MitchieMay

I have been on such a high this week. Everything seemed to be going my way, I thought. I was greeted by some unexpected awful news in my mailbox on Sunday and so I've let it put a damper on my enthusiasm. I am trying to work through that and not to lose my focus. I am still very happy that I am getting closer to my surgery date and I am trying hard not to let even the worst news dampen it. Life has a way of continuing (good & bad) no matter how much you wish you could control it. So, ladies, pray for me...if you are not the praying sort...try a little for my sake. I hope that each of you have the best of weeks! Take care! Muriel

Ladies, best of luck! We are all rooting for you. We are a team!

Yes! It is inspiring for those of us who need to know how normal life can be after WLS and the wonderful outcomes that are happening everyday. Congratulations on the new baby and the blessings of your "new" family and new life!

First and foremost, based upon my own waffling in the beginning I can say you are not alone with it. My surgeon told me immediately that he would not recommend the lap band for me because it did not appear that I am a binge eater. I am not a binge eater. That was not something I expected to hear, but I was not especially interested in the band. I have heard many instances of problems that resulted in ending up with a completely new procedure, for various reasons. For me it was "Why the RNY versus the Sleeve?" He said," your insurance won't pay for the RNY (true) and if your concern is about the nutritional supplements that you will have to take for the rest of your life (RNY) there is little difference for people with the sleeve." I don't think it really worth your paying out of pocket, and I say that despite the fact that I will make more money if you pay out of pocket." So, I am going to have the RNY on 23 Nov with TRICARE PRIME paying for it. Am I nervous and bit anxious? Yes Do I think it will be a cake walk? No But, I do have a supportive and confident surgeon. I think that if I were having the same conversations that you are having with him, I would find a new surgeon. I have to feel we are on the same team and that he believes that what he is doing is best for me too. It is hard enough dealing with naysayers in my social/family circle. I don't need that from my surgeon. Unless he tells you why one versus the other and convinces you that he is right....it is time to find someone you really trust and can talk freely with about this conflict. That is my two cents worth! Good luck and I really mean that.

Hello, I am in Richmond, TX for the past year now. I will have the RNY on 23 Nov. I've told some of my family and a few friends about the surgery and the support is a mixed bag. Some are very positive and understand why I feel it necessary, others "Well if you insist" and the last group I haven't even mentioned it to because I know they will try to talk me out of it. I would love to be able to communicate with people (you) in the area for both support and encouragement after my surgery. Thank you for starting this group.

I agree with everyone (and you) trying to help you make sense of "Why now?". The fact that you have been able to stay focused despite the not so helpful concerns says a lot about the level of commitment you have to changing this thing in your life. It will take all of that commitment to stay the course from what I understand in listening to others. Once your family and friends realize that you are in this for the long haul, that you are done letting food and inactivity control your life, they will respect and appreciate your decision. Kudos to you!

Happiness is contagious. I just caught it from you....so happy too!

Together we can conquer this!

I am with you. My surgery is the 23rd and my pre-op diet begins on the 9th. Like you I feel elated and nervous all at the same time. We can do this!

I can't answer your questions because I haven't had the surgery yet. However, I just wanted to chime in and congratulate you on making this first step towards a wonderful future. Be proud of yourself. My surgery is on 23 Nov, so by then you can hold my hand and encourage me through the highs and lows. I am praying that you have already been through your worse day!

Congratulations! I am so happy for you and your little one. Prayerfully she will have you around, because of this decision, for many glorious years.

I am scheduled to have RNY on 23 Nov. During my pre-op medical consultations, I was found to have a small hiatal hernia. My surgeon says he will take care of that during the main surgery. I've had episodic reflux but nothing long term or frequent. But it was one more thing that solidified for me that I am making the right decision to have this WLS before I start to have many more health issues than I currently have. I am praying for the kind of outcome that you describe, little or few problems or complications! You make me feel so positive and optimistic. Thank you for sharing!

NewmaM83 I am new to this site and still trying to figure out how everything works. Thank you for adding me as a friend. I will try to do the same. I am certain that Tricare Prime received a letter of medical necessity from my surgeon also. I will see him on Friday. I expect it to be a long visit because, so they say, that is my last appointment to see him before the surgery....I guess unless I feel I need to see him. I found that a little unnerving. That is a long time. But I am certain that I will be busy with the pre-op diet and etc. I will post again after that appointment so that we can compare experiences. I also had to do a lot of specialty consultations (cardiology, pulmonary, and hematology, and additionally had a mandatory EGD). It has been interesting and comforting in a way. Nothing was uncovered that will prevent the surgery. That was the most important thing.

I really do want to know everything that you are sharing. This is good to know. Because when you read in the books to expect pain, it is not the same as hearing your actual experiences. It is hard to imagine otherwise. I am scheduled to have Roux en Y and I have no idea whether the post-op discomfort is the same/more/less. But, after reading your comments I am trying to mentally prepare myself for the same experience you are having. Thank you so much...please keep sharing.

NewmaM83, no I did not have to write a personal letter. Not sure why you did and I did not? That is odd, it should be consistent across the nation. I am in Texas, Tricare (South) Humana. However, it is my understanding that unless your BMI is very high there must be comorbidities. Maybe you have a unique or special situation. I think that the insurance companies believe that the likelihood that the "morbidly obese" will develop comorbidities is so statistically significant that they think it is a smart investment. Congratulations on getting your date! Yes, it will fly by. Keep me in your prayers and I will do the same for you.

I am retired and Tricare Prime. I am approved for my surgery on 23 Nov. I really did not have to go through any gyrations, not sure why. Maybe my moderate sleep apnea and my hypertension were enough, so there were no hassles. Like someone else said, Tricare (outside of the military treatment facility) will only pay for Roux-en Y, lap band, and one other I am forgetting. The sleeve is not an option with Tricare. My surgeon feels that Roux-en Y is best for me and I definitely did not need to look at trying to private pay for the sleeve. It has taken me a year to make up my mind (finally). I allowed friends to talk me out of it and went back to WW's and lost and regained and finally said I am only going to tell people who will support my decision. There are a lot of naysayers, who mean well, but cannot understand where I am and my struggles and failures. The prospect of doing something that is going to level my weight loss playing field is encouraging. I am nervous but determined to seize this opportunity to take charge of my health, my self-esteem, and my quality of life. I really appreciate reading what each of you are saying and about your experiences, it helps a lot!

I have to pre-op diet for 2 weeks.

I am having my surgery 23 November. Determined but anxious.