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My Journey!

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Had A Little Scare...

So, yesterday was my last appointment with the surgeon before surgery (see previous blog). I basically met with the surgeon, he had me sign some papers, explained a few things, told me I did NOT need an endoscopy (yay!), and took me off to see the insurance coordinator.   That's when I had my little scare. First she tells me that I will will have to go in for pre op 3 to 4 days before surgery, and that they will call me the Friday before to tell me what time I have to be at the hospital for surgery. THEN she tells me that I have to front 20% of the surgeons fee before the surgery. I'm thinking 1,000's of dollars and I start to freak out on the inside. I just stared at her until I finally stuttered that I didn't think I could come up with 1,000's of dollars in two weeks. She then told me it was only going to be around 250. Thank God!! I almost hyperventilated and felt soooo much relief when she told me that. Not that I enjoy paying 250 either, but it's certainly better than what I thought and better than what a lot of other people have to pay. Other than that, everything seems to be going smoothly. She said that once I'm finished with my last Nutrition class (on the 9th) that she will send everything to the insurance. She said she may also call them ahead of time just to make sure everything is on track. Hopefully THAT goes well. I asked her before if she thought I'd get approved and she said she was almost positive I would. However, still fearful after reading the stories on here. I'm praying hard that the last 6 months don't end up being a waste of time and money!!   After speaking with her, I stopped in to see the nutritionist as I wasn't sure which protein shakes I could have. I have a choice between four: Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, Unjury or GNC 100% Whey. I need to have 6 servings a day for 9 days. As of right now (unless suggested otherwise) I think I'm going to go with GNC. It seems to be the cheapest out of the 4, plus more convenient as there is a store right down the street and I won't have to pay for shipping. Even as the cheapest it's going to cost almost 60 bucks because I need the 5lb jug to get me through the pre op.   I also made my appointment with my primary care doctor for Monday to receive his approval. The insurance coordinator made me feel a little better because she said that they have faxed over all my stuff to him, so I know he knows I'm getting this surgery. It shouldn't be a problem receiving the approval thank goodness.   p.s. While waiting the surgeon, the nurse who took my blood pressure was telling me that she saw a segment about the Sleeve on Goodmorning America that morning! She said it was all positive things. She also said that I was lucky because I'm young, that my skin should bounce back to shape while losing the weight. I know however, that it also depends on genetics, but a girl can hope!! Haha. She also stated that she was going to call in all the medicines I will need to my pharmacy so I won't have to wait for them, just go pick them up. Very nice lady and I'm loving my experience at the center I'm going to!   Seriously excited! Only 16 days away!!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Forget that last blog

In one phone conversation, my feeling of happiness went down the drain. My insurance coordinator just called and told me that my insurance will not approve the sleeve because my BMI is below 50. Why they didn't know that before, I don't know. Surgery is scheduled in 10 days. She said I could make a member appeal...but it's been 6 months already. I just don't know if it's worth it. She said my insurance will cover the band. As of right now, that's the route I'm taking...although I hate it. I'm super scared of the band, but it's either that or nothing. Any ideas will be appreciated. Thanks.
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

4
 

I'm not crazy!!

So my psych eval went like this-I sat down, he asked where I worked and what I did, signed a paper, and out I went. 80 bucks for that??? Actually, I don't mind because I know a lot of people pay more and often have to go to more than one session. I'm thankful that it was painless. I guess I looked and spoke like a normal, logical person. Now I only need to get my primary doctors approval and I'm finished with all the insurance requirements. Yay!! Only 26 days left until surgery!! Tonight I have my second to last Nutritional class. Getting so excited now that I'm nearing the end.    
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

2
 

Nothing to Report

Nothing too exciting going on right now. I've ate like a pig the last couple of days thanks to the bank I work at having customer appreciation week. Cupcakes, candy, pretzels, doughnuts, pizza and muffins all around! Thankfully, I haven't gained (or lost) a single pound. I'm sure it will catch up to me though Next week will be a fresh start. I should be glad that preparing for this surgery has made me more aware of what I eat. Before, I would never even feel guilty about eating like I have the past two days. At least I can recognize the bad habits and learn from them! I'm contemplating starting my pre op diet early. I believe I'm only required to be on it for 10 days, but I may start a week earlier than that. Surgery is only 23 days away!! Sooo excited!!!    
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Only 32 Days!

