When to get the surgery

[tbarne19 0]

Hello!

My name is Taylor and I am 25 years old. I am 5' 4" and my weight fluctuates around 235-250. I've struggled with my weight since I was a pre-teen despite being active. My mother got gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) about 10 years ago and has been very successful. I've tried many diets (WW, Profile by Sanford, Whole30, Keto, calorie counting) and nothing ever sticks and I always go back to my range weight of 235-245. I can never lose more than 20 pounds and always end up going back to the weight I've mentioned above.

I would love to get this surgery sometime soon, and I am in the process of setting up a consult with a bariatric surgeon.

I have a trip to Italy and Ireland for two weeks in September. And then my family and I are spending Christmas in Hawaii (Ive never been). Half of me wants to get the surgery sometime soon, before going to Europe to look and feel better so I can look back on this trip positively.

On the other hand, my mom mentioned that I should wait until after Europe so I can enjoy the food (which Italy is known for).

I could try to lose some weight before then, but then I dont think I would be eligible for surgery because my BMI would be lower. And I know I will just go back to my weight range eventually and go through the never ending cycle with my weight.

Can anyone offer some advice? Any would be much appreciated!

Thank you

[KCgirl061 1,529]

I would try to get it done between the Europe trip and Hawaii trip. That way you can enjoy those once in a lifetime food options in Italy, but then you start to lose weight and get skinnier by the time you're in swimwear in paradise!

[Orchids&Dragons 9,046]

Taylor, depending on where you choose to get surgery, it may take you 6 months or longer to go through the process. There are a few places that are quicker, but most of us had a 6 month or longer "pre-op" period when you go through counseling as well as informational and nutritional classes. There's no need to delay getting this part of the process started. (And, at least with my insurance, your first weigh-in with the surgeon's team is the weight they use to determine your qualifying BMI since they want you to lose weight during the 6 months.) They don't schedule surgery until you've completed all the pre-op requirements. Good luck!

Edited May 16, 2019 by Orchids&Dragons

[Stitches78 65]

Well, I had to go through a bunch of hoops that my insurance laid down before I could get it done. It took 6 months, and then I delayed it a few months because I had some things I had to take care of before I could be laid up for a couple of weeks. So that might make the decision for you. But I think overall, it's a personal preference. I personally would wait until after I went to Europe because I wouldn't want to risk ruining things. But that's just me.