IsaacsGram

Just made my appointments for all the pre-op clearance - cardiologist, pulmonologist, psychologist, and 3 hour class required by my insurance for weight loss education. I realize each of these docs may order an array of tests for my clearance, but I am wondering about the psychologist. When making my appointment they said there was a 3 hour test follow by the meeting with the psychologist. I've read here in VST that not all psych docs have such a "test". I'm not terribly worried, just trying to be prepared. I, like many others, have a long history of weight issues and some social issues as well-which are now past history, but I hope they don't cause me to be disqualified. Secondly, I was going to purchase a wide variety of Protein drinks/shakes/etc, but read here that people's tastes change after surgery. I don't want to come home from surgery and have nothing to drink, so what does everyone suggest? Thank you for your advice, I really have enjoyed learning so much on VST and hope to continue to post and have my day on "the losers bench"! Brigitte

Thank you for the info! That sounds like it will be a lot of fun- NOT! BTW I did read on here somewhere that a guy had to appeal his disqualification due to his psych person claiming he lead too rebellious of a lifestyle to comply with post surgical instructions- this was due to him admitting he did a little marijuana in college decades ago! I fear they will say I have too much unfinished issues to deal with. I'm 48 years old, I made some bad choices and was a victim too many times, but that has all changed, and I've been in control of my life for a long time now. Anyway, I guess we will see....

Crossing my fingers and praying hard for your quick, smooth approval!!

Boy! I though I was ambitious! You go girl!

Oh wow, I just read this today (July 12), hopefully your surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery! Best wishes!

I also work 12 hours shifts in L/D! We should keep in touch and compare notes, we have a lot in common. I just set up my appointments today for the cardiologist, pulmonologist, and psychologist. I'm scheduled for the pre-op class August 7. I wish you all the luck during and after your surgery! I wonder if there is anything we can do to "ward off evil spirits" for this surgery like we do in L/D? LOL!

Hi, I'm a labor/delivery RN for the last 15 years. In school fulltime to get my Bachelor's now, and considering going for my midwifery certificate. I, too, am concerned about the energy level and lifting restrictions after surgery. I had my 1st consult with the surgeon yesterday and he "assured" me that I would only be out of work 2 weeks! There is NO way it will only take 2 weeks to recover from this! I also watch my grandson's and I asked him about lifting 25lb. toddlers and he said, "No problem". I have given my supervisor heads up that I will need AT LEAST 4 weeks off. I pray I don't have any comps but we, as nurses, know that medical people have the WORST luck when it comes to being the patient!

Sitting in Dr Joyce's office at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox- and so the journey begins!

Onederland seems like a real "wonderland" as I haven't seen it since 1994! Congrats on your journey and milestone!

Your post is the reason I'm not going to tell too many people...just in case I can't make this work...just like all the failed diets of my past. But I think having this site and fellow sleevers who have gone before us will make the difference this time! Like you, I have never been more sure of my decision to have this surgery. Best wishes to you and your journey!

This is a great list to give people who don't "get it"! (my Mother!)

As a pre-op, and even pre-consultation "sleever" I have been researching everything I can to educate myself and have a real understanding of what to expect post-op. I have read a few postings that mention fatigue, and it is one of the side effects that I most fear. I am 48 years old and work fulltime as a nurse. I also have two young grandsons, and I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR FATIGUE!! Any advise or experiences to share? Thanks! Brigitte

Thank you, all for your input! I can live with being fatigued for the recovery phase. I had just read some individual's experiences where they were fatigued a year out from surgery! I'm glad to hear, if I eat right, take my vitamins, and excercise I will regain my pep! thanks again!

Hi! I'm in Kankakee County but going to New Lenox (near Joliet) for VSG , Dr.joyce & Dr Lahmann do the sleeve and SilverCross Hospital is a Center of Excellence for bariatric surgery. I found them thru ObesityHelp.com. The group is called BMI Surgery. Good luck!

RN here from Illinois. I'm a labor & delivery nurse and I reached my "last straw" when I was injured AGAIN. I've had shoulder surgery, Achilles tendon tear, and more back strains than I can count. If I don't have WLS surgery I won't be able to do my job much longer! I'm still pre-op and jumping thru the hoops! Best wishes to all of us nurses!

Hi walesmary, you certainly have your hands full! I have 2 grandsons who are only babies, 21months and 6 months, but I am very sad when I get too tired to play, and sometimes need help getting off the floor when I'm brave enough to get down to their level and play. I had my kids very young and I want to be able to enjoy these little guys for a long time to come! The day the first one was born my heart burst with love for him like I never thought it could! I'm still pre-surgery and just starting my journey, I wish you all the luck and strength to make your goals and raise that boy the way you dream!

Thanks so much for the information! I'm a labor & delivery nurse and I have had back injuries, shoulder surgeries, and even my achilles tendon torn doing this job, so I don't want to come back too soon and mess up my sleeve! Karenb, I like your idea of what to tell co-workers. It is surprising, and sad, how prejudiced healthcare workers can be; you would think they would understand the pathophysiology. Thanks again, all, for the words of advice! Good luck to all of us !!

Anyone else concerned about going back to work after surgery? I have read varying recommendations that people can go back to work in a week, sometimes 2 weeks. This seems really soon to me. I have a physically demanding job (which is part of my justification for surgery-so I can KEEP my job!), and I am planning on taking at least 4 weeks off. Any advice?