New here-looking for support!

Hi there, Well, I am going to do it.....I decided to look into Bariatric surgery. I actaully began the process about 4 years ago and I guess I wasn't ready for the committment. Well, after deciding now is the time and many failed attepts at weight loss....I am, again, seeking for more information and insight. I do know the surgery is a covered benefit and I know I qualify for it.....I am in the process right now of seeing my doctor and having a psychological evaluation (per my insurance criteria to have the surgery) I am excited about the possibilites and at the same time have so many questions. So, please send any insights you may have, any suggestions that may help me along the way..... Kelly

Dear Kelly, Congratulations first on your choice to make the change. It isn't an easy change to want to make, but one I have thoroughly been able to look at in a new way NOW. First, start documenting weight loss over the past 2 years on paper. From who you tried (ie., weigh****chers, physicians weight loss, la weight loss, etc) and how you did, failed, succeeded, any doctor's weight loss programs, and basically all you tried over the past 2 years -- it needs to be on paper. Second, start reading people's profiles on here. This is a great way to find out "how" people have coped and what they went through pre op, surgery day, post op and afterwards. Everyone has different experiences, and everyone goes through different things. Third, begin your education on the pre op stages, surgery, post op care and life after WLS. Educated yourself by talking to people here, and finding out how they did, what they did, how they reacted to foods and things. Fourth, MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WONDERFUL LOVING SUPPORT!!! Someone to take to to the hospital, care for you while in the hospital, and care for you at least 2-3 weeks after the hospital stay. I did not have that except for 2 days, and that is MY ONLY REGRET. Take baby steps post op. One day at a time, one meal at a time, one thing at a time. Ease into the position slowly. Be careful about your choices, for what you put into your mouth today and tastes good, will NOT after surgery. Your taste buds go through some sort of change also. And, protein, protein, protein, protein, protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein,protein, protein, protein, protein........... FOLLOWED BY - WHEN YOU EAT POST OP: REMEMBER TO: chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew, chew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Water, water, water, water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water,water, water...everyday gallons of it. I cannot express this enough. I hope this doesn't sound bizarre, but rather helpful and hoping that you get that this is a NEW life and you do things differently post op. Good luck, God Bless, and welcome to oh.com! Stacey W 310/162/July 19, 2005

Hi Kelly!! I have been doing exactly what Stacey has posted to you...I am now waiting for approval from insurance for the WLS and I am still reading and learning things everyday on what to expect and what to do. Also try the chat room for asking questions or concerns. There are alot of people willing to help you and give their support!! Good Luck!! Hugs Judy

Welcome Kelly! This surgery does wonders for you, i could not say that enough. Every day i am just amazed at how different life is , I so love myself and everything around me now. The best thing to do is read profiles, there is so much to learn. Make sure to be very thorough in your health testing, i had wls with undiagnosed sleep apnea and practically dies twice from it. The insurance part was hell, but so worth it. wls saved my life. it's good to get out and start walking and watching what you put in your mouth now, even starting vitamins too. You need to get healthy now to make recovery easier for you. email me anytime with any questions, i'll be happy to help you out. Hugs Linda