LulupaloozaLL

This was a tough decision for me, too. I'd heard so many people talk trash about others who'd had WLS over the years. "They took the easy way out." "It's cheating." "Just put the fork down and push away from the table." "Where's the willpower?" I worried about being judged when I would need to be supported. Most of all I worried that someone would "out" me to everyone. I'm very private about my personal life and knew that it's impossible to un-tell this enormously emotional decision. So what did I do? Well, I told my very best friend who has always been supportive and one of my 3 children. I'm divorced, so a SO wasn't an issue. But that's it. I didn't tell anyone else in my family, circle of friends, or workplace. My surgery was March 12, 2014. I live in a different state, which was helpful to keep it secret. Of course, the downside was that I didn't have anyone to talk to once I got home. During all the pre-op testing, my doc found out that I had h-pylori bacteria and gave me a cocktail of thee antibiotics, plus a med to reduce acid. Since they knew (at work) about the stomach issues, it was easy for me when people commented about how I was eating. I didn't lie, exactly, but I didn't correct anyone when they assumed I couldn't eat because of the meds I was on. After that, I just started walking everyday and eating healthier foods in appropriate amounts. Ii was gradual and I only lost 20 pounds in the first three months. But then things happened fast. I lost nearly 100 pounds over the next year and no one has ever been the wiser. I recently had an arm lift and no one has asked me about that, either! I have never been happier and am thankful every time I look in the mirror. Sometimes I'm still surprised to see a size 6 looking back when I used to see a size 18-20! Although we all have different paths, in some fashion we share the same pain, frustration, determination, excitement, and personal growth. I wish you the very best in your journey.

I hear ya! I was very nervous, too, but it'll be okay. I spent the day before my surgery getting everything ready for when I came home. I live alone, so it kept my mind busy. I lined up all my Proteins and dishes and filled the fridge with Jello, popsicles and drinks. I'm 4 weeks post-op and I'm very happy. Remember to rest, then walk, then drink your fluids, and keep your eye on the prize. Even though you're nervous, think of how brave you are to take control like this...you'll be awesome!!

Honestly, I don't know what happened, but I got a call this afternoon that they reversed it and I'm back on. The insurance coordinator at the center I go to has told me all along I was good to go. I don't know if she just thought that, or if she got verbal approval, or what. But I called first thing this morning and left messages with both the coordinator and the BCBS contact from my letter. Then nothing. No response. So this afternoon, the insurance coordinator called me and said she'd been on the phone several times with them and they asked for a 'peer call' with my doctor. She said they reversed their decision and I can go ahead with the surgery in the morning. Better believe I called them and got an approval confirmation number! I'm so confused about it all. It's been an emotional roller coaster. It's a good thing I was so upset all day...I couldn't eat anything. Now I can't sleep. I guess that must be normal even without all the craziness. I wonder if they do this last-minute stuff often. Sure hope not. It's horrible. Unless they call me in the middle of the night with another reversal, I'll be up at 2:00 so I can leave at 3:00 for the 90-minute trek to Daytona beach. I need to be there by 5:00 for surgery at 7:30. Wow! Can't believe it's going to happen!

This started out to be a good day. I met with my doctor for my pre-op, picked up all the foods I'll need for when I get home, picked up my liquid pain and anti-nausea meds, wnt to the hospital to fill out all the paperwork and came come. Opened my mail and got my BCBS denial letter. Two days before surgery. It says I was denied because there's no documentation that I'm enrolled in a pre-op and post-op program...but I am. Even with an appeal process, I am devastated to have built up to this moment, and now no surgery on Wednesday. Had to get this out. Now I'm going to bed to have a big cry.

For the March folks so far, how are you doing? Any last minute advice? I have 3 days to go and I'm very excited, but a bit nervous.

I understand what you're feeling, children can be tough after any kind of surgery. Just because you're doing this, doesn't mean they won't still need care, feeding, and comfort. I worry, too, but in a different way. My children are grown, but I work full-time and care for my mothers endings and weekends so she can stay at home as long as possible. She's at end of stage 1 Alzheimer's. My surgery is Wednesday (March 12) and I certainly have moments when I wonder what the heck I'm doing. I'm on my second week of the pre-op diet and I was hungry the first couple of days. But then I remembered that this diet is going to help the doc and reduce the chances for complications. Getting the toxins out before surgery will firm up my liver, whether it was swollen or not, and make the surgery easier for the doc. Believe me, I want to make his job easier if I can! Similar thoughts fill my mind at times - will I ever eat the foods I loved before? Will I be able to care for my mom soon after surgery? How much pain can I expect. Who will care for me if there are complications? But I always come back around to the reasons I want - NEED - to do this. - I want to be healthy. - I want to regain stamina. - I want to walk for hours in the mountains. - I want to shop anywhere but the plus-size shops and departments. - I want to live longer. - I want to look in a full-length mirror without disgust and shame. - I want to wear short sleeves and shorts in public and feel good about my appearance. - I want my feet, knees, and hips to stop hurting. - I want my cholesterol to reach normal levels. - I want to sleep without a c-pap contraption and sleep meds. - I want that "Rocky" feeling when I know I'm much more than I thought I could be. - I want to change my life! I know I'll be uncomfortable, maybe even hurt a lot. But I've given birth, had an appendectomy, a total shoulder replacement (thank goodness for titanium!), had a root canal - and lived through it all. I know I won't be able to eat all the same foods, but I'm looking forward to new foods. I can't wait to feel what my new body can do. I'm 58 and going on 40. :-) Hmm. I started this to help you calm your fears, but I've given myself a pep talk! Look, only you know if the pros outweigh the cons.if you make the decision to have the surgery and you've gone through all the steps to get there, focus on the success that's coming. Be proud of your decision. Be proud of who you you are and the wonderful thing you're doing for yourself and your children. You will be fine. You will be better than fine. You will be awesome. I wish you all the best.

Oops! Who put the send button so close to my iPad keyboard?! LOL Anyway, now I'm getting nervous and having a hard time sleeping. I know it's normal, so I'm letting it happen. This is NOT the time to second-guess myself. I'm so happy to hear all your stories. It's been motivational and calming. Thank you to all who've shared their experiences. Debra

I'm so happy to see this thread. I've been seeing this doc and that doc - having this procedure and those tests - for several months and have been excited the entire time. Now I'm 15 days out and I

I'm march 12th, too. Getting nervous and excited. I've wanted this for so long and now I feel a little overwhelmed. Next week I start on my two week pre-op diet. I can't believe it's here! I'm only taking a week off. Good luck to all of you!