Catgyrl68

Sorry, I didn't see the word "free" in the original post! The Unjury sample pack sing free; it's about $30, I think.

Yes, you can get a sample pack from Unjury.com. It comes with 2 packets each of: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Chicken Soup, as well as a small plastic bottle AND a food thermometer (because your liquids must be under 140 degrees. I've only tried the Chocolate one so far, and it was delicious!

MillyBell- I very much appreciate your posting this, and am so happy things are going well for you! I am one of those people who needs to be OVERLY-prepared for things like this, so I'm on this site every day checking out recipes, as well as everyone's experiences. Truly, I do not mind reading about the complications that may occur, because that way I won't be surprised if/when they happen. However, if all I read about were the complications, I'd never get it done! I try to read as much - if not more - about the happy stories, and am telling myself that I will be one of those with a happy ending. I happened to be picking up my dad from the hospital this past weekend, and it's the same hospital where I'll be having my surgery. I asked the nurse if they had bariatric patients on that same floor, and she said, "All the time!" Then she asked me if I even qualified, because I didn't look "big enough". I took it as a compliment, and left it at that. But I checked out the room to see where I could plug in my cell phone, where I would put all my stuff. Haha! She said they would take great care of me while I was there. Made me smile! Thanks again, and I wish you the best!

6 per week is a drinking problem? My friend must be a full-blown alcoholic, cuz she can knock back 10 at a time!

Each psychologist may be different, but they're mostly looking to see if you understand the procedure you will be having (how it's done, the risks, the benefits); what your expectations are (are they realistic or unrealistic? Do you expect to lose 100 pounds in a month? That sort of thing.); if you have any undiagnosed psychological issues; or, if you are on antidepressants, how you're managing your issues; and that you'll be compliant with all doctor's orders regarding food and exercise. My meeting was easy-peasy, especially since I'd already seen this particular psychologist before. Our interview lasted about 1/2 hour, after which she said she'd type up her notes, and her assistant would call me up to read them back to me, just to make sure she got all my responses correct. If they were okay, she would fax it in to the surgeon. Whole process took about 1 week. I've heard others say they had to fill out a questionnaire that included strange questions. I didn't have that. Just make sure you understand what the procedure entails, and especially what the risks are. If you don't, you should brush up on it first. Good luck!

I haven't posted in a while, since my initial introduction last month. Since then, I've attended an informational meeting, had my first consult with the surgeon, completed my initial appointment with my nutritionist, and had my first of two meetings with the psychologist. Everything's gone swimmingly, thus far. Doc said we should check me for sleep apnea, so I will be seeing a pulmonologist next week, who will then (hopefully!) refer me for a sleep study. I have two weeks off from work starting next Thursday, so the timing is perfect. Since my reflux issues are not very severe (mostly when I eat spicy foods, or a LOT of food at once - as I did last weekend's "Lord of the Rings" marathon), I will not need to have an EGD. Instead, he will just take a stool sample to test for H. Pylori. (Yeah... not sure which is the lesser of two evils!) I've been keeping the ball rolling on these things because I really want to have this surgery ASAP. My parents' health is not good at all (dad has cancer, and mom has many other ailments), so I want to do this before they get worse, and I end up not having the time to do it. All I need to complete now are the sleep study, and the second part of my psych exam (basically, the nurse will call me back and review the comments and notes that the doctor made at my first appointment; type up the report, and fax it to my surgeon). I believe after that, my paperwork will be sent to the insurance company. Doc said it may take 4-6 weeks for approval, but I think he just tells everyone that so they won't keep bugging him. My coworker who had this done in October looks and feel FABULOUS! She is my inspiration, and has really been helping me through all this. We just hired a new girl who has also had this procedure done before, so I feel better knowing I already have a few people at work who will support me. As for the rest of the idiots here at work... F-THEM! I'm all set to make myself happy and healthy, and will not let them drag me down. Thank you all for your support! -Cathy

