Get the FAQs
As someone who is currently going through the bariatric weight loss journey, I know what it feels like going at this almost completely alone. Even with family support, they don’t know or understand what you are going through.
If you’re like me, you did research, but also realize that sometimes, Google just doesn’t cut it for FAQs and you have to do a lot of fact checking to ensure you’re getting legit information.
I wanted to create a place where others who are going through the bariatric weight loss surgery journey can receive inspiration, motivation, and tips from real-life bariatric weight loss surgery success stories. Stories from people who have been there and know what it takes to succeed.
I would love to tell you that I’m some awesome weight loss guru who has all of the answers because I went to some fancy school, but I can’t. But what I can tell you, is that I am absolutely going through exactly what you are going through.
I have done a lot of research and here I will be sharing what I have learned plus my opinions and thoughts about the different types of surgery, benefits, side effects, and what to expect before, during, and after the surgery.
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? I’m like you, I wanted the cold hard FAQs about everything.
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.
The FAQs are that 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.
What Are Benefits of Having 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 Does it Take To Get A 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.
What Are The Different Surgeries?
Currently, in the United States, there are 8 different types of bariatric surgery.
- Gastric Bypass
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Robotic Bariatric Surgery
- Revision Surgery of Previous Weight Loss Operations
- Endoscopic Repair of Digestive Complications
- Duodenal Switch
- Intragastrical Balloon
- Aspire Assist
I will be going over each of these different surgeries and explaining the difference, pros, and cons.
How do I Keep 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's The Hardest Part Of The Journey?
Honestly, for me, it has been watching my family eat whatever they want and however much they wanted and that's just the FAQs.
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.
Going out to eat is also one of my hardest things. Looking at the menu, getting overwhelmed but asking for the nutritional FAQs of the menu has been a savior for me.
*Hint, you can find nutritional information online or in the restaurant's apps*
What Will You Find Here?
Become a Badass!
A Bariatric Badass!
Have you ever felt like you were on this journey all by yourself?
Well, you're not alone.
In fact, there are millions of people all over the world who are embarking on their own personal weight loss journeys.
But the thing about journeys is that they're so much more fun when you share them with others.
That's why we invite you to join us on this journey.
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