Ylime

Do you know how long it takes to get a date once your insurance reviews and approves? I see such varied timelines on these boards.

You and I are nearly identical. I'm 5'1", 246.6 and my goal is 130. I anticipate it would take me about a year to reach that goal, but I'm prepared for the journey!

5'1" here as well, and at 246.6 currently my pre-surgery BMI is 47. I know people see me as fat, but probably not "obese". Heck even I don't really see that which is why it took me so long to even consider surgery as an option - that and a bit of denial thrown in as well. I haven't heard that we would lose more slowly and my surgeon certainly didn't say anything to that affect. I would say though that there are a lot of factors that contribute to how fast and how much anyone loses - following a strictly healthy diet, amount of exercise, and just plain genetics all factor in.

I posted this in one of your duplicate posts, but figured I would place it here too: I have not yet had my surgery, but I have done a lot of research, spoke to a lot of people, and had a lengthy discussion with my surgeon about some of the issues you mention. So I'll share what I have learned and the advice I've been given. Having read a lot about the diet restrictions I worry that not having good mental control over my eating behavior could cause problems. Mindless eating by its nature is uncontrolled and I wonder if others have found this problematic and if so how did they deal with it. My surgeon has instructed me to eliminate ALL distractions during meals to avoid mindless eating. No eating in front of the TV, while driving, or at the movies. This will certainly take some time to perfect as you have to change your mindset but it is something that has to be done to achieve willpower over mental cues/habits. Are holidays and special occasions ever the same post surgery? The euphemism "pigging-out" is actually something pleasurable beyond just food. For example most holidays and special occasions have a component of overeating. Almost seems that once you have the surgery those pleasures are a thing of the past. How do you break this or is it always a struggle? I've been thinking a lot about my favorite holidays (i.e., Christmas, Thanks Giving, Fourth of July) and in my mind I hear "Maybe I should just try a conventional diet program again at least I'll still be able to enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie at Christmas". From people I have spoken to, holidays (and any meal really) is significantly different for two reasons: 1. The obvious that your stomach is now teeny and cannot hold nearly the capacity it once could and overeating can lead to becoming physically ill thereby teaching your brain that overeating is no longer a pleasant activity and 2. Due to the reduced amount you can eat and feeling fuller sooner, people have told me that food no longer runs their life. They have stated that where they used to be either eating or thinking of eating, their brains have shifted because the body doesn't need (and in some cases doesn't crave) food the same way. They now eat to live rather than live to eat. I travel a fair amount for work. I have actually delayed the surgery until summer when my travel and speaking schedule slow for a few months. I am scheduled for surgery the third week of June which is three weeks after my last trip. Then I don't have anything else scheduled until early September but that is in Europe. I have read a lot of posts but I have not found many that outline traveling success recommendations. While there is some entertaining in the mix it is not excessive I am more interested in how people manage a restrictive diet around the chaotic schedules of business travelers. You may need to adjust your eating schedule to work around your travel, but the same rules should apply where feasible: No distracted eating, no snacking unless unavoidable, when you do eat choose Protein first, and stay hydrated. Last but not least. One of my bucket list items has long been to ride a bicycle across the country from coast to coast. Before I even contemplated the surgery I started making plans for when I might be able to do this and how I could go about making it happen. One of the big issues was certainly my weight which would be helped by the surgery. However, again with the diet restrictions and hydration needs I wonder if there are any challenges or problems with long endurance activities like this. Currently this would be a couple years post surgery so healing should be complete, my concern is are there problems with dehydration. I haven't researched this particular topic, but several years out it seems like many have returned to a "normal" diet. Not back to overeating or eating poorly, but eating reasonable portions and drinking reasonable amounts of Water. In this regard, I imagine the risk of dehydration would be lessened so long as you aren't going all day without some form of nutrition or hydration. You do seem to have a lot of mental obstacles to overcome. You could certainly benefit from additional therapy before and after surgery, possibly by a therapist experienced with food addiction.

Definitely let us know your concerns, worries, and stressors. We're going through the same things as you!

I think you should ask yourself why you keep rescheduling instead of flat out cancelling and reevaluating your situation. As others have said, therapy of some sort is needed. Even if it's just a discussion with your PCP about your indecisiveness and stress - they may recognize some other underlying problem that can be addressed. Actual counseling is always helpful if you just need a place to talk through your concerns to help clear your head and make a decision. And definitely do some research to see if you can switch surgeons. I've seen my share of doctors over the years for various reasons. Life is too short to trust your life to a physician that has no empathy. In my experience, for every 2 ass hole doctors there is one really good one waiting to be found, you just have to keep looking and not settle.