I've already completed my initial consult, psych evaluation and meeting with the nutritionist. Right now, all I have left is a sleep study to see if I have sleep apnea, so in order to do that, I must consult with a pulmonologist, which I will do next Tuesday. After the sleep study, my paperwork will be submitted to insurance for approval. Average wait time is 1-2 weeks (probably closer to 1 week). After approval (yes, I'm being optimistic that I will be approved), I need to do lab work, and meet agan with the surgeon, nutritionist and bariatric director for pre-op. A week prior to surgery I have to do the "2-shakes-a-day-and-a-sensible-meal" thing. My real birthday is February 3rd. Sure would be nice to have my surgery around that time, for my "rebirthday".

Hi kat! My meeting went great! Met the bariatric director, and boy, is she a hoot! As she described herself, she and the surgeon are "night and day" in their personalities. The people in the support group were wonderful. Everyone was in various stages: some far out from their surgeries, some only a month or two out, and some (like me) are still going through the process. I was inspired all over again, and can't wait to get this done. Cathy

Thank you both! Just got word that I passed my psych exam (not that I had any doubts). I'm hoping to get the rest of my testing done by the end of December, then off to insurance we go. As for telling people, only 3 coworkers know right now. I know once I have to put my leave on the office calendar, I will be inundated with questions. I asked the one girl who's had it done how she responds, and she said she tells them she watches her portions, and what she eats. Not really a lie, is it? LOL. My biggest problem is what to tell the girl with whom I eat lunch every day. She's a blabbermouth and will tell the whole office. Yet, I'm a horrible liar., so if she asked me straight up if I've had surgery, I'd have to admit it. Personally, I don't care that anyone knows I had the surgery. Im not at all ashamed of it. I just don't feel like having those people know anything about my personal business. What to do... What to do... Anyhow, I will be attending my first support group meeting tonight. Being that its the holiday season, it should be fun! Cathy

Oh, how weird is this? My appt. is at 8:30 am, so I may very well see you there. I will be wearing a grey UH t-shirt, jeans and tennies. I'm so glad to hear everything went well for you, and you're healing well (other than that pesky gas problem). I've had laparoscopic surgery before, and had the same gas problem for a few days. Hope to see you Wednesday!

Kauaigirl808 - how are you doing? How did the surgery go? How were the staff? I see Dr. Grief on Wednesday for my first consult. A bit nervous...

I have my consult on Wednesday, 11/28; and my nutritionist and psych meetings the next day on the 29th. I've also requested for my records to be sent to my surgeon, so that's about all I can do right now. I expect to be scheduling my endoscopy soon, and possibly a sleep study to check for sleep apnea.

Aloha, everyone! I went to my first bariatric informational meeting last week, and it was just WONDERFUL! It was run by my surgeon, his nurse, and his bariatric coordinator. The Director of the Bariatric Program was supposed to be there, too, but was on vacation. Doc spoke for about an hour, and answered any questions that we had. We also had a former patient, who had lost over 200 pounds, speak to us. He was inspiring and hilarious. I was going to stick around for the support group afterward, but wasn't feeling well, so I had to leave. But his staff was everything I could ask for, and more. They're there for the patient every step of the way. Anyway, the coordinator called me the next morning to set up my consultation with the surgeon (scheduled for 11/28). She told me that at my current weight, my BMI would put me at 39.2. She noted my hypertension and high cholesterol (pre-medication) as comorbidities. I told her I've never been diagnosed with sleep apnea; however, I do have sleep issues that I've never mentioned to my doctor, so if he wants to do a sleep study on me, I'm all for it. I also set up my psych and nutritionist appointments for the next day (11/29). Yesterday, I dropped off my records release form to my PCP's office, and they said the records should be ready in time for my consult on the 28th. I AM SOOOO EXCITED!! The only thing putting a damper on my excitement is thinking I may not be approved based on my comorbidities not being accepted by my insurance company. My only other option would be to gain weight prior to my consult. Soooo..... I will keep you all posted.

