soccermomx2

You will do great! Wishing you a speedy recovery!! I am 12 days post op and feeling very good. Just don't push yourself and get lots of rest!!

@SleevenChica...yes it my dog...he is no longer a puppy (will be 2 in December)...100lbs..what I need to lose ;-». I found them very helpful when I would call fepblue. But, sometimes you get different info when you call again. My dr office has a coordinator that handles all of the insurance things. Sometimes, I think the delay in approval is that there are people in front of you that the dr office is helping. My dr office seems very busy but was always on top of everything. I'm sure once you meet the basics it will go very quickly. Let us know how it goes!!

I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and wishing you a speedy recovery!!!

You look wonderful!! Great job!!!

I get to start mine on Tuesday...2 weeks post-op. I can't wait!!! You???

I have BCBS Federal too. Once I had everything...3 NUT appt (90day), PCP letter, history of weight & psych eval it took about 7-10 days for approval. You can always call insurance and ask if a precertification has been started. The federal program runs fast & they paid for everything. I was very fortunate in that regard as well as the speed of the whole process. Feel free to ask me any questions about the Federal BCBS process...I'd be happy to help if I can.

I used an ace bandage for first week. I thought it was a godsend! It made it so much easier to sit up for longer periods as well as get in & out of bed. I did research a lot of different types but ended up going with something simple.

Well - this is my first posting and first blog so here goes! I feel lately I have had a lot of firsts....first major surgery, first time putting myself first, first time owning my health, etc I have to say that it definitely is hard to choose yourself first. Anyone with children, a spouse, family, etc knows what I mean. You feel as if you are cheating them out of being there. It has taken me many years to come to understand that what I thought as putting them first was actually an excuse for me to continue to be unhealthy. How was I putting them first if I wasn't taking the best care of myself? This is a VERY hard lesson to learn. As I look around at my family members and family history of chronic weight related issues I put my foot down. There was a voice deep down saying "me, me...did you forget that I am here?" This time I chose to listen. I have not always been overweight...alright "morbidly obese". This is something that has been rolling along pretty much for the past 15 years. You know the story....get married (get comfortable), have children (more comfortable with a few pounds) and before you know it you are a shell of the person you once were. Years go by and you lose a little and gain more and back and forth. Many of us have the same story. My weight loss surgery journey originally began two and a half years ago, Dec 2009 with a seminar for the lap band. I went and listened and then said I will give it another try of doing it myself and bailed on following through. Two years later I found myself at the seminar again with a firm grip on my nerves and actually listened with more conviction about choosing me first. After going through the 3 months of NUT, psych appointment, surgeon visits and pre-op testing...I took a leap of faith with myself and God . I had clear liquids 24 hrs before surgery and was officially sleeved on 7/17 at 10am. I am currently 10 days post-op and completely intrenched in the full liquid diet. What can you say about liquids? Not a whole lot . Anyway, I am just passing time until Tues when I get to start the greatly anticipated puree stage. Never thought I would be so excited about eating food the consistency of baby food. But here I am and readily counting the hours. This past 2 weeks has given me time to do a lot of thinking!! Sometimes I wonder if the liquid stage is just as much for learning to listen to your body and conquering some of your food obsession as it is about letting your body heal. I have found that everyday that voice is getting a little stronger and I can't wait to begin to have NSVs and see the weight come off. I will take each day of passing time to consider the gift I have been given of my life, living longer, spending more time with family and friends. I am 38 years old and have a lifetime ahead of me and plan to make it the best I can!!

I second the wrap. I used an bandage and it made it so much easier to get out of bed and to sit up. At first it felt like my insides were coming out (due to muscles being cut). I used it for about a week and half (now 11 days post op) and now can get up & down with ease. I think it helped tremendously. Best wishes!!

Well, I would still address it with the surgeon. You as the patient also have the right to call her and ask her to clarify the type of program she means for you. Maybe it is something she recommends for everyone. My surgeon's office has a mandatory program that starts 6 wks post op for 6 wks. I was told that they are know having patients do it before surgery now. This program is geared to each patient's ability. I have seen many patients at the office with wheelchairs and walkers. They would not be able to do traditional exercise until well after their surgery if not longer. Good luck & remember to be your own advocate. If this office ends up not being the best than now would be the best time to find out not after surgery. Best wishes!!

