to do or not to do... again

Thanks to all *****sponded to my last post! I've been watching the changes in insurance coverage over the years, and the procedural change in RNY when it became possible to do minimally invasive surgery. I've talked to my insurance company, and I have an awesome PCP who I'm fairly certain will have the necessary documentation, we talk diet every time I see him. I quit smoking on Jan 1 knowing (I think) that I was headed down this road... I made an appointment with a surgeon for next week, I will actually get a consult with him, anyone know DR Zeni and team at St Mary Mercy Livonia? I have a friend who is a surgical nurse there who thinks very highly of him... also, What is the pre op and post op diet like, frankly I've found very little on either in my research... Thanks Again!

Lexia, cannot comment on the doctor, but as to pre-op diet-all i had to do was liquids 24-48 hours before, piece of cake. afterwards it can be frustrating, taking it slowly, you get bored with the progression of eating, but you have to keep your eyes on the solution. follow whatever YOUR doctor tells you, and be patient and you will do great. it is something I have no regrets about.good luck to you in your journey! teri

None? Here's a couple of questions... I completely understand the seriousness of this decision, I've been agonizing for years! One of my questions seems so bizarre though. Will (post- op) I ever be normal? I understand many supplements and cautious eating, but say two or three years down the road will I be able to have a glass or two of wine and a shrimp or cracker at a party? Not like I eat and drink now, but like other people do? Is that how it is for you now? I love spicy food, will that ever be an option? I've researched the procedure to death, these are the kinds of questions I can't put to rest.

Yes, you'll be normal again. At least as normal as you can be with a very small stomach. But what you'll be like in a couple years will seem pretty normal. My sister has RNY 5 years ago. My mom had RNY 3 years ago. When the 3 of us go out to lunch, we basically order the same thing and eat it. For instance I went to lunch with my mom the other day to Subway. She had a half a sub. So did I. We both finished our meal. Obviously there will be things you won't be able to eat. Some people become lactose intolerant. Some people just can't deal with certain foods (my sister doesn't eat rice any more). But from what I'm told, those minor sacrifices are worth it for the payoff. I would highly recommend purchasing "Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies". It's an excellent book and covers every question you could ever think of -- and a lot of questions you never knew you had. It's a great resource with all the information in one place at your finger tips and it's written by experts. They have pre-op and post-op diets for the different types of surgery and what you can expect to be eating at the different stages of your eating. It's general, but at least it gives you an pretty good picture of what to expect. It also has a lot of great recipes in the back. Good luck! Pam

Lexia, there are very few things that i do not eat. i am not a real drinker, but i will have a few sips of a beer ocassionally. i eat most things, i will not eat sweets, because they were my downfall before surgery and i dont want to let myslef go there and chance messing things up. i love chips and salsa, halapeno's, etc. you should be able to eat most things, just in smaller amounts. the only thing that has made me sick was combining some amish friendship bread and drinking orange juice, sugar overload and i dumped for the first time since surgery. wont go there again! email me if you want to and we can talk more! teri

Hello Lexia, Normal hmmmmmmmmmmmmm what's that??? No really we are all different with what are bodies can handle after surgery. I will share with you what I am able to handle after alittle over a year since Open RNY. I can eat spicy food, I can have a couple beers or a couple glasses of wine. When I say a couple this over a long stretch of time like 4-6 hours. I have eaten shrimp since 4months out of surgery. I have no problems with food at all well...... fried food yes. I stay away from them oh the gas from that is enough to kill ya. But I have no problems going to a party and finding something I can eat. I have lost 104 pounds and feel awesome & I feel so blessed I have had no problems so far. By no means has this been a smooth ride or easy......... but as long as you follow the rules and do what the doc tells you to , you will do fine. After the 1st year you will look back and say wow that was worth it. Good luck to you, DeAnn

Pre-op diet for Michigan Bariatric Institute (Dr. Zeni) is 1000 calories max a day for a week to shrink the liver. You can do it with real food or with a program like Optifast, it's up to you. Post op in four stages. A week of clear liquid (including hospital time), a week of full liquids, two weeks of smushy stuff and then the way you will eat for the rest of your life. You will use high protein drinks for some of your protein, you'll get lots of training and advice in the two pre-surgery trainings. My info is based on rny surgery with Dr. Zeni and the crew last year. You will see the doctor and the dietician for regular appointments after surgery (one week, one month, three months, six months, a year) and they are great about answering all kinds of questions by phone and email. Paula Magid runs the program and is one of us, so she really understands the situation. As I said in my email, there is little drama and excellent education and care with Dr Zeni. Good support group meetings monthly as well. And sign up for a bari partner. That will be someone else from the program who has already been through the stages you are dealing with. Yes, I would go back to Dr. Zeni.

My daughter works at St Mary's and can not say ENOUGH GOOD things about Dr Zeni. He is highly looked at. I was unable to go to him due to insurance.