Mistie

I have a history of Crohns - dxed when I was 8. I had one doctor say he wouldn't touch me. I went to another, and she was baffled by that. She said she's done surgeries on patients with Crohns before. She specifically mentioned Rny, but I'm doing sleeve later this month. I understand the fear. That has been my biggest terror (not fear, absolute terror). But I have spoken to multiple doctors, everyone who had to do a clearance lol and no one has the slightest concern. My PCP actually anticipates it will alleviate a lot of the current symptoms I have as I lose weight. Again though, mine has not been active for a long time, more like serious gastritis at this stage. Hope this helps!

Is major moodiness BEFORE surgery common? I feel like today (this evening, particularly) I'm just ready to scream - and I cannot even pinpoint why. I'm a counselor, so of course that means I'm analyzing myself! LOL. What I have so far is this, because there are a number of things that are starting to stress me, and my major stressor (ie. what is making me the most agitated) at any given time seems to be changing: Fear of not making good choices after surgery. I'm on my pre-op diet now, and while I know I'm getting 'enough' calories and Protein in, toward the evening (which is my habit), I'm really wanting to eat fast food/junk food. I'm trying to remind myself that almost everyone who has had surgery has been in the exact same situation, that's how we got here!, and they did not become perfect health nuts - the surgery helps. I'm grouchy because the scales have stopped moving while on this pre-op diet. A few years ago I did great at losing weight. Of course, it was only that one time I ever stuck with a diet long enough to see any progress - so this is my first time to truly experience TRYING to lose and failing (rather than giving up). So it's really upsetting to me to see the scales going up and down, up and down. The diet is not very strict (in my opinion), and it feels like I'm stalling on it, so it's frustrating to me. In addition to the stuck scales, I am on the Depo shot - I worry how much that is causing the scales to stick, and how that might impact the scales after surgery, as well - but it is for medical necessity, not convenience. I'm feeling a bit grumpy because I have a deadline for the weight loss the doctor wants me to have. I'm afraid of failing. I'm afraid of the accountability and answering to someone else, because I never have - I've never let anyone know my weight or if I was dieting - because I didn't want them to know if I failed. So this deadline is really raising my agitation level. I know I will make it, it's just making me so tense. Has anyone else experienced these anxieties or hormones or whatever is going on? I've read the forums so much, and thought I was prepared, now I'm wondering where my brain went!

Thanks for the info, @mayasmomma. I take it for medical necessity, not birth control. I had lost 74 pounds a couple of years ago - and almost as soon as I got the shot - my weight shot right back up and brought friends! I had no idea what was going on or why I was gaining weight until afterwards, and someone told me that Depo was problematic! Ugh. I was so upset! I cannot take traditional birth control pills any longer because I've had pulmonary emboli and DVT, and they've tried me on a range of other pills, none have been successful in controlling my menstrual problems. The Depo shot was like a Godsend. Until I found out about the weight gain, of course! It's a certain type of hormone I have to have in certain doses. I will talk to my gyno about it, however - maybe there's something else I can take! As much as I hate it, I'm terrified to come off of the Depo!

Fortunately (in this case), I am not married! So at least someone is a little safer! LOL.

Thank you, Infernogoddess! I guess I should say I've already met all preop requirements and am just waiting on my exact date. They wanted me to start a 'diet' change from the start, which I did, and preop diet October 1, which I have already started - it's suppose to be a 3-6 week preop diet. Hoping for October 19 or 26. Since I finished all testing on Friday, and all of the 'work' is out of the way, maybe my nerves are finally truly kicking in!

Hi ladies! I'm in Mississippi, but I was doing a search for support groups, and it brought me back to BP and this page, lol. I'm looking at the sleeve in October. There are few support groups in MS, and the ones my center has (in Jackson) are at a time when I cannot make it, so I was hoping to find a good support group in the Memphis area. It's a drive, but it would be better than nothing! How have the support groups been working for you?

