DS pre-Op...Any advice???

There have been a lot of succesful DS'ers on BAF.  Sadly many no longer frequent oh at all.  I wish they were here to give it to you straight without the bull**** I often see posted by some DS folks outside of BAF.  Historically we give each other the good and the bad of our experiences.  Fortunately the good far outweighs the bad with all of today's wls. 

Welcome and congratulations. I think nurses are the single most represented profession in the US wls population!  It must be fantastic not to have to consider the on the job nonsense the rest of us factor into out decision. 

Besides, RN's rule!  When you cry out any time of day it is your nurse that comes.  In the interest of full disclosure, my mom was a licensed RN for about 45 - 48 years.  I guess that makes me a litle biased. 

Actually, my obesity played a huge role in my disability.  I also have lupus and fibro, and the weight didn't help matters.

In the beginning, all I could take was prednisone, because that's all that worked for me, and it helped push me past 400 pounds. That, and the fact that I am genetically engineered for obesity.  I had an aunt who I think weighed about 500 when she died, maybe more.  Folks on both sides of my family are on the hefty side.

Since the weight loss, actually on the way down, other medicines to treat the autoimmune diseases began to work to keep the symptoms at bay.  I  still flare, but recovering is not as long or intense as it used to be.

The surgery is my tool to get back to life before I get much older. Through Voc-Rehab, I'm studying to become a RD, specializing in bariatric nutrition. Why?  Because when it comes to the DS, dietitians just don't get it!  Also, most people don't realize that each of the bariatric surgeries carries its own set of nutritonal needs.

My former occupation is way too physical for me to return to.  
I used to be a radio news reporter in a major city. Because of the weight  -I was in my low 200's in that time period-  and all that walking , stair climbing and trying to run, my knees are shot. I'll still have to get them fixed , but with the weight gone, I can wait another 10 years or so!

Unfortunately I also have multiple autoimune issues.  Wls has not helped or hurt my conditions.  What it did was underscore the negative impact disease and treatment has had on my ability to loose and maintain even after wls. 

I've also considered becoming an rd.  Many so called nutritionists are lightly trained clerical staff who know little about wls nutrition.  RNY included, in spite of having been considered the gold standard for over ten years now.  Even when affiliated with a surgical practice, nutritional staff are often grossly under educated about metabolism.  Factor in drug interactions that negatively impact wl.  Their knowledge base in this area is near zero. 

Nutritionists and even some surgeons accuse patients who struggle of blatant non compliance.  We need registered dietitions who are better educated and can offer dietry options when the standard practice is ineffective.  Patients deserve better than what passes for nutritional support today.   Overall, my surgical practice was very good except where nutrition was concerned.  I met with the standard ignorance from the nursing and nutrition staff. 

Fortunately, my surgeon also had rny.  In addition, he has a better understanding of metabolic issues related to autoimune disease and treatment.  He was frank about the fact that there are metabolic issues no wls can resolve.  Those of us who struggle are uniquely suited to counsel others with more than the norm to cope with. 

Good luck with this.  We need folks like you in the profession. 

Hi MSW,

Thanks for your encouraging words and RN's do rule! lol.  But seriously, my career also has a lot to do with why I want to have WLS.  I LOOOOOOOOVE being a nurse, even the bull**** that comes with it.  Nursing is the only profession I know or that I have had that is just as or more fulfulling as it is nerve racking.  Anyway, I want to be a healthy nurse that can educate my patients about health issues without them looking at me like the biggest hypocrite in the world. My dream nursing job is in the ER but I dont think I would be able to keep up at my current weight.  Anyway, I will keep everyone updated on my progress and if I land that ER position in a year or so.  Thanks again for the encouragement.

Praying that your surgery does what you need it to do, Karmel!

 Thanks Jazzy!

You do it girl.  My mom was an ER head nurse with specialized trauma certifications.  She worked the night shuft in one of the busiest er's in the country.  A noble profession.  Me, I'll stick with a desk job, lol.