ArnoldS

I went to youtube and watched 4 different doctors do this procedure. It was awesome to see. They show the liver and how they lift it out of the way. You've all got to see this. It's exciting.

My insurance requires either a 3 mth or a 6 mth pre surgery program at a center of excellence. I chose the three month program to get the surgery quicker. I wish that I would have chosen the six month program. So that I could have more time to adjust to this new lifestyle.

Had my first class at the hospital yesterday. 14 people. 1 1/2 hours. Yikes. A lot of info to absorb. I sat down and went over it this am. It's doable. Less anxious today. Thank you ev1 for your support when I was all frazzled. You are a great support system and I do appreciate ya'll being here.

Hi waterbeetle and welcome. I'm 61, too. Started my journey Aug. 20. I'm going to Lehigh in Allentown, PA. I was a mess at first w all kinds of emotions. It seemed so overwhelming. I've calmed down some. Am doing the eating and drinking plan now. It has gotten much better. Keep posting. Great bunch of people here.

For me, I think it was just time. I started this journey on Aug. 20 of this year. I was overwhelmed, anxious, excited. Then I got worried that I couldn't do everything. Then I had thoughts that I'd do all the work and get rejected by the hospital staff. You are doing the right thing. You are posting. This is a super fab site. Post anything that you need/want to. The people here are great. Haven't had a negative comment here yet, just nice,helpful people. Today, I feel calm. I understand all that was explained to me. I'm doing the best that I can. And, whatever happens will just happen, and I will handle it. And, yes, I keep posting. I'm so happy for you.

You look AWESOME!. Ty for posting the pics and especially the enthusiasm w the positive message. You've really helped me today. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Looking fwd to more pics of the wedding

Before I called the hospital to enroll in the program, I called the surgeon's office. I didn't know any different. The surgeon's office asked me when the review board is. I didn't know what they were talking about. She said to call over to the wt. mgt. program and ask. So, I did. I guess since it was the surgeon asking, she hurried and figured out when my case will go to the review board b/c I noticed she sounded like she was falling all over herself. So, I called back to the surgeon's office and told them when my case should go to the review board. They gave me a date two weeks later than that date. Then when I started the classes, they said at the class not to call the surgeon until the program is over. O, well....I didn't know. So, there you have it. That's how I got my date so fast. How are you doing?

I am so sorry, maggie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Suzy, Just ready your ticker. Wow, one week and three days. You must be excited. I'm excited for you. Hugs

Just checking in...........still waiting..........lol

I'm still pre-op. Surgery date is Nov. 14. I have 5 grandchildren ranging fm. 13 to 3. I want to run and play w them. Go bike riding. Here's one embarrassing thing that happened to me one year: My dau. and her family invited me to go w them to Myrtle Beach, SC. Even though I'm fat, sometimes I forget it. I was on the beach and ran into the Water like I was a kid again. A wave, that I once would have enjoyed jumping over, came and knocked me over. I was so weak that I couldn't fight it. I stopped struggling and just left the ocean carry me onto the beach. When I was on the beach, still in the water, I was too heavy and weak to get up. My daughter finally came over and lifted me up. I never went into the ocean after that. With this body, I am too afraid. So, one day, I'm going back to that beach, and I am going into that ocean, and I am going to play in the waves. Also, I check out chairs right now. I evaluate them. Such as, am I too wide for that chair? Will my weight break that chair if I sit in it? I avoid rides at the amusement park that I once enjoyed b/c the seats are too small. One day I am going on all those rides and enjoy myself. So, those are a few examples.

