The Candidate

You have an excellent attitude and will go on to do very well. Congrats on your life changing decision!

@@gowalking It is the posts and gracious shared experiences, such as those you have made, and so many others here on this forum, that keep our pre op hopes alive! Although I am still trapped in my prison body, I am buoyed daily by the amazing outcomes of those who have gone before. These words and testimonies, they strengthen my resolve, and fortify my patience. They allow me to poke fun at myself and release my inner fears through the outlets of laughter and hope. Hope above all else. Just as you would wish to somehow give us pre ops a way to better envision our glorious futures. We pre ops wish that we could better illustrate to you, that as a post op, here on bariatric pal - you already have. We virtually and vicariously walk in your shoes, share in your milestones, your NSV's, your incredible happiness, we feel with you, the realization of every heartfelt dream. We run with you, and bike with you, and hike, and dance, and live with a capital "L"! We fly - and it's only because you care for us, and nurture us, and keep us focused forever on the goal. So thank you for giving us this incredible gift. For allowing us to see the world the way you do, and always keeping us in line. I see my beautiful future, and it's all thanks to you. It's bright and shiny, and everything I've ever wanted. I promise you, gowalking, my eyes are gloriously open! In fact, I plan to never shut them again! And I hope that you see too, just how much we need and appreciate every single one of you!

Here is mine: 2012 thru 2015 (research, research, research) July 2014 - made decision to seek out weight loss surgery, verified that it was covered by my insurance August 2014 - appointment with PCP to request referral for WLS September 2014 - mandatory weight management class September 2014 - mandatory bariatric orientation class September 2014 - submitted extensive paperwork for application to enter bariatric program September 2014 - completed all pre program labs and tests October 2014 - met with head of bariatric program, accepted into program, 1st official weigh in October 2014 - was told I would need to lose 10% of excess weight over the six months of required classes November 2014 thru May 2015 - attended program required classes, six months, once a week, for 90 minutes each November 2014 thru May 2015 - completed weekly mandatory weigh in's November 2014 thru May 2015 - lost the required 10% excess weight March 2015 - attended mandatory surgical group seminar April 2015 - submitted extensive paperwork received at surgical group seminar May 2015 - attended optional support group meeting May 2015 - graduation from bariatric program classes May 2015 - completed fitness test May 2015 - completed pre op lab tests June 2015 - approved for surgery June 2015 - completed psych evaluation June 2015 - cleared by internist June 2015 - surgical consult June 2015 - given surgery date of 07/29/2015 July 28, 2015 - will have PREP appointment at hospital (day before surgery) July 28, 2015 - will be on pre op liquid diet July 29, 2015 - will have bypass surgery (FINALLY!) ????

Congratulations! What an amazing accomplishment. Never forget how you felt when you hit that mark. That's a moment deserving of reliving again and again!

I'm so happy for you! You will do wonderfully! Congratulations!

Good luck to both of you!

@@laguerr13 Now that is the kind of problem we all hope to have! Congrats!

@@Chrystee Small? You know I've wracked my brain and I have no knowledge of this word "small" you speak of. And "fit comfortably" is not registering either. By the time I got to "SO cold" I could only conclude that perhaps you are speaking in a foreign language that I just do not understand. ????. It seems that way sometimes as a pre op, these concepts of "fitting" and "not sweating" like you've just finished a marathon after simply walking a block. If all goes well after my surgery I may even consider removing the sign on my thermostat that reads: "Move this dial above 70 degrees under threat of death!"

@@padremama There's nothing I enjoy more than hearing from recent post ops who are feeling better everyday. Congrats on making it through to the other side! I hear the weather is beautiful there, the ocean a bright blue, and the party always in full swing! Be sure to save me a seat!

@@chrisredjeep Go ahead and have yourself a good little cry on the way to the hospital, you're entitled. Although they will surely be mostly happy tears I know! Your big day on the 16th is almost at hand, and I won't be too far behind. Aren't we just the luckiest people alive? I have a hard time keeping the smile off my face these days! Surround yourself with loving family and good friends that will keep you laughing all the way into the operating room! I'll be thinking of you on the 16th (after I calculate the time difference between here and the UK - might have to set my alarm ????), and will be sending you happy thoughts!

