Catracks

There was a time when I knew I was overweight, but not yet unhappy with myself. You are right to be weighing this. This is irreversible. If you are not ready and have no health problems, do not be afraid to put it off. As an analogy, think about this as you would marriage. Isn't it better to call it off even the night before then go through with something that you might regret. Now me -- I know I'm ready. Yes, I have these little niggling thoughts about never being able to pig out again, but then those thoughts are squashed by the fact that I know I will still be able to enjoy food -- just a lot less of it. I dream about fitting into the nice clothes I used to wear. I dream of being able to hike to the tops of mountains again. I dream about being able to ride without straining the poor horse. I dream of getting on rollercoasters without wondering if they will be able to secure me. I dream of wearing a bathing suit and going boogie-boarding. I dream of being able to go to a wedding or a party without freaking out over how I look. I dream of being able to slide effortlessly into a booth. I dream of a day when my high blood pressure, sleep apnea, pre-diabetes and fatty liver disease will disappear. You may not have these now, but they will come. You do have a lot to think about.

@Mel - I think for the majority of people it all works out. I guess I was a little upset, but actually it works out. I can enjoy Christmas and start my pre-op diet on the 28th. It seems right to make the big change with the new year. Yes, that is a lot of stuff. I've been working on it since my first surgical consult back in September.

In my case the insurance coordinator sent everything off and I waited 2 weeks with no answer, Call the insurance company. They said they didn't get it. Called the surgical coordinator. She said she's send it again. Waited another 2 weeks to find out that they got it the first time after all and approved it before they sent the second package. Whatever. It's done.

LMAO - "Shart" not funny when it happens to you though huh?

My one major complaint is that the dang protein powders are SO EXPENSIVE! Buy online and use promotional codes.

The surgeon has very specific guidelines. I bought 2 flavors of Vitamin D soft chews at Walmart (chocolate and caramel). I have seen some soft chews in flavors of raspberry, lemon and orange cream. Hey, If you have to take these for life, you may as well enjoy. 2x daily. I also bought a children's chewable multi with 15mg of Iron. A sleever with a lot of experience said get Cetrum chewables and stay away from the Flintstones. sublingual B-12 Max Protein in vanilla and chocolate from SEI Pharmaceuticals. This brand was recommended to me. I just gort them last night. I smelled them and they do smell good. Not only can you use the powder for shakes, you can also bake with it. Isopure unflavored whey isolate Protein Powder - unflavored to mix in Soups, chili and puddings. Careful. Unflavored doesn't mean no flavor. sugar free Torani syrups, Crystal lite packs, SF Jello and SF jello pudding and frozen fruit to flavor the Protein Shakes. Unlike many I plan to continue with protein shakes (one a day) even after I get on real food. Broths, SF popsicles and Crystal Lite for pre-op and post-op clear liquid diet. Foods for mushy stage like refried Beans, cream soups, bean soups, etc. Compiled lists for my notebook: Nutritionists directions (70 gram of protein a day, etc.), what to bring to the hospital, lists of what to buy at each phase, sleeve friendly recipes and Protein shake recipes, etc. Moved all my weights, mats, exercise videos (Tae Bo is fun) into the living/family room). A scale, a 1.5 cup mini food processor for pureeing, a blender and assorted tupperware, shaker bottles and a bento lunch box for good portion control. For recovery: A heating pad, chapstick and small stomach pillow and Gas-X. I have been doing research for months. There are a lot of good blogs out there. I suggest Theworldaccordingtoeggface.com. She had gastric bypass, but her tips and recipes fit well for sleeve lifestyle. I am using the wisdom of those who have gone before me. You really should get samples of the protein powders before you buy in bulk. One person's taste is not like another's.

I know EXACTLY how you feel. This was the most stressful time for me. I was barely able to get a hold of my surgical coordinator. The from office staff seems to be under general orders not to let people speak to them. I felt bad calling her because not only do they have to collect all your paperwork and deal with quirky insurance companies, they also have to schedule surgeries with an anesthesiologist and sometimes an assisting surgeon in a hospital with multiple other surgeries going on. I think that sometimes things fall through the crack. Keep on it and in the meantime busy yourself with getting all those Vitamins, Protein powders and things you will need pre-op, for surgery and after. It will keep you busy and focused.

