The Candidate

My surgery is July 29th and I'm planning to take a full six weeks off. I want to use the time to heal, but also fully concentrate on adjusting to a whole new way of life.

Thank you! I almost can't believe it's finally happening!

I'm happy to know that everything went well for you. Congratulations!

Thanks for the update. It's always nice to hear how people are progressing. You've come so far and I've no doubt you will only experience many more successes in the future. Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishments!

It is so normal you wouldn't believe. You become enveloped in the wls world to the point of obsession. I've only told a few people outside my family and I've actually apologized to them because I can't seem to stop talking about anything else! I know it's the only thing I can think about 24/7 but I'm sure they're probably tired of hearing about it!

That is a lovely wish. Thank you!

It feels amazing! Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Me too - my mind automatically assumed it was your heart. Good to hear it isn't! Good luck with the other ticker.

The main reason I chose bypass is the reflux issue, and because I personally felt that I needed both restriction and malabsorption to obtain the best result for me. I'm already on a heavy daily Vitamin regimen so I'm not overly concerned about staying on top of that.

I can so relate. Got my approval on 06/03 and I'm still waiting for a date. I really thought the hoops would be the hardest on my patience, but this final bout of waiting beats them all! At this point I just want an actual date so I can start a legitimate countdown. Countdown apps always help me... but I need the darn date!

Congratulations to you both!

Before you know it your day will be here. Congrats!

You must be on cloud 9 and rightfully so. Congrats!

In my case I can only hope and pray! They definitely need some reducing!

I wouldn't worry too much about it. In my program we were told that the main objective is just to ensure that you have a realistic outlook and knowledge about the procedure you will be undergoing. Mine didn't require any sort of written test. It was a straight on one to one discussion with the psychologist. And like the other poster said, I was also told at the end that she would be recommending me for surgery. I'm sure yours will do the same.

You start by living up to nobody's standards but your own. Then strip yourself down to bare bones and decide what *you* have to do in order to make *you* happy. Put yourself first for once. Then if wls surgery is what you've discovered is the right thing to do for you, and you're at the right time and right place in your life to give it everything you've got - then you've found your way to the exact place that you need to be. We all see the flaws in the mirror, and everyone has deep dark secrets. You're not alone.

Congratulations! Your moment has finally arrived!

I'm so sorry for your situation. It's hard enough going through this difficult process, and even more so when you don't have the support of family and friends. Sadly and unfortunately far too often, the word "family" is exercised in name only. I'm lucky enough to have the full support of mine. I wish you too had that kind of strength to rely upon. Support is the one thing that every bariatric program stresses as the key foundation for a successful wls outcome. I didn't fully understand why myself until I began my own journey. With everything you are dealing with right now you might have to consider putting it off for awhile, as unpleasant as that would be. The only other suggestion I can offer is that maybe you could find a support group in your area that could perhaps offer you other options to explore. It's hard, I know, being so close to the one thing you want most, only to have it remain cruelty just out of reach. I truly hope you can find the answers you are seeking. Good luck!

@@jaterika as is often the case whenever a person sincerely asks for advice on a very serious topic, it somehow snowballs into a heated debate about religion and politics, wherein the original post gets lost in the shuffle. There's only one voice you need to respond to and that's the one inside your own head. When the time is right you will make whatever decision is right for you, and only you. I wish you peace and happiness.

You've found a wonderful place to share your journey. Best of luck to you. You will do wonderfully, I'm sure!

Wow what a spectacular accomplishment! And it's all indicative of your hard work and dedication. It might sound corny and old fashioned but - You've come a long way baby! And your transformation has only just begun. You have many more such achievements in your future. Congrats!

@@RNsleever715 I totally agree. In my program we were given the option of three different surgeons from the center of excellence my insurance contracts with. After completing the requirement program we could either take the first available appointment with any one of them, or request the next available date with a specific surgeon. All of them are highly qualified and experienced, having done thousands of successful procedures. Yet I kept hearing and reading a slew of testimonies that one in particular was considered the best. But without fail, after saying he was the best, there would be an additional comment concerning his lack of personality and dismal bedside manner. Yet not one of them regretted having had him perform their operation, and even went on to recommend him highly. Having lost a parent myself due to surgical complications, specifically an internal stitch coming loose that allowed deadly infection in that quickly spread throughout his entire body, I definitely wanted only the best to do mine. Especially after learning he was the only one of the three that used drains. Not that I'm looking forward to having drains, but if something's leaking post op, I'd rather it be on the outside rather than inside. I had my consult with him last week and I can say that he definitely lived up to every bit of his intimidating reputation. But yet I feel absolutely one hundred percent confident that I will be in the best hands possible. A lot of my peers in the same program chose the first available surgeon, based solely on the concept of getting their surgery ASAP. But for me, I can wait a little longer because I'm not looking for a buddy, I'm shopping for a professional; one who will literally hold my life in their hands.

Hello and welcome aboard! You are about to embark on an amazing journey of wonderment and self discovery. And let me reassure you that all your apprehensions going in are completely normal and understandable. I started my process in the exact same frame of mind. Worried about being judged by the medical profession, based on past experiences. It always seems that matter what reason for the visit, be it flu or an ingrown toe nail, they somehow manage to find a way to relate it back to your weight. And when you've been overweight nearly your entire life, it seriously messes with your self esteem. And you often find yourself avoiding going at all costs, just to save yourself the inevitable brow beating. But the experience will be entirely different this time I can promise you. Maybe not so much on their end, depending on who you end up with, but definitely on yours. Yes, it can be a long and arduous process, I won't lie, but you're going to discover just how strong you really are, and will be able to tap into reservoirs of courage and determination you never even knew you possessed. And the secret for this incredible transformation goes by one name: Hope. I know what you're probably thinking: Hope, you say? Been there, done that. Well, I'm here to tell you that you're wrong. This is different. There's a lot of work and sacrifice involved, there's no question, but the eventual reward is on an entirely different level. It's not the same fickle hope you and I, and so many others, have experienced before whenever we set out on the latest diet fad, time after time. Only to fail miserably, like all the ones before. There aren't any pills to take, or freeze dried meals, not even a celebrity spokesperson, or an introductory offer. In fact the only qualification you need to join this club is the ironclad will to change your life forever. Right now, I know, just the thought of giving up your favorite trigger foods/drinks seems unthinkable. But here's where the wait time for the approval process can be used to your benefit. You don't need to go cold turkey, and you don't have to change everything all at once. Start by weaning yourself off of caffeine, and then after a couple of weeks begin upping your Water intake, and then a little while later, look into an exercise regimen. You can go at your own pace and order. And at the same time, read and research extensively, find a support group, and learn everything you can from bariatric forums, such as this one. You will get there, if you really want it, and someday you will look back at this time, and marvel at how quickly it passed by. More than likely your only regret will be that you didn't do it sooner. And then it will be your turn to encourage someone else who is scared and worried, just starting out, like you are now. Good luck! You have an amazing life ahead of you and the possibilities are endless!

You'll do great! Congrats!