Deciding to undergo weight-loss surgery is a major decision that entails significant lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and physical activity modifications.
When it comes to choosing the right type of bariatric surgery to suit your individual needs and goals can seem like a daunting task without adequate guidance and expertise.
Need help understanding the different surgical procedures, evaluating their benefits and risks, and determining your candidacy for each option can ease your worries and help you make an informed decision on your weight loss journey.
A Bariatric Journey provides a wealth of resources, tips, and advice to help you navigate the entire bariatric surgery process, from pre-surgery to post-surgery, fitness routines, recipes, & more, with confidence and support.
I had struggled with my weight since I was about 12 and was told that I was “getting fat” repeatedly by several kids I was in school with and family members. That stuck with me even to this day and I was constantly up and down with my weight.
During the Pandemic, I started to take both of my dogs for walks and was winded just going around ONE block. I was in tears because I barely walked halfway around the block and my entire body was screaming at me.
That’s when I decided it was time for a change. A change that was going to be healthy, productive, and keep me alive to see my eventual great-grandbabies.
Before starting on my journey I think I asked a million questions of my doctor.
Once he referred me to my surgeon’s office, I asked those same questions to the coordinator.
I still ask questions, because if I don’t, how will I ever know the answer?
Currently, in the United States, there are 8 different types of bariatric surgery.
I will be going over each of these different surgeries and explaining the difference, pros, and cons.
When you lose weight, your health improves dramatically. Bariatric surgery is the only type of weightloss that has a significant and positive outcome for a lot of people.
I have 4 friends who have gone through 2 different types of surgeries and all have seen vast improvements on the following.
One of my friends has even been able to stop a couple of the medications they were prescribed for cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Every insurance company is different. Some make you go through 3 months of meetings, others are 6 months, while others you may get approved right away. It really all depends on what insurance you carry.
A few of the things that I had to accomplish before even meeting with my surgeon the first time was:
Once I did those, I was then able to schedule a couple of the bigger milestone appointments and meet with my surgeon to discuss options.
That is something you will need to discuss with your family doctor. Only they will be able to refer you to a Bariatric Surgeon.
For most insurances in order to qualify for bariatric weight loss surgery, you must meet one of the following criteria:
*If you have a significantly elevated BMI (over 75), you might be ineligible for weight loss surgery immediately because of the higher risk due to your current weight. Consult with your primary care physician and bariatric surgeon for assistance in this situation.
Long-term weight management requires a life-long commitment to healthy eating and physical activity. Weight loss surgery is a powerful, proven tool to help ensure long-term success. This is why we offer a community of like-minded mentors, patients, etc to help you keep your weight off.
Honestly, for me, it has been watching my family eat whatever they want and however much they wanted.
I have been really good about following the plate method, but sometimes, I do forget. In month 4, I had a really rough week with my husband and it completely threw me off. I ended up gaining 3 lbs back.
It happens, but I moved on, got back on track, and continued to lose because I can’t be my best self, without taking care of myself.
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