Worried I'm going about this all wrong - help?

[KatieMc 55]

My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, so I've decided to get it done in Mexico. That's not the "wrong" part though, believe it or not.

I do feel there is value to the pre-op hoops you jump through to get approved and other preparatory and follow-up work that I'm worried I'm not even aware of. Like everyone else here, I want the best possible chance at success and I feel like I'm already behind the curve. Here's where I stand with my own attempts to get the right support network in place:

DIETITIAN - Do I need one after surgery? I'm not currently seeing one, but I used the services of an RD for 2 years, 2006-2008, so I've got all the knowledge regarding portions, balance, nutrient density, etc. I tried to find one, both locally and remotely, but the bariatric specialist RDs are all affiliated with surgical centers and only deal with those patients. I will try again if I need one, I just don't know if I do.

THERAPIST - I've tried therapy five times before and never got anywhere. I'm currently getting medication management by a psych nurse, who is on board and has changed my anti-depressant scripts to regular not extended release. Anyway, I'm utterly convinced that this surgery won't succeed without 'head work' and I'm giving it another shot. Unfortunately my first appointment isn't until 2 weeks before my surgery, but at least I'll have it in place for afterwards. He does bariatric psych evaluations for insurance companies, so I'm feeling positive about this choice.

POST-OP SURGICAL SUPPORT - I get follow-up support via phone afterwards. My primary doc where I live is on board with ordering the Vitamin level tests and such afterwards. This is, unfortunately, all I have figured out...I simply don't know what else I need.

BOOKS - I've read Bariatric Mindset Success by Kristin Lloyd, but it didn't really resonate the way I hoped it would

Feel free to recommend a book that takes you through all the steps, or a dietitian who does skype sessions, or even just write a bit about a valuable piece of the puzzle I'm either understimating or missing completely. Thank you.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

5 minutes ago, SublimeLemons said:

DIETITIAN - Do I need one after surgery? I'm not currently seeing one, but I used the services of an RD for 2 years, 2006-2008, so I've got all the knowledge regarding portions, balance, nutrient density, etc. I tried to find one, both locally and remotely, but the bariatric specialist RDs are all affiliated with surgical centers and only deal with those patients. I will try again if I need one, I just don't know if I do.

Everything you learned before won't help you much after surgery, at least until you're quite a way out. In my opinion, you need to (at least) start with a bariatric dietician for a while after surgery. The amount of food that you consume is so restrictive that it will be difficult to get your macros in. Bariatric dieticians know lots of tricks to get the best bang-for-the-buck with the little amount of stomach that you'll have to work with. And, if you have any issues (which you can't predict ahead of time), you'll already have a resource ready to tap.

What you said about a therapist sounds spot-on to me.

Best of luck!

[FluffySaysForkIt! 823]

I live a ways away from my surgeon, though not Mexico far by any means!

As far as post-op surgical support -one thing I have done is figure out, God forbid, where I would go hospital wise if there is a true emergency issue that would keep me from making the long trip back to my surgeon's hospital.

I picked a hospital that is close to me and also has a true bariatric program. While any hospital can deal with emergencies, I figure it is better to go where they would have someone familiar with the surgery and complications.

Not likely to need it, but a good back up for a worst case scenario and a best plan B if I do.

Just something to consider as a pre-game plan for you. Congratulations and good luck!

[Zemi 72]

Hi, great job thinking it through as far as extra support to help with all of this. I’m trying to find some additional people as well and finding it hard finding those with bariatric surgery experience; finding online dieticians and other support might be good. i hope things go well with this new therapist

Some of the books i’m reading include:

The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy

by Alex Brecher

The Emotional First + Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery

by Cynthia L. Alexander (seems helpful for what i wanted so far)

The Weight Loss Surgery Coping Companion: A Practical Guide for Coping with Post-Surgery Emotions

by Tanie Miller Kabala

Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery

by Sally Johnston

[KatieMc 55]

@Orchids&Dragons - Thank you, I'll make some more calls until I succeed!

@FluffySaysForkIt! - I know of a doctor about 30 miles from me who will see patients who had their surgery elsewhere, but I didn't think to look into hospitals. Thanks!

@Zemi - Thanks for the extensive list. I've had my eye on a couple of those.

[Frustr8 7,886]

And thank you SublimeLemons f9rvasking the question, you may have helped another person with your questions.

[KCgirl061 1,533]

I think it's great that you're preparing ahead of time! There are other media types where you can find information as well like YouTube and Podcasts. I watched a lot of Dr Matthew Weiner videos on YouTube and enjoyed them quite a bit. He also has a book called A Pound of Cure which I haven't read. I'm just now looking at Podcasts to listen to so I can't recommend any. If you are looking for meal ideas on the different post op eating phases Pinterest would be a great place to look.

Good luck on your journey!