I have not yet had my surgery, but I have done a lot of research, spoke to a lot of people, and had a lengthy discussion with my surgeon about some of the issues you mention. So I'll share what I have learned and the advice I've been given. Having read a lot about the diet restrictions I worry that not having good mental control over my eating behavior could cause problems. Mindless eating by its nature is uncontrolled and I wonder if others have found this problematic and if so how did they deal with it. My surgeon has instructed me to eliminate ALL distractions during meals to avoid mindless eating. No eating in front of the TV, while driving, or at the movies. This will certainly take some time to perfect as you have to change your mindset but it is something that has to be done to achieve willpower over mental cues/habits. Are holidays and special occasions ever the same post surgery? The euphemism "pigging-out" is actually something pleasurable beyond just food. For example most holidays and special occasions have a component of overeating. Almost seems that once you have the surgery those pleasures are a thing of the past. How do you break this or is it always a struggle? I've been thinking a lot about my favorite holidays (i.e., Christmas, Thanks Giving, Fourth of July) and in my mind I hear "Maybe I should just try a conventional diet program again at least I'll still be able to enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie at Christmas". From people I have spoken to, holidays (and any meal really) is significantly different for two reasons: 1. The obvious that your stomach is now teeny and cannot hold nearly the capacity it once could and overeating can lead to becoming physically ill thereby teaching your brain that overeating is no longer a pleasant activity and 2. Due to the reduced amount you can eat and feeling fuller sooner, people have told me that food no longer runs their life. They have stated that where they used to be either eating or thinking of eating, their brains have shifted because the body doesn't need (and in some cases doesn't crave) food the same way. They now eat to live rather than live to eat. I travel a fair amount for work. I have actually delayed the surgery until summer when my travel and speaking schedule slow for a few months. I am scheduled for surgery the third week of June which is three weeks after my last trip. Then I don't have anything else scheduled until early September but that is in Europe. I have read a lot of posts but I have not found many that outline traveling success recommendations. While there is some entertaining in the mix it is not excessive I am more interested in how people manage a restrictive diet around the chaotic schedules of business travelers. You may need to adjust your eating schedule to work around your travel, but the same rules should apply where feasible: No distracted eating, no snacking unless unavoidable, when you do eat choose protein first, and stay hydrated. Last but not least. One of my bucket list items has long been to ride a bicycle across the country from coast to coast. Before I even contemplated the surgery I started making plans for when I might be able to do this and how I could go about making it happen. One of the big issues was certainly my weight which would be helped by the surgery. However, again with the diet restrictions and hydration needs I wonder if there are any challenges or problems with long endurance activities like this. Currently this would be a couple years post surgery so healing should be complete, my concern is are there problems with dehydration. I haven't researched this particular topic, but several years out it seems like many have returned to a "normal" diet. Not back to overeating or eating poorly, but eating reasonable portions and drinking reasonable amounts of water. In this regard, I imagine the risk of dehydration would be lessened so long as you aren't going all day without some form of nutrition or hydration. You do seem to have a lot of mental obstacles to overcome. You could certainly benefit from additional therapy before and after surgery, possibly by a therapist experienced with food addiction.

I'll chime in too for costs in Colorado. Total package price is $11,800. This is broken down by: $7,800 to the hospital (psych eval, dietitian, support groups, anesthesia, meds, 24/7 care, food, etc.) $4,000 to the surgeon for in pre-op office visits, lab work, and 3 months of follow up care Any testing needed to be done by my PCP or a specialist (blood work, EKG, GI) would be on my own or through insurance if coded properly. Any followup visits with the surgeon after 90 days would be out of pocket but I don't have a price on those yet - Not even sure if I would really want/require them. Also - Make sure that both your surgeon and the hospital will accept the form of financing you'll be using. My hospital only accepts credit cards or cash so any financing option that wants to pay providers directly wouldn't work.

Yeah I think that is what shows the true pain of addiction. Some of them KNOW what to do, but physically and mentally just can't. Poor Josephine didn't even know what vegetables were!!

My 600lb Life is on Hulu. It follows patients around the 600lb mark as they go through the process of weight loss surgery. The Dr on there is hard core and doesn't mess around. The only thing I don't like about this is you don't really get to see their post-op progress or success (Unless they do follow up episodes that I haven't seen yet). I binge watched The Big Ward, that was by far the most inspiring as it actually showed the patients a year or so after their procedure.

I haven't had mine yet, but I only plan on telling a select few. My husband and kids know as well as my parents. I'll tell my brother as I get closer to the date. I have one friend that I know has considered the surgery so I'll probably tell her. Otherwise it's no one's business. I'm a very private person as well and share things on a need to know basis.

Good luck to you. My consult appt is in May. I’ve done a ton of research already but this is what I’m planning on asking: Explain the procedure in detail What are the potential complications/ risks? What will recovery look like for me? What will my diet consist of immediately post-op in 1 and 3 months? And I’m sure I’ll think of more!