Aibu to be so excited for Weight loss surgery

[Adobewon]

NC for this

Aibu to be so excited now I’ve booked and paid for my WLS? I can’t wait to get healthy again!

Any tips?

There’s this thread too (and the previous one) which I’ve found useful www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/4152685-Bariatric-surgery-no-2-thread

Good luck op. I've just started doing a bit of research into it. Those in the know - I can see the surgeon I'm interested in directly through the private hospital or via Tonic - what's the difference?

@Darkrainbow the package with Tonic will probably include a dietitian’s support for a couple of years post op and maybe psychological help too. I don’t know if you go via the hospital if you’ll get this package of support.

Check carefully what’s included in the price. I’ve found the dietitian very helpful.

@ZaraW

I work with someone who lost weight and then gained quite a lot of it back. Another was really restricted with what she could eat. I guess you know the downside to the surgery though.

Same happened to my friend.

Can I ask what weight and BMI you are OP? I would have the op if I could afford it, all the best x

Good luck OP! I had mine 5 years ago it's not easy but it's the best gift I've given myself ever.

First 2 weeks after surgery I felt awful and really depressed and regretful but apparently this is very normal and it definitely passes

Good luck OP.

I had it done 15 years ago. A gastric band. Best thing I ever did. Nothing tastes as good a being slim feels like!!

Honesty no regrets!!

Best decision I ever made. Sleeved in October 2020, 7 stone down and a totally different person. Not just to look at, but my whole lifestyle has changed. I exercise 5-6 times a week, have educated myself nutritionally. It's been so worthwhile.

ZaraW

Not sure what's so amusing. It's a serious surgical procedure and there are complications. It's not something someone does lightly. My colleague has to sleep propped up she can't lie flat on her back, and as previously mentioned she is restricted what she can eat.“

My dad doesn’t and isnt 🤷‍♀️ There are most certainly not always complications.

Had his 12/13 years ago, full bariatric surgery, not the balloon/ tie thing. It’s now such a non-issue that I’ve forgotten which year it was.

He now eats most normal foods moderately (liquids at first, then liquidised foods and so on over the first many months, a few things he still can’t digest), stops when he’s full because he does feel ill if he doesn't and is prescribed specialist nutritional supplements called forceval. I’m not sure why, but he has to eat quite a lot of good fats too. Can even indulge in moderate beer and wine now and then. He’s still here years later than he ever would have hoped to be. Very content with life. Not skinny - never will be because of medical and mobility issues which contributed to his problem - but over 13 stones lighter.

All the best, OP. Not saying there are no risks, just that my dad’s experience was successful with no complications. If you do exactly as you’re advised by your surgeon and follow up team (vital) and with a fair wind in your favour, the only way is up. (Or down, actually 😁).

@GastricGirl

I had it done 15 years ago. A gastric band. Best thing I ever did. Nothing tastes as good a being slim feels like!!

Honesty no regrets!!

This saying should be dead though

Yep it's fantastic. 9 months since mine and can eat and drink anything apart from lettuce - and I don't care about lettuce

Some things I have to cut up smaller, like big veg or it's indigestible to me

Can eat and drink whatever I like. I drink gin and eat crisps every day.

Dumb question - what's VSG? I'm only just starting to look at WLS as an option (BMI over 40).

OP - best of luck with the WLS, here's hoping it all goes well!

A VSG is a vertical sleeve gastrectomy I.e. a sleeve. It’s where about 75-85% of your stomach is removed but there is no change to how your food is absorbed or transits through your body as you get with a bypass.

@ZaraW I did a massive ammount of reserch I have all so walked the walk the op went threw I am sure the op will have researched it to death. I think it’s a valid point that those with lived experience are sharing that it’s positive.

@Darkrainbow I went with tonic inbox me if you want.

I guess you have done so much research tho.
Sort of lucky that I’m on meds that suppress my appetite a fair bit, feels strange tho……………a benefit of sorts

Please don't act like it's a magic wand.
I nearly lost someone very close to me due to ulcers perforating around the bypass.
Make sure you know EVERYTHING that can go wrong and be sure the risk is worth it. Apparently ulcers are common.

I had the sleeve but unfortunately Im still obese and finding it hard to lose weight as you still have to eat healthy and I have addictions I'm trying to overcome

@Eviethyme You should try over eaters anonymous for emotional support, it is the same method and process as NA or AA like minded people who offer a sponsor and support, you can share your darkest hour and they'll understand showing you you're not alone.
Google it.

@emeraldshamrock thank you, I definitely do need the help. I started at 19 stone and now down to 14.9 stone so not bad loss but now been around this mark for 3 months. Not gaining not losing

@Eviethyme You've done fantastic, addiction is battle and you'll find support there.

No, it's not a magic wand

It is however the nhs treatment for obesity

If people didn't have so many value judgements wrapped up in weight then the above actual FACT wouldn't be so hard to grasp

If you asked 100 people what they thought the nhs treatment for obesity was you'd get the following answers:

1. Nutritionist - dieting, payment to join slimming world/weight watchers
2. Exercise credits for gyms/swimming
3. Social prescribing
4. Weight loss drugs - there's an effective (expensive) injection that means you lose 20% of your body weight. Or orlistat etc

You wouldn't get the number one nhs recommended treatment for obesity over 40 bmi as weight loss surgery

Which it is.

Congratulations! So happy for you. I had a duodenal switch 11 years ago and it was three best thing I’ve ever done. Still maintaining all my weight loss and eating a totally normal diet just slightly less!

My biggest tips are to start therapy right now. You’re going to need help to adjust to rapid changes in how you look and people react to you, if you are an emotional eater that’s taken away so you’ll need to learn how to deal with that too. And practice drinking water! Loads of water in really small amounts (like shit glass size amounts!) as you’re likely to get dehydrated easily post op.

I wish you the very best of luck! It’s a hard hard road and not an easy option but it’s the right choice fir some people.

Just wanted to give an update on this.

My life has changed for the better and it is INCREDIBLE!! I’m 6 stone down, 1.5 stone to go

Every aspect of my life has improved: my parenting, my friendships, my relationship and my work. Only regret is not doing it sooner.

Brilliant update, well done @Adobewon