Weight loss surgery?

My advice? Wait. I'm in the bariatric program here. Six to seven months in nutrition programs generally required before hand for insurance purposes (some have requirements that can take nine months), two to four weeks recovery afterwards and two years of hard work afterwards. It isn't a shortcut. It's a long, hard process and a major life change. Your doctor can advise you better than we can.

Do you plan to have children soon? I was seriously considering it but I have seen so many people gain the weight back after children so I'm going to wait.

If you have not already spoken to a doctor about this, generally speaking you must adhere to a regimen/doctor's nutrition plan for 6 months to a year before you will even be scheduled for surgery. Insurance also has to approve you as well which might also take 6 months to a year. I know that most physicians must have on record that you have been morbidly obese for 5 years or longer, have tried at least 3 diets with no real results, then they have you do weekly weigh ins and put you on a diet to make sure you are able to adhere to never being able to eat normal again/do what the doctor tells you, then you might need to have a psych evaluation (the intensity of this varies doctor to doctor), and enroll in some kind of general exercise program. You also must consider that many people who have weight loss surgery (including Lap Band) also have other issues that can complicate things such as adhesions (abdominal/ovarian), gallbladder blockages, diabetes, etc. that can result in a variety of complications that can result in hospitalization, additional surgery, drainage tubes, wound vacs, etc. Many people who have weight loss surgery also have their gallbladders taken out at the same time. You also have to take into consideration that your physician and/or insurance may not approve you for surgery. Of all the surgical procedures I have seen, the most hoops you have to jump through are with the weight loss surgeries.

Myself and my FH have had the sleeve gastrectomy. I had it two years ago and he just underwent surgery 2 months ago. The program takes 6 months of nutrition classes, blood tests, counseling and appointments with several doctors who make sure your okay for surgery (EKG, Endoscopy, Sleep Apnea testing, etc). You also have to show weight loss progression during that time frame, it doesn't have to be a lot, but if you gain or just maintain weight they will not preform surgery. I will say that we both think surgery was the right decision for each of us. I have lost a total of 124 pounds, he has lost 42 since his surgery and is on track to meet his goal weight in six months (the doctor said men lose a lot more weight and faster). We both or no longer on any medications and many of our aches (back, neck, hips) have severely lessened or gone away entirely. I am also happy to report that my gyno thinks i am now in a great place to have a healthy and successful pregnancy (the surgery was actually recommended originally by my gyno). We both go to the gym 5-6 days a week, cook most if not all of our meals at home and generally enjoy supporting each other in a health lifestlye. Overall I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Now as for this impacting your wedding here is some information, if you had the surgery in 6 months here is how it would impact you:

You would have to be on a liquid and/or pureed food diet for 6 weeks-2 months after surgery

You cannot have bread type products or drink alcohol for 6 months after surgery

You have to make exercise a priority, walking immediately after surgery and increasing the impact and intensity of other exercise pretty soon after that.

You cannot be submerged in water for two months

No sexual activity for several weeks

If you are willing to commit to this right before a wedding than I say go for it. Just make sure you will not be stressing yourself out, that is counter productive to healing and the wedding planning process.

My friend had the band put in and within several months her body started to show signs she was rejecting it and she just had it removed.

I would evaluate your diet, and see a personal trainer you have plenty of time before the wedding to get buff!

If and when you get the surgery, get it for your long-term health, not to look good for your wedding. Everyone I know who has had the surgery has actually ended up more negative about their appearance than before they had the surgery. The issue is that your skin gets stretched by the extra weight, and does not return to normal even if you lose the weight. Your choices at that point are a) live with a lot of sagging skin all over your body, or b) have surgery to remove the excess skin, which will result in scars.

Also be aware that the surgery is a lifetime commitment, not a short-cut. It has two effects that help to keep the weight off after the initial weight loss. The first is that getting rid of the extra weight relieves stress on your joints, making you more able to exercise. The second is that, depending on the surgery, it either cuts down on absorption of food or makes your stomach smaller to keep you from eating as much. As to the first, that helps only if you do in fact exercise. As to the second, you can develop nutritional deficiencies, some life threatening, if food absorption is cut down and you do not make sure to get the extra nutrients you will then need. If you have the type of surgery that makes you stomach smaller, it won't help if you then switch to eating high calorie foods more often. Given that wedding stress often makes it more difficult to maintain healthy eating habits and an exercise routine, you'll need to think about whether it really makes sense to start now.

