Haven't answered a question like this one in a long time! For *me* there are only two types of surgery I believe are worth having. The DS and the sleeve. As mentioned, a DS is a sleeve with an extra malabsorbtion kick from the intestinal rerouting. When it comes between the two I would say that if you have a LOT of weight to lose and you WILL 100% be compliant with your vitamins then the DS is the way to go. It is hands down the surgery that will help you keep lots of weight off long term. If you are a bit of a lightweight and don't want to mess with malabsorbtion, or are not the type to remember to take all your vites than the sleeve is the way to go. I was young, like you, and was a lightweight so I had the sleeve. I lost to my goal weight in about 5 months and have gone under but never over since. I am 4.75 years out now. I still have restriction and still maintain easily.

Ouch I didn't catch that.  OP you definitely do not want to try to get pregnant before 18 months out. 

Congratulations on your surgery date! I am pre-op so I can't speak from experience but I'm sure you will be fine. There is plenty of positive reinforcement here. Try not to dwell on the horror stories too much and be sure to ask your dr. if you have any questions or concerns.

Best wishes!

Shanita

I had naturally low BP already, but when my sodium got low, I had a few fainting spells.  I got more generous with eating salt and the problems went away.

Everyone is different, but the most common causes are:

Processed carbs (sugar and flour items)
Artificial Sweeteners
Lactose intolerance (may be just some, not all dairy - but may include whey protein drinks)

OR---- it may be that your intestinal bacteria is out of balance.  If I know that I KNOW I haven't eaten anything to cause the gas and I'm getting it bad, then I know it's time to eat more yogurt.  This is all I need to do to prevent it.  Others take a probiotic pill instead.

Are you getting enough probiotics?  Some people take pills to keep their intestinal bacteria in balance, while others like me get the benefit from daily yogurt.  Bypass and DS patients have a tendency for intestinal bacteria to get out of balance, sometimes to the point of infection, and the symptoms are what you describe.  You may want to be tested for a bacterial infection  in your bowels (c-diff is one of them).  A round of anti-biotics followed by a new pattern of daily probiotics may be all you need.

You can only eat that much because it's only about as big as your stomach is now.  There are some tricks though:

1) stick to the tenderest types of protein, especially meats.  I'm talking slow cooked like roasted chicken and pot roasts, stews, stuff like that.  Chicken breast is especially filling because it's so dry.  Instead, go to dark meat.  Try the boneless skinless thighs if you must go that route.  I find it more tender on the bone, though.  

For veggies, you want to almost overcook them for a bit to get them tender.  Be sure you're taking a multi vitamin to make up for the nutrition you're missing from food, though.  

Your stomach will stretch over the years.  I can eat about 6oz in a sitting now.  It's 3x what I started with 7.5 years ago, however way less than the average bear, so I eat more often than 3 meals.   It works for me.

First off IF you are pregnant breathe and call your surgeon and get an experienced high risk OB/GYN.  You are not the first one to get pregnant early out and I'm sure won't be the last (as I said IF you are).

The lady that had surgery the same day as I did with the same surgeon (surgery twins) got pregnant at 3 months out.  Definitely not recommended but it happened.  She went on to have a VERY healthy 8 lb. baby boy, gained 20 lbs during the pregnancy then after delivering lost all that plus got to goal.

She had her second baby at 2 1/2 years post-op.  Again, I don't recommend it happening AND there could be some complications (be proactive) but should you be pregnant it doesn't mean it WILL be filled with problems.

I did things a little backward.  I too had moved, and hadn't yet got around to finding a PCP, but decided I was finally ready to jump right onto the surgery path.  I knew that my ins. had a 12 month program to follow, so I also had some time.  I found the surgeon I wanted first, and got that ball rolling.  Then I found a PCP, got established and started working on my A1C (I am a horrible diabetic patient), and told her of my surgery plans for the get go. 

So the short answer is yes, you can contact a surgeon first.  In fact, they can often times refer you to a PCP who is knowledgable in the ways of WLS.

Good Luck to you