You Are Here Because:

  • You’re feeling overwhelmed with the information that is out there – trust me, I know it’s a lot to take in. 
  • You’re feeling intimidated by some people’s successes after surgery, while your results may not be what you were expecting
  • You’re feeling lost when it comes to the different bariatric surgeries

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.

About Anna

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. 

Read More About Me

Anna - June 2023 Headshot

Anna

Frequently Asked Questions

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?

What Are The Different Bariatric Surgeries?

Currently, in the United States, there are 8 different types of bariatric surgery.

  • Gastric Bypass
  • Sleeve Gastrectomy
  • Robotic Bariatric Surgery
  • Revisional Surgery of Previous Weight Loss Operations
  • Endoscopic Repair of Digestive Complications
  • Duodenal Switch
  • Intragastric Balloon
  • AspireAssist

I will be going over each of these different surgeries and explaining the difference, pros, and cons.

What Are The Benefits To Having Bariatric Surgery?

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.

  • Sleep Apnea
  • High Blood Sugar/Diabetes
  • High Blood Pressure/Hypertension
  • High or Elevated Cholesterol
  • Bone and/or Muscle Pain
  • Arthritis Pain

One of my friends has even been able to stop a couple of the medications they were prescribed for cholesterol and high blood pressure.

How Long Before I Can Have Surgery After My Referral?

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:

  • Hit your goal of a certain % of weight loss
  • You have to meet with a nutritionist for clearance
  • Attend Nutritional classes every month
  • Have a Sleep Study

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.

Am I A Candidate For Bariatric Surgery?

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:

  • BMI of 40 or higher (about 100+ pounds overweight)
  • BMI of 35 – 39.9 and at least one medical condition caused by being overweight. These conditions include: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and others
  • Have already tried several different methods of weight loss (medications, restrictive eating diets, etc.)

*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.

How Will I Keep The Weight Off After Surgery?

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.

What Is The Hardest Part Of The Journey?

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.

Latest Articles

Body Dysmorphia – 7 Ways to Overcome & Be Happy

Body Dysmorphia – 7 Ways to Overcome & Be Happy

Let's talk about Body Dysmorphia for a moment. While it's talked about - I don't think it's actually TALK TALKED about as it should be in the Bariatric Community. I see over and over again how many people post about body dysmorphia in a few of my groups that I'm in...

What is Transfer Addiction & How Can You Avoid it?

What is Transfer Addiction & How Can You Avoid it?

When I first started on my bariatric weight loss surgery journey, I told myself that I was not going to have a transfer addiction and that nothing out there could be my new addiction. I never thought I had an addictive personality until I started researching more...

Why is Divorce Rate so High After Bariatric Surgery?

Why is Divorce Rate so High After Bariatric Surgery?

I knew I would have to write this article one day, but I didn't think it would be so soon. I didn't know my marriage would become a statistic to the rising divorce rate in the United States, but here we are, getting ready to file after the first of the year. Our...

Stop Aiming for Perfection & Start Aiming for Healthy

Stop Aiming for Perfection & Start Aiming for Healthy

I stumbled across a Gary Vee Facebook Reel and I felt completely attacked - but in a way that opened my eyes. While Gary Vaynerchuck typically talks about business and entrepreneurship, there are so many things that he says that can also be related to Bariatric...

7  Important Gastric Sleeve Surgery Questions Answered

7 Important Gastric Sleeve Surgery Questions Answered

When deciding whether to have gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery, I started doing tons of research online and read through thousands of threads in Facebook groups and so many websites. There were nights I would lose track of time reading and researching...

23 Absolutely Delicious High-Protein Chicken Meals

23 Absolutely Delicious High-Protein Chicken Meals

There's nothing worse than being on a diet and feeling like you're missing out on all the good stuff. Especially the good high-protein chicken meals that everyone else gets to devour. The thing is, most people think that you can't eat anything good ever again just...

Index