lisaanewme67

@@Amy* Awesome news!!! I am so excited for you. I will have my sleep study Monday, April 27th and if all goes well, I can attend a PREP group then surgery. If I have sleep Apnea, I will need to be monitored using a CPAP machine for a month. I am praying that I don't have sleep apnea so I can schedule surgery sooner. I need a no later than June/July surgery date!!! Although I don't have any advice because I haven't had surgery, I would like to add you as a friend, keep in touch. Congrats in your exciting Journey...

Hi Friends, I am so happy to have this forum for many reasons...to read, agree/disagree, share, and VENT. Since I have decided to have WLS, I have been working hard to get my appointments scheduled/moved up. Make the right decisions for me and start preparing myself for my new diet, eating habits and changes that are needed for my new life path. This Journey is new to me and I want to learn everything there is to know to be successful. I feel that I may be thinking about WLS all the time. I have a busy work schedule, mom of 2 and a serious relationship. I have only decided to tell my boyfriend (who is 100% supportive), my son who is 19, two close and personal friends. One who recently survived breast cancer. They tell me that they want to know about my process every step of the way. I feel sometimes I may talk about, brain storm or think about WLS too much. They have no idea how much I don't share with them about it. Neither of them has told me to "put a lid" on the weight loss talk, I just don't want to make them feel that it may be too much at times. Just wondering who else in this journey newbies or veterans who have WLS on the brain 24/7???

Thanks all so GREAT to have support and read your responses. @@Daisee68 I feel that I get the same thing when I call my surgeon's office, sleep study lab or call my PCP office. My insurance is much like a HMO so I have to have my PCP in or everything. I find myself wanting to tell people especially some of my co-workers but I know things would spread like wild fire...There are some people I just don't want to know that much about me. At any rate, when you make those changes due to the WLS if the people in your life really love and/or support you, they will be super supportative. I hear when you go through this process, you will lose and gain some friends. Find out alot about the people in your life. Thanks @@Crosby and @@ladypoohbear that is exactly what it is all about learning and being informed. We should all be in our journey!

Hi Rebecca, my name is Lisa. I have made the decision to have Gastric Bypass Surgery based on my medical Condition(s). High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol and Diabetes. I have started the process by meeting with the Bariatric team last week. When I first made the decision to have bariatric surgery, I only wanted Lap Band. Then I decided on the Gastric Sleeve. However, Gastric Bypass was my surgeons recommendation based on the medical issues and at that meeting at that moment... for me. That was my "Yes I am having surgery and No I am not". I totally FREAKED OUT! I told my surgeon that I would think about it and let him know. I high tailed it out of there... BUT after I researched, I agreed with him, contacted his office the next day. Today, I received the email with the list of pre-surgical requirements. I will need to complete a sleep study and it is scheduled for Monday, April 27th. If it turns out I have sleep apnea, I will be prescribed a CPAP machine and keep a log for 30 days and then be ready for surgery. If I don't have sleep apnea all I will need is a PREP session then be ready for surgery. I am excited about my decision and I know it is best for me. I know I will "freak out" again and again througout this process and it is only natural but I will get back up, dust myself off and keep forward on my journey. I am sure you will find what is right for you and your life. This site has been great help to me so far!!! Best of LUCK and safe Journey!!

Today I received the letter from my Bariatric Team. As it turns out, I do have to have the sleep study but THANKFULLY nothing else is required. I initially scheduled the sleep study for June 12th on last friday after I had a heads up that my surgeon may require one. However, I called this morning and was able to catch a cancellation for this Monday, April 27th...Yippie!!! If I don't have sleep apena, all I need to do is attend the PREP group. The Preoperative Readiness Education Program (PREP) group is a one-time skills group. The purpose of this group is to discuss ways to successfully maintain long-term weight loss. A combination of activities and lecture is also given. It is a 3 hour group. After that, I should be able to schedule my surgery. BUT the sleep study shows that I do have sleep apena, I will be given a CPAP machine and will need to maintain a log for 30-days before scheduling surgery... Praying not to have sleep apnea!!! I'm totally okay with having the sleep study NOW. After reading everyone responses I realize that if this is the only testing that my surgeon is requiring, I am truly blessed and am okay with that. Plus, I need to know if I have sleep Apnea because this process is all about taking care of me!!! Happy Journey to us ALL!!! Thanks for the support as always...

