LindsayT

I'm sorry about your experience. I'm surprised Ramstein Air Base didn't have a bariatric team. I'm working with a team at an Army base here in Colorado and wasn't even given the option for an off-base provider for this procedure despite all my medical being done by civilian medical offices. I don't want to give a bunch of unsolicited advice, but just validate how you feel. You have an absolute right to be angry and upset (which I'm sure is an understatement). Life as you know it is forever changed and it's not fair that you weren't properly prepared. I will say though, are there medical lesions are your base that you can speak to about the process and treatment you had? I know they cannot change what happened to you, but maybe something good will come from it. Lastly, know you have support from others in this forum who maybe feel frustrated about different aspects of the surgery and experiences they had.

Yes. Good points.

Thanks! There is so much information at once. I'm trying not to let it all get in my head.

I'm excited to see where this journey leads me.

Good point.

I've been nosing my way around the forums for a few weeks and have noticed a lot of concerning, scary, and intimidating information. I know that this is not the norm, but still. Going through everything, is it worth it? I'm still going through all my pre-op appointments and will hopefully see the surgeon for final approval at the end of March and bypass in April or May (as long as there are no hiccups). Thanks!

Could someone please explain slider foods? I get the basics of what I read online, but what is really. Examples. Thanks!

Does anyone try or use protein shots? Recommendations

Thanks. That's exciting going off those medications. Congrats

I have quite a bit of medication I take daily. At what point after surgery could you take medication? Did they need to be crushed or chewed? I don't get to talk to the pharmacist until final approval.

I have quite a bit of medication I take daily. At what point after surgery could you take medication? Did they need to be crushed or chewed? I don't get to talk to the pharmacist until final approval. Cross-posted. I meant to write this in the bypass forum. Oops.

Thanks for the input everyone. I think I'm settling in on the bypass. I don't want to get sleeved and the GERD increase and end up bypassed anyway.

I sure hope the surgery helps with fibro, at least some. In my mind, getting the weight off will give my body one less thing to be angry at me for.

My team wants me off coffee before and after surgery...fun. They suggested no coffee ever, but not sure that's going to happen.

Great ideas. Thanks!

Sounds like fun. I had an endometrial ablation, so I don't have a period, but I do cycle. Curious about what the increased estrogen will do with that. Thank you for your input.

I think I'm going to talk with a trainer who is familiar with chronic pain issues.

It really is a learning experience. I am scared of dumping. I don't do well feeling that way.

During the early days, were you able to take your medications in pill form or did you have to crush or chew them?

I was just curious if it was different on base. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thanks for your insight everyone!

Do you miss eating? Like the comfort of it, not in an emotional eating way, just the joy that comes from really good food. I understand the new mindset is to eat for fuel and I'm fully on board with it. But I also have 40 years of programming that is opposite to that way of thinking.

Any concerns about mental health issues post-surgery? I'm already treating depression and anxiety, and am very stable. Just curious if it is something I'll need to watch closely. Thanks

I am planning on having my surgery on base. The bariatric center there is very highly rated, so I'm good with the location. I'm in the pre op stages (psych eval, nutrition, ect). At my initial appointment with the surgeon, he said I qualified because of my sleep apnea. I have tried other attempts at weight loss through Weight Watchers and Noom, but it wasn't supervised by my doctor. I also work with a nutritionist, but she hasn't been tracking my weight. Anyway, my question is, if you had your surgery on base, what was the approval process?

I had mine done back in 2010, after our last baby. However, during orientation for WLS, the surgeon said they could. It probably all depends on the surgeon and your insurance. Can't hurt to ask the question.