I am very new to this whole thing. I am 5'4 and 310 lbs with Co-Morbidities of Diabetes, Dysphagia, and GERD. I decided that I wanted to get WLS so I went on my own in December to a seminar. After leaving, I decided I wanted to get the Sleeve. My new insurance policy (BCBS of IA) didn't kick in until Jan 1st, so on 1/12 I went to my first consult appt with the surgeon. At this appointment, he said he would recommend the Gastric Bypass as my GERD could worsen with the sleeve. He also said it would be a great help with my diabetes and said it would be more successful. He did a great job explaining the difference between the two surgeries and I decided to go with his recommendation. I talked to a friend of mine today that had the sleeve and told him what I decided. He told me the sleeve was better. Easier to get nutrients, said pills don't absorb like they should so all meds I take should be in liquid form. Said important to get nutrients or your body could shut down or eye sight could go. I don't know if what all he said is true, but it has really made me nervous to get this surgery and left me with a lot of questions.
1- does anyone have problems taking pills after surgery or does everything have to be in liquid for like my friend mentioned.
2- is it hard to get your Vitamins and nutrients your body needs
3-What type of side of effects am I looking at.
4-anything in general I should know about this surgery.
5- anything I need to know about pre-op diet. My dr form just says fruit, veggies, skinless chicken breast, fish, and liquids.
I am hoping to do as much research as I can on this. There isn't much my insurance requires. 2 years of weight records (which I have), weight loss attempts (which I have done), psych eval and nutritionist eval (both will be done on 1/26) blood tests and EKG (doing tomorrow) and upper GI (which I still need to schedule). So I imagine it won't be long after that to be approved (BCBS says they have to approve in 15 days). I am just hoping to get more information and ease my nerves before I have this surgery. Any information anyone can give me would be great.
Thanks