But they are complex carbs, they aren't going to sit and turn to glucose. I'm vegetarian, most of my Protein comes from beans, it hasn't adversely effected my weight loss in the least. True, but pure protein first. Just quoting the rationale of the NUT

During my nutrition class, my NUT explained that the problem with many veggies, particularly beans/peas is the carbs. Green beans is the exception.

Check with local hotels which have indoor pools to see if they will sell to you pool privileges. Some will. Also check with local universities for water aerobics - they usually offer classes for a fee that is cheaper than a class fee for students.

I just found out in early April that yes, my insurance does now pay for WLS. I was ecstatic! I immediately did the online educational seminar, went to the support group meeting, and scheduled the doctor's appointment. I began exploring the forums here, as well as other places. I began studying diets, pre-op and post-op. I began testing shakes (I know, I was just getting a head-start, though), trying out how well they worked for curbing hunger, etc. Today, I had my first appointment with the surgeon, and I left in tears. 1) The surgeon requires that I lose 115 pounds (he wants me to have a BMI of 55 or less, so to weight 335). While I logically understand the need for a lower BMI, again, if I could lose that amount of weight on my own so easily, WHY would I need the surgery? I have read many threads in the forums, as I waited to get started, about people who were told they were taking the easy way out. For me, I've never felt that way about others, but I felt that way about MYSELF. It made me feel like a failure that I could not do this on my own, and would need to go have surgery. I've never even let people know in the past if I was trying to lose weight, because I did not want anyone to know if I failed at it. So, I made the appointment and have worked on myself to accept that yes, I failed, but that's ok, I need help. Then, I go into this first appointment, only to be told that what I failed at? Yeah, need to go back and be successful at it to have the surgery... I admit to feeling a bit devastated. My mom, who is SO super supportive, does not understand why this is a problem. She has complete confidence that I can do this, and she does not understand why I am so overwhelmed and upset by this. 2) I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease when I was 8 years old (up until that point, I was under weight. That's when I began gaining weight). The doctor walked in and almost immediately said he would not do surgery due to the Crohn's. We talked about it awhile, including that a doctor several years ago said he saw no signs of it, and I've had several colonoscopies since with no reports of seeing Crohn's, so he's referring for more testing. So, all of this may be completely in vain. Like I said, I feel completely defeated right now. I thought all of the emotional stuff was suppose to start during pre-op diet when you're not allowed to eat and then after surgery! This first appointment alone has me completely overwhelmed.

My NUT said no - the 64 oz is water only. As has been said, check with your doc/NUT.

Hello! I use the Premiere Protein chocolate. Like you, I tried the strawberry and cream, and yuck! But the chocolate tastes, to me, a lot like chocolate milk. So far, it's really the only 'protein' specific items I can tolerate, and I've tried different soups, shakes, etc.

Mine is very similar to yours. Breakfast and lunch can be a Protein shake (200 calories or less) or a 'Meal Replacement,' which is a protein Soup, either the brand the doctors' office carries or any other brand 200 calories or less. Dinner is a Lean Cuisine, Weight Watchers, etc. type meal of 400 calories. If the meal does not have enough calories, I am to eat something else to get to 400 calories, such as a side salad, green Beans, etc. I can also have two Snacks, between breakfast and lunch and after dinner - either a protein shake, piece of fruit, or yogurt. This is for 4-6 weeks pre-op.

When I first started trying to lose weight (actually TRYING, like seriously putting effort into it) a few years ago, I started weighing daily, and kept up the habit. I weigh daily and log it into my LoseIt! app. I also log all food/drinks I consume. When I wasn't actively trying to lose weight, I did it out of habit. Now that I'm active again (prepping for surgery in a few months), there are benefits. The benefit to this is if I'm up one day, sometimes I can go back and see what 'types' of food my body responds to (my body does not like white bread, lol). I can also see what food my body appreciates. I also know, however, that weight fluctuates. I know, for example, that after I have a day at Water aerobics after not being there for a few weeks, it will show up on the scales, so do not freak out. For me, it holds me accountable. If I did not weight for a week or more, I would be more likely to cheat, thinking, "I can get any weight I gain back off before I weigh again." Weighing daily, not as likely to do this. Now that I'm changing my habits, this is not as likely, of course, but, it still holds me accountable. I also like seeing those numbers dropping as I move toward surgery

Praying for you and your wife now....know that God hears every prayer that's being sent up on your behalf.

