Angi~2014

Congratulations on your new start! Thank you for what you shared, I am going to remember the helpful tip about brushing your teeth in moments of when you feel you may cheat. You are so right nothing tastes good after a minty fresh mouth. Also, I can relate to what you shared about this being worth it to keep on pressing forward. I have many health issues that truly are a battle, I look forward to gaining better health and having a better quality of life... (as my current conditions are hindering all of that) I look forward to a new beginning for me.

Hello Everyone, I am in my 3-month pre-op phase (as required by my insurance). I have not received an exact surgery date yet, we are guessing in July (*or August, depending on how long it takes for the insurance approval process). I can relate to what has been shared. I am very excited and looking forward to my surgery date, but I am also fighting the 'nagging negative thoughts of what ifs..." I do think that is normal, but also frustrating. I am thankful I saw this post, (please don't misunderstand me, I am not happy about others going through struggles or sadness etc.) It truly shows how we are not the only ones going through these thoughts etc. (though sometimes we feel that way) Though I am not as close to my surgery date (yet) I have been battling many thoughts and fears.,,, lately it has been the "what if this does not work" *as crazy as it sounds, that truly has been in my mind. It is good to try to remember that, as with many things, this is a process and it is going to take effort to combat the negatives that come to mind (all the 'what ifs, as well as trying to keep from thinking of "the fears of complications or failure") It is also good to remember and know that we have the support of others who have been or are going through this same process. This is truly helpful the community, support and encouragement. II am still new here, but please feel free to call on me as a "buddy' (so to speak) on the same journey. Hope I haven't rambled too much.... lol... Sincerely, Angi

Hi Linda, Thanks for the welcome. So far I went to the seminar on 3/11/14. Then I just had my meeting with the patient advocate 3/17/14. I have my first meeting with Dr. Uchal on 3/27/14. My choice is for the sleeve. I am excited and a little nervous too. So far it looks like my surgery might be in July. I would love to keep in touch, if that is ok. I am trying to find people to talk with that understand. Right now the support of 4 of my doctors, and my husband is supportive. Others that I have tried to talk to about this and why I am choosing this, well, they care and are not really in agreement or support of this choice.... plus they start to plant 'doubts' in my head... to make me feel like I will not be disciplined enough etc. I know they mean well, but it really starts to hurt. I know my parents would have been supportive, but sadly my mom passed away 14 years ago,and my dad passed away Sept.2013. Anyway, I thank you for your reply. Hope I didn't say too much...lol Sincerely, Angi Tomorrow I am headed out of town for a week. I am going to friend you and send you a personal message. Advice to you: My husband and I told no one of the surgery except daughter, nurse and cousin who had WLS. The more people you tell, the more chatter you will get. Seems like you are talking to a lot of people and see it already. Spend your time on here talking to the experts who have had the sleeve and know what it is about. Have your husband read with you. I feel like a million dollars 4 months post op, and Dr. Uchal and his staff has us from hello. We went to seminars for 10 years.....so we researched well before we did the sleeve. Would love to guide you Angi, as it was scary for us also. We had a lot of health issues. Linda Hello again. I agree with you. The first time I considered surgery, I talked to quite a bit of people that i knew... looking back I know it was because I was not quite ready and sure in my decision. This time, I knew deep down I am ready, it is for the right reasons... so I have told very few. The hard part is a 2 of the few are not happy with me and my choice, and they seem to be freezing me out... but I just have to move forward... I look forward to days ahead and I would love your guidance and friendship... I appreciate that very much. I look forward to having a better quality of life... Talk to you soon...

Good to meet you and congratulations on your surgery!. I am not able to make it to the fashion show. I am glad to meet other patient's of Dr. Uchal. =)

Hello. I am sorry about the late reply, I just now saw your post. I am sorry to hear the rough road it has been, and especially when it seems like no one is there for support, even if they don't agree with what you have chosen, I still battle with some family that is seeming to give me the 'cold shoulder' which truly hurts, but I am pressing on keeping in mind that this is for health reasons.... We can look forward to the day when the rough road wont be as rough and all the negative people will then realize. Please feel free to keep in touch with me..

I can so relate , only hubby support me..my mom and sisters who encouraged me in the beginning. Don't even ask me for any updates. It's sad when they don't support you. They know how my weight effects my self esteem. .I would think they would be my biggest fan. I know they fear for my safey...but gee a little support would be nice. I can't even tell them I've been approved and surgery is 4/15..meanwhile, my 2 sisters are dieting and losing weight. .lucky them..they don't have thyroid issues like me..they can lose weight easily. .I'm 243lbs..and they think I can just lose it....just so pissed at them. I just keep everything to myself. .then they will make a huge deal when I tell them in a few days I have a surgery date. . I can truly understand what you are saying. I am very similar situation, even now I feel like the certain family members are giving me a cold shoulder... it truly is rough, especially when we battle our own concerns and fears as we move forward in this process. I look forward to hearing all the good things that will come out of this.... though I know it is not an easy road, it will be well worth it. =)

thank you for posting this... I am still in my pre-op phase (surgery should be in July, if everything continues to go according to schedule). I find this site extremely helpful with the amount of supportive members.. I love reading about the journeys and milestones that are taking place along the way and I look forward to the day where I have my own milestones. I must admit that sometimes my thinking can get in the way, especially when I have battled so long in not only my weight but my health too.... sometimes the fearful thought of "what if this doesn't work' tries to creep in. I know and completely understand that this is not a quick fix, that it is a tool and I do embrace that, but I guess trying so many times to have success and failing at it, kind of scares me. (hope I am making sense).... Anyway, Congratulations to all who are in this journey, showing that all steps forward lead to change and growth toward success.. Sincerely, Angi

