newbie

Hello everyone I am new to this Circle I just am starting out now I have not had any appointments yet that is all coming a friend of mine recommended this website so that I can become more comfortable in speaking to people who have already had the surgery I am excited and look forward to speaking with all of you into having my surgery when the time comes around can anybody recommend anything for me as far as prior to the surgery at beginning the appointments how long approximately is the quickest you think surgery can be had as long as you are able to keep all of your appointments all the time Any advice that you could give me would be greatly appreciated thank you

Welcome to the group.
hope to see you on monday chat

Welcome!  This a great place with very supportive people.  I hope you find it as valuable as I have.  I just had DS on 10/26. 

To try to answer your questions, from what I've seen and heard, from the time you apply to the time of surgery can range from a few months to over a year.  There are many dependencies in the process that include choosing a doctor and applying for surgery, going through the testing and getting clearances from other specialists, insurance and it's requirements (unless you are self-pay), and then there is your commitment and actions leading to the surgery.  All of that affects the timing. 

My recommendation is to do as much research on doctors and surgeries prior to making a decision on a doctor or a surgery.  That includes finding out what's involved in each surgery, asking yourself what you want and what you are willing to do to make it happen, and talking to people who've had each of the surgeries.  Re the doctor, get patient feedback, find out how many of the surgeries your doctor has done of the one of your choice, is the doctor in a Center of Excellence?

Finally, if you are willing to do all that's required to make the surgery happen, make your commitment to yourself, get a good support system (here, friends, family, local in-person support groups), and last but not least, know that this step is a life-long commitment to using a tool.  It is not a cure, just a tool; a major tool but one that can, if you let it, bring back your health for life.

Personally, I didn't keep what I was doing to myself.  I shared it with my friends, family, and associates every step of the way from first thoughts to now and on-going.  I did that because I had seen others who kept it to themself and I think it was more difficult for them.  Of course, I haven't shared it with anyone who didn't have a fairly large role in my life because it isn't their business.  I shared it so there wouldn't be any speculation and guessing as to why I was suddenly losing a lot of weight.  Also so I would get other perspectives, good and bad.  That aspect made me really search myself to ensure my commitment to the choice.  Be aware that many people think this is the easy way out, that you should be able to lose weight without it.  It is NOT the easy way out and I am sure you will hear that from others.  Those who think it's the easy way is because they do not understand our issues and they don't understand what the surgery entails.  For those people, I just listen to them, thank them for their input, and, if they are open to listening, I share my experience with weight loss attempts and what the surgery entails (most aren't interested).  If they aren't interested, I just let it go.  Their perspectives are not my problem.  My health is.

And, even though the process is scary, recovery is tough, we get through it.  I have heard so many on the "losers bench" highly praising their choice for surgery and they are glad they did it.  I hear that all the time.  As long as you use the tool for what it was made for, you can be as successful as so many others.

Here's to your journey

Diana

Hi Diana!
  Thank you so much, his has been something I have been talking with my doctor about doing for years now. I have an underlying condition that makes it hard for me to lose weight, I have done a good amount of research thus far and my best friend just had GB surgery 7 weeks ago. I started the process already, well some sort of it. My doctor sent over the paperwork to the hospital already for them to get the stuff together to get me going on my weightloss journey. Right now I am a stay at home mom so I have the time to go to the groups and appointments and anything else during the day while my kids are at school that I need to so that i can get started. I am very motivated and I know this is a new way of life not a quick fix. I am excited to start on my way to a better life. Good luck with your recovery and journey as well. How are you feeling? How was the surgery for you?

Hi,  Sounds like you have thought this choice through and I congratulate you on your choice.  It is a positive journey that will help you sort out many things in your life.  I wish you the best!  We're all here for you in the journey.

My surgery went very well.  I had to spend the first night in ICU due to my severe sleep apnea but, that's ok.  Then, my blood pressure dropped pretty low and they were concerned with that but, it bounced back and nothing was wrong with my heart.  There were a couple other minor glitches but they were quickly resolved and I am now home and recovering.  Saw the doc for my first followup.  It went well and I am making good progress.  Recovery is difficult because I am having to stay close to home... which will get better a healing progresses and I begin to take in more solid foods.  It's also difficult getting in all the fluids and protein the doc wants me to.  And, my knee and back issues limit my mobility and that also makes recovery difficult.  

I may be getting into too much detail but, I know I would appreciate a realistic picture.  It's not all smiles and roses.  It's difficult.  The doc says this is the hardest part and I believe him.  I'll get through it just like everyone else who had the surgery did.  I think the key is facing the difficulties rather than hiding from them and working through them.  They will pass.

My best to you,
Diana

Welcome to the group!!  Diana gave a wonderful reply, not sure that i have much new to add.  Just let us know if there is anything we can address. 

I had RNY surgery 25 months ago and and so happy to have less of me to cart about.  The choice of best surgery is between you and your surgeon, your other health issues may dictate what is best.  Enjoy the ride, this is an adventure.

I went to my surgery seminar in feb, needed 6 monthly visits with the dietician and had surgery in sept.  Going to 6 nutrition visits before surgery is pretty standard.