Winter or summer surgery?

[rico31286 16]

Who had the surgery in what season and was there any pros or cons to each.

I am thinking summer will allow me to Be up and mobile as much as possible and get right into my new routine. or is winter better for the first few months?

[Bufflehead 6,358]

The best season is whatever season comes up when you can afford it or get approved. It's great to think ahead and be prepared for whatever particular challenges might come your way from the weather or whatever else, but don't schedule your surgery based on the season unless you absolutely must (for example, a teacher who only gets summers off).

Good luck!

[Heather I 500]

I would have done surgery at 2 in the morning in a driving snowstorm on my birthday if it meant getting it done sooner to start this new chapter of my life. Almost 2 months out and it's the best thing to ever happen to me. I was postponed 2x (six months) due to insurance snafus and doctor scheduling delays. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

[James Marusek 5,244]

I did not feel that the seasons played any role in my surgery with only one exception. That was because the process is long and could spread out over two calendar years and therefore from an insurance perspective I might have to meet my health deductible for each of those years before my health insurance covered the bills.

I found that the day of the week in which the surgery was scheduled was somewhat important. Friday is a bad day for scheduling the surgery because it meant that the hospital stay was over the weekend. Many surgeons take the weekend off and the staff at the hospital often is manned differently over the weekend. It is best to have the surgery and hospital stay during the weekdays.

[Megall9 268]

I had mine done in early May, meaning that I was recovering during the summer. For me if I had the choice to do it over I'd have chosen a winter surgery simply because I struggled through the summer with dehydration. I'm in a competitive bagpipe band as a drummer, and 2 months after surgery I was approved to lift again and was out on the field competing with my drum attached to me, and wearing my heavy wool kilt and socks. It was difficult, and I was probably pushing myself when I shouldn't have been, but I didn't want to let my band down either.

That being said, I don't regret my surgery one bit, or when I had it. I wanted it asap so I could start the journey to saving my life.

Edited November 14, 2016 by Megall9

[The New Kel 1,312]

I wanted to have mine done in May, so as to adjust all summer. However, due to requirements prolonging approval, I finally had it done October 3rd.

The good news is that my surgery coincided with the beginning of the "eat...candy..holiday...Christmas cookie...eat" season. So, even if I was tempted, my new sleeve will not allow me to partake in any of the end of year indulgences that normally would add 10 lbs. I'll be LOSING those 10 lbs or more this season instead!

[shedo82773 1,236]

I agree with James about having your surgery early in the week. I had my RNY on July 2, 2013. Because of a problem with my bladder waking up after surgery I had to stay 1 extra day and night. They had to straight cath me 2 times. Not fun!! They drained an IV bag of urine each time. It had never happened to me before. But has since when I had my Panni done Sept 2015. Because of this I was still in the Hospital on the 4th of July. When we made arrangements for my surgery it was IF he was going to be in town. They said he would be in town. But I never saw him again, I was released by an old Army Dr that was filling in for him. They had what they called TRAVELING NURSES so the regular nurses could have the time off for the 4th. I wouldn't schedule anything close to a Holiday or the weekend. You just get whatever and whoever is on duty. But ITS al GOOD!!

[rico31286 16]

Great insight from everyone. Many great points brought up, some things i didn't even think to take into consideration. Thank you. Fell free to keep them coming.

Edited November 14, 2016 by rico31286

[teedsg 250]

@@rico31286, I would suggest to try to do your surgery within the same year. If you start in January, finish within that year otherwise, if you start in the middle or toward the end of the year, you run the risk of your insurance premiums going up.

If you do it in the winter, you can still workout indoors. I use YouTube alot and do walking exercises. Leslie Sansone and Jessica Smith are my go to gals.

[Daisy Day 91]

I just had mine done last week and I wanted a winter surgery because for me summer fun would have been to hard to miss. Winter in the Pacific Northwest means Soups, and hanging out indoors on cold wet days so it is easier for me to sip some Soup and shuffle around my house. Summer is all about swimming, bbqs, camping, and just all around fun, it would have been mentally hard on me to be watching life go by while I healed up. Plus I can't wait to show off my new body this summer!!!

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