Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

What kind of advice would you give to someone just starting the process?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

One of the better things to do is use this site. It's a double edged sword - can be confusing at times because so many doctors do things differently, but the members will give you a good feel for what to expect going through all the stages. You'll always find somebody that's right where you're at, those that just had their surgery, and those that have been on the other side for years.

Personally I think step 1 of the process is to research and decide what type of WLS is best for you. There are probably half a million threads on here asking "What type of surgery did you choose and why?" It's a good way to see what reasoning people had for their choice and why.

Edit: It's also important from the start to ask yourself what do you expect from having WLS? What is my relationship with food going to be in the final months before WLS? What about after? The mental side to WLS is a much bigger part of all of this than I ever expected.

Edited by orionburn

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I would say be patient :) The pre-op process can seem like it lasts forever - especially if your insurance has a lot of requirements. My timing from my very first consult to surgery date was nearly 10 months (my surgery required 6 months pre-op diet) and there were so many days where I just was ready to give up on the hope of surgery. Also, really start working on your "head" - I had RnY and went into it assuming I would get sick from all of the bad food which would be negative feedback to force me to eat good or healthy food. Fast forward to after surgery, I don't get sick from anything....so I had to take a massive step back and work through all of my mental food issues to be successful. I wish I had started that work ahead of surgery.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am currently in the process. I have my nutrition class Thursday. Still waiting for weight history from PCP. Psych evaluation done they sent it straight to the dr so no idea what it says.


Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • 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.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • 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.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • CaseyP1011

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

      Three months and four days ago... I was in Costa Rica having a life changing surgery! Yesterday we had a followup visit with Dr. Esmeral via video chat and this morning my middle number changed.  I'm down 47lbs and two pants sizes. I can wear a Large tshirt for the first time in like... 14 years! Woot!! Everything is going great. I have zero regrets. I went down to the riverwalk with a friend and walked 2 miles on Monday without even getting fatigued. And no more snoring or chugging pickle juice for crazy leg cramps! I need to go to the gym more... I'm making new shirts next week so that will motivate me. LOL But I'm also just not as TIRED all the time! I have a LONG way to go...but seeing the progress on the scales and in the mirror is a huge motivator!! Thank you all for cheering me on and supporting me!!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • bellaamey

      https://alluniqueguide.com/java-burn-coffee-reviews/
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×