Bariatric surgery

[Joods]

So as many of you know, I officially quit smoking July 1, 2017 and am fast approaching my 6 month anniversary. I feel really good, decision-wise and I know it was the best thing I could have done. However, I have replaced one bad habit with another and have gained a massive amount of weight. I guess it didn't help that before I quit smoking, I was already over 200 pounds.

With that, I talked to my PCP about weight loss. At first, I was looking to speak to a dietitian about eating habits and ways I could improve, as a start. I have already cut a lot of carbs from my diet, I don't drink sugary drinks that often (not a big sugar fan in general) and have no real need to eat a lot of bread or junk food. I keep lots of fresh fruit and veggies in the house. Pomegranates, 3 varieties of apples, plums, avocados, sugar snap peas, snow peas, asparagus, broccoli, etc.  Still - with the stress of three teens in my house and my partner being an ass on most days, I can't lose this weight. My doctor does not want me taking my heart rate above 150 when I exercise and as of late, I already reach 130 when going 1.5 on a treadmill, which isn't even anything more than a fast-paced walk. 

I did do the stress test and had blood work done. Everything was normal. I am currently 115 pounds overweight. I am frustrated with that and I cannot seem to unload this weight. I have breathing issues, back issues and a slight tear in my left Meniscus. I have seven herniated discs in my mid-lower back and have already had surgery on my C5-C6. I am currently ambulating about with a fucking cane. I am only 46 years old. So with that, comes the next step: Bariatric surgery. 
 
I received a phone call this morning, that I have been waiting on for over a month now. Starting January 12, I will be taking a seminar for a Bariatric weight loss.

Not really sure what to expect or what to ask. If anyone has been through this or can tell me what they know about it or even the sort of questions I should be asking, I would appreciate it. Yes, I know I can google. But you all are my internet family and I'd rather start here than go anywhere else. Also - later today, I'll be taking a "now" picture and posting it to this thread. I'd like to use this thread as a progress thread so I can see how I'm doing in 2018.

[Whateverist]

I wonder if after bariatric surgery you will need to maintain a high caloric diet in order to get the nutrition you require? I'm afraid I don't have info but the idea of it raises other questions in my mind.

[Jackalope]

I have attended some of the sessions to support a family member who is preparing for gastric bypass.  From what I gather, your best chance of success is to continue to follow up with specialists after the procedure.  The success rate is supposed to be quite good. I would get the procedure done as well, except my insurance does not cover any form of weight loss treatment.

@Whateverist - from what I understand, post procedure, the idea is to eat a number (e.g. 6) small meals throughout the day, eat only until you feel full (which I suppose is fast with a walnut-sized stomach), and avoid carbs. Supplements are also recommended.

[Joods]

I was just reading up on the wiki and from what it says, there are several types of surgery. I assume, this is why they do seminars or classes for these things. There is just a ton of information out there and I have to see what would work best for me. So far, the stomach folding technique looks like a good match. Although there is a concern for gallstones because of the rapid weight loss, many doctors will remove the gall bladder to avoid gallstones from happening. 

So much information to take in.

[John V]

Give Weight Watchers a try before resorting to surgery. Wife and I each lost over 50 pounds in the past 6 months.

[brewer]

Might want to use this as a resource. Most teaching hospitals will have similar information. I picked this because it's in your area.

http://www.upmc.com/Services/bariatrics/...fault.aspx

[Fake Messiah]

Bariatric surgery is very painful and you'll be out (like tired, falling into sleep, not very movable) for few weeks so you'll have to manage to find somebody to take care of the kids. Plus it also has high effect on breaking up relationship (over 80%).

There is an interesting documentary about how people lose lots of weight trough juicing (like 2 pounds a day) called "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead" and it's sequel. Maybe you could try watching it to get some pointers? It's available on youtube and Netflix.

[John V]

Bariatric surgery is very painful and you'll be out (like tired, falling into sleep, not very movable) for few weeks so you'll have to manage to find somebody to take care of the kids. Plus it also has high effect on breaking up relationship (over 80%).

Wow, we've seen friends have the surgery and get divorced, but I didn't realize the rate was that high.

There is an interesting documentary about how people lose lots of weight trough juicing (like 2 pounds a day) called "Fat Sick and Nearly Dead" and it's sequel. Maybe you could try watching it to get some pointers? It's available on youtube and Netflix.

Juicing is great for health but not a good method for long-term sustained weight loss.

[Joods]

Give Weight Watchers a try before resorting to surgery. Wife and I each lost over 50 pounds in the past 6 months.

I would like to, but my insurance won't cover the costs and I don't have extra funds to buy meals or a scale to weigh stuff and honestly, I'm not good with regimented stuff like that. I can handle things in small doses but they require so much and I don't have time for weekly meetings. But thank you for the suggestion.

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Rob and I have been through a lot in the last four years. If living in a motel room for five months while I was in school, didn't break us up, I doubt this will.

Besides, if he wants to break up with me over surgery, then that'll be his loss. Someone else will appreciate my rocking hot bod once I accomplish my goal. I'm not doing this for him. I'm doing it for me because I have tried other methods and it hasn't worked. This is my only hope, tbh.

[Shell B]

My best friend did it. Changed her life.