The journey begins

Today my journey begins. I have decided to proceed with looking into the surgery.  I have my initial appt on the 13th to talk to the surgeon. However, to say that I am scared or nervous is an understatement.  I have the mentality that I can do this on my own, but have had that same thought process for all my life.  It is clear that I can not do this on my own. 

Would like to hear back from any of you that may want to offer some encouragement or pre-appt knowledge.

Thx,

Daddy Scotty
www.twitter.com/tripletdad7

I would just like you to know that I am in the same boat as you and think the same things you do.  I attend my lecture/seminar this evening -- after that I can schedule an appt with the surgeon.  I have mitigated the fears/nervousness somewhat by telling myself that if there is a compelling reason not to 'go thru with it,' I have the option to pass and do something else (which may not be the brightest move).  I just know that by researching it, there isn't that magic line you cross where they say "whoops, you know too much now, report to surgery."

joshua

Thanks for your response.  Please keep me informed how your seminar goes.  It is good to know that I am not the only one.  Bet that is why OH created the Men's group. *Ya think*

You are right, no magic line, research all we can.

Hi,

We have all been in the same boat as you.  The toughest part of the journey was making the decision to actually have surgery.  The more you read and learn, the more you will be amazed by how having WLS can improve your health and change your life!! 

I only had gastric bypass surgery on August 4th, and am down about 45 pounds overall, but I definitely have a lot more energy, feel much more positive about myself and life in general, and my type 2 diabetes is gone.  (It went away immediately after surgery).

There are a lot of great guys here, who know a hell of a lot more than I do, so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.  And we can't wait to see you on the loser's bench here in the locker room.  Good luck!!!

Phil

Congrats Phillip. Sounds like you are doing an awesome job.  Almost a month out and 45 pounds?  What thoughts do you have in comparing pre-op to post-op?

Thanks,

Scott and Joshua -

I put off my surgery for a year because I thought that, one more time, I could do it on my own.  Didn't happen, I couldn't do it on my own, and lost a year in that mentality.  I finally said, "ENOUGH," and went forward with the process, and I'm over 70 pounds lighter than this time last year, and pushing 50 pounds after four months post-op.

Know that everything you will be doing pre-op is preparing you mentally, physically, and behaviorally for your new life post-op.  I'm so glad I had to do six months of nutritional counseling for my insurance company rather than seeing the surgeon and scheduling a date.  It helped me get my mind around what would be occuring.

And as Joshua said, you can't have too much knowledge - it's up to you to be proactive in your process to insure success.

Welcome to both of you as you begin your journeys. 

Right there with you bud,

going to see my surgeon this thursday at 2:00. i have been lurking/reading and a little posting, these guys have some great advice.

i am making my list of questions, and headed in with a purpose.

i am so freaking tired of being fat!

I hate asking to steal your research, but what kind of questions should I be thinking?  My wife could and will tell me anything, I like thinking about this on my own.

Thx,
 

I'm not sure if you can go into the first appointment with a lot of specific questions.  I would tend to go in with some basic knowledge about WLS and then listen to what their approach and protocols are.  One of the first issues you will need to grapple with is the type of surgery you will choose to have, as that will affect your pre-op and post-op routines.

Keep a notebook or binder with all of the materials you receive; have a blank piece of paper in it so you can write down all the questions that come up as you read and research.  That way, you'll have the questions with you for subsequent appointments.

Look at various hospital/bariatric center websites and see what information they give.  Some are pretty weak, but many have quite thorough information to help you along.

 Scott,
No one will fault you for being nervous.  WLS is a big deal.  It's much more than just the physical.  Many people have said that the toughest part is the mental change.  That may be true....I don't really think so.  For me, once the weight started coming off and I could start moving again like I'd once done I knew I'd made the right choice.  The physical heals quickly and mentally there are some challenges but they are small when compared to your new life.

In a little over four months I've lost 120lbs.  I've gone from 56/58 waist pants to a 44.  I've gone from a 4x/5x shirt to an xl/2xl shirt.  I'm doing my first half marathon in November.  I'm off my high blood pressure medication and I'm no longer pre-diabetic.  I have more energy than I know what to do with.  In general I'm a much healthier, happier person now.

St Vincent Carmel has an excellent Bariatric program.  My and my wife's experience there was excellent.  Your surgeon is excellent.  Embrace the decision that you've made and go into it with great expectations.  Follow the instructions and you will thrive.  Good luck on your journey.

Duane