you have had trying times. Time to take care of yourself. As far as dumping syndrome goes, for me it’s a constant reminder not to choose the wrong foods or I’ll get sick. Once you experience it, you never want to experience it again. I think that’s one of the reasons that I kept the weight off. It was a learning tool. I have 2 friends who had the sleeve and they regained the weight back. I believe it was because they don’t experience dumping syndrome. I think that we all have good intentions after we lose weight, that we learned and wouldn’t let it happen again. Unfortunately it usually doesn’t work that way. Believe me I know from continuously losing and regaining. That’s my take on it. Good luck with your choices.