Not sure if anyone is going to read this, but I figure blogging about my journey will give me something to look back on. It will help me note my progress. Surgery date is still 32 days away. It's the Monday before Thanksgiving. I just weighed myself and am currently at 256 (and that's rounding down). I usually stay around 255. My story is similar to everyone elses so I won't waste time with the details. Let's just say, a lot of time and money spent with very few (if any) results. I'm 27, and I realize I'm not getting any younger. I have been reasonably health, but had a scare that pushed me to start researching weight loss surgery. I'm very glad that I did and I'm extremely excited. Although I'M healthy, my family has a history of diabetes and heart problems and I wanted to nip that in the bud ASAP.   I know a common question among the board is who do you tell about this journey? For the most part, I've told everyone. Everyone I work with, my whole family, and a few close friends. Amazingly, every single person I've told has been extremely supportive. I even told one of my friends (who I thought would react negatively) and she surprised me by being supportive! I feel super blessed to have such great people in my life. However, I have this one close guy friend that for some reason, I can't make myself tell. I do have feelings for him, so maybe that's why? It's been stressing me out a bit, and I'm really hoping that after surgery, he doesn't ask how I lost the weight so quickly. I guess I'll just have to jump that hurdle when I get to it.   Originally, this journey was only supposed to be a 3 month one. However, the doctors confused my insurance, and it ended up being 6 months. Which isn't horrible...I'm just glad I'm getting it done. All of my pre tests are finished (since I orginally thought 3 months, I got right on it) and everything came back wonderfully.   I have my psychiatrist appointment on Monday (the 24th). For those of you that are curious, I only have to pay 80 bucks. He doesn't accept my insurance, but I found him to be cheaper than the ones that do! My sister went to him when she had her bypass surgery a few years ago, and she said it only took a few minutes! I'll make sure to blog about my experience afterwards. I have my last appointment with Dr. K on November 3rd and I still have to get my primary doctors approval. Still two more nutrition classes left! I expect to start my pre op diet on or around November 11th. Not too excited about that, but I am determined to make it through!   Well, that's a lengthy first blog! The others will be shorter.          
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

4
 

Last Nutrition Class + Last Meal

Today I had my final nutrition class! These past 6 months have flew by! The classes were really helpful and I intend to apply all I learned there to help my weight loss after surgery. Tonight I am going out with a couple of friends to Olive Garden. I start my pre op diet Friday, and I know I won't be able to eat normally for a couple of months. I figured I'd take the opportunity to enjoy some OG! I'm excited! For those of you that read this and have been through surgery already, I had a quick question about the hair loss situation. I've been trying to prepare myself for it and I'll be able to handle my hair "thinning out". However, does it get so bad that bald spots start showing up? The idea is freaking me out :/ Thanks to this board, I now know that Biotin, MSM, and keeping my protein up may slow it down. I'm just wondering how it worked for others. Thanks!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

19 Days (reminding myself)

Only 19 days until surgery! I feel like today is the first day that every time I think about the surgery, I get a weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Not that I'm second guessing myself, I guess it's just anxious energy. I do have to remind myself occasionally why I am going this route. All my tests came back good, I have no sleep apnea, no heart problems, nothing wrong with me that people would usually relate to being obese. I'm sure those problems would probably come later though. However, I have noticed a lot lately that when I start to walk after sitting for a while, my legs hurt. I feel like I'm limping a little until my legs get used to it. It's a very odd feeling and I've only noticed it for the past few months or so. Has anyone else experienced this? Also, I helped out with a childrens Halloween party on Sunday, and that night, I felt like EVERYTHING hurt (thanks to a lively game of Simon Says) and I was extremely tired the next day. One of the main reasons I am doing this, is because I desperately want to have children one day. Sorry for the TMI, but there was a time when about 3 months went by and I didn't have my period. I am usually pretty regular and got really spooked. Hence the reason I started to research WLS. I am a bit anxious for reactions I may receive after surgery but I'll jump that hurdle when I get to it. Well I guess that's it for now.
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Always a Bridesmaid...

