AllieCat1993

Thank you everyone for your feedback, it really helps I appreciate the insight, advice, and links to what can help.

I have seen some posts about how the relationship with food changes after surgery. Some have even referred to it as a grieving process. What are some changes I might expect after surgery in reference to my relationship with food? How might this affect me emotionally? What was your experience? I want to be as prepared as possible, thank you

On 5/24/2019 at 6:37 PM, skinnyshortcake said:

Hey there! first off congrats on making the decision to do this! I agree with the other posts about who you tell is your own business, people will prob get suspicious, but the bottom line is you made the decision along with your dr about doing something that is medically necessary for you!! I have not told many people including family about my decision bc unless they are personally going through this they might not understand that this is beyond diet and exercise in most cases. I had my surgery 7 days ago at REX with DR NG. You are in the best hands with the Drs and staff affiliated with Rex bariatrics! They are extremely organized and caring. It took my insurance 6 months but It went pretty fast because you are constantly keeping up with monthly nutrition, education classes, and dr appts. I had a little pain in recovery but the anesthesiologist was right there with me asking me how I was feeling and pushed more pain meds into my IV. I really didn't need anything but Tylenol after. I have had 3 c-sections so I always compare everything to that and this was nothing in comparison. I was up walking the same night as surgery ( a little drugged up but walking, and the nurse let me hold onto her) I had some discomfort swallowing liquids but I think its to be expected while you are healing. Everyone experiences something different so don't be afraid to speak up and be pro active in the hospital so they can make you comfortable. I was nervous about nausea so I let the drs know and I didn't have any probs. I was in the hospital for 2 days. Im still recovering and the only set back Ive had is an unfortunate delayed allergic reaction to the solution they prep you in before surgery. this is only a 1% chance that this will happen ,- I should go play the lottery! Id be happy to help with any questions you might have especially since we are with the same group of drs. Don't let the fear of the unknown make you second guess your decision. I met a couple of gals during my classes, we stay in touch daily, one had her surgery before me and one is going in several months.. it helps having someone who can truly relate to what you are going through, we genuinely support each other!! maybe our paths have already crossed, maybe they will in the future, in any case Im not far away!

Wow, thank you so much skinnyshortcake! This is very touching and I really appreciate you sharing your experience with me. It does help hearing real stories from those who have been through it. I'm wishing you the best of luck on your journey and a speedy recovery!!

11 hours ago, Losingit2018 said:

Have you tried looking on healthgrades or vitals site?

I moved to a new area about 6 months after surgery. I have been able to find several different types of drs here that are excellent. I found them by reading reviews from other patients online.

Good luck!

No, I have not. That is a wonderful suggestion, thank you!

13 hours ago, Poppyseed28 said:

I had surgery about 7 weeks ago and I am so glad I did. I am already down 35 pounds. I was nervous going into surgery but everything went smoothly. I was sore from being on the metal table and I had some soreness in my abdomen. I had the most pain a few hours after surgery before my nurse finally hooked up the liquid Tylenol and told me where my button for my pain drip was. I only stayed one night in the hospital then went home. I started the preop appointments back in oct and was finished with them in January and it took my insurance 3 weeks to approve it. I had it on March 29th but could have had it sooner but needed to save up the money for the deposit.

Thank you for sharing your experience with me, Poppyseed. Congratulations on your weight loss!!

13 hours ago, mrblond said:

Make sure your program keeps on you checking your Iron and Calcium levels.

My mom had a switch done back in 05 and after a few years she needed IV Iron and had sever osteoporosis.

She did lose alot of weight though, just make sure they keep an eye on that.

That sounds scary, I will be sure to monitor that. Thank you for your response

11 hours ago, misskim3297 said:

Sorry for the delay in response! My pre-op appts took a while bc I had to have a sleep study. They were really booked up. I had my initial consultation in October 2017 and had surgery in March 2018. I scheduled all the pre-op stuff myself. I had to have a mammogram too. The surgeon basically gives you a honey do list depending on what they think you need and what your insurance requires. Some people have to have nutrition counseling too.

It's okay, thank you for your response

11 minutes ago, micad224 said:

Post op. I had my DS on April 5th. Little over 5 weeks ago.

Congratulations! That's exciting. I hope you are recovering well

2 minutes ago, micad224 said:

I see Dr. Bermudez at Rex.

Oh, how neat! How far along are you in the program?

I live in NC and have established care with a surgeon for WLS. I just found out we may be relocating to Sioux Falls SD per my husbands job. I've been researching the area in the event we do move (there's a very strong chance we are moving), but I'm wondering if anyone is from the area and can recommend surgeons/bariatric programs/etc. I'm at a total loss because this came up so unexpectedly. I am feeling frustrated and anxious that this might be a setback, but maybe it's for the best? Thank you

8 hours ago, vovo2013 said:

This is the questions that I need to present to the surgeon and see what they say!



Questions to the Surgeons


What does the surgery procedure look like?

Can you take a picture saying good bye to my old stochmache?

How long is the hospital resort stay?

How long do I have to be out of work?

What is the success rate for a bypass surgery?