My dr and NUT gave me goals based on my height in order to get my BMI within normal weight range. I have also set my own goals

The way it was explained to me is that the large incision has a deep stitch. Mine feels tight as it is healing. Because they had to cut deeper into your muscle at that location to remove the stomach, they had to apply a stitch or two to support closing the muscle layer. You can always call the nurse at the dr office....I've called twice about two issues and they are there to help with questions. Hope you feel better soon!

Don't stress. I would call and speak with your surgeon...there may be a way to bypass that due to your debilitating diseases. Was she a dr recommend by your dr office?

They started me on protein shakes on day 2. I currently am 10 days post-op and just now able to get two 11 oz Premier protein shakes in. A lot of dr will tell you to focus on hydration for the first week and then move your focus to adding protein in week 2. Just take it easy and sip, sip, sip! You will be able to build up to it. Also, if you have questions give your NUT or surgeon a call for clairifaction. Best wishes for a speedy recovery!!!

When I first started drinking post-op, I would get the sensation of liquid going through a funnel. Seemed like it would bubble and flow down with a final gurgle once it got there. I am 10 days post-op and finally feel the bloating is going away. Just take little sips and walk to help move the built up gas from the surgery. As for passing urine, that will take a little bit as well. I did not have an catheter but know from being a nurse that the anesthesia combined with the catheter can lead to urinary retention. That too will pass. It is true that each day gets a little better. Wishing you a speedy recovery!!

You wouldn't be human if those thoughts didn't go through your head. I am now 10 days post-op and feeling more normal everyday. The full liquids is boring I'll admit but it is part of the process. The best part is the lack of hunger! I am a nurse and my "nurse brain" would run down all of the what ifs. I finally came to the realization that there may be things that are out of your control BUT you know where you are headed and it will not be a pretty or pleasant path. I dug deep and made the decision to give myself and my family the gift of a healthier and longer life. You are strong and can do this. This site is full of people willing to offer help when needed. Each day that passes gets easier and easier and I can envision my new future. Good luck and best wishes!!

I totally agree...you follow your surgeon's instructions and have faith. Blood clots can happen from riding on a plane or sitting in a car for too many hours without getting up and walking around. Choose to focus on your surgeon's plan and watch for any warning signs and you will be fine. Good luck and wishing a speedy recovery!!

Congrats! Hope I am as successful as you!!

Happy Friday!!!

Too funny lilbits...just saw that we recommended the same books!!

I just received 3 that I ordered from Amazon. Weight loss surgery for Dummies (the best one...has tons of info in it), Eating Well after Weight loss surgery and High Protein meals. I think I will go by the library and look at what they have too. I am 10 days post op and find it fun to look at recipes that I can improve on or can cook in the future. Having this surgery, at least in the beginning will require more effort to cooking. I am eagerly awaiting to try the Baked Ricotta next Tuesday!!

I was a BIG diet wild cherry pepsi drinker. Couldn't get my day going without it. I had it up until my 24 hr Clear liquids before surgery. Strange thing is after surgery I haven't needed (yet). Not sure if the craving will come back. My dr recommendation is 6 mths. I totally understand being the same amount of days post op as you. I feel kind of like I'm living outside of my body. We wouldn't be human if we didn't try to make some normalcy out of this experience. Everyone has had different pre op diets, post op diets, NUT and surgeon recommendations. It would be hard for me to comment on specific do's and don'ts. I see such a broad spectrum of what everyone can and can't do. I have to say I am secretly wishing to get to past the liquids stage . I like this site for the comments, opinions (good or bad) and seeing everyone's journey. In the end I think the OP was merely sharing a moment where they felt "normal". This experience admittedly is difficult on everyone that heads down this path. We all are aiming for the same thing...to extend our lives and strive to be healthier!

What has saved me is the broth off of egg drop soup. I couldn't handle the taste of the unjury chicken soups!!!

My doctor only had me do Clear liquids 24 hrs before. Also, the Premier shakes at costco are very good. I'm 9 days post op and drink 2 of them a day...30g Protein in each. Prefer chocolate to vanilla one. Good luck with your surgery!

Wow!! What a transformation. Congrats on the new you!!!