New to Mayo Bariatric Group: What are your tips for success?

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,

@dlc1953
Thanks for sharing your experience and advice. Your response emphasis it is not a quick fix, it is a lifelong commitment to change your eating habits.

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.