Don't take the decision lightly. This is a permanant solution to an ongoing problem. It is not magic. You will have to monitor your weight for the rest of your life but it will be easier. Be well informed and make sure you are willing to make the changes necessary to be successful and to keep the weight off. The internet has a wealth of information. If you know anyone who has had weightloss surgery (WLS) or knows someone who has, get their number and talk to them and ask as many questions as possible. If you can find several people who has had the experience even better.
Ask your doctor for information or a referral. Many doctors may not be too keen on this type of surgery but they may help you get started on the research.
Next, look into the different procedures available. You may be limited as to the type of WLS surgery a doctor in your area performs but just the same you may end up with a choice (I cannot suggest which is better than the other because it depends on the doctor and your needs).
Get as much information about the procedure and recuperation. This can be very different depending on the type of surgery and whether it can be done laparoscopicly or open. My surgery was done laparoscopically which minimizes the hospital stay and recovery at home. I had a longer surgery than expected because of some problem in connecting my new stomach with the bypassed intestine. But everyone has different experiences.
If you have the surgery done open then you will need a few weeks to recover, remember this is major surgery. Even with the laparoscopic procedure you may need 2-3 weeks. You will feel weak for several weeks. Usually after the 6 week mark you will feel more like yourself again.
Remember to ask your doctor as many questions necessary to make you feel comfortable with the procedure. No question is dumb or stupid, you are dealing with your health and your body here and it is important to get an idea of what to expect and what if any restrictions you are going to have after surgery. It helps to go into surgery with a good understanding of what will happen and what you need to do afterwards.
The bulletin board listed on my home page is a great resource of information from actual patient and people considering the surgery. Look into other websites for similar information.
Some doctors believe that prior to surgery, one should lose some weight to be in a better condition for the surgery.
Get in the right mind set. Think positive! Make sure you have a support system for after surgery. Be it family, friends/co-workers, or a program support group.
Women: If you are of childbearing age, take sanitary pads. The surgery could trigger your period to start (this does not happen to everyone).
Take slippers and a robe. You will be put to walk immediately. The sooner and more you walk, the sooner you get out!
Get buy-in from your family on helping you around the house and with meals. You may find yourself unable to deal with preparing meals the first week or so. I got nauseous with the aromas so I would take my soup or yougurt to my room to consume.
Please follow your doctor's rules/instructions. Keep up on your regular blood work.
Take all your medications and vitamins (this is critical). Maintain a good rapport with your doctor and his/her support staff so you can have easy access to information and advice if you have any issues or complications.
Drink water, a sip at a time every chance you get.
Drink protein shakes, preferably with out adding too many ingredients to increase the calories. I know they don't taste good but being thinner and staying HEALTHY tastes better.
Support, support, support. You will need a support system. You will be losing weight fast and your life will change quickly. If you start having real issues, please don't be afraid to get professional counseling! This amount of weightloss means a tremendous life change. I cannot emphasize this enough! So many people end up with new addictions, divocices or other issues because they don't have the life strategy tools to haneel the changes or to make the necessary changes in their lives to fit to their new physical and emotional selves. We really are not the same people anymore after losing the weight so we cannot expect our lives to be the same nor to automatically adjust to our changing needs.
Please remember that you need to take care of yourself first. You deserve it after all that you have gone through in the past years and in this surgical process. You cannot take good care of others unless you take care of yourself first!!!!
Please have fun with your new life and enjoy it. Take advantage of new opportunities to do more things and more physical activities!!