Starting my journey...

I am at the beginning of the journey known as weight loss surgery...doing the research, navigating the insurance maze and preparing myself mentally for the changes that are ahead. I've decided to have WLS because I've tried Weight Watchers, Advocare, Plexus and too many others to name and while I may have had an initial weight loss, I always gained it back - plus some additional. I'm turning 50 this year and I'm tired of my knees and ankles killing me and I'm facing a few other health issues. They are not too serious right now, but I don't do something now, they will worsen.

Would love to hear from you about the pre and post-op diet and how you manged it as well as how others react to learning that you had WLS. Thanks.

I start my pre-op diet tomorrow for my surgery in two weeks so I can't really speak to that, other than I think mental preparedness is as important as anything else. Two weeks of mostly liquid is going to be difficult but I just have the mindset that I KNOW I can do it to improve my life.

As far as telling other people, opinions vary. I've told all of my family and close friends because I see them (and eat with them) too often for them to notice and I don't feel comfortable lying to them about it. I was soooo worried but almost every one of them has been super supportive. Even my dad is coming around, and he wasn't mean or anything, just scared for me. Honestly most of my friends and family seem relieved that I am doing something about my weight. They've all seen me struggle over the years and are being so sweet and wanting to help so it's been great.

I am NOT telling anyone in my office (except a friend who I also happen to work with) because I work in a very gossipy place and I don't want to be part of that. They've seen me trying to eat better of the last month or so and they know I'm focusing on my health so I'm hoping they will think it just kicked in. If anyone asks me directly, I will likely tell them because I am a horrible liar but I don't really see that happening.

Good luck. The best thing I can say is do lots and lots and lots of research. The more you know, the more comfortable and prepared you will be.

I told whoever wanted to listen...but mainly my close friends and family. My sister had it done 10 years ago (RnY) so they have all be supportive.

I have RA, so I was like Jabba...as I have stated before... a big pile of goo on the couch! Now I can walk without the aid of a walker or cane...unless I am doing a LOT of walking, then I take my cane, just in case! I feel sooooo good, I can't explain in words! Just over a year ago I needed a walker to just get myself to the bathroom...it was pitiful... and because of the RA, I couldn't exercise much, so the weight just keep coming...

My knees still bother me, on occasion, but NOTHING like before!

The best thing I ever did for ME!!!

I started my mental journey about 12yrs ago, and I wasn't ready then. I then went full on into my spriritual journey that has been a journey since birth. However, in 2010 I really got into my relationship with God. Once that was on track, my mental preparedness for this surgery also got on track. I truly believe that God opened this door for me at this time only because He knew I was ready. I say that because I have WORKED for Health Insurance companies 2000, but WLS was never a covered service. I find that to be ironic, now that I no longer work for a Health Insurance company. LOL. My current position of which I have only had for the last 8mths, has allowed MANY door to open for me, including WLS! I can only thank God for it.

I chose to keep my decision between me and God for about a month. Then, I gradually told people that were close to me, but only on a "need to know" basis. My mother, a friend who also struggles with weight, BFF of 20yrs and 2 of my 3 sisters...not all at one time, but gradually over the last 6mths. I told a co-worker because she was safe in that we aren't really friends but we have one thing in common, neither of us deal with the other people we work around. LOL!

So far those that know have been very supportive. However, it is comforting to know that things like this website are available. It's nothing like being able to sound off with people that have been through or are going through what you are going through.

As for preop dieting....I AM STRUGGLING , but I have lost 11lbs since I started on 2/3...my preop diet isn't difficult though. One Meal Replacement shake, saucer sized meals which includes more Protein than anything, little to know carbs and lots of fresh or frozen fruits or veggies. So I made it easy for myself. I found 3 low/no carb meals that I could eat regularly w/o issue. I prepare them at the begining of the week take them for lunch and eat them for dinner. I use my meal replacement shake for Breakfast. REMEMBER: The preop diet is created to reduce the size of your liver. It's purpose is to cleanse your liver. If you can began to REDUCE your starch intake now, and if you can, sit in a Sauna 2-3 times a week now up until your surgery date, you will be way ahead of the game.

Thank you all so much for the information. It's going to be great to have a resource such as this one to rely on to get me through the rough times. Getting it first-hand from people who have experienced it is the best thing ever. Thanks!

Starting my journey...

I am at the beginning of the journey known as weight loss surgery...doing the research, navigating the insurance maze and preparing myself mentally for the changes that are ahead. I've decided to have WLS because I've tried Weight Watchers, Advocare, Plexus and too many others to name and while I may have had an initial weight loss, I always gained it back - plus some additional. I'm turning 50 this year and I'm tired of my knees and ankles killing me and I'm facing a few other health issues. They are not too serious right now, but I don't do something now, they will worsen.

Would love to hear from you about the pre and post-op diet and how you manged it as well as how others react to learning that you had WLS. Thanks.

I see that you tried Advocare. Did you have any results with the program? I have the band but I lost 48 lbs. and started gaining back. I was thinking of trying Advocare.

<p>Starting my journey...<br><br> I am at the beginning of the journey known as weight loss surgery...doing the research, navigating the insurance maze and preparing myself mentally for the changes that are ahead. I've decided to have WLS because I've tried Weight Watchers, Advocare, Plexus and too many others to name and while I may have had an initial weight loss, I always gained it back - plus some additional. I'm turning 50 this year and I'm tired of my knees and ankles killing me and I'm facing a few other health issues. They are not too serious right now, but I don't do something now, they will worsen.<br><br> Would love to hear from you about the pre and post-op diet and how you manged it as well as how others react to learning that you had WLS. Thanks.</p>

I too am just starting this journey - officially-

I've been absorbing and reading about it for about 18 months. Was going to pay cash, so had been saving, but now I found out my plan covers it.

I am 48. Want so bad to have something work- I can follow and am compliant when I am on a program- I just lose really slow and gain fast- and more..