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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

Thanks, Cindy.  I know I tend to a hydration problem and have been stepping up my efforts to get it back on track over the last 4 days; spoke to the doc about it yesterday... this morning seems better and my urination has increased (good sign).  So, at this point, I don't think it's the hydration.  I'm taking multi-vitamins with iron (200% DV total) so I don't think it's that (though I won't rule it out).  My activity level is left from your noted points and that very well could be a big part of the problem.  I have big knee and back problems and walking for any effective amount is about impossible.  So, since my achyness isn't any worse, I'll try to step up exercises in the chair and see if that helps.  Most of the feeling is in my legs so you are probably on target with that.  Your input is greatly appreciated!

Diana

hang in there, the scale isnt the only thing to change. and sometimes it goes in spurts.

achy could be dehydration or just activity level changes.
I was also low iron and protein at that point and had to step up my efforts

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