BloomingLotus

@@Kindle thanks for the tip! I'm allergic to peanuts so I can't have most protein bars, but I will look into the ingredients

Oh my goodness. I'm so sorry you had to experience that. I can't believe that employee would even say something preemptively... That's incredibly insensitive. IF someone said something maybe then approach the subject in a more tactful way. I'm sorry at least you know you're on these boards for a reason and are completely surrounded by people who understand. *hug*

I had never tried them and was buying by the case to save money so I was too wimpy to try the orange. I don't know how I feel about orange-flavored beverages! I'm actually really impressed at how full they kept me.

My intake packet said 4 weeks, but since every doctor varies I would call to see their guidelines.

@@MrsB2007 me too! It will be a nice Christmas present to submit those insurance papers!

I just ripped my pants. At work. My plus size dress pants could no longer contain my thighs. I don't think the rip is super noticeable because it's on the inner thigh, but I'm so embarrassed! This is further confirmation I've made the right decision. Feeling a ton of emotions right now and none of them good... Has anyone else had an eye-opening moment like this?

It stinks that we all have gone through these craptastic and embarrassing life moments, but it's great to know we are all here for the same reason and are making changes to improve our health. Time for some new pants! Maybe I'll get some shoes to help ease the pain of my traumatic experience

Wow @@Shell88 that is a lot of testing! I think I'm getting off pretty easy... I only need blood work, the psych eval and an endoscopy. I am in (relatively) good health otherwise, so it seems like I have less testing up front. Good luck with it all!

I'm looking at a January date as well. I had my first set of appointments on September 23. I have appointments late October, late November and late December. I was told my insurance take about 2 weeks to approve once the paperwork is submitted, so it seems like I am looking at mid-to-late January!

I have endometriosis too, and my surgeon and I decided on the sleeve as well. I asked several questions regarding nutrition and pregnancy (for down the line, not trying now) and I was assured that with proper diet and supplements, it shouldn't be an issue. Apparently the key is to monitor your levels and follow the doctor'a guidelines. Good luck to you!

I hid in my office for the rest of the day and now I'm waddling home hoping that everyone else on the subway doesn't notice!

Had my first surgeon and nutritionist appointment today... I am officially on my way! I have 3 follow up appointments which I have strategically scheduled for right before Halloween, right before thanksgiving, and right before Christmas. I'm hoping that any minor holiday gain can be lost before the next weigh in. Surgeon was fantastic. He was patient and answered all my questions. I was hoping for a little more guidance from the nutritionist, but perhaps I'll get that more down the line. With Aetna I can be denied for even a 1lb gain, so I was hoping she would give me more guidance as to how to handle the next 3 months. Honestly though, I know what to do, I just haven't been doing it. Time to get it together!

Thank you! Couldn't come at a better time... Today I split my pants wide open at work *sigh*

I'm in Brooklyn, just starting my 3 months pre-op. Working with Dr. Schwack at NYU.

I have my first appointment today with the surgeon, psych and nutritionist. I have been making a list of questions in my phone's notepad. Sometimes I think of something on-the-go and I jot it down. I think the more you read the forums the more things you think of. I've asked a lot of questions to my insurance company, have watched instructional videos and have read a lot of information on the "patient resources" page of the facility I'm using. A lot of my questions have already been answered but those have been helpful! Good luck to you!

I have the exact same problem, and it froze and crashed as I was reading this post! I use the app on my iPhone, and consistently update apps when available. I will be reading a thread and the ads make the response bump up and down as I'm reading them. When I try to scroll to get back to where I was, the app freezes and then crashes and returns me to my phone's home screen. On occasion, the app opens back up, taking me to the main page.

These message boards are such a time suck, but in the most wonderful way ever. I recently found this group and love seeing how supportive and informative everyone is. I have my first appointment with my surgeon, nutritionist and psych next week (after waiting almost 2 months for an appointment!) and I'm so excited to get this show on the road! I would like to thank everyone for sharing their stories and offering their support because it's much more comforting knowing what is ahead. I like that I get to see the good and the bad and how everyone bands together to show support! So glad I found you all *group hug*

I have my first appointment scheduled with the surgeon, nutritionist, and psych for September 23rd. From my research, my insurance requires 3 months pre-op of monitoring, etc. I've seen plenty of post of people denied coverage for any weight gain during this time. My hope is for a January/February surgery date. My main concern: in my 3 months will be a wedding (not mine, a friend) with shower and bachelorette, my birthday, Halloween, thanksgiving and Christmas. I have never NOT gained during the fall/holidays. Is anyone else facing this situation? How do you plan to make it through?

Good luck to you this week! I am really ready for this and I think knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel will help to keep me focused on the long-term goal!

Thank you I can already see how supportive everyone is; it's a great resource. I know that if I wasn't preparing for surgery I would gain a TON during this same time period, so it's comforting. At the same time, I'm scared that if I do gain, I won't be approved for something I'm so ready for. I have student loans up the wazoo, so financing or out of pocket aren't really options. I know I can do it. I know I can. It's just intimidating!