Let me start by saying that It was by far the most difficult decision I've ever made. It wasn't easy. It took a lot of weighing the pros and cons to determine which surgery I should have, when I should have it and above all, IF I should have it.
The first very important step - make sure you know if and what your insurance covers and requires for surgery; that is key. I didn't realize that mine had a six month medically monitored weight management period and I was devastated when I found out to the point of almost quitting right then (thank god I didn't!). You also need to know that it might not be a cake walk to get approved. I was denied the first time, not because I didn't meet the requirements, but simply because my insurance company didn't receive all my information and automatically said no. Do not allow them to shatter your hopes by doing this. Be your own advocate and always follow up - with insurance, with the doctor's office, etc.
The next important step is to research the types of surgery - there are three main types - Gastric Sleeve (what I did), the Roux en Y (my sister and dad had this about ten years ago) and the Lap Band. There are pros and cons to each. For example, supposedly you don't lose as much of your excess weight with the sleeve (but I'm not worried about getting to goal) and it is a permanent, irreversible procedure. I chose it though because it doesn't have some of the eating restrictions that others have - I can eat basically anything I want, just in a much smaller portion. The Roux en Y has a higher percent of excess weight loss and is reversible (not sure why anyone would want to do that), but you experience awful sickness if you attempt to eat certain kinds of food. I don't know much about Lap Band, other than the fact that my doctor removed as many as he places.
Once you choose a procedure, find a surgeon. I cannot express how important this is. Find a doctor's office that provides education and support before and after surgery. You need to know what to expect and you need guidance. My doctor's office provided an eight-week class before I could even submit to my insurance and my submission was contingent on passing this class. I worked with a nutritionist, a physiologist and a patient coordinator. Those people cared about me and wanted to seey succeed. And I truly believe I wouldn't be where I am without their education and support.
Lastly, mentally prepare and know that no matter how much you do that, you won't be ready for the changes that are about to come. You will miss food terribly in the beginning. You will feel cheated that you can't eat like everyone else. You will get over these feelings. I promise. You will be fine.
I can't express how this has changed every single aspect of my life for the better. I'm healthier and look better, for sure, but I'm also more motivated and genuinely happy about my life. I know I deserve things and I'm setting new goals to improve and advance my life. Things I never considered before.
Please let me know if you have questions. I'm happy to share the good, bad and ugly. Connect with me if you'd like to chat offline.
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