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Hello ! I've been reading a lot for months now. The good the bad and the ugly . The complications scare me. I am 41 and 5'5" 256 lbs and have type 2 diabetes/GERD /high bp/high cholesterol and have been overweight about 9 years now in the obese category . I go to my doctor in 3 wks to try to get a referral for gastric bypass surgery. I feel I just cannot do this anymore and my health is getting scary. I guess I'm looking for some reassurance and I need to hear from people who started where I am at and have done well. All the horror stories have me just scared. Yet my future and losing life from obesity is scarier. Any advice and or comments appreciated :)

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If you have hit a point in your life where you are sick and tired of your diminishing health. You realize what you have tried has not given you the results you want. Well then you are ready for a change.

Is this change the change for you? Only you can answer that. This is not the easy route. But it is a life changer.

Any questions feel free to ask. People here try to be honest. But remember this is your journey, not theirs.

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I am 3 years post-op RNY. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, severe acid reflux and sleep apnea prior to surgery. Those conditions were cleared up within 2 weeks after surgery and have remained in remission ever since. This surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made.

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I'm 52 and 5 weeks post op. My stats are similar to yours. I'm 5'4" and was 250lbs. I had sleep apnea (which I believe is already gone), but I don't have the other health problems you have. Regardless, I've struggled with my weight for the last 20 years. Up and down with more ups than downs. I realized that 20 years was long enough to prove that I needed help with this. You know whether or not you can get healthy on your own or not. There's no shame in getting help! I'm so glad that I did this!

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horror stories are few and far between. The vast majority of people have no complications at all or maybe only a minor one (like a stricture). It's just that the horror stories get a lot of press. And you're right - staying obese is way more dangerous than weight loss surgery. I'd honestly do it every year if I had to. Best decision I ever made.

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@@shannonmarczak

I have said this many times to many people. The only thing I regret is not having WLS sooner. I was 51 had diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, severe gerd, stage 3 kidney disease by the time I actually decided not to be scared anymore.

Within a few months of surgery all of my testing came back normal. I still have some issues with my kidneys but compared to where I was headed, I am extremely healthy! I regret waiting because all those years in an obese state left my joints severely damaged. In particular my spine and I have been paying for it ever since.

Don't wait and do more damage to yourself. Walk, no run to your closest center of excellence and get help for this disease.

You will not be sorry!

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Thanks everyone . Tonight I went to our county fair. I could hardly handle the heat and wore jeans because of my leg size. As we left 3 hours later I told my husband that I never ever want to feel bad another summer . I'm getting that referral and going to go for this surgery. People will judge me no matter what . I might as well just do it now! Maybe I'll have better 40s because my 30s were spent obese! I love this forum and this app has helped me in one day more than any info out there! I'm gonna do this!!

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I'm 30, 5'5 , and 260. I have everything that you listed was wrong with you.. I can't tell you how making the decision to get sleeved ( 6 days to go) has helped me think of the future. During the pre op, I have no Gerd, my sugars have been lower than before and I feel more healthier and energetic. I highly encourage you to get the surgery and good for you!

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I am 3 years post-op RNY. I had diabetes, high blood pressure, severe acid reflux and sleep apnea prior to surgery. Those conditions were cleared up within 2 weeks after surgery and have remained in remission ever since. This surgery was one of the best decisions I ever made.

Did u have bypass or sleeve, if I may ask?

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I'm 30, 5'5 , and 260. I have everything that you listed was wrong with you.. I can't tell you how making the decision to get sleeved ( 6 days to go) has helped me think of the future. During the pre op, I have no Gerd, my sugars have been lower than before and I feel more healthier and energetic. I highly encourage you to get the surgery and good for you!

Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

I was told sleeve wouldn't be a good choice for my GERD? I have a lot to research still .

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I am 35, 5' 5 1/2", I am pre-diabetic, have heels spurs, and been having joint problems. Despite what anyone says to me, I am doing this. I am still new to the process but I wish you luck!

Sent from my SM-G530T1 using the BariatricPal App

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Hey kinda freaked out I am 3 weeks post op and I have had nothing but positive to say about the surgery. I have had no complications and feel great. I think the biggest thing is to be in good health prior to surgery. Get active and your recovery will be much easier.

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I had mini bypass yesterday. Surgeon felt it best for me as apparently long term weight loss is better with the bypass than sleeve - although of course depends on individual and lifestyle

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    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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