Shemy-away

Well said and this statement will be my motto from now on. I understand we fight our demons forever. Wishing you the best of luck.

Ms diva, should I exercise while on my pre op? I already feel a little weak and I expected that but if it helps shrink the liver I'll do it. Thanks!

No problem! 1. Your PCM doesnt have to write much on the referral. If your PCM and you agree to it, the bariatric team usually welcomes you with open arms. As long as you meet the required BMI or BMI with comorbidities, you shouldn't have any trouble. 2. This depends on the facility and you. My process took a while because I had to get all of the tests done while attending nursing school, then Bethesda and WR were going through the BRAC nonsense so that took even longer, which is why I ended up down in Portsmouth. You may have better luck at Bethesda since they've finished moving. If you start now, you have a good chance of getting a summer date DEPENDING on their waiting list. 3. The facility is very nice. I've always been impressed with it. I've never been an inpatient there, but I will tell you about my experience after the 6th. I'm with Dr. Mann and I believe Dr. Linn is the surgeon at Bethesda.

That is amazing! Congratulations on all your success!!

Hope all is well!! Speedy recovery for you!

Thank you so much for your support. Your words really are powerful like everyone has said. I felt really calm once I read them. I will be reaching out ot you as well through my journey. Allie, CONGRATS!! I'm right behind you!

Missmarbe, I'm in an accelerated program too! Dom1985, how are things?

Tiffykins is the Tricare Guru, but I will try to answer as much as I can. I am Tricare standard as well and I'm in DC at Bethesda. I'm having my surgery in Portsmouth because Bethesda couldn't seem to get their act together. 1. You have to have a PCM. They required it at Bethesda and Portsmouth so I'm assuming its standard across the board. Your PCM will coordinate everything and is the one who has to refer you for VSG. 2.I'm not sure about them doing a revision, but if you've been having so many complications with the band, I don't see why they wouldn't. That is something you would have to discuss with the surgeon. 3. I'm not sure about this one. I don't remember ever seeing a list of MTF's that perform Bariatrics. I already knew that WR/Bethesda had a program and I heard about Portsmouth from a friend. The most important thing is making sure you will be allowed to travel to an MTF if the one closest to you does not have a program. It took me being really assertive (thanks to a push from TIffykins) and calling Portsmouth myself and asking. I hope it works out, and you can PM me if you want to vent or talk!

I'm scared of complications keeping me from graduating. I'm having this done during my spring break. I'm in my final semester of nursing school and it should have been done last year, but I was having a lot of issues with my previous surgeon that I had to switch. So that is my biggest fear, not the surgery itself. I'm looking forward to it actually :wub: just not the unknown, as Suzannesh stated.

Hi Everyone!! I'm getting sleeved 3/6. What I am doing this week: 1. Doing all of the studying/projects/research I can get out of the way for school 2. Making travel plans. I am being sleeved in Portsmouth VA, and we live in DC. 3. Making sure I have everything I will need for surgery (heating pad, comfy clothes, etc.) 4. FREAKING OUT, then calming down, the FREAKING out. Seems to be pattern lately

good luck! I can't wait to see your progress!

Congratulations!! My day is March 6! I'll be looking for you on the other side!

You've put into words my feelings without even knowing me. You have a gift! Keep pushing, you are an inspiration!

Thanks for the repy. It's risky but it gives us hope. He's always had trouble with that pesky taping. He's not unfit by any means, passes all of his tests, his "weight problem" doesn't affect his work at all, but he's extremely muscular and has trouble knocking off those last 10. Hopefully the military will get it together soon enough to stop loosing all of these potential leaders due to outdated weight standards.

Congrats on your surgery! Im wondering if you would get in any trouble if your command found out because my husband wants it but the docs here at Bethesda were very stern and said if someone active duty tried to get it they would be kicked out. I'm not wishing that on you, but I really would like my husband to have the same opportunity that I have to get my weight under control.

"And wish the flees of a thousand camels infest her pants" <----- That is HILARIOUS!

I know this isn't the topic, but 8 MONTH liquid diet??? Wowzers! OP, I wish you a speedy recovery!!

Well said. I will try to cut the cord Tuesday when I start my 2 week liquid diet, unless i REALLy need some motivation!