Ryanasaurus

Hey y'all First post here, but I've been a forum lurker for about 8 months. Quick details about me: I finished all my clearances, and it's now being approved by insurance for sleeve surgery. I have BMI of 37, and sleep apnea, so I will be most likely be approved by insurance (should know in a week or two). Over the last few months, I've been talking to many people at my local support groups about why they had surgery, and I am finding so many pretty much HAD to get it because of medical conditions (heart issues, diabetes, etc...). When I heard about the surgery a few years ago, it seemed like a great tool to use to lose weight, as yo-yo diets through my years have been successful, but the weight most often comes back. I'd like to know if any of you had surgery as a tool to weight loss, and not as a medical necessity. The only medical condition I have now is sleep apnea and some reflux, both are fairly easily managed through CPAP and Tums. I have heard the argument: what if I need surgery in a few years because if weight anyway (when it becomes a medical necessity), and that may happen. But right now the sleeve wouldn't improve the quality of any major medical conditions (as so many I am talking to had improved), and would just be a diet aid. Can anyone who has had surgery in a similar situation tell me what you thought about it, and would you recommend doing this in the way I am describing (as a pose to continuing to try diet and exercise as a means to weight loss)? Appreciate it!

I know I'm relatively new to this process and the forum (haven't had surgery yet), but I really do appreciate the OP's post. I was supposed to have surgery next week, but I postponed it until December for many of the reasons the OP discussed. I have been "practicing" eating how I would after surgery for the last month and a half, and it is honestly a nightmare compared to how I used to eat. I have to relearn everything, and am finding it wildly restrictive in eating and drinking times with my crazy busy work schedule, and having a very hard time getting fluids in, etc... I realized a week ago that I am completely unprepared for surgery at this point and the lifestyle change it brings, which is why I pushed it back to Dec. If I had done the surgery next week without all the intensive "practice" I am doing now, the OPs post may very well have been mine instead of this reply. What my dietitian, and surgeon, and psyche eval all told/taught me up to this point is nothing compared to actually eating and drinking in the way they are describing. I have decades of eating and drinking habits to undo. Thankfully I did give it a full practice run for 1+ months to know how hard it is (for me and my schedule anyway, maybe others find it easier). I think the OP is in a similar place, but didn't do the "practice" eating and drinking before hand, and I absolutely understand much of what he/she is upset about. They might be a troll, but that initial post has stuck with me for a week since I read it, and I very much relate to the difficulties they are describing, and wish them the best in their journey.

Thank you, this is helpful info. Getting rid of the CPAP would definitely be great, just looking for encouragement like yours that this is overall a good thing for me. I am a baby when it comes to needles, hospitals, and anesthesia. Hearing someone in a similar place as I am helps put things into perspective.

No worries, I really appreciate all you said here! I agree, losing the apnea would be great, and more energy from weight loss a huge plus as well. Hearing how serious some people's conditions are that lead to surgery definitely makes my apnea and reflux seem trivial. But you are right those things can become a nightmare if left unchecked for a while. I am finding it hard to relate because of how "small" my co-morbid conditions are right now compared to many I am speaking with, but looking at the future picture helps. Thank you!

Thanks for the input! Would you recommend others do the same in a similar situation?