What is the Pre op like and Post op like?

I been working with a GI nutritionist and can I still work with her after the surgery?

I am still with my psych and will be working with her as well.

What is the cost for this surgery, even if I met my Out of Pocket max?

What does the scar looks like and will I am able to still donate my kidney next year?

How much pain will I be in after the surgery?

How much weight will I lose and how fast?

Will this surgery help with my gastropresis?

What will eating be like after the surgery? Will I be throwing up with blood again?

What can I do before surgery to lower the complication rate?

How often to see the doctor after the surgery in the first year?

What type of anesthesia they will be using on me? (TELL THEM ABOUT THE WAKING UP PART!!!)

How can I prepare myself for the surgery? Emotionally and physically

Why should I close you then another surgeon at another facility?

Do you love you job and how long have you been here in Houston, TX?

What kind of exercise can I do and what about the extra skin that I am going to have?

What type of Vitamins will I need to have?

What about Hair loss?

What kind of complications that I can expect in the surgery?

I have a NO BLOOD TRANSFUSION policy, will this hurt my changes of the surgery?

Do I need to have my gallbladders remove for this surgery as well?

I know I have a lot of allergy to stuff but I do break out so please read the allergy alert in MyChart!

When can I donate my kidney to my friend who is in need after my surgery?






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Those are really great questions, thank you for posting. There are some you brought up that I forgot to put on my list. Thanks again Also, I'm wishing you the best of luck on your surgery!!

On 5/9/2019 at 1:28 PM, angyplus5 said:

Sorry it wasn't 88 months it was 8 lol

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I figured it was a typo, but I had a good laugh Congratulations on your success!!

On 5/10/2019 at 11:09 AM, Lena809 said:

Which Dr are you seeing? Are they in Cary?

Dr. Bermudez with REX Bariatrics*

On 5/10/2019 at 11:09 AM, Lena809 said:

Which Dr are you seeing? Are they in Cary?

I'm going through REX Bariatrics in Raleigh

21 minutes ago, angyplus5 said:

I had the DS at Wake Med in Cary. I started out with a 42 bmi now 15 months later I am a 25. Diabetes gone, high blood pressure gone, and high cholesterol gone!!! I still dont recognize myself in the mirror! The only downfall is smelly poops and smelly gas but the Dr put me on Creon and it seems to be helping. As for telling people, everyone I've told has been supportive but I think it's a personal choice. Best decision I ever made!!! Oh and it took me 8 8 months from start to finish!Good luck on your journey!!!!

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Hey there, NC friend! Thank you so much for sharing with me. It helps to hear real stories, sometimes. Congratulations on your success!!

Hey NC Friends!

I live in Jacksonville, but I am going through the REX Bariatric Program in Raleigh. I still have some time to go, but it's I could have surgery as early as December. As long as all the testing is done by October, my surgeon told me I will be looking at a December surgery! Very excited! And a huge congratulations to everyone here, I wish you the best of luck!

-Allison

On 5/3/2019 at 2:36 PM, YandereAngel said:

I'm a year out of surgery. Lost 100 pounds and I'm proud of myself. But I've recently gained weight due to insane stress and depression. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience, and how you motivated yourself to get back up. I have another appointment with my surgeon and he's always super nice, but I feel terrible for not being able to lose, especially because I would like to lose another 100 pounds to my goal weight. I know how to handle my diet now, but I just need better motivation. What do you girls do to keep yourself on track? 😄 Would love to help someone with similar problems too. I feel like everyone needs some motivation from time to time, so maybe we can use this thread to cheer each other on! 😄 Hope your diets are going great!

Congratulations on your weight loss!! I haven't had my surgery yet, but I do struggle with depression. I have struggled with depression for years and that is a big reason as to why I am this heavy. Sometimes we have to roll with the wave of depression, so don't be too hard on yourself. Gently remind yourself that this moment will pass, and you will get through this obstacle. I have recently been struggling with lacking motivation and my therapist suggested I write a list of why I want to lose weight. So, I wrote a list of what motivates me to work out, why I want to lose weight, and what I will be able to do once I lose weight (stuff that I can't do right now). I keep this list in a journal and refer back to it when I am feeling down or unmotivated.

However, I also know there are times where absolutely nothing can make me budge from my depression. On those days, I am kind to myself. I urge you to be kind to yourself, as well. It has taken me a long time to get to this level of acceptance with my depression. I see a therapist on a regular basis and I wouldn't be in such a good place if it wasn't for her. Between my therapist and dietitian, I am in a better place foodwise where I am not emotionally eating anymore. Now I am left with an unhealthy body from years of emotional eating, and I am ready to change that. I am excited for this journey, but definitely anxious for those dreaded depressed or unmotivated days.

I'm wishing you the best of luck, YandereAngel!

1 hour ago, Postop said:

@AllieCat1993

Hi. They do the traditional DS, right?

Here's my thought about telling. I had the DS 14 years ago. Only my immediate family and doctors know (I tell all doctors as I feel it's important for them to know as part of any treatment I might receive). You can't unring the bell. Once you tell it's done. Perhaps you'd consider keeping it to your husband and mother now and then can always revisit your decision later.

