Finally thinking surgery

[HRHMKB 76]

I am 33 years old and have been overweight my whole life. I need to lose well over 100 lbs to get to my healthy weight and after having three children back to back and being diagnosed with PCOS, I'm really fighting to lose weight. I have been working with a clinic for almost a year now and have lost about 55 lbs thanks to medication and nutrition/exercise. It does not come off easily and never has for me. I have recently been discussing surgical options and have my first consultation with a surgeon in a few weeks. I'm nervous for many reasons, but I want to do something good for myself and my family. Honestly, I want to feel healthy and try to counteract what PCOS has brought me. I take metformin and Victoza right now to help with appetite control and countering PCOS.

I have my consult in a few weeks for the sleeve since that is apparently the best choice for me, but we'll see. I'm looking for support and hopefully folks that have been there done that and have some advice to share!

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@HRHMKB I'm two weeks away from surgery! I find it nearly impossible to lose weight on my own and with the health problems that keep piling on - I felt that WLS was really the only option. Hopefully I'll be a success and can encourage you to take the same path!!!

[BooBee66 104]

I had the sleeve done on 9/26 lost a total of 49 pounds pre surgery and also take metformin,.My blood sugars have been running really well since my surgery Good luck to you on your new journey.

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[caretothepeople 2]

Hey @HRHMB - It's great you have a consult with a surgeon coming up to explore options. It's a big decision and there's a lot involved so don't be afraid to ask questions! It's important to feel comfortable with the procedure, what to expect, and the surgeon themselves.

Here's some ideas for questions to ask at the consult. Maybe this will help!

• How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon?
• What training have you had in bariatric surgery?
• Are you a board-certified surgeon?
• Are you a member of ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)?
• How many and what type of weight loss surgeries do you perform each year?
• Based on my personal health and weight, what surgery do you recommend for me?
• What are the advantages of this procedure? Disadvantages of this procedure? Risks?
• Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open? (If possible, laparoscopic surgery has a quicker recovery)
• Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant?
• Will you be in the operation room during the entire procedure?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• Is the hospital or clinic a Center of Excellence?
• How many people on the entire medical team?
• Is everyone of the medical team licensed?
• What pre-op testing will be done?
• What post-op testing will be done?
• Why don't you recommend the other procedures for me?
• What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise?
• Do you have someone I can call if I have a question during non-office hours?
• What is expected weight loss?

-Melody

[HRHMKB 76]

Hey @HRHMB - It's great you have a consult with a surgeon coming up to explore options. It's a big decision and there's a lot involved so don't be afraid to ask questions! It's important to feel comfortable with the procedure, what to expect, and the surgeon themselves.

Here's some ideas for questions to ask at the consult. Maybe this will help!

• How many years have you been a bariatric surgeon?
• What training have you had in bariatric surgery?
• Are you a board-certified surgeon?
• Are you a member of ASBS (American Society of Bariatric Surgery)?
• How many and what type of weight loss surgeries do you perform each year?
• Based on my personal health and weight, what surgery do you recommend for me?
• What are the advantages of this procedure? Disadvantages of this procedure? Risks?
• Do you perform the surgery laparoscopically or open? (If possible, laparoscopic surgery has a quicker recovery)
• Will you perform the procedure, or an assistant?
• Will you be in the operation room during the entire procedure?
• Where will the surgery be performed?
• Is the hospital or clinic a Center of Excellence?
• How many people on the entire medical team?
• Is everyone of the medical team licensed?
• What pre-op testing will be done?
• What post-op testing will be done?
• Why don't you recommend the other procedures for me?
• What changes will I be expected to make with regards to diet and exercise?
• Do you have someone I can call if I have a question during non-office hours?
• What is expected weight loss?

-Melody

Thank you. This is really helpful!

[GSleeve822 394]

I'm 30 years old, I was 291 lbs before surgery. I never really thought I could lose the weight. I'm now 186 lbs and still losing. I was sleeved 3/28/16, so 6 months and a few days ago.. have lost 104 lbs so far. Good luck to you!

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[HRHMKB 76]

Congrats on the loss. I don't think I remember being that small. I'm working on my own being just under 300lbs at the moment. My husband is supportive of the surgery, but honestly I'm more concerned about how I will be post surgery while trying to take care of my kids. I don't want to put all the burden on him. I have three kids ages 4, 3, and 2. Still jumping between sleeve and lap band for that reason. How long was your recovery time? Thanks!

I'm 30 years old, I was 291 lbs before surgery. I never really thought I could lose the weight. I'm now 186 lbs and still losing. I was sleeved 3/28/16, so 6 months and a few days ago.. have lost 104 lbs so far. Good luck to you!

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[GSleeve822 394]

Congrats on the loss. I don't think I remember being that small. I'm working on my own being just under 300lbs at the moment. My husband is supportive of the surgery, but honestly I'm more concerned about how I will be post surgery while trying to take care of my kids. I don't want to put all the burden on him. I have three kids ages 4, 3, and 2. Still jumping between sleeve and lap band for that reason. How long was your recovery time? Thanks!

I'm 30 years old, I was 291 lbs before surgery. I never really thought I could lose the weight. I'm now 186 lbs and still losing. I was sleeved 3/28/16, so 6 months and a few days ago.. have lost 104 lbs so far. Good luck to you!

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I'm so sorry this is so late. I went back to work in 1 week after the sleeve surgery

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