@@chrisredjeep There is nothing that humor can't cure in my book. ???? And if I lose as much weight as I hope to, I'm going to start wearing my clothes inside out, so those small size labels will be on prominent display!

I had thoughts of bringing a robe and pajama bottoms, but will probably not end up taking them. I just got home from visiting a friend who had her surgery yesterday and she quickly ditched the idea of using the ones she brought. What with all the tubes, wires, walking, vitals monitoring, overall exhaustion, and fluids being pumped in, modesty, comfort, and the complicated logistics of getting them on and off, quickly gave way to practicality.

You look stunning! Congrats on your amazing victory and wonderful new life!

You've signed onto a wonderful ship. You'll love it! Welcome and congratulations on your upcoming surgery date.

You look incredible! Congrats!

There was no written test with mine. Just a very casual one on one conversation with the psychologist. She instantly put me at ease and I felt comfortable from our first handshake. The questions she had were very basic and non-probing, concerning my family and weight history, support system, and knowledge and expectations about the surgery. It took like 15 minutes and she let me know at the end that she would be recommending me for surgery. It's normal to be concerned. I had a lot of apprehensions beforehand too, actually spent months worrying about it. All for nothing. I know you can't help but be worried too, but I'm sure you'll do fine!

I'm still pre op so no pics for me. Just wanted to say great job! You look great!

Congrats! Meeting with is surgeon is a major milestone! Good luck!

Congrats! ???? What a banner day! I'm so happy for you. I also went in wanting the sleeve but switched to bypass for the same reason. Mine's on 07/29. Here's to our new life just around the corner!

Congrats on your date!

I'm also looking forward to no longer having to purchase the "Just My Size" brand, or any of the other popular fat people lines. And not sure if other people do this but I was always bothered by the fact that should the label of my shirt or slacks stick out without my knowledge, there'd be my huge size in print for all the world to see! So I got in the habit of cutting the labels out to save myself from unintended embarrassment! When they came up with the idea of printing the size on the material instead of the label, so you couldn't cut it out, I thought they were speaking directly to me!

I think it is absolutely normal to have these fears. I was fully expecting to have them too, and perhaps having to wait a year has something to do with it, but for whatever reason I've never felt more sure of anything in my life. And that surety has translated into a sort of zen like calm that I hope will still be with me when I go through those OR doors on the 29th. Could be I'll be overcome with jitters too at that last pivotal moment. Who knows? Yet I'm positive of one thing - it would take a full fledged catastrophe to change my mind at this point. Don't feel bad for having these doubts. It's in our genetic make up to approach anything with even the slightest possibility of doing us harm, with trepidation. You can't even get through the darn paperwork without tripping over the words "possible complications" a million or so times. So pay attention to your gut and heart and only do what's right for you with no regrets either way. Good luck!

@@New Me 2015 You look beautiful! You should be so proud! Congrats! And can I get a high-five from a fellow calendar day cross offer! ????

@FunFitFamily I know it's exciting, isn't it! Almost can't believe the day is almost here. I'm actually going today to visit a friend in the hospital who had the sleeve done just yesterday. She came through with flying colors. And another good friend is having the bypass on 07/31, with me on 07/29. We all met during program approval process while we were going through the classes. The amazing thing is that not only are our surgery dates so close together, but we all have the same surgeon too! We had the choice of three different doctors. We could just take the first available appt. for any one of them, or wait for an opening with a specific one of our choice. All of them come highly qualified and recommended, but two of us chose this particular surgeon, while the other one just happened to get him. Good luck on the 29th! Can't wait to start our new lives! ????????

You are not required to disclose the nature of your surgery, if you so choose. Plus you are entitled under FMLA for time off to recuperate. I chose not to disclose anything other than I will be having surgery, and will be taking six weeks. My work is very supportive and I've had no issues. Good luck!