Not sure if I am ready?

Hi forum!

 

Long time lurker, first time poster.

 

I have been going through the process of getting surgery in Ontario, Canada. 

A bit about me:

 

29 F, non smoker, non drinker

Weight (September/16): 305lbs

Height: 5'11

Co-morbidities:

DM Type 2 (Summer 2014) last A1C: 8.2

Hypertension (Summer 2013)

Sleep apnea (Summer 2013)

Progress so far:

August 22, 2014 - Referral to Weight Management Clinic (Civic Hospital, Ottawa)

Jan 16, 2015 - Info session

April 20, 2015 - Initial Assessment

June 4, 2015 - Abdominal ultrasound (clear)

June 26, 2015 - Endoscopy (found ulcer)

August 4, 2015 - Dietitian/Behaviourist (work on increasing protein, take multivitamin + D3)

August 23, 2015 - Endoscopy #2 (ulcer gone!)

I was supposed to have a follow up with Dietitian/Behaviourist in fall 2015, but I went through a bit of a depression and took time to go to counselling and get myself back on track. I contacted the Clinic again in August 2016 and they reactivated my file. Since then I have had:

July 11, 2016 - Pre-surgery 1 class

October 24, 2016 - Second Assessment

December 7, 2016 - Dietitian/Behaviourist

I still struggle to reach my protein intake, but have been doing better with tracking my food (My Fitness Pal at least 5 days/week) and my blood sugar (MySugr app to track - need my A1C to be under 8.8 for surgery).

I feel emotionally ready and I understand the lifelong commitment surgery requires, but I am wondering if I am on track to get approved for surgery.

How were you all doing before getting approval?  

Everyone's insurance is different. Mine required 3 months of dietician visits along with all the other pre-op exams. Sounds like you are doing well so far. You got this!

Have you checked out the Ontario board? Your system is really unlike anything we have here.

Grim is right. You'll get more feedback on the Ontario forum. I had my surgery at the civic. But take what I say with a grain of salt. My process was straightforward and I don't have depression.

My understanding is depression won't affect your approval. What they will be looking for is that it is managed, and you have the supports you need in place to be successful post op. (And if you don't, that still doesn't preclude you from surgery, it just might take longer as they work with you to get those things in place)

as far as nutrition is concerned, I believe they are looking for continuous improvement, not perfection. 

But everything I have read emphasizes the importance of sufficient protein levels. I think you need to focus your energy on figuring out why you aren't able to increase your levels. generally low protein means you are probably eating more carbs, which will affect your success post op.

You will want to get a handle on that before surgery. 

Good luck!

Yes join us on the Ontario forum!

I recently had my surgery in Toronto.

It was pretty smooth sailing.  For nutrition they are just looking for you to be willing to make changes.  Do you feel you are ready?  If you feel ready then plow on ahead.

I was not entirely sure till right up after the surgery lol.  But I have great supports and no issues with health of any kind (other than being fat)  So far no regrets.

why do you struggle to get  protein in?