Recidivist

We've also lived there before and love Australia as well. The people are absolutely wonderful!

I’m no help, but just wanted to say I’m jealous! I’ve wanted to move to Australia ever since I spent some time there in grad school!

Are you going into politics?

Canberra!

Thanks for the reassurance, Marine and Jen. You are right--better to focus on real problems than things that might never happen.

You will get approved my friend

Don't worry until you have something to worry about.
I know...easier said than done.
I was exactly where you are a week ago.......plus I had to switch insurance and I was positive there would be a fight due to that.
Insurance switched 1-1, Dr's office submitted 1-2, I was approved the morning of 1-4.

Don't sweat it.

Haven't had that issue but as I'm an Aussie thought I would say hi. Where are you relocating to?

Sorry, not a brass player. I am, however, a fairly serious amateur singer and sing in a local chorus. I've asked my surgeon if bypass would have any impact on singing, and she said it should not.

I'm having bypass surgery in Washington, DC in February 2019, and I will be moving to Australia for work in September 2019. I thought about waiting until I get to Australia to have the surgery, but I decided I want to do it now and arrive in Australia as the "new me." However, I'm a bit concerned about switching to a new doctor for periodic checkups (or to deal with complications if they occur). Has anyone had to deal with this? Has it been disruptive in your weight loss journey?

I just had surgery yesterday and for a slight second I thought, "Maybe I don't need VSG." But I knew that was nerves talking, so I quickly dismissed it. I have a million reasons why I know this was the right decision for me. Even as I sit on the couch in discomfort, I still have no regrets. I hope that your family gets on board soon—and if they don't, remember that you have everyone here and also check with your hospital to see if they hold WLS support groups, as many do.

I think younger people may have a harder time with it because you still may be thinking in the back of your mind that you can do it on your own. At age 50 I am absolutely positive that I’ve tried everything and that this is definitely my last resort. So any nervousness that I had is pretty much gone. I know that the worst thing that I could do is not have the surgery and continue to struggle every day with my weight. If anything I’m just excited now. 2 weeks to go!

I appreciate it, y’all! I think a lot of my reservations are coming from my family. They reallly don’t want me to do it. But I’ll continue educating myself and make sure I do what I feel is best for me.

I had the same dilemma as well. I felt like my surgeon was trying to steer me toward the sleeve, but I ultimately decided to do bypass. It seems to have a better record of long-term weight loss, and I was worried about GERD with the sleeve. When I made the decision, my surgeon wanted me to explain why so she could see that I had done my homework and had understood the pros and cons--and she was satisfied with my answer! 🙂

Thanks all for these tips. My surgery is in February and I find these quite useful. I'm so grateful to have found this forum, because I'm learning so much more than my doctor has told me!

Thanks all for these tips. My surgery is in February and I find these quite useful. I'm so grateful to have found this forum, because I'm learning so much more than my doctor has told me!

I was there 40 minutes tops. Talked with surgeon then the scheduler. Then I had an appointment scheduled for 14 days out from where I will be talking with nutritionist and physician assistant. Then next day surgery

During my final appointment we discussed the pre-op diet, as well as what to eat post-op. They also checked to make sure that I had the correct type of Protein and Vitamins. We also talked about specifics of surgery day (when to arrive at the hospital, time of surgery, where to park, etc.). They also did blood work and a chest x-ray. I was told that it would be 2-3 hours, but it only took an hour and a half or so.

Lots to unpack in this topic. I used to drink a LOT of Diet Coke (thanks to free soda at work!)
A few things I realized, half of a real Coke would satisfy me more than 6 Diet Cokes. Real Coke wouldn't make me crave other sweets, which the artificial sweetener does to me.
But what I missed most of all was the bubbles, which were easily replaced with Talking Rains - no artificial sweetener and no calories.
Now post-op I take caffeine when I need it, sometimes in black coffee but more often in Yerba Mate beverages which give me a more pleasurable energy uptick than the jitters I get from coffee. Some of the bottled beverages have calories, but they are calories I'm happy to consume.

I am 55 yrs old and started walking about 3 miles a day after having surgery. After about 6 months I started running. I was running up to 4 miles 3 times a week. I would have liked to run more but I have had re-constructive knee surgery on my right knee twice and have very little meniscus left. I ran 2 organized 5K's in 2018 so anything is possible. I tried the gym but just couldn't get into it. I still walk about 3 miles a day and run during warmer weather.

I will have bypass in February 2019 and have about 90 pounds to lose to be at my goal weight. I don't think it's harder for people like us to lose weight--I think that it might just be a bit slower and we won't have spectacular losses in any given month. In the end, we'll all get where we need to be and we'll all be healthier.

MikeII, I understand what you are saying--I had certainly not heard about many of the issues that can arise after surgery. (My gastric bypass is scheduled for February 2019.) However, it hasn't caused me to have any doubts. I'm grateful I've found this forum because it will make me better informed about the process and I can hopefully avoid some problems as a result. It's also incredibly reassuring to know that so many people have been through this and are doing well, in spite of a few bumps in the road. I no longer feel so alone!

I'm a newbie here with bypass surgery scheduled for February 2019. Like many of you, I've never been big on exercise, and I know that will become a big part of my life post-surgery. I can definitely commit to walking every day, but I can't see myself going to the gym. Would a brisk walk every day be enough, or is it going to slow my weight loss? I'd appreciate insight from those on the other side!

Thanks, WJGO. I'll play it by ear and see how it goes. I'm turning 60 this year, and the gym has just never been my thing, in large part because of all the young, fit bodies around me and the occasional competitive atmosphere. Perhaps I just need to find a gym that is more laid-back where I won't feel so self-conscious.

Thanks to all for your advice and insight! I think walking will be my primary form of exercise, but I might try out a gym at some point. To be honest, I've avoided gyms during past diet attempts because my size embarrassed me, but it might be a different experience after losing weight. We'll see!