Pre-Op Research

Hello. My name is Cassie and I live in Longmont, CO. I am well on my way to surgery, waiting now to set a date, but I had some biting questions that I hope can be answered. My question is: What is the single biggest challenge that you have faced post-op? I know probably everyone will have a different response, and that is what I want. I am not worried about the surgery, but I am worried about adapting to life afterwards. Any help anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. My Dr. is Dr. Michael Snyder of Denver Bariatrics and my date will be hopefully in the beginning to mid- April. Thanks for your help! Cassie

Cassie, Well just because you have this surgery, it doesn't fix the problems you had before it. I mean if you struggled with eating before, you will still struggle with it afterwards. There are times where I still try to eat the way I did before. I'm so much better about it but I can see that some of my bad habits are still there. They are tough to break and you really have to try to get into good habits because it's very easy to slip back into some of those old ones. The surgery is a tool to help you but it's not going to fix the issues that caused us to gain weight so you really have to try to address those issues before and after the surgery. Good luck to you on your journey. Kerri

Hi Cassie I think for me the biggest challenge is accepting of skin issues after massive weight loss. But my only regret is not doing it sooner. Im in the area if you ever want to chat. Good luck Deb

Hello Cassie~ The biggest challenge that I have had during post-op has to be the social and mental impact that this surgery has on your life. I am looking into some counseling to help with some issues. I have become obsessed with the scale..I weigh myself 6-8 times a day. I also continue to see the "fat" person looking back at me in the mirror...my doctor said that you are the last one to notice..I've lost 86 pounds and am 2 pounds away from being of normal weight. It's tough from going un-noticed by people to being noticed by everyone. I have a hard time accepting compliments and this past month, they have been really coming in...I get called slim and skinny. I've also been losing alot of hair, which began month 4..so that's tough too, since I already have fine and thin hair. I've got some things to work through but I wouldn't take this surgery back for the world! I wish you the best of luck on your journey..if you need someone to talk to..just email me! Bridgett

Hello, Dr Snyder was also my Dr. I had my surg 3months ago! i dont regret it at all! I think there are always going to be some head issues but I go to Dr. Snyders support group and that helps you to not feel so alone in what you are going thru at the moment! They have been very very helpful whenever I have come to a hurddle. I can tell you that you are scared to death before surgery(normal) and regretful the week or two following(normal) but when you start seeing results and also getting used to your new lifestyle it gets easier and easier. Dr snyder has awsome support thru the whole process you just have to go after it. Good luck pls check out my profile and see some updates as well as pics. also feel free to email if you have any questions or just want to talk. Leann

Cassie, Thanks for asking the question - the replies helped me too!! Kadie

Good luck on setting a date! I am 5 weeks post-op and it has been a hard long road. I dont think you can EVER prepare for what you are about to endure. You will still have to fight cravings. The liquid diet was the hardest for me. I felt like I was starving all the time but could not have anything solid. I also had to have a 2nd surgery 2 weeks later because my small bowel was obstructed. I was so determined and worked very hard to get an approval for this surgery, but it has been alot of work. I have lost 28 pounds in 5 weeks and look better already; however I still fight nausea everyday and feel exhausted alot. I am sure in the next few weeks to come things will get better. Try to prepare yourself for a slow recovery. That way if things go well, you will have no problem. If you ever need to talk, I am in the area. Good luck to you Cassie!