I had been debating on a bariatric surgery for years before finally realizing I couldn’t lose the weight on my own naturally. I lost 50lbs doing a keto type diet and gained it all back all within the span of a year, and at that point I decided to go for it.

I approached my surgeon without a referral from my PCP (she didn’t “believe” in weight loss surgery and wanted me to continue with diet and exercise).

Dr.Schumacher was very nice and knowledgeable. He gave me the “no BS” run down which I appreciated. He even had me watch an hour long informational video on the different procedures and what the rest of your life could look like. At the end was a test to make sure you understood everything. I had done lots of research before even approaching him so I already knew a lot of what was being shown. After all the informational stuff was out of the way we began talking seriously about the procedure.

He gave me all the cons first, everything from body dysmorphia to loose skin. He told me of possible complications right after surgery and also down the road. He made me go to appointments with a dietician to get a better understanding of food and what my new diet would be like. Both of them drilled into my head how I would be on vitamins the rest of my life. Everything was simple to understand, but the whole process took about a month.

During that time the surgeons office worked with my insurance to get me approved, and after the approval we set a date. Lucky for me my insurance not my surgeon required any type of “pre-surgery diet” at all. I had read about the importance of a liquid diet before hand to reduce your fatty liver, but my surgeon said exactly – “I don’t require my patients to do any pre op diet besides not eating after midnight the day before. I’ve learned a lot of people fail at it and so I’ve learned to work around a fatty liver so you don’t have to.” He was extremely confident which I appreciated.

The whole process of approaching my surgeon to surgery took roughly 2.5-3months. Day of surgery went fantastic, no hiccups or issues. I had the laparoscopic RNY so they didn’t have to cut me open completely. My healing time was roughly a month from surgery to “pretty much” healed. I spent a lot of time sitting or laying with a heating pad to ease the soreness. The first week after surgery is the clear liquids week, and it went fine – mostly because I wasn’t even hungry from the surgery.

The second week was full liquids and this week is tough. You are getting your appetite back and all you can have are sugar free broths, non chunky soups, jellos and puddings… But it was doable and I made it to week three, soft/puréed foods. I was so excited for this phase because I was so hungry. I started with cottage cheese, and was shocked at how little it took to fill me up. I did experience more nausea than I had previously as I tried new things and started working with my new body.

Finally after a month I began to venture into “normal” foods. Of course everything is now low carb, zero sugar, fat free, ect, but they’ve come a long way with these foods and there are plenty of options to please anyone.

It took maybe 4-5 months for me to be able to eat certain things. Chicken was my biggest hurdle. Baked, pan fried, pulled, sauce/no sauce… I couldn’t keep chicken down. My aversion to chicken disappeared roughly 8 months in and I could finally enjoy this protein filled meal again.

Speaking of protein, it is now the most important thing you need everyday besides your multivitamins. They recommend atleast 80g a day, and they drill that into your head.

I am a year out now, down 110 lbs. I have not had any surgery related complications that I know of. There was a couple month time period where my hair fell out in chunks, however they go over this with you pre op. (your body goes through a traumatic surgery and decides to send energy to healing your stomach rather than keeping your hair healthy) But it gets better! I’ve experienced the dreaded “dumping” only a couple times, and for me I get shaky and sweaty, and I feel a little nauseas. Laying down helps me, but walking around also helps sometimes.

All in all I recommend the surgery for anyone who struggles with their weight and has tried and failed at everything else. This surgery isn’t a cure all, and you can absolutely gain all the weight back. This is a tool to help you change your life, but you have to use it properly and put in the effort.