chasingpolaris321

I'm on August 12th and would love to be in a support group of people having surgery around then. Any thoughts?

I'm just wondering if anyone knows what the primary cause of nausea is after surgery? Is it mostly a reaction to anesthesia and pain meds, or is it the surgery itself that causes it? I know I react pretty well to both anesthesia and meds, I am just trying to brace myself for the days following surgery. I'm going to mentally prepare myself for feeling sick either way, I'm just curious :-)

Thanks all!

Thanks! I know that nausea is just part of the process, it is just one of my least favorite things in life. I will definitely talk to the anesthesiologist... hopefully the meds they give you are enough to prevent it from being too terrible!

I know this is directed at post-ops but I just wanted to throw it out there that I love my Aria scale and my Fitbit Flex. Basically, you weigh yourself and it automatically uploads to your fitbit profile via wifi where you can keep track of food and water intake. My flex is a pedometer and sleep monitor so all my information is in one place (I know that probably sounds like I'm some secret sales rep but I promise I'm just a happy customer!) The only downside I've had is that my dog seems to like to eat my pedometer :-)

I have definitely had moments where it all feels very overwhelming and surreal, and it's easy to let that turn into self doubt. Like you, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to go through the process (information session to surgery date under a month), but I think that is completely normal given the major life change that the surgery will facilitate. I think it's been helpful for me to take some deep breaths and remember why I am doing this- life is simply too short to be held back from all of the things I love because of weight. I know from previous weight loss attempts how much more beautiful everything feels when you aren't constantly thinking about how your clothes fit, or worrying about being able to keep up with friends or family, or fully enjoying being on vacation without being held back by embarrassment and frustration. This surgery has the potential to break a terrible cycle that many of us have been stuck in for years, and I think it's helpful to remind yourself of that when it feels really scary and overwhelming. Only you know if you're ready to take the plunge, but I think even starting this process says something about where you are with weight frustration. Whatever you decide, I think there's a path for everyone, and I hope you choose whatever you think will make you happiest in the long run!

I have BCBS federal standard and was approved with weight documentation that only went back a year and a half ago, so I think there is some flexibly. My surgeons office didn't seem to think it would be a problem, and I was approved within two days. I was worried going into it though, so I totally get your concern! Crossing my fingers for you!

Hi! My doctor said the same thing about med changes and hormones. I'm scheduled for Aug 12th and would also love peoples input and experience. I'm glad this thread is here!

Hey! I'm 25 and getting sleeved August 12th. I'm happy to chat if you're looking for a buddy!

Have you gone to any of the support groups yet? I'm planning to go to the Woodbridge one on the 7th I think.

I love Bluepoint! I am having surgery with Dr. Moazzez on August 12th and I can't believe how quickly everything has gone. They are such a great group and really know how to help people through the process. Crossing my fingers the surgery goes as smoothly as pre-op :-)

I'm on day two of my pre-op diet and it suckkks! I'm actually not all that bothered by hunger or not eating regular foods, I just hate the protein shakes that my doctor uses (Bariatric Advantage). They are so sickly sweet and taste like artificial sweetener. I'm jealous of everyone who gets to choose their powder! I actually bought some low sodium vegetable broth because I can't hack six meals of sweetness a day. Hopefully that's not a terrible diet deviation (it has basically nothing in it!)

My doctor has everyone on a two week all liquid diet (bariatric advantage) with six Protein shakes a day. Today was my first day, and even though I did get a little hungry, my problem is that the protein powders are GROSS. I am hoping that my taste buds will adjust after a couple of days, but right now I basically plug my nose and visualize my giant liver getting scooted out of the way during surgery to keep myself on track. Two weeks can't come fast enough.

Thanks! That's really helpful. I'm definitely planning to see my doctor more frequently after the surgery but it's still nerve wracking. Part of the reason I gained so much weight to begin with was psych meds so I'm always really careful about any changes.

Does anyone here take lithium? I am just worried about levels/vitamin deficiency. My psychiatrist said he's had patients who have done really well with WLS, and then one who was really messed up on her meds for a year (issues with absorption, not sure which surgery they had). I also take lamictal and am in the process of increasing my dosage. Just curious what people's experience has been. I have been stable for awhile now and don't want to have serious issues!

This will probably sound paranoid, but has anyone else thought about getting sick before surgery? I have a history of bad luck with getting a cold or a virus before going on vacation, and I'm scared that it will happen right before my surgery and I'll have to reschedule! I'm sure it's just anxiety.

I have BCBS Fed and was approved without a two year history of 40 bmi. as far as I can tell, they want documentation of morbid obesity which is 35 and above. So if you are now 40 but you weren't consistently that until now, you should be fine. My bmi was in the 30s and I just submitted one record from each year showing a bmi of 35 ish and didn't have any trouble. You should definitely give the insurance a shot!

I have decided to take the plunge and post after reading this great site for a few weeks! I was just wondering if anyone has had a hard time focusing since they got their surgery date? That might sound weird, but I'm a little over two weeks out and it's hard to get things done because I'm so preoccupied with this impending change! I'm excited and nervous, but I also feel like I should be able to get more done in my life outside of surgery. I have a big final on Monday (I'm finishing grad school) and I'm not as prepared as I should be. Anyone else having this issue?

Thanks! It's great to see someone with the same surgeon on here. Have you gone to any of the support groups yet? I would really like to meet some other people who are going through the same things.

I'm new to the site but have loved reading through all these great comments! I just heard today that I am scheduled for August 12th pending insurance approval. This is such a nerve wracking process. If anyone is in the DC/MD/VA area and wants to chat let me know. Good luck to all the August Sleevers!