The Bariatric Surgery Journey: Because I’m a Ferrari, and It Takes a Full Pit Crew

Hey there, fellow warriors of health and humor! Welcome back to Sick Girl Diaries, where we take the wild ride of managing chronic health conditions and make it sound (almost) fun. Today, we’re diving into the next step of my bariatric surgery journey, and let me tell you—this process is as detailed as my food-tracking app.

If you thought this surgery was just about getting a smaller stomach, buckle up! It’s way more involved, especially when you’re a Ferrari like me. Yep, my recovery is going to be longer because of all the fancy ailments I bring to the table. Let’s walk through the process and why my pit stop might last longer than everyone else’s!

Step 1: Meet the Surgeon and Nutritionist (AKA Your New Dream Team)

First things first—you’ll meet the bariatric surgeon. This person is the mechanic who’s going to work on that stomach engine. Then, you’ll meet the real VIP: your nutritionist. The nutritionist doesn’t just give you a meal plan; they’re like the ultimate food whisperer who will tell you exactly what your body needs pre-and post-surgery.

For me, this isn’t a simple low-carb, high-protein deal. Oh no. I’m on a mission to hit 1200-1500 calories, drink 64 oz of sugar-free liquids (which is tricky because I can’t do most sugar-free products due to my aspartame allergy), and aim for 80-120 grams of protein a day. The goal? Keeping this Ferrari fueled without making the wheels fall off. Trust me, protein is the secret sauce here. Not only does it help build muscle, but for us ladies, it’s crucial to avoid losing so much hair post-op (and yes, we’ll be talking about my current hair loss situation in another post soon—stay tuned!).

Step 2: Bariatric Support Meetings (No, You Can’t Skip Them)

You can’t just sign up for surgery like it’s a spin class. Nope! You need to attend bariatric support meetings, and they’re mandatory. These meetings prepare you for what’s coming, from the joys of pre-op liquid diets to the trials of life after surgery. It’s a great way to meet others on the same journey, share tips, and most importantly—realize you’re not alone when you’re staring down a tiny portion of mashed cauliflower thinking, “This is it?”

Step 3: Meet the Full Pit Crew of Doctors (Because Ferraris Need Extra Care)

Since I’m not your run-of-the-mill patient, my journey includes extra specialists. In addition to the usual doctors—like cardiologists to check my heart, and vascular specialists to make sure my veins are roadworthy—I also need to see my Endocrinologist (because, well, hormones are tricky), and my Hematologist (because my blood is basically a diva). Oh, and don’t forget the Bariatric Therapist—they’re there to make sure my mental state is prepped for this big life change.

And because of all these extra bells and whistles, my recovery will take longer than the average patient’s. I might even have to stay in the hospital longer post-op. That’s right—while other people are getting wheeled out after a few days, I’ll still be cruising the hospital halls like the VIP I am. Why? Because I’m a Ferrari, and Ferraris don’t do quick pit stops.

Step 4: Track Your Life on the Baritastic App (The Lifesaver for Post-Op)

Here’s where things get real: tracking your food and fluids is essential before and after surgery. I use the Baritastic app, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. This app tracks everything—calories, protein, water intake, even your bathroom habits (yep, that’s right, poops included). It’s like having a personal assistant who reminds you to drink water, eat your protein, and check your weight.

You can also set goals and log your weight, which your dietician can access to keep you on track. For someone like me, who’s allergic to aspartame, I have to be extra careful with my liquid intake, and this app is my lifeline. After surgery, the app becomes even more critical as you’ll need to track protein, vitamins, and all the other goodies that keep you healthy. (And yes, there will be more on my hair loss adventure and how I’m handling that in another post—look for it here and over on my other blog, MS Coast Girl!)

Conclusion: A Ferrari Needs a Plan, Not Just a Pit Stop

So there you have it—the step-by-step process of getting ready for bariatric surgery. It’s not just about shrinking your stomach; it’s about prepping your body for a major life overhaul. From support meetings to doctor visits with my specialist squad, I’ve got my hands full. And don’t forget the Baritastic app, your new best friend for food tracking, water intake, and everything in between.

Remember, this isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey. And if you’re like me, with a body that requires premium fuel and extra TLC, the road might be longer, but it’s worth it. So stay tuned for more updates, especially about hair loss—because, trust me, we’re in this for the long haul.