Q's from Newbie considering surgery - water, choosing Doctor, etc

[Amy5000 1]

Hi all. I'm new the forums and am considering seeking a gastric bypass. I've been to an information session for a local surgeon (who happens to take my insurance) and I met with his nutritionist. Here are some questions:

1. Can anyone explain the no drinking before or after food to me?

2. Why no caffeine?

2. I like the surgeon but I'm not impressed with the education his office provides. (I read the rant thread about people getting a binder / book with all necessary info about the surgery, complications, etc. The Doctor's lecture at his info session went over these but there were no handouts to study post session. Is it enough if I can create my own "bible" or should I look for another surgeon. (I did confirm that my Dr. does over 200 bariatric procedures per year and that the hospital has a special ward and does over 600 procedures.

I live in Northern NJ and I could potentially travel to the city or an little further for my operation. But I'm hesitant b/c I don't know that I would want to have to travel further for all the follow up.

Any advice is helpful.

Thanks so much. Amy

Edited December 25, 2015 by Amy5000

[Djmohr 6,965]

Hi Amy!

The binders typically come once you have begun the process and have your first actual consultation. There is a ton of info on line about these surgeries as well as here at Bariatric pal.

The no drinking before and after is a pretty important rule. The before fills you up and you may not get enough Protein which is vital to your success. Drinking after can flush the food you have just eaten from your pouch before you even get yo absorb the nutrients and you will be hungry again right away. Many times people gain back their weight because they do not follow this rule.

Caffeine can cause hunger but the real issue for us is that it is dehydrating. One of the hardest things for us is to stay hydrated well. Caffeine makes this harder.

Feel free to reach out as much as you like. I had bypass 15 months ago and I am down 135lbs, 10 pounds from goal.

[MnDave 3]

Minnesota here. Surgery 12/16/15. Began journey with an orientation session and got a binder on first appointment a couple weeks later (June). It was very helpful and was a great resource. Explained process, had contacts, even sample menus.

[James Marusek 5,244]

There are several steps along the way. Generally they include almost a day of pre-op testing and a day of training just prior to the operation where a binder of information of resource material is provided. Dealing with the insurance companies can be a problem since many of them require 6 months or physician monitored weight loss and exercise program in order to qualify for the operations. The entire process from the initial consultation until surgery can typically take 9 months.

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

I am having surgery and I am in NJ having surgery at a hospital "Center of Excellence "Dr.Neff

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

There is a lot of info on this site.Very helpful.

[DaisyAmy 561]

Hi, Amy. I'm Amy also!

The advice you got about the drinking and caffeine is spot on. I just wanted to say that I didn't get my "binder" until my post op diet class which was just a few weeks before surgery.

Best of luck to you on your journey!

[catwoman7 11,223]

the caffeine thing may not be forever. I could start drinking caffeine at six months out. Some people can start much sooner - depends on the program. In addition to what's already been said about it, I think it can also be hard on your new stomach - which could be a concern early out. But I do drink it now....

[Amy5000 1]

Thank you all for your responses! I should mention that at my first meeting with the Nutritionist I received 3 pieces of paper from the Nutritionist. Two of the pages had been photocopied so much that they were practically illegible.

Page 1 is entitled "Gastirc Sleeve and Bypass 1st Two Week Diet" . There is a lot of important information squeezed into this almost illegible page, but it is a poor to way covey such important information.

Page 2 is legible entitled "Concentrated Sweets". It's poorly written and contains a list of crappy foods to eat and suggests you look at the list and find alternatives.

Page 3, barely legible again, is "Baratric 2 Week Post-Op Diet". Under the title it begins "Program Instructional Guide (begins 2 weeks after surgery). Literally, the instructions are poor and contain lists of foods you can eat after two, three or four weeks. The back of the third page has portion sizes and grams of Protein.

I'm going to check with the office about the amount of post-op support / instruction, but I'm guessing that I'm going to have to find a different doctor with a better support program in the new year. So glad I found these forums.

Amy

[Amy5000 1]

I am having surgery and I am in NJ having surgery at a hospital "Center of Excellence "Dr.Neff

Hi Pinkgirl: Can I ask what hospital? Is it a Bariatric Center of Excellence? One local doc had a "Center of Excellence" shield on his site but he wasn't listed on the http://www.surgicalreview.org/patients/find-a-provider/ website. I'm finding it confusing and I've decided to go to a bunch of information sessions and support groups and see who has a good support program. I suspect that support is key.

Best, Amy

Edited December 26, 2015 by Amy5000

[Pinkgirl1234 761]

Order the Bariatric guide and other reading materials.It is up to you to be as informed as possible.Check out Amazon.< /p>