AZ Bonnie

How are you doing AZ Bonnie? You're 3 days postop?

Just came across this article. Very informative. Just to educate us on our new lifestyle. I actually saved this article on my home screen so I can refer to it.
http://pamtremble.blogspot.com/2008/08/why-we-dont-drink-with-meals.html?m=1

iamready4this

Just want to inspire someone! Didn't think I would be here and happy that I'm finally at 147lbs!!! Still working and toning but grateful:)
Congrats on this decision and you are on your way to the best you too!!!

I recently told two of my very close family members about my decision to have WLS. They are extremely supportive, understanding, and curious about the surgeries, process, etc. One of the things that came to me while we were talking is the following analogy. I still have that nagging guilt that this is something I should be able to do on my own - but when I thought about this analogy something clicked for me. I wondered what others thought about it or if you would change anything.
Weight loss is like climbing a mountain. It takes planning, strategy, tools, strength, support from like-minded friends, and plain hard work. But it's even more challenging because all the climbers are carrying a boulder on their backs. The size and weight of the boulder is different for every person because it's decided by things like genetics, age, medical conditions, amount of excess weight, personality, outlook, community support, and others.
Some people are just really strong, or maybe their boulders are pretty small, and so they are able to make it to the top under their own steam. Some people are able to make it partway up the mountain, but have to stop and stay there. They may even fall back to the ground. But, unfortunately, for most of us the boulders are too big for us to get more than a few feet off the ground, and every time we fail it gets a little bigger and a little heavier and we get a little wearier. Some people are able to shrink their boulders a little, by therapy or meditation, but still aren't able to make it all the way.
Weight loss surgery is like having a friend who says, "You know, that looks really hard and I want you to succeed. I'll take that boulder off and hold it while you make the climb." You still have to do the work of climbing, every difficult and sweaty minute of it. You still need the tools, and the support of your friends. But you don't have the heavy rock weighing you down. It's not a guarantee you'll be successful, but without the burden of carrying that boulder, you finally have your best shot at making it to the top.
What are your thoughts? I started to overanalyze things a bit and started thinking, well after the mountain, maybe maintenance is like a hike with a pack or something LOL but I didn't want to take it too far and get it all muddled. Let me know if this helps you in any way, if you'd change part of it, or anything else.

-Annie

In general, the bypass is favored for PCOS. You have quite a few comorbidities, and may want the more aggressive procedure.
If you wanted to try the sleeve, it might work for you.... but be sure you are willing to consider a revision down the road if things don't turn out how you want them to. (A sleeve can be converted to a bypass or duodenal switch). The problem with revisions are they don't work as quickly or effectively as the virgin procedure, and the scar tissue gained from the first procedure makes the 2nd one a little harder to perform, and has a little more painful, lengthy recovery. Insurance companies also frequently have clauses that limit the number of procedures and revisions.
Vitamins are required either way, but you'll take more of them with the bypass.
One thing that will make you happy to hear.. the intestines get used to the new arrangement over the first couple years, so people with bypasses typically stop "dumping" after that time. They also absorb more nutrients as well. (This is how people start gaining after a couple years if they don't modify their diets permanently).
Do plenty of research, and be comfortable with your choice. The sleeve is performed twice (?) as much as the bypass nowadays.. but it doesn't mean all those that get the sleeve have received the correct procedure for them. There are plenty of revisions being performed (mostly for newly-developed GERD).
I'm 3 months out from the sleeve, and am very happy. I had high blood pressure (that has gotten better), but that was my only comorbidity.

Starting Day 5 of my two week pre-op liquid diet. Seemed like surgery was so far away and now it's coming up fast on 7/13.

I wish you the best also!

Hi there, Surgery 7/5/17 in Arizona. Wishing everyone well on their journey!

Wow, we are very close to each other! 7/5 will be a HUGE day for you and is going to be the hardest but best day! The band was just a stepping stone in your past, leave it behind and look to the future!
I appreciate your encouragement and look forward to being able to encourage you as well. This morning was a scale victory for me of seeing 199.2 first the first time! I can't remember EVER being below 200!! You will get to this amazing achievement before you know it as well!!

It all happens so fast the next thing you know you are in your room...then going home, then losing weight then skinny haha!! You will be happy you went through this experience...good luck!@

Hi Bonnie! Although we are using different doctors it is so nice to see another AZ patient! Do you have a surgery date? Bypass or sleeve? I am just a little over 3 months post op. I'm in the Glendale area, would love to connect with someone from around the same area!!

Hi there, Surgery 7/5/17 in Arizona. Wishing everyone well on their journey!

Yes he was fantastic.... Down 65 lbs since April 19th

Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, fellow Arizonan, Hope all is going well. I'm pre-op as well.

Hi fellow AZers! I'm in Mesa! I am still pre-op...awaiting insurance approval. I did all the requirements, so the ball is in their court now! Dr. Sprunger will be my surgeon as well. I'm excited, but anxious and a bit worried about post-op walking. I have HUGE back problems, so walking is very painful for me as it is.

Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks I had surgery at 10am on the 19th and went home about 1030am on the 21st

Dr Swain was my surgeon, honor health in Scottsdale has been amazing. Highly recommend.
Things went well...I was so out of it for the whole day after surgery but today has been a lot better