Recidivist

Oh, dear--I'm a big water chugger, and I hadn't thought of practicing small sips pre-op. It makes sense, however. I haven't started the pre-op liquid diet yet, since the exact date of my surgery in February is not yet set. (I see the surgeon again this Wednesday and hope to get the date then!)

Green Tea, I hear you--and the title of the post was probably not well chosen. Thanks for your observations!

Yes, I'm sure you are right. I was just being sarcastic. 🙂

Did the hyena survive the surgery? 🙂 Sorry, I couldn't resist!

I was told the exact same thing by my nutritionist and started with Centrum the next day.

My surgeon requires a sleep study for every patient regardless of other factors. I will be doing a home study, and it's included in the general fee I'm paying for all of the pre-op appointments, classes, counseling, etc. (none of which are covered by insurance, unfortunately).

Hannah, I'm having bypass in February and I could have written your post word-for-word. I have all of the same thoughts, but I'm not letting them stop me from going through with the surgery. I just think about how much better life will be once I'm on the other side and am able walk up a flight of stairs without feeling out of breath.

You are more disciplined that I am by easing into the liquid diet. I'm currently in my "farewell to food" phase and am enjoying my favorite foods before I give them up for good (hello, ice cream). I'll go cold turkey when I start the liquid diet.

I'm having bypass surgery in Washington, DC in February 2019, and I will be moving to Australia for work in September 2019. I thought about waiting until I get to Australia to have the surgery, but I decided I want to do it now and arrive in Australia as the "new me." However, I'm a bit concerned about switching to a new doctor for periodic checkups (or to deal with complications if they occur). Has anyone had to deal with this? Has it been disruptive in your weight loss journey?

Nope--my agency is not funded and I'm furloughed. We're getting by. I just hope we get paid retroactively!

We've also lived there before and love Australia as well. The people are absolutely wonderful!

LOL! No, I'm actually retiring from the U.S. government!

I know this is an old thread, but I'm interested in chatting with people in Canberra. I'm having gastric bypass surgery in Washington DC in February 2019, and I will be moving to Canberra on a long-term basis in September 2019. I would love to participate in a local support group (if one exists) and I would also like recommendations on a doctor for my follow-up appointments in Canberra.

I had my pre-op appointment (for gastric bypass) at the hospital yesterday, and I have checked all the boxes to the satisfaction of my surgeon. They will now submit it to my insurance for pre-approval before setting a surgery date, and I'm quite anxious about that step. Since I'm sort of marginal in terms of BMI, I'm worried that the insurance will turn me down (although "fortunately" i also have high BP, sleep apnea and I'm pre-diabetic). Has anyone been turned down by the insurance the first time? If so, how did you resolve it? Has your doctor intervened and talked to the insurance company directly? (I have really good health insurance with Aetna.)

Thanks for the reassurance, Marine and Jen. You are right--better to focus on real problems than things that might never happen.

Canberra!

You have the right attitude, Stephanie! You need to do this for you--your health, your future, your happiness. Don't second guess yourself if you know you want the surgery. Jasmine, I could not agree more! I am 59 and will be having the surgery in February. I have lost and re-gained the same 60 pounds more times than I can could over the last 30 years. At my last physical, my primary care doctor told me that there is very little chance that I could lose a meaningful amount of weight and keep it off at my age without surgery. (He also told me I would have a massive stroke or heart attack in the next 10-12 years unless I did something drastic.) I'm nervous about the surgery and possible complications, but I have no doubt that it is the right thing to do. I just wish I had made this decision earlier so I could have enjoyed that many more years of health and energy!

Update: I went for a consultation this week and learned that Sibley holds monthly support group meetings for sleeve and bypass patients. They are encouraging me to attend the next one before my surgery at the end of February.

My doctor has said that she does not write prescriptions for protein drinks, nor for vitamins. I'm okay paying on my own, because I figure I will still be spending less than I spent on food before surgery (including many meals in restaurants).

Sorry, not a brass player. I am, however, a fairly serious amateur singer and sing in a local chorus. I've asked my surgeon if bypass would have any impact on singing, and she said it should not.

I have never heard of this before, but the hospital where I will have my bypass in February gives you a ball filled with lidocaine that has several very thin tubes leading into the abdominal area to directly target pain. You carry it in a sling around your shoulder and it stays 4-5 days. They expect patients to remove the tubes themselves at that point, which kind of freaks me out. Has anyone else had this?

Thanks for the tip on Yerba Mate. I've never heard of it but will definitely give it a try!

I have the same appointment tomorrow. I know I'm supposed to learn my exact surgery date, but I was told I'll be there for three hours and will also meet with a nutritionist. Let us know what happened at your appointment when you can!

I had the same dilemma as well. I felt like my surgeon was trying to steer me toward the sleeve, but I ultimately decided to do bypass. It seems to have a better record of long-term weight loss, and I was worried about GERD with the sleeve. When I made the decision, my surgeon wanted me to explain why so she could see that I had done my homework and had understood the pros and cons--and she was satisfied with my answer! 🙂

I was not aware that caffeine was off-limits after surgery either. I know that I have to detox from my severe Diet Coke addiction before surgery, but I had hoped (and planned) that I could have a cup or two of black coffee every day. I'll ask my surgeon at my next appointment, but I'd love to hear whether anyone has received direct guidance on this.