I have known a lot of people who have had weight loss surgery. The ones for whom it has been successful long-term are those that have made drastic lifestyle changes--working out regularly, watching their diet carefully. For them, it has literally been a life-saver. But don't treat it as a magic wand that will automatically solve your weight problems, without a lot of effort on your part.

I seriously considered surgery but with hard work, diet and exercise, I've lost over 50lbs in the past 15 months. I still have at least 40 to go but I am glad I didn't do the surgery. It's hard for me to ever be/maintain a weight under 200 because I really do have bad genes as far as weight is concerned. MyFitnessPal has helped me the most. Also, everyone I know who has had surgery, ended up gaining it all back (even without kids)... that's a lot of money wasted and pain to just end up in the same body you were in before.

ETA: Just got done creeping your pictures and you look great! I don't even know if you'd be considered a "candidate" for weightloss surgery. I love the picture of your FH grabbing your butt, hahaha. One good thing about some extra weight on us - a nice booty!

MY best friend did this last year, but she had to do nutrition counseling before hand, have a physical and pass a psychological evaluation as well as attend several support group meetings. Her doctor also made her go on a special medical diet to lose a certain amount of weight prior to the surgery. She spent one night in the hospital and then went home. She has lost 186 pounds so far. She looks fabulous, but she has a TON of loose skin everywhere that will require a plastic surgeon to remove...and she knew that going into the process. She no longer takes any of her diabetes medications or arthritis medication because her knees are not under terrible stress any more. Keep in mind that she was morbidly obese...close to 500 pounds when she started this journey.

Out of all the people I've ever met, one was successful and she's only one year out. Everyone has gained the weight back and added malnutrition issues. I lost 40 lbs doing HMR diet in 3 months and my mom (at age 60+) lost 150 lbs doing OA. Even if you choose to do the surgery, you're going to need a lot of psych work before hand and a lot of commitment to it afterwards.

Of course we don't know your background, but the way you are phrasing it seems like you are wanting to do this to look good for the wedding. It's not a quick fix solution that just happens in one day and poof you're skinny and healthy. Like the others have described above, it's a process that requires medical evaluation, dieting, failure with lifestyle modifications and weight loss medications, and approval for surgery. Keep in mind everyone recovers differently. At my bariatric surgery hospital, I've seen patients develop complications that require a prolonged stay or readmission. I don't think this is something you want to chance before your wedding. If it is an option for you to consider, I would postpone this thought until after the wedding.

Thank you very much @bethie it's funny because I'm definitely a candidate, bmi is way over

I have the lapband and lost 70lbs. It took 7 months but that's not typical, I experienced a spike due to stress. I haven't had any complications from my procedure. Bariatric surgery isn't for everyone, do some research talk to your doctor. It's not an overnight fix.

Hey there Mrs. Ford,

I had bariatric surgery 13 years ago. It is THE BEST decision I've ever made. I went into my surgery weighing 308lbs, and I'm 5'3". So I was REALLY heavy. My lowest weight was 158lbs, and I've gained about 30lbs back. I think that's pretty good for 13yrs.

I still consider myself a HUGE success. For me..losing weight did more that help me fit into clothes. It helped my self-esteem. It motivated me to be healthy. It changed my whole life. I would have NEVER met my fiance at 308lbs. I feel sooo much better about myself. I always knew I was fabulous inside, but now I look fabulous outside.

It took A LONG time for me to be approved, there were A LOT of hurdles including a psych exam, classes, nutritional classes. It took about 5 months for my insurance to approve it, then another 5 months on the surgeons waiting list.

At 9 months, you should be feeling great!! The first 6 weeks are pretty painful, and you won't be moving around much. I think I took 3 months off of work.

Hope this helps! Feel free to ask any questions.