I have the Charge HR, as well. I upgraded from the Flex, because I was tired of wearing the Flex + a watch! I love that it shows the time, my steps, I can see who is calling by looking at my wrist (LOL), shows stairs climbed, my heart rate, and more. It even automatically monitors my sleep. What's cool about apps like this, is there are so many entities out there that WANT you to get healthy. I auto-sync with LoseIt! of course, but I also have it sync'd with Walgreens. It works with their rewards program - the more steps I take, the more rewards points I get back, which yes, turns into cash! So love it!

Whew!

I already take blood thinners. So my usual way to manage a surgery is to stop pills 4-5 days preop and start tummy injections 2x per day. Continue post op as directed. Not sure how long they will keep me on the shots after.

Yes, def call the doc! The colonoscopy may have a liquid diet and prep kit, but haven't heard of one for the egd!

If a morning procedure, no food/liquid after midnight. If afternoon, no food after midnight, no fluid after 8:30 am for me.

Mine is next week. They said 'asleep.'

Professor in a graduate counseling program/director of a free mental health clinic for disadvantaged children and families/part-time private practice (ie I'm very selective about what patients I accept), primarily children with trauma, some college students.

You can do this, @@Litzy! Just remember the 'big picture!' Why are you doing this? Whenever you get hungry, remind yourself of why you're doing this. It may be hard over the next two weeks, but, it's ONLY two weeks before surgery, and then you'll move on to the next stage. You might try getting a small box (or even a baggie, so that it's portable), and writing on slips of paper all the reasons you are doing this, all the things you're looking forward to, etc., and putting them inside. Then, when you start to crave food or just want something to chew, pull out a slip of paper to fortify yourself against giving in! Good luck!

I am so sorry this has been your experience. From my perspective, it's more important that YOU feel comfortable, that YOU feel valued, and that YOU are happy with your surgeon and the practice than that OTHER people have had a good experience. Others may simply be giving reviews based on the same thing criteria for which you are staying - reputation. As others have said, it is important to know about your insurance, and it is also important to communicate to your surgeon that you are not happy with your surgeon and the clinic. Unfortunately, not all clinics are created equally - I've been on both sides (I changed after one visit, however). Ultimately, you have to do what is right for you - and you have to be comfortable. Good luck to you!

