Contemplating bariatric surgery.... advice?

[Seriouslyconfused3]

Hi as the title states I am contemplating a gastric sleeve. I am a serial yo yo dieter and my metabolism is fucked. I have pcos and have tried Xenical, saxenda etc- successful until I stop using and the weight piles back on.

I’ve seen an endocrinologist and he said that, in his opinion, sometimes surgery is the only viable option. I’d be paying for it myself as I don’t quite meet the nhs criteria yet.

I’m miserable- I don’t lose weight unless I starve myself ie 600 calories a day and then I’m even more unhappy. I’m worried about my health in the long term, but then the prospect of surgery scares me too.

Any advice from those who have been there before?

Thanks for the detailed info @MonkeyandParrots - good to hear that you are doing so well.

I've finally got booked for dietitian and psychologist so feel things are happening.

I also had a v positive appointment with the psychologist I'm seeing privately - she thinks the surgery is the right choice for me and is really pleased with my progress on my binge eating disorder.

Working with her was my best decision ever - I didn't ever think I could stop bingeing but I'm doing really well now and understanding how and why it started and how to deal with it long-term.

Wow, so much has happened since the last time I looked! @MonkeysandParrots thank you for all your post op insights.

I'm on day 8 of LRD and it's my younger daughter's 17th birthday. I made and decorated her cake yesterday and I have to admit I had a tiny slice this afternoon (although I gave her all the icing!). I hope it's not going to sabotage the LRD.

I've had my bloods already and my COVID test is on Monday. This coming week is going to be eventful. Thursday is A level results (oldest daughter) and that will hopefully mean medical school for her and then Friday is my op. I'm starting to feel very nervous now.

OP, while you wait for your surgery, can I suggest you do 16:8 in the meantime. It helps to heal the gut and inflammation. Mood is elevated due to an increase in seratonin. People seem to find it easy to stick to as it isn't a diet - just a method of eating where you aren't spiking insulin constantly. You can tailor your eating to suit your day. PCOS sufferers report huge improvements. This in advance of your surgery could help. Feast Fast Repeat is a good book on it.

@Foolsand depends on the mode of transport I think. If train, I’d upgrade to first class and then probably yes as long as not too many changes. By car? Short journeys yes but not that long. By plane? Same as train. What I would DEFINITELY do is take along a pillow to hold over my abdomen when needed to cushion from any bumps/turbulence etc. I’d also keep any baggage as light as possible.

@Coronacurls Really pleased to hear that, hope the wait for surgery isn’t too long too.

@needtoloselots I had a slip up too at the end of my first week of LRD & all was fine as I then stuck to it rigidly for the rest of the time so I reckon you will be fine. Nerves are entirely natural, good you have a busy week to keep your mind off things

monkeys thanks for answering

Talked to local clinic again and they said it's actually a day surgery and I would be out by 6:30 and they never had anyone have to stay. So I'm booked the first week of September. I won't actually be away at all. I thought about the travel and even though Monkeys said it will be tolerable I don't think I am comfortable traveling on my own, and also this way I am only gone one full day! I don't have to get XH involved with any nonsense. So I am paying through the nose for convenience sake.

The clinical coordinator told me that everyone who has had this surgery is very happy afterwards and glad they did it. Just like Sofas said.

Thanks to everyone on this thread There are some really helpful people on Mumsnet!

@formyboys

I have been searching for this thread for a few weeks but I couldn't remember what it was called. I want to say thank you to you! I think you might have saved my life - since I posted my message on 17th June, I bought The Obesity Code book you recommended, read up on insulin resistance and started 16:8 intermittent fasting combined with a low carb diet and I'm now just short of 17lbs down. I know it's still early days yet but I haven't lost this much weight on a diet in years, and to be honest it doesn't even feel like a diet so hopefully I can carry on. Educating myself really helped.

Thanks @MonkeysandParrots

So I am considering Lithuania for the sleeve, anyone else? The surgeon there is also a bariatric surgeon in this country and is GMC reg. anybody else considering abroad?

Hope you’re feeling well OP!

Just checking in to see how you are going on @needtoloselots, ready for Friday?

Thanks @MonkeysandParrots for thinking of me! I'm doing ok, I've lost about 9lbs so far on LRD, but I've just been told I need an up to date T3 and T4 thyroid function result, so back to the hospital for me for more blood to be taken tomorrow. It's a good job I'm only 25 mins drive from the hospital!

