What do the beginning steps look like for surgery?

This has now become a real thing. I have been through the therapy sessions and met all the requirements and now the surgery date has been set. I will be doing the RNY in December. I have the reading materials etc to get the list of items I will need and to the processes to get started with the liquid diet prior to the surgery and pureed foods afterward. Does anyone who has been through it have any specific suggestions on preparation? From your experiences, what were some of the issues that arose during this time that you might not have been prepared for? Any suggestions are appreciated.

I think what surprised me most was how I needlessly fretted and worried that somehow I wouldn’t be able to figure everything out (vitamins, food stages, etc.) or that I would do it wrong. There is a lot to know and learn. I diligently followed instructions and stayed the course, and still do. I feel good and I feel healthy. This surgery is a remarkable tool… a gift actually. It takes the stress, guess work and exhaustion out of the weight loss equation.

@alsims463
You have done the work and on to the next part of the journey.

This discussion does not answer your question directly, but does have helpful hints.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-to-take-to-the-hospital-how-long-did-y9u-have-to-stay/
When I had my surgery, it was right before the holidays. Eating a holiday meals was out of the question. The best solution is to plan ahead. You should not deprive yourself of family and friends, but you will not be able to eat and your still recovering from surgery.

Do you have a plan for the holidays?

Hi - I am 58 years old and will be getting surgery by March 2025. I too am trying to mentally prepare myself and physically prepare my food pantry for this next phase of life. How is your diet now? Do you eat often throughout the day? What about excess skin issues? If you do not mind sharing your journey. Best creams for skin, etc. Much appreciated.

@mrsfawn23, Welcome to Mayo Connect, many in this group have been in your situation, just starting and not sure what to expect.

Every clinic is slightly different. Some patients see surgeon early on and other have to do classes and other appointment first.

At inital appointments most clinics will ask about previous attempts at losing weight, what worked, what did not, etc… They will review medical history and what health issues you have. They also discuss options, there are different types of weight loss surgery, some are better fit for certain individuals.

Most clinics I am familiar with require classes prior to approval for surgery. Seeing bariatric surgery is only one part of solution, the classes prepare you for what to expect and teaches you a healthier lifestyle. Surgery without life tyle changes does not work. And you should check with your health insurance on their requirements for surgery. It varies based on insurance, sometimes it is based on BMI or health conditions.

Are you willing to share what clinic your consult is at? Then maybe a Connect members who have been seen at same clinic can add their experience.

Mayo Clinic

Welcome, @dmh2016. I look forward to learning more about you and how I can connect you with others. Are you preparing for bariatric surgery at Mayo Clinic? Where are you in the journey?

@deborahctorres, such good questions to help you both mentally prepare for surgery, recovery and after, but also to physically prepare your food pantry to support your success.

Here are a few discussions related to your questions that might be helpful:

Q: How is your diet now?
- List for POST op diet
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/list-for-post-op-diet/
Q: What about excess skin issues?
- Do You Need Skin Removal Surgery due to weight loss?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/do-you-need-skin-removal-surgery-due-to-weight-loss/
Q: Best creams for skin, etc.?
- Best Products to use before & after surgery
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/best-products-to-use-before-after-surgery/
I'm also tagging a few members like @cora2022 @roch @connieroberts @laurie22 @lucy155 @joysmiley64 to share their experiences after surgery and what helped them prepare.

Deborah, have you been scheduled for classes? How are doing with the pre-surgery prep?

Hi Colleen. Thank you for responding. Yes, I am preparing for surgery at Mayo in Eau Claire. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday. I am currently 1 week into the 2 weeks liquid diet. I think I am as about prepared as I can be without actually having it done yet. My doctor thought there was a good chance I could eat blended food a couple days after surgery so I have ordered some pureed meals to give it a try as I figure out to do myself at home. It is just now down to following my instructions for the next week.

Hello - I have completed 4 nutrition classes now and have learned applicable skills that will help me in my life journey. I wish this was taught in high school when I was attending, "Once upon a time ago...", lol. Budget is tight, so I am introducing a new item each paycheck to see what preferences I will incorporate into my diet post-surgery. I have been scouring through so many posts trying to gather as much knowledge from other's experiences and that has been very helpful too. My surgery is not scheduled yet. I can tell I am losing weight, but my scale has stopped working so I am not sure how much. It was not mentioned as to how much weight I would need to lose prior to surgery. I am just being watchful as I have been these past few years. I am hoping the weight loss is due to the change in my medication from Wegovy to Zepbound.