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Hi! Newbie Here!

feniffer76

New Member
Hello. I am just starting my process into bariatric weight loss journey. I have attended meetings held by three local medical systems and hospitals so I can be absolutely sure this is the route best for me. I know the decision is ultimately my own but was looking to hear some of your thoughts, concerns, fears and/or hopes that lead you into having bariatric surgery. I was recently diagnosis with type 2 diabetics, discovering my average glucose was over 400 after not feeling well for months....go figure, right? My current weight is 263 this morning, down from 295 when I was diagnosis 6 months ago. I do not want to be on medication for the rest of my life for this, nor do I want heart disease, GERD and the general lack of being able to breath when walking up stairs. Waiting on insurance approval is making me crazy but I know this is where my life path is taking me, so I will just be patient and do more research.

Did anyone have second thoughts? Thirds thoughts? lol Please share your journeys with me....the good....the bad...and the not so pretty insights to having surgery.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to many new allies!

Feniffer73
 
Hello. I am just starting my process into bariatric weight loss journey. I have attended meetings held by three local medical systems and hospitals so I can be absolutely sure this is the route best for me. I know the decision is ultimately my own but was looking to hear some of your thoughts, concerns, fears and/or hopes that lead you into having bariatric surgery. I was recently diagnosis with type 2 diabetics, discovering my average glucose was over 400 after not feeling well for months....go figure, right? My current weight is 263 this morning, down from 295 when I was diagnosis 6 months ago. I do not want to be on medication for the rest of my life for this, nor do I want heart disease, GERD and the general lack of being able to breath when walking up stairs. Waiting on insurance approval is making me crazy but I know this is where my life path is taking me, so I will just be patient and do more research.

Did anyone have second thoughts? Thirds thoughts? lol Please share your journeys with me....the good....the bad...and the not so pretty insights to having surgery.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to many new allies!

Feniffer73
Hi Fen, good to hear your story. After a year of tests, exams, weigh ins and research, I got approval Tuesday and I'm having Gastric Bypass surgery May 31st. I have had second thoughts, but for me, I know this is right for me. I have been overweight most of my life. I have tried every diet out there to maybe lose 50 lbs. and gain it all back and then some. I've come to the realization that I must do something drastic. From what I've researched and after speaking with doctors, bariatric surgery statistically works for most people. I need this to become healthy and in turn become happier. Everyone is different, the decision is yours according to what you need. I would suggest doing some research and speak with your pcp, find out your options and go from there. Keep us posted. Best of luck. Weezy
 
Hi fen and weezy,

I had spent over a decade going back and forth on the decision. This was my third time starting down this road. The two previous times, I was doing so well loosing the pre-op weight that I cancelled surgery and continued dieting on my own. Despite loosing over 80lbs the first time and over 90 lbs the second, both times I ended up regaining it all, plus. :(

I can loose weight, I've been a professional dieter my whole adult life. But every single time I get close to goal weight "something" happens. A simple vacation can send me spiraling out of control for months. Keeping it off is my issue and isn't that the most important part???

I needed to get back to the basics and break my old habits permanently. The fact that with RNY, you start out with a liquid diet, move on to pureed foods, then soft solids, etc. is reminiscent of a baby learning to eat. I wanted to start over too!!! That's what really sealed the deal for me this time around. I wish I didn't waste a decade getting to this realization.

Good luck with everything!!!
 
Hi fen and weezy,

I had spent over a decade going back and forth on the decision. This was my third time starting down this road. The two previous times, I was doing so well loosing the pre-op weight that I cancelled surgery and continued dieting on my own. Despite loosing over 80lbs the first time and over 90 lbs the second, both times I ended up regaining it all, plus. :(

I can loose weight, I've been a professional dieter my whole adult life. But every single time I get close to goal weight "something" happens. A simple vacation can send me spiraling out of control for months. Keeping it off is my issue and isn't that the most important part???

I needed to get back to the basics and break my old habits permanently. The fact that with RNY, you start out with a liquid diet, move on to pureed foods, then soft solids, etc. is reminiscent of a baby learning to eat. I wanted to start over too!!! That's what really sealed the deal for me this time around. I wish I didn't waste a decade getting to this realization.

Good luck with everything!!!

And just a PS - I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year, and got to go off the Metformin even before surgery! The LCHF diet that they suggest to follow before surgery got my glucose in check. :) If that's what your doctor is advising, I'm sure you'll be off your meds in no time too. ;)
 
Hello. I am just starting my process into bariatric weight loss journey. I have attended meetings held by three local medical systems and hospitals so I can be absolutely sure this is the route best for me. I know the decision is ultimately my own but was looking to hear some of your thoughts, concerns, fears and/or hopes that lead you into having bariatric surgery. I was recently diagnosis with type 2 diabetics, discovering my average glucose was over 400 after not feeling well for months....go figure, right? My current weight is 263 this morning, down from 295 when I was diagnosis 6 months ago. I do not want to be on medication for the rest of my life for this, nor do I want heart disease, GERD and the general lack of being able to breath when walking up stairs. Waiting on insurance approval is making me crazy but I know this is where my life path is taking me, so I will just be patient and do more research.

Did anyone have second thoughts? Thirds thoughts? lol Please share your journeys with me....the good....the bad...and the not so pretty insights to having surgery.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to many new allies!

Feniffer73
Hello fen and all- What got me interested is a cluster of 7 co-workers had bariatric surgery and formed a special monthly lunch group. They were disappearing before our eyes, looked healthier and younger. I got to the point that I was huffing and puffing to just walk a few steps. My arthritic knees were giving up and I had to have one replaced. I'm now 10 weeks past my sleeve surgery, lost 35 lbs and my knees feel like new. This has been a blessing for me!
 
Man oh man Tex, I'll bet you're just getting a lot of love at work. And what are the odds that anyone would work somewhere where seven of their coworkers would have bariatric surgery, meaning there was a serious enough level of obesity in one workplace, and there were serious enough people who knew what had to be done! Wow!

Agreed! That's wonderful that you have so many people around you that have been in your shoes!
 
Hello Fen I hear you, I'd like to be able to walk up stairs as well. I also would like to be able to walk around the mall without having to sit outside of stores. I too decided it was time to make a change after all my diagnoses. I'm with you in waiting for insurance company to okay my surgery. So, here I am talking with others like me up to my surgery and afterwards as well.

Read your story and I like this support group already. Nice to know that I'm not alone.

Thank you Dan@1981
 
Fen,
I'm ready for a change with my weight. Last year I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and severe sleep apnea. So, this was my push to get the gastric sleeve done. My twin brother is also getting the gastric sleeve done as well. We hope to get it done about the same time so we can see results at the same time. We were just saying how many pills were on, like a hand full. We both said how did we get to this. I feel the same with stairs and walking long distances. Now, time will tell.

Thanks Justin@1981
 
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