I have to admit that I was sceptical about having the surgery in Mexico. If my insurance wouldn't cover it I was looking into self-pay there. From reading about the TJ and Mexicali surgeons from people on this board, I find that I am somewhat jealous because I will be here in So. Cal. for mine. Yes, I've had the naysayers, but we all know that this is our best shot for life.

How did your dad get into the procedure room? Is he an MD?

My poor tonsils are torn to shreds. Never did get them out. My daughter on the other hand got hers out. They were so huge they took up most of her throat.

My diet is Protein shakes and clear liquids only also. The nutritionist had no imagination and said to add nothing but Water and Crystal light to the Protein Powder. Go the Theworldaccordingtooeggface.com and check out her Protein shake recipes. Heck, check out the whole blog. She is gastric bypass, but the diet is very similar. Oh, I was told to start my Vitamin regime (Calcium, multi, B-12)

I guess I'm more afraid of dying from a stroke or heart attack or dying from complication of diabetes than I am of the surgery. It also helps that I have been put under a number of times (twice for major abdominal surgery). Yes, there is a slight risk associated with any procedure, but these surgeons do this procedure frequently. This is how it was with my daughter with the earlier surgeries. I involved her in the preparations, e.g. You can have him help get the foods you need pre and post-op, explain what this surgery will do for you, explain that he was the man of the house (prior to your remarriage) and although he has help now, that you are counting on him. My daughter always rose the occasion and felt proud to be considered so capable. Of course all kids are different and your mileage will vary, but I wouldn't keep him in the dark. Maybe a dad off school with a relative wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Were you awake for it? If so you got gypped out of a whole day of slight euphoria. Propofol just affects me that way. It's also sort of a game to me to try to see how fast I can come out of anesthesia.

I payed $200 for the nutrition class and will pay $1500 for a lifetime of support classes and followup. Support groups meet on Monday nights. Neither are covered by insurance.

I go on my liquid diet on the 28th. I have to go easy through the holidays. What I really want to find are some good clear broths to sip on. The stuff in the cans leaves a bit to be desired. I'm thing Thai chili lemon grass. Boy, I hope my sleeve loves spicy.

Glad to hear it. I've been opened up twice (one c-section and 1 myomectomy). Pain wasn't really an issue, but the time to where I felt normal was quite a long time. As in those surgeries, walking is the key to faster recovery.

The surgeon's front office will not let me speak the the scheduler and they have left me hanging for more than 2 weeks. I've done all the pre-op tests, gotten all the approvals. This is so frustrating! Anybody else in this boat. Don't they want my business? I guess I'm just a number to them, but this is my LIFE!

I hated to bug the surgical coordinator, but apparently if you can catch her she will make things happen :-) I'm scheduled for January 11th!! My pre-op diet starts on the 28th of December. I'm so excited to get started!!! At least the pre-op diet starts after Christmas. It will be all protein shakes, clear broth and crystal light.

I got mine done on a Saturday. They put me under and I was in sort of a nice haze for the rest of the day :-)

Just got my date! It's January 11th!!! I'm so excited!!!!!

I would be VERY happy for a reduction from 40D to 32B. My husband wouldn't be too thrilled, but these things get in the way of everything!

I have knee pain (prior surgery), the beginnings or arthritis in my back, eczema on my legs, pre-diabetic, fatty liver and gallstones. Sister, I am a mess and I feel your pain. Neither my nutrition appointment ($120) or psych eval ($250) were covered by insurance. I also have to pay $1500 for a lifetime of support, counseling, etc. A support group meets every Monday. Also, my PPO insurance pays only 90% with a $300 deductible. I hate the price, but in the grand scheme of things, it's a deal! Hang in there!

The insurance approval was the most stressful for me, but I think for most people the insurance approval runs smoothly.

I just found out that I was approved today! I know how you feel. I feel like dancing! Now I just need that surgery date!

Insurance companies that in effect force people NOT to lose weight to qualify or have arbitrary disqualifications (mine says that you cannot be diabetic over age 45) should be ashamed of themselves. Oh gee, you went from a 40 BMI to 39. DENIED! -- STUPID!!