SugarFreeMe

I got my date, March 18th. I'm soooo excited, I'm doing a happy dance. I have a 15 day Meal Replacement program, guess that starts on Tuesday, yikes!!!!! Not looking so forward to that, but if that's what it takes, I'm all in.

You've taken the first and most important step in reaching out. I haven't had my surgery yet, but I've read others say you need to go back to the beginning and start over again. Also I've seen others recommend this link as a re-start point after a long stall: http://www.5daypouchtest.com/index.html Hang in there, you'll get going again.

I'd still go, like Amy said it's a long process and the first appt isn't anything you need to do anything special for.

Finished all my appts today. Insurance (BCBL IL) approval has already been received. Hopefully tomorrow I'll get my date. I'm hoping for the 17th. Fingers crossed and congratulations to the other March surgery team members.

BCBS IL already approved me and I haven't even completed by surgeons prerequisites. They're usually pretty quick. If your surgeon is with a "Center of Excellence" the approval should be quick,insurances know they have higher standards and they only submit for those who WILL/DO quality. Trust your surgeon, they know how insurance companies work and how much time they need to allow for approvals.

I don't have a date yet, but I was told at my first consult that it will be in March. I have my last 2 appt's on Tuesday, then it's a matter of waiting for the appt call from the surgeon. Insurance is already approved, so I'm good there. I'm hoping for on or just before the 17th, my youngest (18yrs old) has that week off for spring break. It would be nice to have someone home with me for the first week. I get terribly bored, reading makes me sleepy and daytime tv is the worst. With him home we can play cards, put a puzzle together and just hang out which is something I normally don't have much time for.

I've not told many, just the people I'm closest too. I've started the conversations like this: "I've been doing a lot of research, talked with my PCP and put a lot of thought into something and I've come to a decision about my health." I then tell them about the procedure, what my hoped for outcome is (no meds) and tell them that their support is what I'm looking for because it would make it so much easier. So far everyone I've told has been great. There have been some who have hesitated with their response and those are the ones I assume aren't comfortable with my decision, but with my preamble I think I was able to stop any negative replies. Best of luck and know that this is about you, not anyone else. If your good with it that's ultimately all that matters.

My surgeon required pulmonary and that doctor required the sleep study. They are looking for sleep apnea or other sleeping issues. Interestingly enough, lack of sleep is a huge contributor to excess weight gain. The body doesn't get enough rest so it hordes fat because it wants to conserve energy stores. Anyhow, some require it and some don't. I will say though that the sleep study was probably one of the worst nights sleep I had. The place I had to go to was soooo noisy. I could hear people snoring, the staff using a microwave, toilets flushing. I went home and took a 4 hour nap.

You'll get there, I had to do most of the above, but it wasn't an insurance requirement, it was my surgeons requirement. I actually feel better about the process knowing they have high standards. Knowing all you can about your health will only help you on the other side of surgery. Best of luck

ChristmasJanet, My last appt is the psych test/eval on Tuesday next week. I had my pulmonary on Monday and the stress test today, all of which went very well according to the techs. I was told that I have "above normal" lung capacity, I'm convinced that's because I talk so much and my family totally agreed with me LOL I'm so hoping to have the surgery on or just before the 17th of March. My youngest who is a senior has that week off and it would be nice to have a gofer or chauffeur around with me.

I'm looking so forward to all those things you just listed. Things I can do, not things I can no longer due because of the excess weight. Congratulations to you.

I know it's gross, but when I get wicked acid reflux Gaviscon works for me. Your going to look like a rabid dog though because it foams up in your mouth as you chew. Good luck,

I have one more appt and then I'm also getting my date. I was just over-thinking everything last night after everyone went to bed and all was quiet. I just keep telling myself it's normal and in fact I would probably not be a good candidate if I wasn't nervous and anxious about the process. I know I'll go thru with it, it's just that "What if..." that pops into my head now more then ever.

You'll sleep tomorrow, tonight just try to rest. Best of luck to you both. Stay positive.

When do you finish your 6 months? Fortunately BCBS of Illinois did away with that requirement a while ago, I can't imagine waiting all that time. What other testing did you have to do? I feel like after this I should be good to go after being checked head to toe - Sheeeesh........

Don't let anyone stop you, if your like most of us this if probably the first time you've done something for yourself in a long time. You deserve this. Also it's probably the same as when someone wears glasses all their life and suddenly you see them with contacts and they look completely different. It takes a bit to get used to, then all of a sudden you can't imagine them with glasses anymore. They'll get over it - stay the track and keep up the great job your doing. 32 pounds - go you!!!!!!

I went to my first seminar in December. I'm having the RNY done at Alexian Bros in Hoffman Estates. I'm amazed at how quickly this has all gone. I have BCBS of Illinois, they have far fewer restrictions then the surgeon, that's why I have their approval already. I still need to have a stress test on Thursday, then the abdominal ct, psych test and eval on Tuesday of next week, then it's a waiting game. As soon as they receive the consent for surgery from my PCP I'll get my date. I'm hoping that happens late next week, or at least that's what I'm going to push for. Your first meeting should go fine. At mine, the nurse checked my weight, height and some other general things. They checked my blood for Iron deficiencies. After that the surgeon came in and we just talked. He asked about my past attempts at weight loss, my goals and my thoughts on which surgery I thought I should have. He shared his insights as to what he thought (we agreed on the RNY) and then he gave me a brief explanation of the process. He answered all my questions and trust me, I had lots. I was impressed that he gave me as much time as I needed and answered everything honestly. That's pretty much it, very painless. If you have questions ask away. Everyone here is so helpful and understanding. We all get it, there's no shame here. Keep me updated on your progress. :}

Welcome and congratulations on your decision to take control of your life. Best of luck on your journey.

I have a stress test this Thursday and next Tuesday I have my abdominal ct, psych test and psych eval., after that I need to wait for my PCP clearance letter, I'm hoping to get my date late next week, then I'll get my date. I'm still hoping for March 17th. Fingers crossed.

I received the call today from the surgeons office that BCBS IL approved me. Weird thing is, I've not even completed by prerequisites. Almost there and feeling oh so excited.

Hi there - I'm from Elgin, not too far from you. I've almost completed all my prerequisites with surgery mid-March. I actually received a call from the surgeons office stating they have insurance approval, so all is moving forward. Welcome to the group.

Hi Beth. Welcome to the best support group you'll ever find.

Although I don't have sleep apnea the nurse at the hospital where I'm having surgery told the support group I'm in that if they had a CPAP machine, they should bring it with them, it was easier then trying to borrow one from respiratory therapy. Maybe some time ago they didn't perform the surgery on apnea patients, but they do now. You should have no problems and in fact in may go away. Best of Luck.

You need to be positive and not focus on what happened in the past. Find a motivational quote, something that speaks to you. Post it on the wallpaper of your phone, computer anything that you see several times during the day. You need to remind yourself that this is for you and you only. Stay connected here and go to support groups, even after your surgery. Surround yourself with people who will keep you on track. I've told those who I'm closest too, they're the ones who maybe won't say the words if I slip, but a look is all it will take. Good Luck and BE POSITIVE, YOU'VE GOT THIS!!!!!!

Sophia, why don't you call your surgeons office and explain that you can't get past the taste and ask for recommendations for an alternative choice. I'm sure your not the only one who has an issue with the flavor, I've read over and over that some brands appeal to people and some don't. Good luck.