First and foremost, wanted to say a huge congrats to all who have made the decision to get surgery. There's a misconception that it is the "easy way out" and given the research I've needed to do in order to even get this far, I know it is no where NEAR easy. So congrats to y'all.

A little bit about me: I've been struggling with my weight ever since I was in high school but most significantly since I entered college. Of course there's the "freshman 15" but I gained about 35 pounds that year alone. Two years later my boyfriend of four years past away and that set me on a depression that lead to even more weight gain. I've been unhappy with myself and completely lost self confidence. After a frank and honest discussion with my family, we decided that more extreme measures needed to be taken as diet and exercise wasn't working. Unfortunately, my health insurance will not cover the surgery (due to the plan we have) and it's too much to pay out of pocket in the US. So I have made the decision to go forward with surgery in Mexico and have already taken the first step in submitting the questionnaire.

For context, I'm 24(soon to be 25)

Female

Cw:332

Height: 5"6

Long term goal weight: 140

I hope to have RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery.

I am excited and nervous to begin this journey, so any and all tips, words of encouragement, advice or information any of you have will be greatly appreciated!!

Looking forward to being a part of the community here!

Welcome and good luck on your surgery.

Since you are at the beginning of this process, I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

i just finished my preop requirements and am waiting for my surgeons office to send my file to insurance for approval. some advice... try not to stress all the little things, keep a food log & try to exercise a little each day. good luck to you!!

I wish you good luck and many blessings in your journey.

My best advice is to start working on changing your relationship with food now. Figure out what your issues are and do whatever you need to do to start addressing them. Because you are going to Mexico for your surgery you will need to do this largely on your own. I also had my surgery in Mexico and I scheduled it 2months out so I would have time to do research and get myself mentally prepared.

Stick with the plan your doctor gives you and ask questions on this forum or through whatever support system your doctor has set up for you. I went through Bariactric Pal and Dr. Illan and they have a Facebook page for patients and we have lifetime support with the nutritionist.

First, thank you all so much for the words of encouragement so far! I genuinely appreciate it. As for update: My surgery date is OFFICIALLY August 7th, 2017. I will actually be going with Mini- Gastric Bypass on the advice of Dr. Illan who will be my surgeon. I am so nervous and excited!

It's pretty normal to be both nervous and excited. Congratulations on following up on your plans to have surgery. Not a few people give up due to insurance hurdles and other issues. It is also awesome that your family has your back. You will need a lot of support to get you through.

I am just over 6 months into my journey and I can say that surgery is only part of the journey. I am confident that you will eventually learn to adjust to everything, from changes in your body, to the way you relate with food. There will be immediate post op struggles and later ones.

James has already great advice. Take pics so you can verify progress, which will fuel your resolution. Begin exercising now (if you aren't already).

Immediately after surgery, expect a little pain.. Have some gas X strips will help with post op gas issues.
A few weeks after, expect exhaustion. it is normal; A healing body + less calories will take it's toll. Remember to take your vitamins too.
Longer term will be handling stalls and all. Weight will drop very fast then slow down a bit. no matter how many times you hear that stalls are normal, they are still frustrating.

Good luck Baby girl??❤️ I have one more therapy visit and hopefully she will sign off on it and I can have them submit my paper work to my insurance and with prayer I'm approved. After that is pre-op. Everything is going to be fine ??