IsaacsGram

Thanks! My hubby just told me he's been calling around to have the pool "closed" professionally.

For anyone living in the North you know what I mean. I'm trying to time when I will start taking things down for the winter-and since my surgery is October 1 timing is getting away from me! My hubby has a mild form of CP and he is not physically able to help much-so it has always been my job to get the yard ready. I need to take down the deck furniture/gazebo/pool filter/hot tub (a small "spa-in-a-box)/yard lights. I hate to take it all down so soon in the year, but I'm afraid after surgery I will be unable to do any lifting. But it definitely makes it all seem so real-I'm really doing this thing! I'm really going to have most of my stomach REMOVED FOREVER. Gulp! I've gotta keep my eye on the prize- healthier, happier, and able to keep up with the grandbabies and do my job without feeling like I'm gonna die at the end of the day!

Impressive!! and Inspiring!!

kolerz I was just thinking that today too! September 1st- 1 month till my date of October 1! I like Oct 1, my birthday is Feb 1, I got married on July 1, and it's just right!

I'm trying to decide if I will need a support person to stay with me the first week and while at the hospital. My hubby has to work and now that I told my Mom she wants to come help me. Any thoughts?

Thank you all for the advice! Vixkey, I am also having a hernia repair at the same time-so I left the decision in my Mom's court, I don't want her to feel obligated, as she is coming from Florida to Illinois. But I do think I will need somebody-and the selections are thin here at home!

Thank you for the Top Ten list, I am still pre-sleeve and it helps to get a real idea of what to expect. I LOVE the photos in your blog of Hawaii, I just ache to go back! My hubby and I went to the North Shore of Oahu for our 10th anniversary and I swore we would move there some day! Thanks, again, for sharing! Brigitte

1. I won't miss being ignored at stores 2. I won't miss the lack of respect at work 3. I won't miss the tents I call shirts 4. I won't miss wearing "granny panties" 5. I won't miss avoiding trips because I can't keep up

I have BCBS of IL PPO, I had called and they advised me that they will pay 80% of the surgeon's fees but only 60% of the Hospital as it is out of network, but I have a $6000 out of pocket limit and a $1000 deductible (which I've met already), so I figure $6000. The surgeon's office has never asked for any money, and they only require $350 for the pre-op kit they want me to use. To get the whole cost you would have to get the surgeon's fees, the hospital's fees, the anesthesia fees, etc. good luck at your consultation!

good question, hopefully someday the prevailing discrimination will be a thing of the past.

Wow! I should be so lucky to lose 50% by 3 months! I agree with the others-if it's working for you-don't stop!

I started out just telling my hubby, my daughter (not my sons) and my boss. But now as I have a date and I feel much more secure in my decision I've told a few more people. I EVEN TOLD MY MOM! That's huge, as I really was afraid of her reaction. Well guess what? She is supportive, worried, but supportive! I'm so relieved!

Thinking of you! You are probably in surgery right now - will pray for your Doc & surgery team, and a smooth recovery!

Yes, me too! Weaning off caffeine in general and carbonated drinks! Still havn't been able to slow down yet! Im a nurse and eat on the go alot-trying to figure out how to fix that. Initially planning on bringing protein shakes to work, we'll see. Good luck to you!

Me too!! Just yesterday I was called by the surgeon , and today got my LOA approved at work! Good luck. Sleeve-buddy!

October 1st here. Just got approved for LOA from work'! So excited and a little scared. I'm 48 with 3 grown kids and 2 grandsons , I'm a nurse of 18 years experience. Most worried about not losing all the excess weight and acid reflux for eternity. I'm an hour south of Chicago. Best wishes for all of us!!

48 and just got my date! October 1 will be my sleeve day! So excited!

It is Monday and I had to make my weekly call, again. I had my sleep study July 26, and my nuclear stress echo on August 13. I have been pre-approved by BCBS of IL and gotten clearance from the psychologist (that is all BCBS requires). But my 2 specialist Doc's are dragging their feet getting my letters to Dr.Joyce's office. I started by calling BMI surgery and struck the jackpot by talking to the Coordinator, herself! She initially said they did not have anything from the pulmonologist, but when I told her they promised me last week they were faxing the letter-she SUDDENLY found it! But the cardiologist clearance was still not on file. So I called the the Cardiologist's office and they ASSURED ME they would be faxing it TOMORROW! My push for getting all this done is so they will give me a surgery date! I have seen that some docs give a date even before insurance approves them, but not BMI Surgery....you gotta have all your ducks in a row! It is a big office, and I know they are busy-but have a little courtesy and at least give me an estimation! I'm sure I'm not the only one with an employer that needs to know when an employee is taking off for a few weeks! Ok, enough venting!

That's the funny thing, I DO HAVE INSURANCE APPROVAL! They want these specialist's clearance also. Which I understand medically, but I have no pre-existing conditions-it's just making $$ for these specialty docs. Very frustrating.

Oh good luck to you, too, Skye!

I messaged BCBS asking if they received the letter from my surgeons office and in 24hours they replied that they did receive it and I have been approved for VSG! I sent an email to the surgeons office coordinator and I'm waiting to hear back about a date. This whole process is wait, wait, wait...