Hi Postop. Yes, they do the traditional DS. I agree in informing doctors because it can impact any course of treatment. That is a very wise way to think of it. The last thing I want is for that to be the only thing people want to talk about, no matter how proud I will feel. Thank you!

2 hours ago, Frustr8 said:

I asked mine if he was fearful of my age? Will my recovery be more difficult than if I was in my 30s, 40s or 50s? I live 50 miles away, what are the things that a trip to Columbus is neccesary; what can I handle on my own? How long will I be hospitalized? These were things I asked. Something that impressed me, my son attends my appointments as a rule as I do his. He came over to other side of examination room, shook my son's hand and said " I promise, I will take very good care of your Mama!" oh I had liked him already but he gained future respect with that action.
And now I can proudly say I am the oldest patient he has done surgery on, so not only do I want a good outcome for me, but for him also. I never want him to feel he made a mistake doing mine. On their website there are wrists,ipatients who relate their own stories. It is one of my goals to achieve a great of success so I also too can tell of my journey. There may be others who feel their chances have passed them by, they are too old, too nearly broken down by weight and life, time has passed them by. I want to show them , Don't give up, Something can be done, it is not a quick transit to better health but even at 70+ there is hope, a place willing to work with you towards a better life. Maybe then in part, I can show my great gratitude for the changes in my own life.

Thank you very much for your response. That is very impressive and sweet that your son showed an interest and took such good care of you! I especially like your motivation, frustr8, and I know you will go far. Wishing you the best of luck!

26 minutes ago, GradyCat said:

I asked my surgeon how many times she'd performed the surgery, how many complications her patients had had, if any, and what the success rate % of patients having the surgery was.

Thank you, GradyCat!

Those are great things to ask my surgeon. I appreciate your input

On 4/14/2019 at 2:27 PM, giddygiddygiddy said:

So, I'm 23 and set to have RNY on May 30th. I've never second guessed my decision for a moment, but for my family and close friends that I have told, they seem to equate youth with the ability to just diet and exercise to combat obesity (trust me...been there, done that)--stating, "But, like...have you tried just eating healthy and exercising? You're not even 25, and this is like major and a lifelong commitment."

I'm sure many of you, no matter the age, have experienced this. I guess I wish the stigma was better for all of us. For anyone that is under 30, do you feel similarly?

Hey there,

I am 25 and I can relate to how you are feeling. I have always struggled with my weight, except it is out of control now. Two months ago when I went to my doctor, I weighed 442 lbs- the heaviest I have ever been. I am 5'6", now at 424 lbs, with a bmi of 68. I honestly wish I would have followed through with WLS sooner. I talked to my doctor about bariatric surgery and have since been researching different places to get it done. I have settled on REX Bariatrics (I live in NC). I have gone to a seminar, orientation, and nutrition meeting. I have my first meeting with my surgeon on 6/10/19. I am doing the research to make an informed decision. I have high blood pressure, I'm asthmatic, and I am prediabetic. Having this surgery can change all of that for me.

I know what got me to this point. I became depressed and ate my emotions. Now that I have been through and continue therapy, I am in a much better place emotionally, but I'm stuck with this unhealthy body from the depressed behavior. The frustrated side of me wishes family could understand that I am doing this to better my health, and that it is not something I decided to do on a whim. Like many of us here, we have tried it all. We've tried the diets and different diet pills. We've tried eating less and working out more, and for some reason, it didn't work. Unlike most family members, I have more than 20 lbs to shed- more like 250 lbs to go.

I think it is really hard for them to understand because they haven't been in our position. It's hard to support something you don't understand. Gently remind them you are doing this for your health and that having support will help you. I know it's important to feel their acceptance, but at the end of the day you are an adult and can make your own decisions. You are making informed decisions and have put in the research and hard work to get to where you are. Try to shake off negative comments because it doesn't change what you are doing. You can do this!

I wish you the best of luck in your journey!!

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all doing well. I am making a list of questions to ask my surgeon in preparation for my first visit with him on 6/10/2019.

This is what I have so far:

1. Am I a candidate for surgery?

2. What surgery do you recommend?

3. How is the surgery done?

4. How will the surgery help me lose weight?

5. Will my surgery be performed laparoscopically? Is there any situation in which my surgery would be open?

6. Will my gallbladder be removed?

7. How will I take my medicines after surgery? Do I take them regularly, or do I need to crush them? Will the medicine still work if it is crushed?

8. I remember something from the seminar about taking blood thinners while in the hospital, why is this?

9. What are the risks associated with this surgery? Am I at more risk for one factor over another?

10. What are some signs that things are wrong? When should I seek medical attention?

11. How could the surgery affect other health problems I have?

12. How much weight can I expect to lose?

13. I’ve been looking into Vitamins and found vitamin patches. Are Vitamin Patches just as good as taking vitamins orally?

14. Can I still get pregnant?

15. What will my life be like after surgery?

If anyone has any questions to add or things I may have forgotten, please comment your suggestions below. Thank you