Hello All, I started off my journey wanting the gastric band but after attending the 2hr. informational session, I decided that it wasn't for me. Reasons of my own not to offend my friends here and outside who has made this decision and is finding success. I feel in love with the sleeve and was totally determined that I would have this surgery no matter what. After I met with my surgeon, he agreed that the sleeve would be a good choice but gastric bypass is the best choice due to my medical issues (diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea and high cholesteral). the gastric bypass will give me the best chance of either ridding me of my medical conditions or eliminate my meds for good. I was shocked because I hadn't done any research about Gastric Bypass becasue I was set on the Sleeve ONLY... I heard nothing else the surgeon said after that. Bewildered, and lost, I spent the whole afternoon researching the different Bariatric surgeries and found what my surgeon said was true. I am afraid of the changes and many sacrifices that must be made but I am so excited about starting a new happy and healthier life. I am learning new things every day from my friend's on this site, personal mentors who have had bariatric surgeries and the surgery center. Yes, it is a hard decision (which surgery to choose) but it is a person to person choice, life style and medical condition. Take this opportunity to research, ask as many questions from the Medical Team, Friends here and listen to you!!! Happy, Happy days ahead!!!

I understand, I am waiting to hear from the Team who meets today to discuss my appointment with the Surgeon, Psych Eval, Nurse Practicioner and Nutritionist. I am approved based on my medical conditions, I was told I may need a sleep Study. I will find out but YES... Waiting Sucks!!! I am going to receive an email today or tomorrow and know the next steps... I will be patient though it will come soon enough. Already have conquered alot so far so I will keep -a-movin!! Good luck to us ALL :0)

@@drmeow i truly appreciate this post and all of the comments fron everyone else. The tips are GREAT... I am new starting out my journey. Waiting on my surgery date. I know I have to make some preop changes and i want to start working on things now. Im super excited but nervous about all of the changes. Only natural but I refuse to live an unhealthy life. I get a head start and leap one hurdle at a time. Happy, journey to all and continued success!

Hi, my name is Lisa. I am new to my journey. I also have had Graves Disease, treated Radioactive Iodine in 2002. At first 7 years or so, it was such a roller coaster between doses. Then I became pregnant with my daughter in 2003 and things really went haywire. With the help of an awesome endocrinologist, i have been pretty stable with my levels and Synthroid doses. I am concerned about ending up hypothyroidism after surgery. Thus the yo-yo effect with my levels and doses. I meet with my endocrinologist next month so that we can discuss after surgery concerns. I'm very happy to see this post and read everyone elses experience. Thanks everyone!!*

Thanks, I kniw for sure that the snoring is associated with my weight. I'm 100% positive it will go away after surgery. I appreciate you sharing your story. Continued strength!

@@OregonTeacher Thanks awesome feedback and i will be checking.

@Daissee68 A home sleep study... great suggestion. I will ask my Surgeon & see if my insurance allows it. Now my concerns of what @@Fahcilit8or replied makes me understand why the sleep study is important and may be needed. I dont sleep well. My boyfriend has told me that along with my snoring, it sounds like I gurgle, skip breathing and i know I often wake up choking. I may have sleep apena due to my weight. I may need a cpap, losing oxygen while I'm sleeping. All very serious issues. As much as i hate the thought of spendibg the night at the hospital, its whats best. Thank you ny Friends!!!

@@freelee Thanks, ok so its just another step. Not necessarily needed sice yoy are approved. If i have to do the sleep Study i will be asjing for a prescription aid. Happy Days for us all!!!

Thamks @@laurenjane great tips. If i have to donthe sleep study, I will be sure to keep this in mind.