I know a lot of people are scared about/unsure about the first doctors appointment, so I thought I would share mine. Everyone is different, of course, and I know my surgeon's office did a lot, but here goes! My appointment was at 8:15 AM. I checked in at 7:30ish, and was called back by 7:45. I weighed (shoes on for first appointment *ahem* - the nurse laughed at me lol) and they checked my height. I was put in a room, and within 5 minutes the nurse was back along with the Bariatric Nurse. They spent the next 45 minutes asking medical questions, getting history, etc. They also took photos (close up from the front, full body, and front the side) and did body measurements. They of course also checked my BP and temp. After finishing, I waited about 15 minutes, and then the surgeon came in. She reviewed my history with me, checked my heart and lungs, and we discussed my weight history briefly. She also discussed my current weight and that I would need to lose just a little before surgery, but that the nutritionist would discuss the exact number with me. The visit with the surgeon, of course, was brief. But it was enough for me to know I *really* like her. Probably about 5 minutes after the surgeon left, the nutritionist came in. We discussed the exact amount of weight I need to lose before surgery (~30 pounds), my goal weight, what my diet needs to look like now (~60-80g of Protein, less than 200g of carbs, less than 50g of fat, and approximately 1600 calories per day). She gave me a handout on high protein foods, some tips for changing eating habits, etc. She also gave me a handout on daily Vitamin recommendations post-op, a pre-op nutrition plan, and samples (they use 'New Direction'). The pre-op diet is different from most. I start 4-6 weeks before surgery. *Breakfast: Meal Replacement or shake equal to 200 calories *Snack: Fruit or low-fat yogurt equal to 200 calories (optional) *Lunch: Meal replacement or shake equal to 200 calories *Dinner: Ready to eat meal (ie. Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine, etc.) - around 400 calories. If it is not that many calories - add some veggies to get there. Since I'm on blood thinners and cannot eat a side salad, she suggested a baked or lean meat, Beans, green beans, or even 1/2 a sweet potato. *Snack: Meal replacement or shake equal to 200 calories (optional) --64 ounces of Water per day I think this is a VERY generous plan, considering what I see others having to do on their preop diet. Yes, it is for 4-6 weeks, however, considering the amount of protein I will be taking in, it will be easy to follow and will allow weight loss. The only complication will be getting bored with what I am eating/drinking. So I am trying to plan ahead (I took advantage of the sale on all 3 flavors of Premiere Protein from costco, I have placed an order for sample packs from Syntrax and unjury, and I will be purchasing some items from the clinic of the New Direction items). I am noticing I am not a fan of items 'made' for protein - I loved the candy bar samples she gave me (and I don't care for sweets, ha), but when I tried the Soup, after a few bites, my stomach started to 'turn' and I had to stop eating it - I'm hoping that was a one time thing, or I might be in trouble! After the nutritionist, I went straight to the financial counselor/wizard of the clinic - in other words, she takes care of everything. She gave me the intake patient packet which goes over all the steps and phases to surgery, all the clearances the doctor has ordered, all the tests I will need to have done, etc. At this point, I still had not asked all the questions I had written down, so I started asking her, figuring she would not be able to answer half, as most were medical. She had the answer to every single question. Even better, we had already been corresponding via email - so I have access to her via email - and she responds within a day, at most. Finally, I went straight to do my labwork. They drew the blood, and I was done! They did tell me a nurse would probably be calling to tell me I had some vitamin deficiencies somewhere, that everyone does - usually Vitamin D. That's 5 appointments, essentially, in one visit. They are EFFICIENT! I have already been meeting with Active Health via my insurance company. They have a requirement of 6(7) months with them via telephone, or 3 months face-to-face with a doctor/nutritionist. Since I did not know how long it would take to get in to see a doctor, I was doing Active Health. Now that I'm in the clinic, I'm going to see the doctor. It should get me cleared approximately a month earlier. While not a big deal to most, there's a timing issue - end of the year (deductibles!) plus a family event in December I want to be 'healthy' for. So they set up that appointment before I left. Let me just say - this appointment could not have gone better. For anyone who does not remember, I met with another doctor in April, and it was a horrible experience - the staff were rude, they argued about the diet (told me to eat salads, when I'm on blood thinners, and cannot consume much Vitamin K), and the doctor told me he would not do the surgery because of my medical history (I was dxed with Crohn's at 8, treated until 13, no treatment since then). I told him I had not been treated since 13, and that his website recommended the Sleeve for patients with Crohn's and Anemia, that's why I chose it. He said it did not. I showed it to him on my phone. He said, "I still won't do it." They also said I must lose 135 lbs before they would work with me, yet gave me no diet or any suggestions - even when I asked the doctor for suggestions, since I'm on the Depo shot and his nurse had just told me that made things more difficult, he just shrugged and said he didn't know. SO - I was a nervous wreck going into this appointment. I left the April appointment in tears - it had felt as though they never intended to work with me, and had no interest whatsoever in my care. This appointment, however - I could not have asked for better care or compassion! All that to say - it was a great experience, and I am so thankful to finally be moving along on this journey! I hope this information will be helpful to someone out there!