wondering1

Some of you all are quick but mine seemed to have taken FOREVER. My seminar was 4/28/11 and my surgery date is not until 8/9/11. 103 days.

Can I ask when you had your sleeve done? This is a great story!

Keep going Rootman! You're an inspiration!

Thank you for posting. You've helped all of us see what we have to look forward to.

Was it a 7 week stall or a 7 month stall? Seven months seems like a really long stall? Did you call the doc or see the nutritionist during those months?

Thanks for posting your experiences. Gives me something to refer to when I go through this.

I have Aetna also. That 2009 weight is NOT going to hurt you. Have you been submitted for approval?

We're leaving town tomorrow to take a short vacation. Flying Southwest. This may sound crazy but I'm not afraid of flying as much as I am afraid of being embarrassed at the airport. I've seen so much lately about Southwest humiliating obese passengers. Yes, I am obese, I am 5'5 and weigh 272lbs. My husband and daughter are going on vacation too and they are average weight. My plan is for us to sit in all 3 seats that are together and my "spill over" will be on them, not a stranger. But I'm still worried about being embarrassed. Can anyone relate? How would you handle it if an agent approached you? What should I do? Thanks for any advice. And no, I don't have the money to buy a 4th seat.

Hi Everyone, thanks for your comments. Pete, good for you that you carry your weight so well. I wish I did. My hubby sat next to me and I definitely encroached on him Gemintherough- I didn't need the extension so it's really doubtful you will need it at 260. SleeveGirl-I'm hoping not to be this big the next time I fly but I will think about what you said. And Nraeh- sorry you went through that. And thank you guys for the support!

Thank you both for your replies. On the plane now. Boarded with no problems but I still asked for a seatbelt extender as soon as I boarded just to avoid being embarrassed.

Yes! I obsess about this all the time. I actually stay home more often now then ever before because I can't wait for people to see the NEW me. Not the same old fat ass me. Isn't that stupid? Surgery still 3 weeks away.

Thank u for sharing! I really enjoyed reading your story. Congratulations on your success. You've really done great job with this tool.

I'm actually afraid of this too. I dont have a lot that I love about myself physically but my hair is one of the things that I always get complimented on. I was hoping it wasn't going o fall out. Sounds like you did and are doing all you could to prevent it. I guess it's just something we'll all have to go through. Think of it this way: Your hair will come back but your weight won't! Now that's worth it. Hang in there!

I am having my sleeve done August 9th and I'm very excited!

Bryn, Sending lots of love, hugs and prayer your way. Can't wait to talk to you again once you've been sleeved. Let me know every single detail. Leave nothing out! I'm so excited for you.

I'm all set to be sleeved on 8/9. I've been reading articles non stop on this procedure. CBS news reports in 2004 that many people are dead 5 years from their surgery date. Of course the cause of death is never listed as complications from WLS but usually cardiac arrest. The article says this is directly related to complications such as malnutrition, leaks, infections developing late, etc. I really want to have this surgery but I don't want to live just another 5 years. I want another 40! So tell me, those of you that are post-op, am I being silly worrying about this?

Glad to hear it! Congratulations!

I've heard that there are people on this board who had this surgery years ago but I never see any if their posts. Are you still out there and doing great???

Can you Please share a link where you are getting this information? Thanks.

Praying for your quick and wonderful recovery!

So I went for my last pulmonology appointment today to get my clearance for surgery. All of the sudden I have "sleep apnea". I'm so pissed off. I actually wonder if Sleep Apnea is overdiagnised. I feel like WLS surgery is big business and all of these specialists just want their cut of the money. I don't know any other people who had to have 4 pulmonary and 4 cardiology appointments. And no, all these appointments are not required by my insurance. And my surgeon only requires the clearances. I feel like all these so called specialists just want to bill my insurance repeatedly. So now I have to have another sleep study tomorrow night wearing a mask. I'm really kinda pissed. Thanks for listening.

Escape Pod-so otherwise how did it go and how are you doing? Samantha-thanks for sharing your experiences

Please update us on how you're doing. I'm praying for you.

Yup. You have to do the supervised diet thing. It's really not that bad and will be over before you know it. If you have Blue Cross, it will be 6 months. If you have Aetna, it will be 12 weeks. And ask if you have to lose a certain amount of weight on this program. Many times you don't but there are occasions where it's required. Congratulations on your decision and good luck!

I have Aetna and they require a 12 week supervised diet. It is the easiest thing to do. They also want some documentation of your highest weight for the last two years and your other documented attempts at weight loss (Weight Watchers, going through your doctor, Adkins, Slim Fast, whatever. The 12 weeks isn't really that long when you consider Blue Cross asks for 6 months. Good Luck!