The Candidate

No mental health official should ever attempt to lead you down a path you aren't willing to follow. If it was your choice to pursue a non-surgical weight loss plan, that is certainly your right. You have to be ready, 100% ready in mind, body and soul in order to consider weight loss surgery. If you're not ready, or perhaps will never be ready, because you don't wish to go down that route, that should have been it. Forcing or even influencing someone to have this surgery, who is not ready, is simply a set up for failure that is every bit as detrimental as yo-yo dieting. WLS is big on family support. But in actuality the first person you need to have on your side is yourself, or that house of cards will have no foundation to stand on. You should definitely seek out another psychologist. Good luck!

I stated my process in August 2015 and it took a year to complete. After meeting with my PCP, I first had to attend two seminars, Weight Loss Mgmt and Intro to Bariatric Surgery. I was then given a 9 page questionnaire to fill out, and had to complete pre op labs, which included blood tests and an EKG. Once my tests and questionnaire were submitted and reviewed, I had to schedule a one on one appt with the head of the bariatric program. That's where I was told I was approved to start their program (which wasn't a guarantee I would be approved for surgery). The weight taken at this appt was the official starting weight. Then I had to wait for an opening for the requirement of six months of classes, one a week for 24 weeks, 90 minutes each. At the first class we were told we had to lose 10% of our weight. The classes included weekly weigh ins and we were also had to turn in weekly food logs. After the classes ended, we had to wait to be called for a stress test, and a final weigh in. Then there were another round of tests we had to complete, more blood, etc. Next I had to wait to hear whether I was approved, at which time my file would be forwarded to the surgeon. During this time I was also required to attend a surgeon's seminar, and a support group meeting. After approval I had to wait to be called by the surgeon's office for a 3 in 1 appt which included a psych evaluation, meeting with an internist, and the surgical consult. After that I had to wait to be called with a surgery date, which ended up being 07/29/15. The day before surgery I had to attend a PREP appt at the hospital, and I had a 1 day pre op liquid diet (only 1 day because I had already lost more than the required 10%). Now I'm nearing seven months post op and I couldn't be happier. I'm only 10 pounds from goal and I would definitely do it all over again in a second!

Congrats on your approval!

You've been through a lot, so I'm happy to hear that your revision has been approved. I'm sure the journey will be easier this time around. Best of luck and congrats!

So glad you were able to get things moving again. I can only imagine how scary that must have been. But like you said it'll serve as a constant reminder not to do it again.

Surrender by Elvis Presley. ????

You're welcome! I'm so happy to hear that my post helped dispel some of your apprehensions. It has most definitely changed my life for the better in ways I never even dreamed. Good luck on your surgery and let us know how it goes. You have a glorious new life ahead of you!

Sometimes the process seems forever and then all of sudden, it's happening so fast. Whatever speed though the trip is worth the effort. You won't be sorry. Congrats!

You rock those heels! Congrats!

That is so awful. I'm so terribly sorry.

Definitely a success story! You look great!

Hang in there. The early days are hard, but good times are coming. ????

That's a lovely month to be changing your life for the better! Congrats!

As annoying as it can be at times it also revives my gratefulness that I got a second chance. I only wish I could have done it sooner, and have back all those wasted years where my appetite and obesity reigned supreme. Back then I was envious of the people who were able to stop eating at a normal portion of healthy food.

Fatigue is definitely common this early out. Give it a month or so and you should start gaining your energy back, plus more. Good luck!

That's wonderful! Ready trumps nervous any day - you've got this! Congrats!

Congrats on your approval!

The first couple of months are when you're most keenly aware that you've had the surgery. The head hunger and cravings are at their optimum as well. The further out you get and the more you practice mindful eating and exercise along the way, the easier it gets to lock in a healthy lifestyle. For me, I've pretty much gone with an all or nothing approach. I've had no bread, rice, Pasta, soda, or sweets in over six months now, and I've incorporated exercise into my daily routine. I don't want to open a gateway back into obesity by sampling even a taste of the food I've listed above. I've never kept weight off long term as a pre op. WLS has given me the elusive tool I needed to finally break out of the yo-yo dieting cycle. And the longer I go without it the less power it wields over me. Today I'm only 12 pounds from goal and I'm loving life again. I have more energy and feel at least 20 years younger. I was pre-diabetic, had high blood pressure, and my joints were screaming in pain, just to name a few. All of that is gone. This surgery is a god send, and I would do it all over again in a second! Best wishes on your journey. It's truly beautiful being on the other side.

Congrats and best wishes in your upcoming surgery. Your life is going to change so much for the better!

I started my program with a BMI of 45 and ended with a 39. We were encouraged to lose as much as possible. Just to check that my ducks were all in a row though, just to verify, I called my bariatric coordinator just as I was about to cross over to 39. She assured me it was fine, but cautioned against going any lower than a 35 BMI, which I never obtained as a pre op. My insurance counted the weight/BMI I started the program with, to base their approval on at the end. But sadly, that's not universal, as some insurance companies do penalize you for losing too much, by not approving.

You've made the final turn and are now racing for home. Congrats!!

You not only can but *will* do this. You are about to step into a whole new world that will change your life for the better in ways you can't even imagine! Congrats and best wishes! ????

Congrats on the cross over!

Congrats on receiving your surgery date. Best of luck!

Congrats on your approval!