Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss: Meet others & Share

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!)

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!)

Hi,

I'm Anita and I live in Wisconsin. I am just beginning the process to potentially have a gastric sleave. At my highest I was 435lbs. And am currently about 350lbs after trying to lose with medication, diet, and exercise over the last two years. While I have had some success it has been hard fought and as I have a lot of arthritis and mobility issues a more direct, rapid approach to weight loss seems to be the logical step. I would appreciate anyone who has had this procedure done sharing with me how they have felt after surgery and any struggles they have had. Thanks