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@lakegirl1964

I had Ru-en-Y 6 weeks ago tomorrow (Jan 6). Go through the pre-surgery program. Mayo has a great program. You can't just go in and say, "Where do I sign up for surgery?" I had to meet with the several members of the bariatric team, I don't remember how many visits I had with the psychologist, twice with PT, 2 or 3 visits with the dietician, the nurse at least twice, the surgeon twice, plus my primary care. Plus labs and other specialists. This was all Prior to the surgery. It was over several months. You will be prepared and knowledgeable. Also, you can change your mind at any time. I did. I was probably a couple months out and had an injury and decided to postpone for over a year.
How am I doing now? I honestly thought I would lose weight faster, but the nurse says I'm doing "remarkably well" I am having nausea and vomiting since probably the 4th or 5th week. I was doing some research and think I am advancing my diet too quickly. I can still only eat about 1/2 - 3/4 cup at a time and if I go 1 bite too much I end up vomiting. It isn't dumping syndrome, I don't mind keeping the portions small at all. Honestly, the hardest part for me has been dealing with my medications and the new supplements. I hate swallowing pills and now, because some of my prior meds were large I have to use the pill cutter, so I have a hand full of pills, and my stomach can only hold so much water. Once I get that figured out I think I'll be going strong, I really think the surgery will be worth it for me in the long run. I always told myself I would Never have bariatric surgery. That it was for weak people.... Finally I realized that I had been trying to lose weight on my own for over 30 years and yes I lost weight, a lot actually, a couple times but it didn't stay off. I feel like I wasted 1/2 my life sitting on the sidelines because I couldn't control my weight. I'm 60! years old and I truly believe the next decade is going to be my best. You'll make the right decision for you. Follow your gut... (pun intended!)

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Replies to "I had Ru-en-Y 6 weeks ago tomorrow (Jan 6). Go through the pre-surgery program. Mayo has..."

Thank you so much for this response. It's very helpful and detailed. I am in the pre-op phase and loving it so far. So much work! I definitely don't think this is the easy way out, but I, too, used to have that misconception.

@lakegirl1964
Welcome to Mayo Connect and sharing your story. From your other comment I see you went through program at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato. All Mayo locations have program that includes a team of providers. Because it is a lifestyle change, it is important when looking at options that you find a program that includes a multidisciplinary team that provides pre and post surgery care.

I can relate to pill situation, first week after surgery I tried to take a pill that was large, provider told me afterwards, nothing bigger then size of pencil eraser.

Keep us up to date on progress.