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Finding support

Hello,

I came across this site while searching for support and information about bariatric surgery. What I really need is honest answers. I feel like every website has a sales pitch. I am 53 and 335lbs. I have three herniated disks in my lower back and I can't stand for more than 10 minutes before my legs start to go numb. I went thru this before Covid and my doc (who is AWESOME) and I started me on a weight loss program. I managed to lose 65lbs over 8 months. Then Covid hit. I not only gained it back, I gained it back with a vengeance adding another 10lbs. I have sleep apnea so bad that my Bi-Pap is set to the highest settings allowed. SO, I finally mostly convinced myself to consider this. Family is supportive, doc is supportive, initial consult with the surgeon went well and we chose the sleeve surgery. My Psychological assessment was done this morning with a glowing recommendation for the surgery.

I am a high school teacher in a low income school. I absolutely love my job and my kiddos but I can't keep up with them.
I need to do this or I will not be around for them in another year, I am already walking with a cane or a walker depending on the day.

But I got the nutritional information and the packet on the surgery instructions today.
Now I am... well.... rather terrified.
I have SOOOOO many questions.
Like, how will I take my medications? How will I use my BiPap? (it can often make me swallow air - a LOT of air) If I can't use my Bi-Pap, how will I sleep? I cut out sugar and soda over two years ago, but I can't tolerate certain foods on the menu due to food allergies, what do I do about that? Where do you all go to ask these questions??? How do you work through all of the anxiety of "am I making the right decision"?

Michelle
 
Hi Michelle, welcome! It can be a bit overwhelming when you first start this journey. Keep a list of all the questions you would like to ask your bariatric team when you go back.

You might want to speak to your doctor who has prescribed the BiPap machine. So many of us who are or were overweight have sleep apnea so you should be able to continue to use your machine. And the sleep apnea will get better as you lose the weight. I went from severe to normal range.

The pills that you take should be discussed with your doctor. I will tell you that I had no problems taking my medications.

Food allergies should be brought up with your nutritionist who you will see somewhere along your pre-surgery appointments. I'm sure they have suggestions for you to work around your allergies.

Most of all, take a deep breath and try to relax. This will be the best decision you will make to get on track for a healthier life. I wish you all the best!
 
Hi Judy

The BiPap machine unfortunately was originally prescribed when I was 30 by a military doctor in NY. Hubby was career Army. 23 years later, I don't even take a short nap without it. Trying to talk to the doc who prescribed it is impossible - they don't even do sleep studies in a clinic anymore. So, I guess, I will have to talk to my MD about it.

I feel like I am walking in to the bariatric surgeon's office with a book of questions.

And thank you!
 
Hi, Michelle. First, take a deep breath. There is no food on their suggested eating plan that has to be eaten. You can address any and all concerns with your nutritionist. There are a lot of different ways to get your protein in, so regardless of what you are allergic to, you can eat. So don't stress too much about that.
Many conditions that require meds or machines, including Sleep Apnea, are exacerbated by obesity, so you may find that you need less of your meds and a lower setting on your BiPap, for those that are still needed at all. Other medications are just adjusted so they aren't delayed release/capsules or NSAIDs.
Choosing weight loss surgery is scary. There is no way around that. You just have to remind yourself that you're doing it for your health and that your future self will thank you. I am a year out and it's definitely worth it. I had no idea I felt so bad, until I felt this good. Write down your questions and ask them all. They're used to it and that's what they're there for. Good luck.
 
You have found the absolutely best place for support, encouragement, inspiration, etc. No one here is going to try to sell you anything or lead you down the wrong path.

Any medical questions must be answered by your bariatric team or your pcp. But any questions about preparing your pantry & kitchen presurgery, what to expect at each stage (including the presurgery liquid diet if required by your surgeon), and especially anything you want to vent without any judgment, you will find a multitude of answers & lots of (virtual) shoulders to lean on & cry on if needed.

Welcome!!!
 
Welcome! I understand all of your concerns. How’s your surgical support team? They’ll be the best at answering your questions concerning medication and food allergies, but that doesn’t mean our experiences can’t help a little. What kind of food allergies do you have? The first thing I talked to my dietitian about were foods that I just flat out don’t like. She didn’t bat an eye and it wasn’t concerning. It’s about taking what you do like, what you’ll be able to have, and expanding on that to make the most healthy version.
 
Welcome to the group Michelle! If your machine is that old, you are likely going to need a new sleep study. The newer machines are so much nicer than the older models, so you may not have any issues at all.

I would start a list of questions for your bariatric team. They will be able to answer most of them for you and help you decide what surgery is best for you.

The group here can also help clarify things too. I just had a RNY done on Wednesday. The people here have been so wonderfully supportive when I started having doubts.

You definitely landed in the right place!
 
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