About to Start my Gastric Bypass Journey.. - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

BoonDox · 10-18-2007, 01:53 AM

For starters, i just turned 21, my current weight is 344 and my heaviest weight was 390(Feb 2007). I have a very severe case of spinal stenosis witch means my spinal is very narrow and causes alot of pain, and i got pinched nerves and herniated discs ontop of that. I had spinal surgery to "fix" this but it didnt work, So now my Doctor wants me to get gastric bypass to get the pressure off of my spine and releave some of my pain in my back. So this monday were starting the process of me getting the gastric bypass surgery, and i couldnt be more happy..

Ive lost almost 50 pounds on my own since my back operation, and me and my doctor both know if i want to be healthy and live pain free i have to have gastric bypass.

Anybody have any tips or any suggestions at all for a person about to get this process started?

Jeri · 10-18-2007, 04:23 AM

In my area the first step is a seminar about WLS. That's the best place to get started. Oh & search this forum for any questions. There is so much knowledge here it's unbelievable.

Good luck to you!! Go for it. My life would have been SO different if I could have done this at your age.

Jeri

Claire-in-Texas · 10-18-2007, 06:39 AM

Hi! Welcome to the TT forum!

I, too, had spinal stenosis combined with slipping disks, and it was very painful for many years. It escalated about a year ago, and it was my pain management doctor who suggested to me what you know to be true - that being overweight increases the severity of this condition. He suggested I get physical therapy after I lost about 50 lbs.

At this point I had been spending a lot of time in a wheel chair (where walking was necessary), and I couldn't walk across a room with increasing debilitating pain. I had PT for 4 weeks, 3 times a week at that point. After those 4 weeks, I was totally pain free (totally miraculous), and with continued loss of weight and increased activity and mobility, my back feels normal!

My signature line reflects my journey.

Start with a determination of what surgeon your primary care physician recommends. Make sure he/she is someone who has done tons of these particular surgeries. Go to a seminar given by this surgeon, and do lots of research - there is much to learn. Also, there is a great book that has become my best resource - it's called Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies, and it will take you through every stage, including the ne you are in now.

My very best wishes to you!

Chubbola · 10-20-2007, 09:28 AM

glad you found us! welcome to our little family!
i agree-you should find a bariatric clinic and go from there. they will help you with insurance issues and when you attend a seminar, they give you info to help you make your decision.
good luck with your journey!

mommy_to_two · 10-23-2007, 08:00 AM

I am just starting this journey too! Good luck. I went to an informational seminar, and it was great. I learned a lot from the surgeon, and am no longer "on the fence" about having the surgery. Now, I am moving forward and starting to check the boxes!!!