saminjax

Hello All,

I am hoping to have gastric bypass surgery at some point in the near future. I've been battling my weight for so many years and obesity runs rampant in my family. I've been reading entries in this forum for a couple of weeks as part of my learning process, which has included information from my doctor, a good friend who had the procedure, and the internet.

I'm told my insurance will cover the procedure, which will be done at Mayo Clinic (I live in Florida), so I don't have to face a battle over insurance coverage. I feel very fortunate about that, based on what I've read. I've had one appointment with the surgeon and was told that appointments will be made for me to see the nutritionist, a psychologist, a nurse, and the surgeon. I asked a nurse I spoke to on the phone about what kind of time frame I could expect and I got the vaguest reply - she said, "When the team feels you are ready." Can any of you elaborate on what that means? Perhaps speculate would be a better word. Generally speaking, how long is the road to surgery?

I've done a liquid diet, under the supervision of a physician, for six months, which ended a couple of months ago. I lost 30 pounds on it, but I have so much more than that to lose, so I couldn't continue indefinitely on the liquid diet (verrrry expensive). Once I started back on regular food, I gained 10 pounds back. I'm so tired of spinning my wheels. I want to get the weight off! For once in my life, I would like to know what it is like not to have the weight. I'm not looking for an easy fix and I fully understand that GB surgery is not that. However, I have always sacrificed and struggled to lose weight and I know I can do what I need to post-op to free myself from this ongoing problem. If nothing else, I have been committed. Anyway, does the physician-supervised liquid diet count towards whatever time I have to wait to have my gastric bypass surgery?

I wish the "team" would send me some information, as far as what I am to expect. Any advice? Is there anything I should be doing right now to prepare? All the surgeon did was give me a food diary, a GB brochure, tell me to walk for exercise, and say that he will "see me next month." Seems like there should be a clear plan. Maybe the upcoming appointments will enlighten me. I don't even know when they are yet...

Thanks for any advice and/or guidance you can provide.

-Sam(antha)