I know I'm waaay pre-op, but I've been on the fence about everything and researching like crazy. But I finally took a big step this week and scheduled going to the Bariatric Introductory Meeting at HealthEast on Feb 11. I'm really anxious... can't imagine what I'll be like in the OR

Just wanted to share.

Like they say a journey is started by the first step. Good for you! My advice would be to ask questions of the surgeon directly. If not with all the people around, at least after the meeting is done. Mainly ask the questions that still have you "on the fence."

Keep researching so you are prepared with questions when you go to the meeting. For me it was that meeting that helped me make up my mind.

For me, it was a no brainier. I ended up going with bypass because I had severe Gerd and bypass will actually cure that. Within just a couple of months post surgery I was no longer diabetic, no more high blood pressure or high cholesterol, anemia was gone, stage 3 kidney disease was in remission and now my sleep apnea is gone.

I am down 139lbs with 6 left to go to get to my ideal weight. I now have a normal BMI and for the most part feel fantastic.

My only regret is that I did not do this 10 years ago before I caused damage to my spine and other joints.

Also, I have had no complications. Surgery was very easy for me and by week 4 I felt fantastic. The hardest thing was simply getting used to the fact that I no longer live to eat. I eat to live.

The best of luck to you and if you have any questions feel free to reach out.

Congratulations on taking the first step. It's scary but worth it.

My nerves kicked in after I started the testing process for the surgery, after my first meeting with the Bariatrician. I was remarkably calm when I went in for surgery. I also went through HealthEast and had a very good experience. They prepare you well for surgery and have very good follow up care. St. Joseph's Hospital has great nurses who know what they are doing with your post surgical/ recovery care. I had no complications, no post surgery gas, minimal pain. I felt pretty "normal" after about five days. You are in good hands.

Congratulations!

It will be worth it whatever you decide to learn as much as you can so you can make an informed decision

Best of luck.

@@jj7481Like they say a journey is started by the first step. Good for you! My advice would be to ask questions of the surgeon directly. If not with all the people around, at least after the meeting is done. Mainly ask the questions that still have you "on the fence."

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can - begin it. For boldness has genius, power and magic in it." Wolfgang von Goethe

Here is some motivation:

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219831-what-was-your-final-straw-that-broke-the-camels-back/page-127?hl=%2Bfinal+%2Bstraw#entry4059457

I started my journey last year on March 1, 2015. I'm not sure what happened but I just knew if I did not do something that I would die. (I know this sounds crazy-- but that is what I felt.) I went to my intro meeting and immediately started the pre-op diet. Dial ahead 9 months and I finally completed all my presurgery items and was approved for surgery on Nov 24, 2015. By that time I had already lost 67 pounds! (I actually contemplated not doing surgery since I was doing so well on my own....then reality sunk in that I have "done really well" before and ended up gaining everything back!) I am now down almost 90 pounds and am setting a goal of losing 100 pounds by my March 1st- one year from my start of the journey. Everyone's journey is different. I never anticipated that it would take 9 months before I had my surgery. But...I am so happy that I started the diet ASAP. It made my recovery so much smoother and also was not a big change when I did finally have the surgery. Since this is permanent- it helped me feel confident that I could do the program for the rest of my life.

You should be so proud of yourself. Your journey has started!