Newbie Introduction

Welcome Jaci! Are there any questions we can answer for you? I’m 23 years post-RNY.

VSG 3 YEARS OUT, I Lost 190 +. Gained back 25. Lost 85 lbs (Training/prepping) before my surgery date. Like getting old "WLS AIN'T FOR SISSIES " 👍😃

Hello Jaci! I’m new to this platform too. I’m looking forward to meeting others. A little about me any situation… I had the sleeve gastrectomy in 2015 and lost quite a bit of weight. Best news was that my diabetes and sleep apnea went away right after surgery. Now that I’m post 7 + years I’ve gained weight although not back to pre-surgery weight, and diabetes returned with a vengeance. I’m looking into bariatric surgery as recommended for long term success against diabetes.

My husband and I are both going through this together. I actually just had a hysterectomy and am healing from that. This is the year that I'm making all of the right choices for myself and my life.

For years I would not even consider surgery as an option for weight loss. I thought it was the easy way out. After doing more research and talking with more people and realizing that the surgical option is an option for someone like me, I started to let go of that thought and realize that I also deserve a chance at being successful in my weight loss, even if that means turning to a surgical team and asking for help.

Hey @jsulley, Jaci. I add my welcome. So great that you and your husband are doing this together. I encourage to explore the many discussions in the Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss support group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/bariatric-surgery-weight-loss/)

@deggerah @wr61 @susanh824, what top tip would offer Jaci? What do you wish you had known when starting this journey?

Jaci, What questions do you have as you prepare for the surgery? Will you and your husband have the surgery around the same time?

My tip: Don’t rely on dumping syndrome to keep you “in line.” If you are addicted to sweets, like I am, don’t even try sugary foods post-op. Just as alcoholic can’t have “just one drink,” sugar addicts can’t have “just one bite.” I’m so sorry that I tried a bite of my son’s Halloween candy in my first year post-op. I thought I would get terribly sick, and that would teach me. I had just a very mild reaction, and as the years went by, I gained back about 75% of the weight I lost the first year. I’m 23 years post-RNY now, and have again lost all that weight, but this time, it was due to illness. Don’t take that first bite (or sip) of whatever food made you overweight in the first place. Please learn from my mistakes.

My advice would be as you lose weight, be sure to get rid of any and all of the clothes you no longer fit into anymore. Don’t give yourself any reason to hold on to them or be able to fit into them again.
Also, your body will change faster than your mind or habits. Be mindful of that and work to successfully change bad habits.

You’ll do great!