Meljp

My surgery has been approved!! In one weeks time!! My husband had back surgery last year and it took nearly 6 months to get it approved... He was not able to work and sat here at home in pain for months... and mine gets approved in a week? I am going to take that as a sign from God that this is meant to be, for me!! Now I am scared $hitless!! wow....

I was told by my nutritionalist no on the baby food due to the high sugar content.

Mel for my first name Melanie, J for my middle name, P for my last name....I have used this name since my first computer in 96.....

GREAT NEWS!!!! So happy for YOU....

WOW....Thin Mints are/were my favorite as well....This will be the first year without them....Good-bye dear friend....I will be so much better off without you....

I have not been sleeved yet, but I went to my nutrition class last night and was told any time you feel something is stuck you need to drink warm liquids. Hope this helps.

Mine was about the same as yours...I didn't have an ultrasound...nor as many vials of blood...Hope everything goes well for you! Blessings~Melanie:)

This site is the "BEST" for support! Thanks everyone for your kind words....waiting patiently for the call do discuss and set my surgery date....feel a bit overwhelmed...need to find something to keep me busy!! Blessings~Melanie:)

Thanks everyone for your support...believe me I have read everything I can find here as well as on the net about this surgery! Also where I am having the surgery have been super with getting me informed...I just wasn't prepared for the pre-op to move so fast....Blessings~Melanie:)

Shea that is Awesome....you have a waist!! Just curious, I saw that you live in KY...I do as well...where do you live and where did you have your surgery if that's not asking too much? I just today got approved (in one weeks time) and will be at St. Joe East in Lexington....again you look so good in your photos!!! Blessings~Melanie:)

I ordered the book last night! I am very anxious to get my hands on it! Thanks for sharing this with us (me)....Blessings~Melanie:)

I have a ? or three about this book and type of exercise program it is. I found the book on Amazon, but it doesn't really talk about what exactly you will be doing....Is it weights, crunches, etc. Just how difficult is this program. As I am 54, with bad knees, back, arthritis, and Fibromyalgia. I am hoping and praying as the weight comes off I will be is less pain and able to work out more than just the treadmill...thanks LilMiss for your help! Blessings~Melanie:)

Huge Congratulations Bonnie and a Very Happy Valentine's Day to you and your Love!! Celebrate Big!!

Very Happy for YOU!!!

Happy Anniversary!! Huge Congratulations to you as well....you look awesome!

Green with Envy "Here".... :tounge_smile: So happy for you and your husband... I can't wait for that sundress of mine!

It's a "piece of cake" Stacey....you will get an IV...and they will put some meds in to relax you...mine sprayed a kinda nasty spray in my throat to numb it....they give you the sleepy drug in your IV and off to sleep you go! They insert a small tube with camera down your throat to look around (you won't ever know they've been in there!) and then when they are finished they will give you a drug in your IV to wake you up...easy-peasy for me!! Your throat might be a little irritated after, but mine was not....the worst part for me was not eating or drinking after midnight before the surgery!! Best Wishes to you and I hope your's is easy-peasy as well!!! Melanie:)

A week ago today I had all my pre-op testing done. Got the results today and now they will file with my insurance company. During my appointment a week ago I met with the Nutritionalist and I am on a High Protein, Low Carb plan. Plus Protein Shakes. I love the program at my hospital because they really are attentive and ease you into the idea of having surgery. Like using a small plate, fork. Not drinking an hour to an hour and a half after eating. No fruits ,sweets, starches. Total carbs a day is 30 grams. 64 oz. of fluid a day. They need to be no or low calories, no carbonation, and no caffeine. They also have me taking a multi-vitamin and 1000 IU of vitamin D3. (which I am already taking!) Take small bites and chew, chew and then chew some more, taking approx 30 minutes to eat. This has been the most difficult part for me because I do EVERYTHING fast!! I have always eaten very fast and I guzzle water...I do suggest getting on Protein drink asap so you can find something you like. They also suggested I can put food extracts in my drinks, like vanilla, almond, peppermint (great in chocolate flavor drink) and I can also add 1-2 Tablespoons of Cool Whip and even a Tablespoon of peanut butter in...the more variety you have in the protein drinks, the more likely you will drink them...Best Wishes for your journey. I have found so much help and support here so far!! Blessings~Melanie:)

I understand some people may not have insurance, or insurance that does not cover the surgery. What is the main reason folks are traveling to Mexico? Thanks

Thanks for the link Josh7821... :wink1:

I so appreciate everyone's honesty on the subject. I feel like I am in a fog....my Fibromyalgia just makes the fog much worse....I feel very confident in the team so surgeons and hospital. My PCP's husband had Gastric Bypass surgery last August at St. Joseph East in Lexington. The day I met with her, her husband came into the room (1/2 the size he was last Aug.) and he shared his experience with me. He was totally positive about the surgeon's, staff, hospital stay. I could hardly get a word in edgewise he was so happy to share his story..I has originally choose another hospital and my PCP helped me to make the decision to go to St. Joseph East. (It's a longer drive for hubs to visit me), but in the long run I feel confident all will work out. Peacequeen: I live in Georgetown, KY Big HUGS to you during this time. So sorry to hear about all of your complications...Hang in there... ab76307: We are neighbors as well!! Big WAVE to you!!! Did your doctors have you on a High Protein and Vegetables (low carb) diet weeks before your surgeries? I am sure I will be on a liquid diet once I get my surgery date...Blessings

You know Melissa I feel the same way....so excited on one hand and scared to death on the other....does anyone have any other links to support groups/blogs for sleevers.?

It's pretty sad....this country that we live in can't/won't give us the medical attention we need... Thanks everyone for sharing your reason's with me....our insurance does cover the sleeve....but time will tell what kind of answer we get from them once St. Joe's files the paper work....I had several pre-op tests this past Monday and it should take about a week for the results...as soon as the office receives them, they will file with the Insurance Co.

Hi Kentucky Sleevers! I am happy to have found a group in my area! I live in Georgetown, KY. Born and raised in Louisville. Have lived in Georgetown for 20 some years. My PCP suggested me going to Saint Joseph East Center for Weight Loss Surgery. The doctors are Greenlee, Steiner, Newton and Farrell. I just had my pre op testing this past monday. Blood work, EKG, psychiatric evaluation, and endoscope. I would love to hear from you all about how it was post op and at 3 months and so on. I am very impressed with all the individual help in each area we receive. Lots of classes pre op and on going support for the first year. I was told the test results can take a week and once they get them they will contact our insurance company...I am so ready to shed the excess pounds I've been carrying...Blessings~Melanie:)

Oh.....I get it! I am eating high protein and vegetables along with the supplement protein drinks. Like tonight I had left over roasted chicken breast and a tossed salad. I have a husband that likes to eat healthy as well as I do. Now I am on the hunt for some high protein bars with sugar alcohol as the sugar substitute. Good luck to you and shame on your shipmates....