I'm still nervous, particularly re the anaesthetic. I also keep thinking about all the big 3 course meals I won't be able to have ever again, but I know that's ridiculous as it was those types of meals that got me into this situation!!

Luckily having A level results day on Thursday to worry about is partially distracting me from Friday!

How are you now? How many days post op? Are you nearly on to the puréed foods?

9lb is great @needtoloselots - re the bloods, that’s interesting isn’t it, do you have any thyroid issues you know about?

The anaesthetic is fine, honestly, just like a nice sleep 😴.

So, me, I’m 12 days post op I guess, move onto ‘soft food’ on Thursday (not that I’m looking forward to it or anything 😂). My guidelines say purée not necessary unless I can’t tolerate the soft texture yet.

The smooth stage has been fine, I’m onto my 2nd big tub of natural Greek yoghurt which I am now mixing marvel into so I up the protein content. I’ve basically been having mostly milk, yoghurt & soup each evening. I’m bored of it now though so can’t wait for new tastes. I have found that my sweet tooth has disappeared ...

Mobility wise, nearly back to normal, a little uncomfortable around the tummy area if I push it a bit far but nothing major. I’m back to work next week and feel fine about it.

Good luck for Thursdays results ... such a nerve racking time, I remember it well, the tearful phone call with DSS 7 years ago when his grades weren’t quite what he wanted, very emotional. Luckily all turned out fine for him, hope it’s all good in your household!

needtolose

Why do they want an updated thyroid test? Will they not do the surgery if you are actually hypothyroid?

I did a lot of lab tests yesterday and apparently the surgeon wants to talk to me today. So my surgery is on hold I think. I am wondering if it's a thyroid thing because my TSH is 3.75 which some doctors say should be below 2.5....I'm so nervous I don't know he's phoning about because he wasn't supposed to speak to me again until Friday...

oh I am in another time zone if you are wondering how I could still have phone call today, lol

I think this thread is dying now....

Just found this thread. I'm on the pathway for surgery. I'm terrified of the anesthesia though. Nice to find a community!

I have an underactive thyroid. It's never been mentioned as a contra indication

Underactive thyroid isn't a problem, the anaesthetist just wants an up to date test result. However, I managed to get my last test emailed from my GP and it was actually only last October, so I don't need another blood test now.

@Foolsand

The nhs say normal TSH range is 0.3-4.2. My last test was 2.9 so no action required. My medication wasn't changed.

@Hotandknackered

Welcome to the thread.

I had my zoom appointment with the dietitian today - all went well and he is happy to recommend me for surgery - just the psychologist to go now.

I'm hoping for surgery at the beginning of October - when I asked about self-isolating he said that guidance was about to change, which would make things much easier.

@Hotandknackered welcome!

@Seriouslyconfused3 any date yet?

@Coronacurls that’s close, good to get it over with!

@Foolsand do you have a confirmed date?

@MonkeysandParrots no date for me yet glad everyone is doing so well. Sorry for the lack of posting lately- been trying to keep myself busy to avoid dwelling on my lack of progress

@seriouslyconfused3 if the need to self-isolate for 2 weeks changes and you don't need to, would that make your life easier?

The dietitian I spoke to today said it was going to change v soon 🤞

@needtoloselots glad it's not a problems and you're sorted with results.

Hi everyone! Just wanted to say where I am in the process. I'm on the NHS pathway. I've got a telephone appointment with consultant surgeon on 3rd Sept. I was referred by my GP Jan 2019. I've had various appointments with a nurse and dietician. A group programme of 6 weeks and 5 psychiatric appointments. So feel like I've been through lots already. I lost around 8 kg as requited while going to groups. This was last summer and have managed to keep that off which is a challenge in itself. My bmi was just under 40 but was seemingly eligible as I have insulin resistance and an underactive thyroid. As well as anxiety with on and off depression. Not sure if this is relevant for referral but my antidepressants make weight loss very difficult. I'll have a read through the thread when I have some time soon.

@Coronacurls if that changed it would be so much easier for me!!

I've just found this when it appeared on the active threads list.

I am brazilian and live in Brazil. I've had a gastric bypass march 2019. Lost half of what i used to weigh. Am very happy, can eat normally and am a vegetarian.