So yesterday I was asked to be in a wedding that's happening in January. I'm excited because I'm hoping that I will have lost at least 50 pounds by then. I want to look good. This will be the 3rd wedding I'm in, and I've always felt like a stuffed sausage in the bridesmaid dresses. Hopefully, this time, it will be different. Plus, it's a black dress so even better! Do you think 50 pounds is realistic? I begin my pre op diet this Friday and am on it for 10 days. It seems the average is 20 pounds on the pre op. I have surgery on the 21st, so that gives me almost 2 months (the wedding is January 18th) to lose even more. I'm hoping to start exercising ASAP after the surgery to kick my weightloss up to over average. This is the first time I'm actually excited to be in a wedding. Haha. I have the appointment with my primary care doctor in an hour to get the approval for surgery. Hopefully I'll be in and out. I really don't like him. The only things I have left to do after today is my last nutrition class on Wednesday, start my pre op diet on Friday, go do that pre surgery stuff, then it's the main event! It's so hard to believe I've come this far! Can't wait to become healthier and happier with my new self!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

The Scale is My Enemy

So the scale went up the .2 pounds to 257. SO DEPRESSING! I just set a goal for myself. Lose 10 pounds BEFORE Pre Op (November 11th). I have my next Nutrition class on Tuesday...maybe I can lose a couple of pounds by then. We'll see! I hope to be 30 pounds lighter by time of surgery (November 21st...A MONTH FROM TOMORROW!!). My mom brought up leakage this morning. Now I'm starting to get concerned. I really hope things go smoothly for me with little to no complications.                
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

1
 

Last "Official" Doctor Appointment Before Surgery!

I'm so excited! Today at 1PM I will have my last "official" appointment with my bariatric surgeon before surgery! I'm hoping today I get a lot of questions answered. I've heard a lot of people talking about getting a endoscopy but my doctor hasn't even mentioned it once. It's a little annoying because my surgery is only 17 days away and I know I may have to take off work for this. I feel like there are a lot of things I still don't know. My surgery is on a Monday, so I'm wondering if they will be doing the endoscopy and blood tests the day before, which is a Sunday. Oh well. I should get answers today. I'm also wondering if I should maybe start the pre op diet early...or at least, part of it. I haven't really lost (or gained) any weight since I started this journey 6 months ago so I figure the more weight I lose now, the better. I probably won't do the extreme, just two protein shakes and a normal meal. These are all the random thoughts running through my head! I still have the worry that I'll get all this done, and they come back and tell me the insurance won't cover it. The office I go to seems so unconcerned with this, that it has made me unconcerned as well. But I've heard horror stories on here and now I'm starting to worry a bit. I don't understand why they would schedule the surgery if they were uncertain about me getting approved. Another worry of mine. The doctor I usually go to has left the practice so the last couple of times I've gone, I've went to someone new. I don't like him, and he doesn't really know me. I doubt he even knows I'm getting this surgery done. I'm slightly worried he won't approve me for this surgery. But considering his old partner is the one who referred me, he probably can't. Has anyone not been given their primary doctors approval? Just curious! Alright...well that's enough of my ranting for today! I may blog again once I get back from the appointment.
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Sooo happy!

Today I feel happy and excited! Two of my close friends cleared their schedules for me last minute last night to go out to dinner with me. They knew it would be a while before I would be able to go out, as I start my pre op diet tomorrow. Also, one of my friends is doing the pre op diet with me. I feel like I have an awesome support system in place! I am having zero doubts about getting this surgery and am 100% confident in my choice to do it. I have a feeling the next 10 days will zoom by!
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Psych Eval today!

It was a rough weekend and has been a rough morning. Thankfully, I finish up work in about an hour, then I head off to my psych eval! I have no idea what to expect, but I'll make sure to blog about my experience tomorrow. Only 27 days until surgery!!  
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
 

Only One Month Away!!!

In exactly one month from today, I will be having the surgery that will change my life forever! I CAN'T wait!!! So excited! And in other good news, I am down 2.2 pounds from yesterday. Not sure how it happened (did have a lighter breakfast this morning) but I hope I can keep it going! Only 7.8 pounds to go to meet my November 11th goal of 10 pounds.  
legnarevocrednu

legnarevocrednu

0
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