1SuperBonBon

Good Morning Treb We have the same surgery date! Go Team! I have had like 15 major surgeries. So the recovery is not really worrying me too much. You will do fine. The pain meds are great. I recommend staying on top of taking them. Don't wait until they have completely worn off. If you do, it is much harder to get back on top of managing down the pain. My biggest concern is the gas pain everyone talks about. I have never experienced that with any of my surgeries. This should be interesting. The other thing that is hitting me right now is the reality of this is for LIFE. I have thought long and hard about my decision, and I know it is right for me and I can do this, but somehow there is that lingering "what if". I also worry about the emotional roller coaster ride after the surgery. I have a great support system, but I don't look forward to this. I know this site will also be a great resource in my journey. Let's do this! Bonnie

Martha, Thanks for starting this thread. I too am having trouble quitting smoking. I just counted the days until I go to my pre-op blood work (19 days). I don't know if my doctor tests for nicotine or not, but I am really worried. I was supposed to quit 6 weeks before surgery and here it is 31/2 weeks. I really think this is the hardest part for me. The pre-op diet has to be easier than this. I wish you all the best, and will be thinking of you today as I try not to smoke and try not to kill anyone. Bonnie

I have not been sleeved yet, but my pre-op appt. is October 4th. Here is a list of questions I have compiled so far that I am interested in: Gas after surgery: Some people complain a lot about this. Does this have to do with the person or the surgeon's technique? What can I expect after surgery? Do you make everyone's stomach the same size or is it based on the size of my original stomach? Is there anything you might find during surgery that would cause me to wake up and not be sleeved? Straws: What is your "policy" on straws? I have heard different things online. Can you explain the theroy behind not using a straw? Weight gain from/after surgery: Some people online report gaining weight after surgery. Is this normal? What causes it? and what can I expect? Fluid Vs Protein: I am worried about getting all my fluid in. I don't drink that much liquid now. What is most important fluid or Protein? Blood tests: What are you testing for and what might show up that would cause concern or to have to postpone the surgery? Thats all I have for now, but I may be adding some after I read the replies to this post Bonnie

I go in for my pre-op October 4th, but from what I understand it is a 10 day liquid protein diet. The Doctor's office has all the supplies for me. I will pick up everything on the 4th of October.

As I read from another poster, they like you to wait at least until you get home. In all seriousnes, from what I have read, you can have sex when you feel up to. Good Luck!

It would be really funny if it wasn't happening to you. I love reading your stuff. You are very witty. And there is no shortage of stupid people in this world.

Keep us posted. I am routing for you!

Wow! that surprises me because the band is so inferior to the sleeve. I really wish you luck in finding the right hospital for you.

Hi MAChick, I don't think that it is straight across the board. I have bipolor and had no problem finding a surgeon and hospital to perform the surgery. I did go through the psych eval and passed. Basically they just wanted to make sure that I was stable and well prepared for the surgery. Additionally the insurance company is covering my surgery no problems there either. Was this just one hospital or several? I wish you luck. Bonnie

The initial test is a blood test. And if you test positive they will want to do a colonoscopy (biopsy) to confirm. But once you cut out the gluten it is like night and day. I haven't been sleeved yet, but I also never had a problem until a year ago. Then BAM! took them 5 months to figure it out. It is worth looking into. Bonnie

Is there anyway that you could be gluten intolerent? Wheat Rye Barely? Those were my symptoms before I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease.

cool. I will add you to my friends Akusah

Oh my! My day suddenly feels so much better now You are the first person I have read about on here who has had to do this. What exactly are they checking for and why? I hope you make it through the next 24 hours. Bonnie

I have posted my date on here before, but haven't really seen anyone else with October 22. I would love a surgery buddy. Now I know there has to be someone out there with my date and Dr. because the 7:30 AM appointment was taken and I have the 9:30 time slot. October 22 announce yourself

I am not sure I worry about failing, but I sure do worry that I am going to be a slow loser. I know I am committed to the program and with time it will come off, but how fast? Probably not as fast as I would like.

I couldn't take it anymore. So I called the insurance company and they told me I was approved. Then I emailed Kathryn, which I am sure she loved! She confirmed my approval on 9/12. I wanted to have surgery at Good Sam. The Doctor only operates there on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. The next available date for Good Sam was October 22nd. The time feels like it is crawling by for me. I am so ready to get this party started!

Oh goodie.... and we have the same doctor too I drove Kathryn nuts checking on my insurance approval. LOL I have PPO

I have them too. Mine took 10 long days (business days). I hope your's doesn't take that long. It felt like forever.

That is awesome! Look who's tucking in his shirt now

WTG Justin!

Gluten-Free Sucks! It was really hard for about 2-3 months. I was pretty resentful and hungry all the time. Everytime I saw a food commercial I would think, there is something I will never have again. But after awhile I just got used to it. I feel that going gluten-fee has prepared me for my sleeve journey. I am so used to eating the same stuff all the time. I went what I call naturally gluten-fee. I don't eat any of the gluten-free substitues like bread, Pasta, Cookies etc. To tell you the truth, I was really surprised that I didn't lose more weight going gluten-free; hence turning to the sleeve for a little more help. I am so ready to do this. I dont think a year ago I could have done it.. I hope everything works out for you. Let me know what you find out. I am really curious what is going on with you. Bonnie

Michellomo..... you gave away my secret LOL But that is exactly how it is done.

Okay I am no doctor, but..... about a year ago I started getting severe abdominal pain, joint pain in my knees and ankles, extreme fatigue (I never threw up, but was in the bathroom all the time) I was just sick and sick of feeling crappy. Well after 5 months of doctor visits, I finally got diagnosed with Celiac's Disease (autoimmune disease triggered by gluten) Once I stopped eating gluten everything cleared up. Of course I have no idea if this is something that you might have, but it is worth researching and bringing up to your GI doctor. Hopefully they will figure this out for you quickly so you can have your surgery as planed.

Every fat girl knows the right angle to hold the camera for a good selfy.

I know what you mean about feeling punked. Mine was even easier. Went to see the Surgeon August 1st. Paid my program fee August 15th Saw the NUT August 16th Saw the psychologist August 20th Case submitted to insurance company Approved. Surgery October 22nd The best part was when the Surgeon's office told me what my portion of the surgery would be.....$427.07 I wanted an email or something in writing. I was like woot woot. I have hated my inurance company up until now, but you can't fight city hall. We almost have the same date Congrats and good luck! This is super exciting.