Sleeve_Me_Alone

I'm pre-op still and can only speak from personal experience, but I think this is very common. There is a lot of shame and stigma attached to WLS, all of which is completely unnecessary. The idea that it is a last resort and that patients have "failed" at all other attempts prior to WLS, makes it seem like it is somehow a copout. But that really is not the truth. It is a tool, just like diets and pills and fasts and everything else and there is NO shame in putting another tool in your toolbelt to help you be healthy and well. (I'm of course not comparing WLS to these other methods, just explaining that they are all "tools" and should not carry inherent shame.) All that being said, you did what you needed to do for your won health and well being. Its completely ok and completely normal to question it, especially so early on. But give yourself lots of grace and be patient. It WILL get better and you ARE worth it.

Just to clarify, surgery was 7/7 or 9/7? If you are 2 months post-op and still in pain, you need to talk to your surgeon ASAP! That is absolutely not normal. If surgery was yesterday, then totally normal to still have gas pains. Best things to do are to walk regularly, take Gas-X often, use a heating pad, and stay upright (no laying down flat). Also, take your pain meds. Staying on top of the pain is really critical to healing. If you have along drive ahead, is it possible to spend a night in a hotel? It might be helpful to get another day of rest before hitting the road. Best of luck to you!

I had my appt with my psychiatrist last week and he confirmed that, for me, there should be no issue. Regular Prozac is not extended/delayed release and I am getting the sleeve. He did say, though, that it would be wise to keep an eye on things as fat stores estrogen, which can impact emotional/mental health, as well as just the sheer size of such a dramatic life change. Often times, things can get a little wonky post-op, so best to be prepared and have a plan in place. Proud of all of us for doing the hard work to have healthy minds and bodies!

I just started my 14 day liquid diet today, surgery on 9/21. I'm not so much worried about liver size; as long as you are in ketosis and at a calorie deficit, your liver will shrink, which is why the pre-op diet varies so wildly from surgeon to surgeon. But I am worried about the mental piece of it. I feel like if I can't "hack it" without cheating, then I'll fail at surgery, too. What if its too hard? What if this is just like every ding dang time before? I'm having to literally take it minute by minute and remind myself that this is a long haul change, that surgery is a tool, and that the pre-op diet is just a step along the way. Good luck on your surgery! I'm sure you're going to do great! WE CAN DO THIS!

This is freaking genius! 😆 I have to attend a wedding 2 weeks after surgery and I have been absolutely dreading it for alllllll the reasons. I am totally stealing this tactic. Like you, I have opted not to share except with a very limited group of my closest people (2, I've told 2 people). I do not want to discuss my weight at a family wedding full of super-judgey skinny folks, no matter how much I love them.

Such a great tip! I am still pre-op, but our family just started doing Dinnerly for 3 meals a week and it has absolutely been a life saver! I know it is going to be extremely helpful post-op, especially in the early days when my diet is super limited. And a bonus is that the meals are so easy to prepare that my husband and my kids have taken turns making dinner!

That sounds sooooo good! Like a broth version of chicken tortilla soup! Totally adding that to my menu! As for the LRD thing, I have not personally spoken with anyone who's surgeon flat out refused due to liver size/fatty tissue. There are stories all over the internet, but I can't confirm any. I do know several folks though who had to have an additional incision for the liver retractor. Not a huge issue, but it does make surgery and recovery a little longer and more difficult. Best to avoid, if possible, and give yourself the best shot at success!

Completely agree with what others have said. Depression does NOT preclude you from surgery; I have depression and GAD and am scheduled for VSG on 9/21. BUT, getting your mental health stable and making sure you have healthy coping measures in place before surgery will ensure your success post-op. If you aren't already, it may be worth getting into therapy and seeing a psychiatrist about medication. Depression can drive addiction and WLS is not a cure-all for food addiction or other disordered eating habits, so its super important you are actively taking steps to break those cycles before surgery. I know it can feel impossible to take those first steps, but you absolutely can do it and will be better for it!

