The Candidate

That is definitely something to celebrate! Good for you!

I wouldn't do anything until you have that authorization in hand.

Congrats and best of luck!

It took a week for my first BM as a post op. Now I take a stool softener daily, which seems to do the trick. Good luck!

@@CowgirlJane excellent post! Being in my 50's, I too am having to live with the damage already done. It's why I struggle to exercise the way I know I need to, and yet, I do it anyway, because I went into this with the firm resolve that I was going to do everything required of me to obtain the best wls results. I insured that I was both fully researched and fully informed. My part in this, post surgery, is every bit as critical as the skill of the surgeon's scalpel. Had I had the means and knowledge 20 years ago, and been able to have the surgery then, my body wouldn't have had as much long lasting damage as it does now. My knees are shot, my back aches constantly, the list goes on, but even at only 8 weeks out things are improving dramatically, and I still have high hopes that they will continue to improve as the weight decreases. I'll never completely reverse the damage, not at my age, but I've come a very long way. You're right too about the internal guttural pain of losing and regaining, again and again. I gave up completely after my last attempt. It did me in, physically and mentally. I knew I had tried 100% and still failed. It's demoralizing, and it slowly breaks your spirit bit by bit. I just couldn't summon the strength to do it again. And I stayed in that funk for another ten years. Until that "moment" came after I had reached my all time high weight, and began to seriously consider wls. As hard as it was to wait, having to go through a full year of insurance requirements, it helped cement my decision. It also led to research overload. By the time they wheeled me in I had no doubts, no questions, and no reservations. The year wait was a benefit that I've never fully appreciated until now.

I had to lose 10% over six months of classes. I went on to lose more. By the time I got to the surgeon his only requirement was that I don't gain any weight between the consult and surgery, which was a little over a month.

My total personal out of pocket was $250. What really astounded me though was the break down of fees I received afterwards, showing "actual" cost. The surgery and hospital fees were around $78,000! With an additional $8,000 going to the surgeon. When one person's surgery exceeds, or is in the ballpark range, of the cost of the surgeon's entire medical education than something is seriously wrong with our medical system.

I made the decision beforehand to weigh daily and chart my progress. I think it helps me understand that there are cycles to it. That gaining a pound on some days is part of it too. I don't freak out when I gain or stall because I anticipate it happening sometimes along the way. I never let the scale be the sole determiner of my success either. I also take weekly body pics, measurements, and keep a video journal, which I started a year before surgery. How often you weigh is ultimately up to you, just don't ever become a slave to it.

My surgeon requires a longer hospital stay than most for all of his patients. I went in on a Wednesday and was discharged on a Saturday. I took the full six weeks off, not only to heal but to adjust to a whole new digestive system, and way of life. My pain was very minimal, and my surgery was complication free. But the accompanying exhaustion is real, and I was taking daily naps right up until I went back to work. If I'd been forced to though, I probably could of gone back to work in a week, but it would have been draining. I would suggest you take as much time off as you have available. Good luck!

There's always a chance of complications. Every type of surgery carries risks. My bypass was complication free and well worth everything I had to go through to have it. Each individual has to weigh the pros and cons and make the decision for themselves whether the pros outweigh the possible and sometimes unforeseen cons. I think if you decide to proceed though, you or your husband won't be disappointed. Good luck!

I'm very happy for you on your upcoming surgery. Sounds like you've got it all in hand. Congrats!

It's very hard to be happy and fat when you are hurting from sunrise to sunset, and all of it can be relayed directly or indirectly to your excess weight. I've been fat nearly all my life and I did okay up through my forties. But once my fifties rolled around my body declared an all out war. It will happen eventually. It's just a matter of time. For me, being in constant pain wasn't an option.

I love your scale btw. Keep that antique going as long as you can. Very stylish!

Wow, that's a major change, Kate. Congrats!

You're looking great there! Congrats!

Add another "D" to that before size and we could be cup twins, Kate! Lord, if I lose major inches anywhere I hope it's there. It's like having two backpacks strapped to your chest, 24/7, filled to the brim with boulders. The one (and probably only) plastic surgery I will have once I reach goal will be a breast reduction or lift. Good luck on the shopping!

Sorry posted this in the wrong place!

Welcome to the club and congrats!

Welcome, and best of luck as you begin your quest for weight loss surgery!

That's a tremendous success! Way to go! Congrats!

I agree with @@CowgirlJane that you have to be sure. Really sure. And if that means giving dieting another try to put your doubts to rest, then do it. The surgery isn't going anywhere. My "moment" came after my best weight loss success. I got down to 130 pounds, and I loved my body, my vitality, my renewed energy. I even kept it off, on my own, for over a year. But my daily routine consisted of two things, and two things only: not eating much and exercising until I nearly passed out. I gave it everything I had, but clearly it wasn't feasibly sustainable long term. And I felt entirely helpless and dejected as the pounds (plus more) slowly piled back on. When I made the decision to have weight loss surgery I had zero doubts. None. Over the year it took me to complete the insurance requirements, I never once wavered in my surety that this was the right thing for me. When my surgery day finally arrived I was calm and confident that I was doing the right thing. Don't do it until you are absolutely sure it is the right step for you too. For me, I can tell you that I've had zero regrets. Good luck!

Loud and clear! Congrats!

If you're like most of us you *have* lost it on your own... and then regained it. Again and again and again. At what point do you admit defeat, and search for another alternative, however drastic? For the first time in my life I have a real solid belief that with my RNY, I won't regain it again. I'm going to work this tool for the rest of my life. I am committed to this path, body and soul. If you have doubts, explore them, deeply, and if you decide it isn't for you and you want to try dieting again, then you definitely shouldn't have the surgery. You have to be 100% sure. There's no leeway on this important of a decision. Which ever way you go, I wish you the best of luck and success. ????

Exciting news and a wonderful start to the weekend! Congrats!