The Candidate

I saw that reaction too. It's sad that so many in the medical profession, and in particular surgeon's, are so short sighted. I will never understand the perceived stigma of weight loss surgery.

I originally wanted sleeve but as I went along in Options I decided that the bypass might be a better fit. Some personal reasons were that I was concerned about developing GERD issues post op. And as I had a wicked sweet tooth I thought I might benefit having the "possibility" of dumping to help keep me in line. And being older (54) with a slower metabolism I wanted both the restriction and malabsorption aspects to assist me in reaching goal. I've always taken vitamins so I knew I would be able to ensure that I kept any possible vitamin deficiencies at bay. For the record, I've never dumped and had zero complications. I'm also adhering completely to a healthy diet: no bread, soda, sweets, rice, pasta, etc., and I exercise regularly. I was pre diabetic before surgery and am no longer. All my vitals, including blood pressure are perfect. I just had my six month blood work and aside from being told to cut back on Beta Carotene (as my Vitamin A was a tad too high), it was all great. I was left with the choice of either sleeve or bypass. I ended up choosing the one I thought fit my lifestyle the best and I've had no regrets. It's amazing! Good luck!

I think that is a first rate NSV. Good for you!

For me, the only thing worse than these type comments is when they stop coming. When I lost weight before, all the way down to 130 over a decade ago, I was flying high on flattering comments, to the point where my feet hardly touched the floor. It was wonderful. But inevitably I started regaining and then suddenly it became unbearably quiet. I've had over 15 years of that awful silence. And now finally, that quiet has been conquered for good. I'll take the comments, no matter how they're phrased any day over that dreadful silence.

I was 244 when I started Options and 218 by the end. You are going to love your new life!

Kaiser and Options is a great program. I'm in the San Diego area of Southern CA and we're a little different in that we have six months of classes. But it was well worth it. I had my RNY done by Dr. Tanaka on 07/29/15 and I couldn't be happier! I'm down to 152 and still losing. You all will not be sorry and congrats!

Anyone out there who carries the slightest belief that weight loss surgery (of any type) is the "easy" way out should have to read your story. I'm a RNY and so have no experience with the band so I can't offer you any more then my sincerest wish that you are able to get a revision some day. My heart truly goes out for you.

Sweet anticipation! Hope all goes your way!

And it'll be here before you know it too! Congrats!

I'm only 22 pounds from goal so my resolve is first to reach that as my number one goal. Then around my first surgiversary (07/29/16), I hope to start the process towards breast surgery (either a reduction or lift, or some sort of combo, not sure which). I've been large breasted since puberty and I've dreamed all my life of having normal sized ones. They are killer on the back and at nearly 55 I'm ready to trade them in for a new lighter pair. I'll finally be in sync with my two older sisters who are both thin and small in the chest. I used to pretend I was adopted as a child, trying to understand why I was always so different.

If it's wrong I don't wanna be right. ????

I'm surprised also. I'm five months out and have yet to have beef or pork. So I can't can't really compare to your situation. Good luck!

That is awesome! Congrats!

My butt was the first to go and I'm quite happy with the results so far.

Good to hear all went so well and how happy you are with the results! Congrats!

The first month or so is tough, but I've never regretted it once. At five months out I find myself unconsciously avowing day to day that "I'm never letting this new body go". And I'm not even at goal yet. I love how I feel, how I look, and how much easier it makes everything. I was lucky that I didn't have any complications and I've never dumped. But please try and hang in there. One day soon the worst will be behind you and you'll realize just what a gift this surgery can be!

That's a Christmas present worth cherishing! Good for you!

You are amazing and you look incredible. I know this new year will be chock full of even more happiness and success for you! Congrats!

That's a great pre op loss! Congrats!

pizza Hut was like my personal drug. I could easily eat an entire pizza by myself over a 24 hour period. And I didn't just order one pizza, it was usually two, plus breadsticks, cinnamon sticks and one of those humongous Cookies, all washed down with oodles of Coke Zero. I could be stuffed to the gills one minute, and ready to start eating all over again a minute after that. I could eat it hot or stone cold. I was always hungry. At five months out from surgery I haven't had pizza, bread, sweets, or soda of any kind. I'm trying to eat and live as clean as possible. I know my weaknesses. Now that my hunger has been tamed though it's so much easier. The longer I'm away from it, the less tempting it's become.

Congrats on your weight loss so far! You've come a long way!

That's incredible and you look fantastic!

Welcome @@Good apple I initially went into the process dead set on the sleeve. I too had no compelling medical conditions, and was given the choice of either the sleeve or bypass. My BMI when l started the process was 46, but by the time I got to surgery it was a high 39. I had a number of reasons for finally opting for the bypass. One was the GERD issues that some, but definitely not all, experience with the sleeve as post ops. There are even a few who have had to revise from sleeve to bypass for this very reason. I just didn't want to take the chance that I might be one of the unlucky ones to develop this issue. I don't think I could have handled the possibility of a revision down the line. I also thought that I might benefit more having the restrictive and malabsorption components working together to help me reach my ultimate goal weight, and more importantly, maintain it. I had a very wicked sweet tooth and knew the mere "prospect" of dumping would aid me in keeping that in check. I was never really concerned about the Vitamin deficiencies as I've always taken them. Now at five months out I can say in all honestly that I made the right decision. I feel better than I ever have, have more energy, and I'm only 22 pounds away from goal. I've never dumped, had no complications, an easy recovery, and I stick to a very healthy diet. I finally kicked a lifetime soda habit, don't eat bread, Pasta, rice, or sweets. I never could have accomplished any of this on my own, because I've certainly tried. I was always hungry before, no matter how much I ate, but now I'm in control of my life again. It is amazing, simply life changing. I feel reborn! Either procedure is great. If the sleeve had been my only option I would have taken it in a second. But I had a choice and this was the best one for me. Good luck!

Mine didn't involve any written tests, just a casual conversation that took about 20 minutes. I was apprehensive too going in, as I didn't know what to expect, but it turned out to be the easiest requirement of all. Just relax and be yourself and you'll be fine.

It is very common. I had to complete six months of classes, with weekly weigh ins and food journals. There were also several seminars I had to attend, and labs, not to mention having to lose 10% of my weight. The list goes on. It took me a year to satisfy my requirements. I know exactly how you feel right now with the waiting, as it was very hard. But now that I'm five months out I can tell you that it was definitely worth it. And once it's over all that waiting will feel like nothing. I'd do it all over again in a second. Good luck!