Considering Surgury

Hello everyone! My name is Leah and I'm new to all of this. I am currently researching everything i can about bariatric surgury because i am considering starting the journey to weightloss. i've tried a ton of yo yo diets and such and i am finally realizing i may not be able to do this on my own. So any support, info or anything would be much appreciated.

Weight loss surgery is a huge life changing decision.  It is a personal one.  My advice is research, research, research!  Go to support group meetings.  Talk to people who have had it.  Go for a consult with a surgeon of your choice.  I looked into it for 5 years before i did anything.  I am 4 months out, lost 61 pounds, lost 6 dress sizes and i am so happy.  My self confidence is boosted imensely, my health is much better.  It was the best decision i have made for myself.  Good luck!

leah- really think things through... it is not easy--- especially in the first weeks... i am almost a month out.. and i am feeling better about the decision... losing the weight is great-- but for a minute, i was asking myself "what the hell did you do?"... follow your heart-- and prayerfully consider the life change! goodluck, honey!

Hey Leah :) A few things came to mind when I read your post... If you have health insurance, call to find out what their policy on weight loss surgery is. Chances are you'll have to supply documentation from a physician stating the surgery will improve the quality of your life. One of the requirements of my insurance co (UnitedHealthcare) was that I show a 5-year history of weight gain and at least 6 months of documented attempts to lose weight. Yours may or may not be different, so call and find out! Find out who performs the surgery nearby, call their offices, and find out if they offer seminars for prospective patients. To my knowledge they are all free of charge and about 2 hours worth of straight-up facts and testimonies with a Q & A portion afterwards. Very informative and oftentimes a requirement to attend. They'll likely have all the necessary paperwork at the seminar should you choose to go with that particular doctor. Something I didn't realize until I was post-op was that there is no standard set of dietary rules to follow after surgery. After speaking with friends and others on the OH message boards, I have come to realize that each surgeon has their own ideas about post-op food choices. If you choose to pursue surgery, be aware that the diet you're given to follow may differ from others'. Know that the surgery is more than a tool to help you achieve weight loss. If you want to be successful, it takes discipline and commitment to a lifestyle change. The surgery isn't completely fool-proof. Some people can eat fattening/sugary foods after surgery with no ill side-effects while others feel deathly ill. Think about your current lifestyle and think about what areas might be affected such as going out to eat, drinking with friends, how close family may react, relationships, etc. It's good to be prepared (mentally) for change in these areas. Last, but not least, read the message boards. Leap outside the 20something board and look at the May 2007 board, for example. You'll read posts from people who just had the surgery this month. And then read April 2007 to see what people are posting about that are 1 month post-op. Get a feel for the issues/concerns people have. Check out your state's message board for info on the doctors in your area, too. I hit a plateau for a week and had my share of foods getting stuck because they weren't chewed well enough. I'm 12 weeks post-op and down 68 pounds. I was wearing size 28 in pants and now I'm in a 22 (although I can squeeze into a 20, soon enough it'll fit better!). I have more energy than I ever remember having, people are noticing, clothes feel better to wear, and okay...guys are taking notice. But the important part is I feel fabulous and would do it over a hundred times if I had to. I wish you luck! Ask plenty of questions! Keep us posted! Nicole

Nicole, that was a great post.  I'm so glad that you're out there representing WLS.  WOO HOO.  Keep up the good work. 

Awesome post, Nicole!! My additional advice: You have to be your own biggest advocate for getting the BEST information and the BEST healthcare.  There are many wonderful, qualified surgeons, but there are equally a lot of quacks or poor programs.  In reading the boards, you'll discover that everyone's op experience is different and unfortunately, some are needlessly suffering b/c of poor post-op care.  So you can't research enough! If you go ahead with WLS, be sure to find a comprehensive program - a surgeon/clinic who moves you through pre-op, op, and post-op with great attention to your health.  Nutrition counseling, eating plans, and post-op care are NOT to be compromised.  Post-op complications can happen and you want a surgeon who will take care of you every step of the way. Personally, I started researching RNY last December.  I'd had enough of being the fat girl and finally clicked on an internet banner ad for Barix Clinics.  It was the best decision I've ever made and I am sooooo excited to be on my way!  They have been so incredibly helpful and encouraging.  Everything they do caters to the patient, even extra comfy larger chairs, beds, and gowns! Last week I had a mini-meltdown b/c of the insurance crap I'm dealing with.  I called my surgeon in a panic and his nurse gave me the biggest pep-talk.  If a very busy surgical center can take 20 minutes to respond to my fears and be a constant advocate for my emotional well-being in addition to my physical health, I'm in.   I see you're from Elkhart, IN... not far from me.  So maybe you could check into Barix Clinics (they have locations in Holland, MI, Ypsilanti, MI, and Indianapolis, MI) at least as an informational starting point.  You can attend a group informational seminar and meet with a surgeon in a private consulation to find out if WLS is the right option for you. Also, there's a great support group that meets in Angola, IN  at the Coach Light Coffeehouse on the third Thursday of each month.  Feel free to join us! So, welcome to a new journey and Good luck - you've landed in a great place! Heather

Welcome!  Make sure to do lots of reasearch to pick your surgeon and surgery.  If you have any questions just ask

Welcome darling!!!  You have found your self a group of wonderful people and an abundance of information!!!  Stay strong and do what makes you happy!!  Always & Forever!!!  One day at a time... then you will be a healthier and an inspiration to hundreds!  =O)