What do the beginning steps look like for surgery?

@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.

A wonderful team comes together and begins the education process; nutrition, surgical explanation, exercise, basic where, what, how, when & why… I found it to be thorough, insightful and oh so necessary!
Along with this begins testing (blood work, EKG, etc.) to access your health and wellness for surgery.
I had gastric bypass surgery on April 19th, just a few months ago, at Mayo Phoenix. While it is daunting when it is in front of you, the process and “life afterwards” is totally doable!

Hello,

Please, anyone has a sample menu for blended foods? I am running out of ideas-- stuck in scrammbled eggs. cottage cheese, yogurt, protein shakes, and water. Thank you

What foods are allowed on your blended food diet? I might be able to help but I have noticed not all doctors have the same protocol so if you can give me an idea of what is allowed, I might be able to help.

Most people get bored with post-surgery diet, but it is important to follow your care-team guidelines. It is worth the limitations to gain long term results.

If you have a nutritionist that worked with you pre-surgery, they may have some suggestions.

You may want to check out this discussion on Mayo Connect on soft foods that @cmss posted last year.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/2-weeks-post-op-and-looking-for-soft-food-suggestions/
Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) has examples and ideas for recipes for post-surgery;
Your surgeon / nutritionist may have different limitations and time frame then UPMC.
https://www.upmc.com/services/bariatrics/surgery-process/post-surgery/diet
Sample Recipes:
https://www.upmc.com/services/bariatrics/surgery-process/post-surgery/diet/recipes
You will need to verify ingredients in recipes are allowed in list of foods you are allowed to eat.

If in doubt, check with your care team.

A belated welcome, @newmexjen. Welcome to "life afterwards". What tip would you offer to someone starting this journey? Or, in other words, is there anything you wished you had known?

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.

@mrauda77, in addition to the helpful links that @roch offered, you may also wish to follow Mayo Clinic bariatric dietitician experts in the
- Weight Management blog here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/weight-management-1/tab/newsfeed/

Use the search term "blended" to find some ideas that might inspire.

How are you doing?

Usually they will put you on a diet for you to show your serious about loosing weight.

@starcom
Welcome to Mayo Connect.
Did you have bariatric surgery, if so would you like to share your experience?