BrickHouse

Yes, exactly this. Very well put.

In my case, the benefits far outweigh the risks. Sure, any surgery is scary, but staying fat forever is scarier. Did your process include a psychologist? I would talk with your surgeon to see if he can recommend someone to speak with to put your mind at ease. Perhaps there's a support group you can join. It's a huge decision and the more support you have, the better. Best wishes to you.

I just found out yesterday. Seriously? I know comorbidities will make my approval process easier and quicker, but diabetes? I thought that was for people who eat a lot of sweets. I'm not a big fan of sweets. The NUT told me that this surgery is the number one cure for diabetes, and gave me his blessing. So, ok. I'm diabetic. Let's throw in some hypertension, too. I just learned this yesterday, too and even got some pretty pink pills for that. PSYCH and NUT have cleared me and now I need to have my EGD in early October, rescheduled from this week. Then I get to see the pulmonary people on Oct. 12, and they'll do my sleep study shortly thereafter to see if I have sleep apnea. Think I can go three for three? October 22 I will see the cardiologist and then I get to tie everything up with a pretty bow for the insurance people. The surgeon's office thinks I may still get an October surgery date, but I'm thinking more like early November. It can't get here soon enough.

My total cholesterol isn't too bad at 181. I was very happy to see my HDL at 53 when it was once 17. Dexter, your post gave me visions of The Hurt Locker! I am sure this is all related to my massive weight gain. I was the picture of good health just a couple of years ago when I lost a bunch of weight (weight that I put back on).

Thanks for the info. It's great to know there is so much knowledge in here.

Sorry, yes as mom2five said it was sarcasm. I'm definitely NOT thrilled about the diabetes diagnosis. Our posts don't have eyebrows, so it's hard to convey a tone, iykwim. :-) I was very surprised since there's no diabetes in my immediate family. I had a very complete physical and blood workup done and it seems like the hypertension and diabetes are the only serious comorbs. I will be following up with my surgeon and my primary care, though, My main objectives here are to get healthy and to glean as much information from this community as I can. Edited to add: Can anyone tell me if extreme sleepiness is a side effect of diabetes since I'm not using carbs effectively for energy?

Shortness of breath from just turning yourself over in bed Arms that are too short to clean yourself properly Clothing sizes that begin with X Shame when you hear the whispers and giggles behind your back The appetite of three people

But you DID IT. Good for you.

The one I found was at the local KMart. It was regularly $30 but they have the summer clothes on a sidewalk sale. All prices were $3.99. It's a dark raspberry color, sleeveless, with a deep v-neckline. Very flowy and pretty.

Big summer maxi dresses are on sale now. I scored one today for $3.99!

Now I understand! Mine is now scheduled for next Friday the 21st at noon and... I'm excited, too!

I'm sure everyone's different, but my team said tomatoes and peeled cucumbers are ok, but no "roughage," such as leafy greens for 6 months. YMMV.

Dietdirect.com, Netrition.com are two that I know of.

This is the only place where anyone has ever put those words in that order. LOL

At my pre-op support group last night, they said you could clip a JP drain to a lanyard to free up your hands, especially while in the shower. Good tip.

My surgeon will leave mine in until my 1 week checkup. Also a JP drain.

I went to my required pre-op support group last night and I was surprised that the dietician who oversees the nutrition program at the bariatric center was so uninformed. They had a Q&A session where she told a participant that Viactiv chews were Calcium citrate and were fine. No, actually, they're calcium carbonate. She also told another participant that if they are using Medifast in their pre-op diet, it's fine to use it for Protein while on full liquids because it's full of whey protein. Wrong again. Medifast uses soy protein. That's a very important detail for anyone on thyroid meds. Another participant asked the team of three professionals what the stomach staples are made of. They all looked at each other blankly and admitted they didn't know for sure. Say it with me... titanium. I'm not bashing the team who will be taking care of me, but it just goes to show the value of communities like this one. There was not one subject covered that I didn't know a good deal about. And that knowledge came from many of you. It was interesting to learn what my personal surgeon requires post-op, in terms of progressing to different food stages, but I've learned more on this website than I did at that meeting.

I've thought about having the procedure code tattooed somewhere inconspicuous... but who knows if they'd find it?

:-) I'm thinking it's too late. That was 2009!

Settle down, Beavis. :-)

To my knowledge, the long pre-op diets are an insurance requirement. Some plans (like mine) do not require it. I could be wrong, but I don't think the nutritionist would require it if your insurance doesn't. Some sort of pre-op diet is usually called for in order to shrink your liver and make your surgery easier and safer. With the right approach, you can accomplish that in a week. Best wishes to you!

My first of two psych appts was yesterday. The psychologist was a sweet older man and we chatted for 45 minutes about all kinds of things. Of course, he was taking notes the entire time. He said he thinks I'm a "wonderful candidate" and that I am informed and ready. I have one more session with him next week where he will prepare his report and give me his recommendation.

I'm waiting for my final of four needle sticks for the same lab work. It's okay to drink water. Actually, it's helpful when they look for veins. The glucose drink was so sickeningly sweet! I sure hope I can stay awake for the next half hour until the last stick!

I stayed a year at PF and what made all the difference in the world was keeping my eyes closed while doing my cardio and my reps. Besides really improving form, posture and balance, it lets people know I don't care if they're looking. I wasn't there for THEM. And I have to agree that the Y is a much friendlier, more helpful environment. Can't wait to get back to it.

Dietdirect.com; Netrition.com. Two of my favorites.