kari61

Hi everyone..My name is Kari and I am 51 years old. I've been trying to get approved to have the surgery for over a year now and finally just got the approval on Monday! I am excited and nervous at the same time..My surgery date is April 2nd. Last year when I first decided to get the surgery I had decided on the lap band, since that time after further discussions with my surgeon and reading these boards I have now decided on getting the sleeve..I hope I am making the right decision. My family isn't very supportive of my decision on the sleeve instead but I'm hoping this decision is right for me.They can't understand why I would want to remove part of my stomach if I don't need to with the band. I'm done trying to explain it to them and just hoping for the best...I can't wait to start my new journey and to look and feel better. I've been overweight for over 20 years and have tried everything to lose the weight. I have 3 grandchildren now and want to be healthier and be able to do more things with them without feeling tired all the time. I am only telling a "select few" about my surgery and only took off a week from work, I hope that will be enough time, since I don't want anyone at work to know yet. Wishing all of you the best of luck in your journey as well..wish me luck! Kari

To aemh...Wishing you the best of luck with the process..I am so upset right now..I just received the denial from my insurance company stating that even though my BMI is 39.5, I don't have any other co-morbidities to approve the surgery..I am going to appeal this because I have a strong family history of diabetes and heart disease, even though I don't have it yet, I am on the road to getting it! wouldn't they rather me avoid it now?? anyone have any suggestions on appealing this? thanks..Karen

Yes, I think I would need more then 3 days as well, but I guess we'll see..Just praying that my insurance approves it..How are you doing post-op? best wishes..

I am still waiting to get approval from my insurance to have the surgery, but I was wondering, after reading alot of the posts, how come my dr says that I only need to do liquids the day before the surgery, not 2 weeks before like most of you seem to be doing? Also, how long were most of you out of work for after the surgery? My doctor said that I would have the surgery on a thursday and would be able to return to work by Monday? does that seem right? just wondering...thank you..Kari

Christy I wouldn't worry too much about it. I just had my appointment with the surgeon and he said I only have to do a liquid diet the day before the surgery. I asked him why other doctors have their patients do a liquid diet 2 weeks pre-op and he said it's unnecessary. The chances of your liver being too large are extremely slim. Good luck to you.

I wanted to jump on the March band wagon, hoping that I will be having my surgery by then..I have my first appt with the surgeon and the nutritionist today..Praying that my insurance will approve the surgery. Good luck to everyone.

Karen