kraken818

My name is Tim and I just discovered this web site. I had gastric sleeve surgery with Dr. Teresa LaMasters in West Des Moines, IA back on December 30, 2014. I have had serious weight problems most of my life with the exception of my time in the military where I just wasn't able to eat whatever I wanted. My issue was definitely portion control and now just the thought of how much I would once eat seems like an incredible amount of food. I am just over 6 months post-op now and I have lost 83 pounds from my heaviest weight. I started at 315 and dropped to 311 day of surgery; I am now 232. I had several other medical conditions related to weight including high blood pressure, high cholesterol/triglycerides, obstructive sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation. I'm happy to say I no longer have blood pressure or cholesterol problems and the sleep apnea seems to have gone away as well so three of the four related problems are gone. I look forward to hearing from others and offering up any advice I am able to give.

I also had UHC for my surgery although my employer did not have the 6 month diet requirement. I don't know if it will be same for you but I had to attend a bariatric surgery information session, attend at least one support group meeting, get a mental health evaluation, and meet with the surgeon, nutritionist, insurance representative, etc. When all was said and done it was a good 6 months before I actually had the surgery but let me tell you it was well worth it. I wish I would have done this years ago. I know the waiting is terrible but hang in there, follow any rules they set forth and really get yourself committed to a new lifestyle. It has been almost 7 months since my surgery and I have lost 85 pounds. I have stopped blood pressure meds, my sleep apnea is gone and I just feel so much better overall. I wish you well and hope it goes great for you too.

I would agree that you should be re-evaluating your relationship with food as I strongly believe that is the key to success but there are things you can't eat now that you will be able to eat once again. In my own case, I was eating regular solid foods after about 4 weeks although that is ahead of the desired schedule. My advice is to really consider your reasons for surgery and weigh those against the temporary satisfaction of a cheeseburger. I have found that ordering from kids meals will at least provide a taste of indulgence but I have also learned from my support group that for many that can become a very dangerous road. I wish you luck post-op and encourage you to remember your purpose for having the surgery. I have researched and experimented with new ingredients and a new way of eating and that has really helped me. There are so many healthy foods out there that are truly delicious; you just have to find what works for you.

I would agree that you should be re-evaluating your relationship with food as I strongly believe that is the key to success but there are things you can't eat now that you will be able to eat once again. In my own case, I was eating regular solid foods that I enjoyed after about 4 weeks although that is ahead of the desired schedule. My advice is really consider your reasons for surgery and weigh those against the temporary satisfaction of a cheeseburger. I have found that ordering from kids meals will at least provide a taste of indulgence but I

My surgery was about 4 hours but I did have a hernia repair done as well while they were in there.