From what I've read, each surgeon/program has their own preferences for pre-op diets and the results vary pretty widely. The primary goals are 1) to prove ability to adhere to a diet (this is mostly an insurance thing, I think) and 2) to shrink the liver, but even if the liver remains relatively fatty, the surgery can still be conducted. It generally requires an additional incision to allow for direct liver retraction and can make the surgery time longer, but its not impossible. That being said, I would say if you have researched your surgeon and are confident in their skills/success rate, then you have no reason to doubt their pre-op diet recommendations. Its very likely that they are moving you towards a low carb, reduced calorie diet, even with the inclusion of some fatty/carby foods. And as you progress closer to surgery, the diet may become more restrictive/specific. If your trust your surgeon, trust their process!

I have an appt with my Dr. next week to discuss this exact question. I take Prozac and have been very stable for a while, so I'm nervous about impact from surgery (9/21). From what I've researched, and as others have said, the biggest issues seem to arise from extended/delayed release meds and the dosage of rescue meds. Neither of those apply to me, but I want to have a game plan in place, just in case. As with many things, its likely to be highly variable from person to person, so having a convo with your doctor ahead of time, being prepared, and really being mindful of your mental health post-op are all great strategies.

I'm having my surgery at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, MX. and they require a 6 week low carb/reduced calorie diet, followed by 2 week liquids only prior to surgery. They also have a more strict post-op diet than what I've seen with most US programs. I think its highly dependent on the surgery center/surgeon, regardless if its domestic or international.

You are absolutely, unequivocally, unquestioningly worth it. [emoji173] And BECAUSE you are worth it, I would HIGHLY suggest getting into counseling before surgery. Transfer addiction is a very real risk and if you're already struggling with alcohol it could be incredibly dangerous post-OP. Counseling can also help you navigate your grief, and help you learn to love and value yourself in a way that sets you up for success. You are worthy and loved and we need you here. [emoji173] Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

I take ProCare calcium chews and LOVE them! They are like a tiny dessert. 😂 They have vitamin D and probiotics in them. They have a free sample pack you can order to try them out before you buy. I also use their bariatric multivitamin and like it MUCH better than the Bariatric Advantage.

Scheduled for VSG on 9/21 at HospitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. I have a 2 week liquid diet starting 9/7 - 70g of protein, no more than 1000kcal a day, liquids only. I have been doing a low carb diet for 6 weeks or so now, trying to start breaking some habits and establish new ones. I'm down a few pounds and feeling as prepared as I can be!

First of all, congrats on your surgery! I am pre-op, so certainly not an expert, but are you following your programs post-op guidelines? I noticed you mentioned eating a "meal" but 3 days post op seems awfully early to be eating really anything. I think most programs recommend a clear or full liquid diet for at least the first week or two. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fluids, taking any pain meds as prescribed, and you follow your plan exactly as outlined by your doctor. Remember, this was a major surgery, so there will certainly be pain, but it should subside as you heal, but some level of pain immediately post-op is normal. As for hunger pains, some people have them, and some do not. It will take time for you to learn your new stomach and adjust accordingly. That's why it is so important to follow your plans guidelines. I hope that helps!

I am scheduled to have VSG on 9/21 with Dr. Illan. He is one of the best bariatric surgeons in Mx. and comes HIGHLY recommended. He has a provate FB group for patients that he, his nutritionist, and his patients t coordinator are heavily engaged in. I scheduled about 6 weeks ago and have been extremely impressed with the process. Cost for VSG is $4900, which includes valet to and from the airport, pre-op testing, surgery, 2 nights at the hospital, hotel for 1 night, meds, etc. The only thing not covered is my flight and the extra night I'll be staying at the hotel (by choice). If you're considering medical tourism, I definitely recommend Dr. Illan and Hospital BC. Sent from my SM-A205U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes! It did let me connect my FitBit. Unfortunately, the Bluetooth scale connection only allows the FitBit Aria or the Withings scale.

I have this scale and LOVE it: https://getfittrack.com/products/fittrack-smart-body-bmi-scale 100% bluetooth, syncs right to the app. It has a ton of helpful stats and info. I use the Baritastic app, which has been an adjustment after being a long time MyFitnessPal user, but I love that it connects directly to my surgeon's office. I also log my weight and measurements in there. I also use the Monitor Your Weight app to track weights and measurements. I like it for all the data and graphs it provides. This is an extra, Baritsastic essentially does the same thing, I just like the additional level of detail this app provides. I have a FitBit Versa 2 that syncs with Baritastic, which is super handy. I also have a Cubii Pro, that syncs with my FitBit. I have yet to find a single app that does it all, but I don't really mind having multiple apps. If you're going for simplicity, I would say the scale and Baritastic are probably all you really need. Congrats on your surgery date! I'm sure you'll do great!