Thank you everyone! I look forward to the days ahead.... I am truly thankful for the support that I have with my husband and also thankful for support and connections that I have found here. This truly is a blessing. I look forward to hearing other people's progress and victories... as well as being a support to others in their journey. THANK YOU ALL.

Though I don't have anything to add to the things already being said here. I wanted to say thank you for the initial post and all of the replies regarding it. I am struggling in this same area, but it is a bit different. I am glad to have the support of my husband, but was battling with responses given by a couple of family members who I also chose to 'confide' in. The other difficult part is that I know I would have had the support of my parents if they were still here... (mom died 14 years ago, and dad died exactly 6 months ago) I didn't expect those other family members to be 'thrilled' with the idea, because when I last thought about proceeding with surgery, I heard a lot of negatives etc.... I guess I was hoping for a bit of a positive, supportive reply when I told them that I am doing this for health reasons (as I have many major health issues).... I began to feel 'alone' and almost second guess this... but I know deep down this is the right thing for me to do... even though it is a bit of a scary step. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks and to share a bit.... *to those who may read this, thanks for listening..*

Hi Linda, Thanks for the welcome. So far I went to the seminar on 3/11/14. Then I just had my meeting with the patient advocate 3/17/14. I have my first meeting with Dr. Uchal on 3/27/14. My choice is for the sleeve. I am excited and a little nervous too. So far it looks like my surgery might be in July. I would love to keep in touch, if that is ok. I am trying to find people to talk with that understand. Right now the support of 4 of my doctors, and my husband is supportive. Others that I have tried to talk to about this and why I am choosing this, well, they care and are not really in agreement or support of this choice.... plus they start to plant 'doubts' in my head... to make me feel like I will not be disciplined enough etc. I know they mean well, but it really starts to hurt. I know my parents would have been supportive, but sadly my mom passed away 14 years ago,and my dad passed away Sept.2013. Anyway, I thank you for your reply. Hope I didn't say too much...lol Sincerely, Angi

Congratulations!..... I look forward to the day that I can say that too....

Hello. I am in Jacksonville too. I am still on the path to getting my surgery.... I have my 1st doctor appt Friday March 28. Sorry I am not able to give advice yet, but nice to meet you.

Hello Tiffany, I am just starting my sleeve journey. So far I went to the seminar, and had my follow-up visit with the patient advocate to give insurance and health info. I have my first doctor appt. next friday on the 27th. Have you started your journey?? feel free to keep in touch. Sincerely, angi

Today, I had my meeting with the patient advocate today to give all my health info, insurance info etc. I have my first doctor appointment March 27th. Then I meet with the nutritionist April 10th. I have my other appointment dates set. and if all continues to go well, I am hoping to get my approval by the end of April. I have my pre-op appointment at the end of June and it looks like my surgery may be in July..(as long as there are no bumps along the way) I am so excited to be on my way to a better, healthier me.

Hello, I just ready your post.... Congratulations, I too am on my way. I had my meeting with the patient advocate today to give all my health info, insurance info etc. I have my first doctor appt. March 27th. Then I meet with the nutritionist April 10th I also thought it would take forever, I have my other appointment dates set. and if all continues to go well, I am hoping to get my approval by the end of April. Though I don't have the exact date, it looks like my surgery will be in July, as my pre-op appointment is the end of June (as long as there are no bumps along the way *so to speak*) Please feel free to keep in touch... I would love to hear of your progress. (if you feel ok sharing it). Sincerely, Angi

Hello. I am a new member here... I am in the very early stage of my journey. I just took my first step, by attending the seminar at my local hospital with bariatric group. I was pleased to see the doctor I am choosing (who is also the doctor I have been recommended to) was the doctor/speaker that evening. I am very glad I took that first step, though I still battle nervousness in general, I knew I was in the right place doing the right thing for me. I am glad I found 'bariatricpal'. I know how important support is and I am thankful to have a place where people can truly know and understand what you are going through. I do have a husband who is supportive and encouraging to me, but there is truly a 'select few' that understand or want to try to understand what this journey/surgery is truly all about. I seem to hit more opposition vs. encouraging... Anyway, that is where I am right now. I have my 1st appointment with the patient advocate to get paperwork, etc. started. I am excited, but a bit nervous too. Well, time to sign this note and browse around.... Sincerely, Angi =)

Thank you all for your replies..... I look forward to this journey with you. I am not sure how long my insurance may require me to wait before surgery... but I am still hopeful to getting there... =) Please feel free to keep in touch with me. Bee, I agree with what you said, I also am looking forward to a healthier me. My weight is not the only health battle for me, and sadly some of the health battles have hindered my weight loss efforts... I really hope for this change to happen.