LissaLou

Hey, Teracia! I'm not nervous at all about tomorrow's surgery, but I feel like a pregnant woman who is "nesting". I'm trying to get everything in order at home before tomorrow (laundry, cleaning, etc.) Thoughts and prayers for you to have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery! Let's keep in touch.

I think it is due to the lack of carbs. I had a headache for a couple days, too. Days 1-4 were hard for me, but it got easier at day 5. I'm on day 9 out of 10 now. Surgery on Tuesday!

My insurance actually states that someone must "fail to lower their BMI with a 6 month medically supervised diet and exercise program". Unless your insurance policy says otherwise, your weight loss or gain may not have much to do with the approval. You fulfilled the 6 month requirement - that is what counts in most cases. Waiting is hard. Hang in there and be sure to let us know when you get their decision.

I had a long day of pre-op yesterday and today is my last day of real food. I start a 10 day liquid diet tomorrow and feel rather emotional about it. I'm excited because I've wanted this for so long, yet I'm scared that I won't be able to conquer this diet. I know that it is the one last hoop I must jump through, but it is such a long time to be strong. I'm trying to think like the bariatric team told me yesterday - this is my part in making my actual surgery a success (shrinking my liver so the surgeon can do his part with ease). Since misery loves company...who else is starting or doing the liquid diet?

So sorry to hear about your frustrations. Buying a house and getting this surgery are both very emotional situations. Waiting for either one is not easy. I hope you can have a good cry after work - and then, feel better to face the challenges ahead. {{Hugs}}

I'm sorry to hear that you had complications. Be sure to take the time you need to rest and heal. May the rest of your journey to health be smooth and rewarding!

Yay, Truckerchic! How are you feeling? Tell us all about your experience (if you are up to it).

Day 5 - Finally, it is getting a little easier. I still get hungry, but the protein shakes fill me up. I'm not having cravings or feeling sad about not eating. It is actually kind of freeing to not have to think about what to eat...just have another shake! I'm half-way there...

Day 3...I've heard it can be the hardest. I'm hungry today and have quite a headache tonight. At least my husband is out of town and doesn't have to be exposed to my irritability! I've discovered that food is EVERYWHERE...tv, newspapers, Facebook, my family's conversations...I thought Netflix would be safe because there are no commercials, but the shows still have eating scenes!

If your new insurance won't require a 6 month medically supervised diet/exercise program, I would start now (especially if your current insurance would cover it). You might be able to go ahead and get the physical, the thryoid panel and pysch evaluation. Be sure to call your bariatric clinic to confirm the requirements. If your new insurance requires a 6 month medically supervised diet/exercise program, then you're not in any hurry with the tests, but you could still start the monthly visits with your PCP.

Approval feels *so* good, doesn't it? Sounds like you have a great plan!

I got through day 1 without much trouble, but I did get a headache by the end of the day. This afternoon, I'm struggling a little because I'm missing our family Sunday lunch. I'm hiding out in the bedroom while my husband and teens eat together. My 10 day diet consists of 4 (or more) Protein shakes per day, broth, sf Jello, sf popsicles and V8 juice (which I don't like).

At first I didn't want to tell my church family. Then, I decided that I needed to "break the silence", but I didn't want a public announcement as a prayer request. So, I just began by telling my Sunday School class and one other woman who asked me to cook something for a church meal during my 10 day liquid diet (there is no way could I do that). I figure that the news will probably get out from there, especially when I'm not at that upcoming meal and my family is there. I felt so much better sharing about my surgery. I decided that it was harder on me to try to keep a secret than to be confident and happy in sharing my decision for better health.

Looking good! Thanks for sharing and providing me motivation to start my 10 day liquid diet tomorrow!

You are off to a great start! The journey may seem long and the hoops may seem endless, but keep jumping through them one at a time...you'll get there before you know it!

My surgery is November 5. I'm having similar feelings. I think it is just "last minute jitters" - knowing that we still have time to back out! But, I've worked hard over the last year to get to this point. I jumped through all the hoops the insurance company required and all the steps my surgeon required. I've educated myself to the best of my ability so that I'll be prepared as possible for the post-op lifestyle and achieve a positive long-term outcome. So, I'm trying to celebrate the goal I'm about to reach that seemed so unattainable a year ago!

Thanks for the encouragement, Truckerchic! My pre-op is Thursday and 10 days of liquids will begin after that. I'm mentally willing to do it, but not sure how "able" my body is to do it. I get headaches, shaky and irritable if I don't eat. I think it is related to a drop in blood sugar. I do intend to mention my concerns and see what modifications can be made if I have those reactions.

I already have thin hair and recently started taking 5,000mcg of biotin each day to minimize hair loss. However, I'm experiencing heart palpitations. Has anyone else had this experience? If so, did decreasing the dose help or did you have to stop taking it?

Congratulations! My surgery is November 5th, too! My pre-op appt is this Thursday and I'll begin the liquid diet after that. I've never been a smoker, so I didn't have to give up cigarettes - but I did have to give up diet soda. It's been 3 weeks since I've had a "drink".

I can't help with a prenatal vitamin recommendation, but I wanted to say...congratulations!

Wow! Thanks for sharing and inspiring me!

After a long 6 month medically supervised diet, I finally saw my surgeon on Tuesday and his insurance person submitted my chart to the insurance company that afternoon. The insurance approval letter I just recieved was dated the same day with a post mark for the following day! I can't believe that the letter has been in my mailbox all day and we just now brought the mail in the house at almost 11pm...so excited, I hope I can sleep tonight!

Congrats on the approval, reshiapooh96! May your road to better health be a smooth one.

If I get invited and/or join the Facebook group, will FB make it public information (post on my news feed) or will it be kept private? I've not shared my RNY decision with anyone outside my family.

Congrats, roundfuzzy! Approval feels great, doesn't it?