I completely understand. I will be going alone and that is the only part of it that gives me anxiety. But the surgeon & team I chose are extremely highly rated and recommended. Many of their patients travel alone so they make a concerted effort to make you feel comfortable, welcome, and at home. I have spoken to dozens of patients of this surgeon who traveled alone and had a wonderful experience. Its definitely not for everyone. But, if it is in your budget and would put surgery in reach for you, don't rule it out simply for the fact that you'd have to go alone. ❤️

Weight training can definitely help with the appearance of loose skin, especially on arms & legs. Building lean muscle mass helps "fill in" the loose skin, therefore reducing the saggy/flappy appearance. If you aren't currently doing any weight bearing exercises, it might be helpful. Results obviously don't happen overnight, but in time it can get better.

Citi, Amazon, and Amynta I know are all hiring and offer full benefits that cover bariatric surgery. You may also want to look into having surgery done in Mexico. Many folks, myself included, have found that going out of the country is actually cheaper, and can be done much faster, than using insurance and having it done in the US.

I consulted with a US surgeon and timelines from consult to operation were: using insurance = 9-12 months, self-pay was around 3 months. I ended up going with a surgeon in Mexico going the self-pay route; consult was mid-June and surgery is booked for 9/21, putting it right at the 3 month mark.

I'm scheduled for 9/21, but hoping I can get bumped up. I've been tracking all my food, trying to hit 70g protein a day, taking my vitamins/calcium/collagen every day, and using Parodontax. My dr has recommended a 2 week pre-op liquid diet, so I'm slowly stocking up on shakes, broth, jello, etc. I'm soooooo ready to just do the dang thing!

I do not have BPD or an ED, but I do have severe depression and GAD which have played a HUGE role in my weight issues. Personally, I did 18 months of therapy (and meds) before I considered WLS. I have been 10)% honest with my PCP, therapist, the surgeon, and my husband so that I have the support and accountability I need. I knew I needed to get my head right and deal with some of the things that caused me to have such a disordered view of food and my body, before I could do anything else. I think there are a couple of things at play here: 1) the Dr. wants to make sure you are stable and responding well to your new treatment because WLS is a major life changing event. If your mental health is not at its best, you risk some serious issues. Its so, so important that your heart and mind be ready for surgery or it could very negatively impact your mental health long term. 2) I would guess that he's wondering if having your BPD treated might change the outcome of your weight loss efforts. You've never tried to lose weight with controlled BPD before now; it was undiagnosed and therefore no telling how it impacted your weight loss. As you said, you've had success before regain, but it sounds like some of the patterns you experienced may have resulted from the untreated BPD. You might find that with your new treatment regimen, its easier to lose weight at a healthy, manageable pace and that WLS is no longer needed. Or conversely, you may find that it makes no difference and confirms that WLS is the right next step. And 3) I'm sure he wants to make sure that there is no unaddressed underlying ED at play. Many folks who seek WLS do have EDs or have had them in the past; you're absolutely right that its not uncommon, although not always the case. That being said, someone in the throws of an ACTIVE ED who is not receiving treatment and in recovery, should not be considered for WLS. This goes back to #1 - your head has to be in the right place before going through with such a major event. I know it may feel like he was targeting or stereotyping based on your BPD, but I think he just wants to make sure you are set up for success. WLS is a big deal and it wouldn't be healthy for your body or mind to do it without informed consent and the pre-work needed to get you truly ready. If you feel like this is what you want and is the right step, then stay the course. Do the diet stuff, keep taking your meds, go to therapy, and it will happen in due time. You've got this!

I am pre-op but got these to start getting into the habit of taking them and I absolutely can't stand them. I tried for several weeks and it got so bad I started gagging every time I took one. I just ordered a bag of the Bariatric Fusion soft chews to try, and I requested a free sample pack from ProCare. Hopefully, I'll find one I can stomach, but I don't blame you one dang bit for wanting to pitch the the BF chewable ones, they are awful! Other folks have also had success with the patches, but the research on absorbency is a little sketchy. Its hard to know how well they actually work, but definitely worth a shot!