Ok Thanks for the reply @moltoguy. I actually work at the hospital where I am having my surgery and been a patient for all of my care and my children's care since 1998. It also has state of the art accommondations (new hospital and surgical center opened in 2014). The monitors and wires are a worriesome factor for me. I pulled up info and saw a diagram of how the "hook up" wires. I tend to only be able to sleep on my side (either side) fetal position (since pregnancy 2004). I'm going to practice sleeping on my back could be a good idea to master this prior to surgery and recovery. Lots of Luck on Your Journey!

I have definitely decided not to tell anyone about my surgery except my significant other, my 19 year old son and 1 close friend. Not telling mom until after its done, she is a worry-wart... I'm an only child with my mother so, lol. As far as work, I am taking a week or two off and I will let my supervisor know that I need to be off for a medical procedure. For my nosey/concerned co-workers, I will not tell them anything other than I am out on medical. However, If I decided to offer and explaination, I like the hiatal hernia repair that someone used earlier.

Congrats to all of the April Bypass Buddies!!! Stay Strong and keep your eyes on the prize... My name is Lisa and I am just starting my process but have gotton alot done so far. Can't wait to read all of your updates!!

Hi Vicky, thamks for sharing your story. Its awesome that you are now taking steps to take care of yourself and its never too late. I have added you on your friend list, please add me as well. Its great to have support at any level of this process. I live in Indiana. Please reach out anytime,

Oh WOW, I am glad that you came back. Congrats and 4/28 is less than 2-weeks!!!

Hello everyone, My name is Lisa and I am just starting the process. I though about it back in 2012, went to the informational session then chickened out of surgery. I felt that I could lose weight on my own. Well I am back 3years later 20pounds heavier with diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesteral and sleep apnea. I went back to the informational session, scheduled my appointment with the surgeon within a week and now just waiting on insurance approval. I would love some buddies...I have lots of support from my family but I know I am bugging them to DEATH. Plus it is helpful to talk to people who are in the experience with you, been there and/or going in that direction. I am so excited about this platform and Forums. I am happy to communicate with anyone. Love all of the support!

Hi I just wanted to reply to your post because you have just given me the same assurance I needed. I met with my surgeon yesterday. Before I saw him, I was sure that I wanted the sleeve. He advised that I have the Gastric Bypass to get the best results addressing my Diabetes, High BP, Cholesteral and sleep Apnea. Now reading your post that you are off all of your meds... WOW, that is awesome and I am so happy that I ran across your post. HAPPY DANCE!!

Congrats, awesome news!!! I hope you fee better soon so you can be on your way to a healthier you... I am just starting the process and met with my surgeon and the team yesterday. I was planning on the Gastric Sleeve but found out that Gastric Bypass is better in treating my diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol and sleep apnea. At least it will lessen these issues at worse, lol. I am excited non-the-less for us all!! God Bless :-)

Hello everyone. I have made the decision to have bariatric surgery. Diagnosed with type one diabetes and high blood pressure last year. Cholesterol diagnosis & meds last summer. I decided at that point to work harder. Exercise daily, eat much better and nutribullet. Well I have & been successful at not gaining more weight but not losing which us what I need to do to get healthy. I have never had a weight problem until I had my daughter in 2004 plus diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the sane time. I am a single mom of two wonderful children. They are 9 years apart but are my world. I am an only child with my mom. I have step brothers & sisters all live out of state. I am super closer with my sister than my brothers although I love them all. I have my first appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday. Thanks to this app plus other research I made the decision to have WLS. I an excited and nervous. I have been so used to feeling bad physically, i.e. tired, achy muscles bones, headaches & backaches. You just keep going, just a way of life. In all actuality... I'm killing myself!!! No I want to live, have to for myself, 10 year old daughter, 19 year old son. My mom I'm her only child... Plus I love life, yes I do... Well I'm happy to see so much support, read other stories and get more inspiration. Thanks for listening & more to come...