Leaderboard

Somewhat related - for a few weeks before i had my surgery, I watched what my female co-workers were eating when they were having lunch in the employee break room. There were a couple of them who ate what I would have called at the time a "normal" lunch. For example, and sandwich, a bag of chips, and a couple of cookies. But almost everyone else ate these tiny lunches. A thing of yogurt and an apple. Half a sandwich and a container of baby carrots. Yogurt and half a bagel. I came to the conclusion that this is basically how most normal, never-been-obese women ordinarily eat (unless they're going out for an occasional restaurant lunch, of course), and that those who ate the more substantial lunches were probably pretty active or blessed with great metabolism. It was pretty eye-opening.

I did take all of the advice I've gotten here into consideration, so thank you all for that. One thing I did do yesterday was to reach out to an acquaintance who had gastric sleeve three years ago in a neighboring country. Apparently, she did go through a local doctor who sent her to have surgery overseas but closer than Poland or other countries in Eastern Europe. And it was all paid by the national health insurance. This doctor is an obesity expert and runs one of the two programs in the country that's recognized as adequate preparation for weight loss surgery, if you want to try to get the national insurance to pay for your operation. It's not on an inpatient basis, which is a plus. When my acquaintance did it, the wait between the prep course and the surgery was only three months, but it may be longer now. I did email the doctor to ask for an appointment, but I have no idea if they're accepting new patients or if they have a long waiting list. If they're like other doctors, they'll be going on vacation soon and I may not get an appointment until the fall or later. And I may not qualify for surgery paid by the national health insurance, since their general rule is that they operate on people with BMI 40 or higher, and mine is 37. As I understand it, they may approve surgery for someone with a BMI under 40 if they have enough co-morbidities. I have high blood pressure and the slightly elevated blood sugar test. I don't know if that's enough, but I guess I'll find out. If I don't qualify I probably won't be able to go to the hospital in the neighboring country that my acquaintance went to, since It's not a private hospital. At least, that's what she thought.

Pain is subsiding a little more each day. Walking definitely helps. Feeling up to taking a shower today. From surgery on Monday to today I've lost 5 pounds. Promised myself I wouldn't worry about how fast or slow the weight comes off as long as it comes off. So I'll keep strolling along. Sent from my SM-G981V using BariatricPal mobile app

Going on my first post op date. I haven't dated in 2 years. I am already picturing all the weird things I have to do around food with him. He offered to cook me a pasta dinner and I had to say no LOL so we're going to a smoothie place instead. I looked up the menu and they have unsweetened tea and coffees so I'll be fine but omg how does one explain it? Anyway, wish me luck! And feel free to share your post op date stories too Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

it's not all programs - they actually served me Jello in the hospital! In addition, she's three months out....not just out of surgery. At three months out, people are eating solid food.

I live right across the water from Whidbey! In Port Townsend! Yes everything is absolutely crazy expensive.

the food aversion isn't uncommon - that goes away over time. I agree with Arabesque that it could be a stricture. They happen to about 5% of bypass patients (can also happen in sleeve patients, although it's much less common) and you're in the right window for it - they almost always occur 1-3 months after surgery. I'm really shocked your surgeon's office would respond the way they did. You CAN live without food for awhile (but not forever..), but when it gets to the point you can't even keep fluids down, that's a huge problem. People can't live without fluids for long. If you can't keep fluids down, I'd go to the ER. if this is a stricture, it's an easy fix.

I definitely understand the thoughts behind this decision. I am also self-pay. My GERD Score was in a range where I had either as an option but after hearing about potential for worsening of GERD, my history and continued work with my relationship with food and goal to lose more than 100 Ibs, I opted for Bypass. It is an investment for sure. I do not feel there is a wrong choice.

Welcome back @acbenford. Just an update from the OP - Still a horrible tracker, but daily weigher. Still working for me and if I vary more than 2-3 lbs I get back focused for a week or more and that settles be back into a better routine for several more weeks. Losing very slowly these days, but still losing so not complaining.

All this stuff is true. I would however like to give a male point of view. Men who are obese are not "given a pass" as some like to say. I too thought it was more accepted until I lost 100 pounds and it is amazing how differently people treat me since I am now skinny. I am asked if I need help more quickly in department stores, I am addressed more quickly in car dealerships or whatever environment I show up to. I am treated more politely at the doctor/dentist office and the list goes on. The weight discrimination is there for men too.