I sure hope my insurance company feels the same way! If not... gotta resort to Cheryl's tip, and do some jumping jacks with the ankle weights so my blood pressure will rise a bit. LOL!

I'm going through the list of procedures that I will need to have done, should I be approved for RNY. Just the thought of being only halfway sedated and knowing they're sticking this tube down my throat is giving me anxiety. Even more anxiety than the actual surgery! LOL is it really as bad as it sounds?

Thank you so much, everyone! I feel much better now. I vaguely remember that my dad had this procedure done. One minute his throat was scratchy and hoarse, and the next he was chowing down on breakfast. LOL

I'm in Hawaii, too. Did you have your surgery at Pali Momi? If so, that's where I will be having mine (if I'm approved).

Aloha, everyone! I've been contemplating weight loss surgery for a couple of years now. Within the last month, both my niece AND coworker had the RNY surgery (by the SAME surgeon!), and they already look and feel great! I've also met this surgeon once a couple of years ago when he installed a chemotherapy port for my dad. I keep running into him whenever I take my dad for his monthly chemo appointments. Finally, as i was perusing THIS site last week as i was waiting for my dad in the hospital, this surgeon walked by me again! I thought "Someone must be telling me something." I had an appointment with my regular doctor today, and broached the subject of bypass with him. He, of course, tried to steer me in the direction of "boot camp"-type workouts 5 times a week. I told him he was nuts, and that if I had the time or energy to do that, I wouldn't be in the shape I'm in now. LOL He eventually said it was up to me, and that he would support me. I told my doctor's assistant about the info meeting i will be going to next week, and she said she'd be there, too! She hasn't told the doc about it because he would give her the same lecture he gave me. So, I already have a few allies. :-) My biggest concern right now is not getting approved for surgery due to my BMI being only 38.6. (Darn it! Why can't I be an inch shorter?) I don't have sleep apnea (that i know of) or diabetes (though my glucose levels have been pre diabetic a few times). I do have hypertension and high cholesterol, which is being controlled by medication. Without the medication, those numbers were horrible. My doctor said he would keep in the "pre diabetes" diagnosis, as well as the hyperlipidemia and hypertension, and see how it goes. This site is just wonderful! You've really alleviated some of my pre-surgery fears, and I look forward to updating my story with HOPEFULLY great news soon. :-) -Cathy

Thank you, everyone! I'm loving all the support here. My insurance requires a BMI of 40, or a BMI of 35 with comorbidities. They don't say how many, or exactly which ones, though. I know for sure that sleep apnea (which I may or may not have), and diabetes. The insurance company said they would have to look at all my records first. Butterfly66 - LOL! I would have to gain about 10 more pounds to reach a BMI of 40. That would put me 9 pounds over my all-time highest weight. I am so uncomfortable right now at 243. But I agree that that may be what I have to do. So sad that we have to jump through such hoops to get healthy.

I completely, utterly and totally relate to your situation. I am going through the same thing. My BMI is currently about 38.6 (couldn't put my exact height in the ticker, so that's a little off). I do have what my general doctor considers comorbidities (hypertension and hyperlipidemia); however, I'm not sure my insurance company will accept those. They're mostly looking for diabetes and sleep apnea. The girl I spoke with on the phone was very "iffy" when I asked for the complete list. My surgeon's coordinator was so kind, though, and said she'd do everything she could to get me approved. So, I'm going to go ahead and attend the informational meeting and sign up for one of their clinics, and go from there. I'm crossing my fingers for you that everything works out.

If all goes well, I'd like to get my surgery during Spring break. I help my nephew with his homework every night, so I need to find a time that won't interfere with that. So, I'm aiming for March 15th. I spoke briefly with Maria on the phone, and she was just lovely.

Yes!! Is it with Dr. Grief? If so, he's the best! So excited!!

Howzit, girl! I'm from Hawaii, too! It's so great to find another local person on these boards. I'm so, so excited for you! I just started looking into this process, and am going to my first meeting next week. Please keep us posted. I wonder if you're getting your surgery done at the same place I'm looking into...? Cathy