I believe everybody has to do what works for them. For me, I cringe when I see people calling this thing a "battle." I know it's work and a lot of it. But, when I think of it as a battle, I set up defenses, and it wears me out. I see myself peacefully and lovingly preparing myself for a new baby.....my new stomach. Just like i would a real baby. I'm full of love, joy, and excitement for my new stomach. I'm preparing my body just as I would a new nursery. I don't see any battle here to be won at all. I respect everybody and however they want to deal w this preparation. If you need to see it as a battle and that works for you, then go for it. I'm just sharing what works for me. Is this just semantics? Peace and Love to You All.

omg, happyuncle. That made me laugh, just like a real baby.....lol

Glad you're doing well. I chuckled to myself about what the doc said to you about how do you get any rest. lol I was fitted for headgear. Ugh! I sent it back. I just couldn't sleep w that on me. When I wake up in the morning, my mouth is so dry that my teeth are sticking to my gums. lol It never fails that when the grandkids sleep over one of them will say, "Nana, you snore loud." With the emphasis on the word loud. lol I've just been journeling (however u spell it) my food and keeping busy. I notice that I don't take naps any longer. And, by the time bedtime comes around, I'm tired. Maybe it's all that Protein and Vitamins. Humm...who knows. \

HonkyTonkGrandma, I added you as a friend.

Looking for local buddies.

Wow, that's not that far from me, ejsfanatic. I'm starting to feel more comfortable w the eating guidelines that they gave us. It was so overwhelming at first. Now, it's getting easier. I didn't think I could ever do this at first. Tonight, after I got home from the mandatory support group, I wrote down what I still need to work on. It's not that bad really. So, how are you both doing, Bonnie and ejsfanatic? I added you both as friends. Hope you don't mind.

I'm still here. Went to the mandatory support group meeting tonight. I'm feeling more positive that this is actually going to happen. But, then I'm afraid to believe that this is going to happen for fear that I will be disappointed if they don't approve me. For the most part, though, I decided to go more w the positive feelings. Prayers for us all.

Great share. Thank you, ruthie. My surgery date is Nov. 14. I'm still working on the eating plan, learning to sip, eat slow, etc. I've been looking at this like I'm going to be a new mother and my new stomach is my soon to be born baby. I'm preparing a room for my new baby, which is my body. After the baby is born, I will love it and nurture it, give it the best that life has to offer. And, the vision not only applies to my new stomach. It then loves and embraces the whole me. I'm enjoying the journey so far in anticipation of my new stomach. And, I know now that it's a lifelong journey of love.

I've been in surgical wl programs before and always backed out. One reason was b/c I didn't want the roux-en-y and the other reason was b/c I lost a lot of weight pre-op that I thought, "I don't need this surgery. Look at all the weight that I lost. I can do it on my own." I never worked. I'd gain all the weight back, plus more. And, now look at me. My therapist has the same attitude as your doctor. She is not supportive. I'm seeing her next week. We'll talk, and I'll probably find a new therapist. This surgery is a tool and a badly needed tool. Plus, it's a lot of work to learn how to change everything. Hang in there. This is your body. Not theirs.

Sounds like you're doing well. And, you sound in good spirits. I was a bit down yesterday. Today I'm feeling much better. I decided to stop obsessing over will they accept me or reject me and am i doing everything right. I'm just going to do the best I can. So, yesterday I didn't get in all my calories. I'll just record everything and pay for extra sessions w the RD if need be. After making that decision, I feel much less anxious about the whole process. Keep up the good work. I'm rooting for you.

I've heard of Monroe County, but I don't know where it is. Schuylkill County is north of Reading, PA on Rt 61. It's near Pottsville. Also, 1 hr. from Hershey Medical Center on interstate 81. Hope that helps.

I talked about this in another forum. I think it's more appropriate here. Just venting now. The psych lady wants a written statement from both my psychiatrist and therapist that I am psychologically ready for wls. I have a history of depression, social anxiety disorder, and addiction. It's a history. I'm doing very well now. Just can't shake this worrying over this issue b/c I really want this surgery. I don't like not having control over these other people. Even though I'm very aware of whats going on w me about this issue, I still don't like it. lol. I'll get through it. And, whatever happens, I'm sure I'll find a way to handle it. Just venting. Thanks.

I live in Schuylkill County, PA

I'm so sorry. But, it won't be forever. You reminded me of my two granddaughters talking about my being fat in front of me. The 4 yr. old said to the 5 yr. old, "Nana's fat and fluffy. I love Nana being fluffy. I like to jump on her fluffy belly." Lol. And, she does jump up on me! I love that she loves it.