New to bariatric surgery: Advice to mentally & physically prepare?

alsims463 @alsims463

Welcome to Mayo Connect. Looking forward to being with you during this journey.

Every clinic is different on how they run their program. Many have website that outlines their program.
Based on past experience I had and others have shared, here is what is ahead for you. I actually never talked to a surgeon till I had done of the requirements of program (classes, etc...).

The surgeon will most likely discuss your options.
- Will tall about medical history and what you have tried before to lose weight.
- Are you a candidate for surgery.
- What type of bariatric surgery are available, and if they have a recommendation.
- The clinic's requirements pre-surgery. Often these are classes to help you understand lifestyle changes that are necessary.
- Most clinic require you to show you can make theses changes prior to surgery, that is why the classes.
- May order blood tests

Come prepared,
- list of medications and dosages
- info on any previous surgeries you have had, especially abdominal
- why you want surgery, you articulated well in you discussion, quality of life

Also. have you checked with your insurance about coverage. Once know requirements and what they recommend, verify it is covered.

Please keep us informed how Thursday goes.

Lorie, Thank you for your reply. Since I have had initial meetings and tests, most of the things you mentioned I have completed. Where there was a change was in the location.

Originally I was not to meet the surgeon until after I completed the 12 week therapy session. When I switched to a different location, because it was an hour closer to me, their procedures changed a bit. At the new place I meet the surgeon upfront, which I will do on Thursday.

I am assuming all the questionnaires and reports I did in May are transferred to the new place so I do not need to repeat them. I will find out more on Thursday.

I am actually happy to meet the surgeon early on as I had some questions that only they can address. Stay tuned for updates.

Again, thank you for responding.

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.

@usernameimpossible |

I am sorry about your sister and hope your son is doing better.

Unfortunately, when stressed, we often return to habits we have used in past to deal with stress. It may be alcohol, drugs or eating.

The important thing is to recognize what is happening. Glad you have a therapist to help deal with grief and stress. Sounds like your starting to make changes to get back into a healthy diet.

Have you talked to therapist about healthy ways to deal with stress?

Yes, I have talked to my therapist about healthy ways to deal with stress. Thank you for asking. Things like taking care of myself, not putting off my own doctor appointments, (I had a list built up of stuff I was supposed to be seen for, mammography, earth/nose/throat specialist, new family doctor because mine retired, hearing test, on/gyn check up) but was feeling overwhelmed with all the appointments for my son so I put them off. Proud to report I have made 3 appointments this week for the following months. Now I just have to get the rest of the appointments made.
I am trying to make time each week to see a girlfriend for lunch and trying to not feel guilty for taking time for me...
I miss my mom and sister a lot. Mom was my best buddy and she was a wonderful person. We talked every day. I am lucky I had her as a mom but now I miss her immensely.

@usernameimpossible

I am so glad you are taking care of yourself. You can not help others, unless you help yourself.

I understand about your mom, I lost mine to cancer, and years later there are times I wish I could call her and talk about things. Or when I go somewhere I think mom would of loved this. She lived a great life and would want me to do same.

usernameimpossible, Thank you for sharing. You have carried a considerable burden over recent times and I wish you the best. It sounds like you are doing the things you need to do to get through it. Best of luck.

You comments do make be think about what burdens I carry and have to deal with. Fortunately for me, I am retired now for about a year and half. When I am asked about stress in my life, I have to look at things on a relative scale. Compared to my career, especially the last 10 years or so of it, I have no stress now. In fact, I think I am in a pretty good place right now except for some habits that are carried forward from those 10 stressful years, which led to part of my weight gain. I am working on that now, but not as a stresser, but as part of moving onward and forward. I am excited about learning new things and trying new things and finally having the time to think about and focus on good things for myself and my family. This is quite the transformation for me as I had to be very work focused. The consideration of Bariatric Surgery as a tool to address my weight is part of that transformation. Nervous about it? Yes, but only about the transition and learning to cope with that transition. Excited? Yes, about the potential outcome to address something I have battled with much of my adult life.

For you, I can only offer my best and let you know that it does get better if you can let it go a little bit and think about yourself. Your therapist will obviously know more than I do about this, but I want you to know your story has implanted itself in my thoughts.

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.

It absolutely is. I was/am tired of hearing that it’s the easy way out. It’s a lot of dedication and work. It’s trial and error on my behalf also, regarding what to eat. What not to eat. As I stated keeping up with all your vitamins and supplants are paramount.