Running2theSleeve

I have not had my surgery yet but my mind is filed with I'm going to do this and that. I will not fail. But I don't really think I'm really preparing myself. I know about the gas, constipation, leaks, strictures and being on Npo's. I don't think I've learned how to prepare myself for the overall change as far as dealing with people around me eating what I love and I no longer can. Having to change the habits even for my kids. It's like how do I take away what they love just because I have a "fat" problem? How do I tell my co-workers please don't order pizza, Portillo's or Augustino's (best Italian subs ever)! What do I do now so I won't fail after my surgery? I'm a everyday type person. Don't really like guidelines and Nuts telling me what I already know. Hell' I work long hours so we eat out like 3-4 times a week...me sometimes all 3 meals. I hate getting up any earlier than I have to (6am) but I'm a person that needs convenience? Maybe I should not rush this and get a better perspective?

@Croaker.. My everyday life is about planning for kids my work but never for me. It's time I start planning for me to succeed at this.

This is great information! @Dasiee68 your comment is exactly where I need to be. I'm actually working on this after seeing the Psych last week. Thanks!

@TheCandidate .. Sorry but yes I was directing the response to you ,, I see I wasn't clear. I meet with my surgeon again in 2 weeks and you are correct def a question for him! Thank you for your explanation of your reasonings. You just don't know how it helps me knowing I have similar issues. Thanks!! You really give good responses and clarity

I would love to have some buddies! I even posted how I have little support! My mom nor sisters understand (they have never weighed over 150) I just really got my 3 babies and 3 more iffy' s now. But imma do this! It helps having this forum! My mind is so consumed with getting this surgery now and it's sad when you have no one to really talk to. I'm at the end stages of my pre op testing and looking forward to a Sept/Oct date.

your are right! The more researching I'm doing the sleeve isn't that new.

Will the pre-op GI with Upper Endoscopy and H Pylori biopsy detect if I have GERD issues now? I mean I have to have tums at all times and I don't want it to get worse after VSG (I don't think I could handle it's horrible now)!

I have BCBS IL and my surgeon won't even submit to my insurance until I have the PCP, Pulmonary, Psych, Bloodwork and EGD clearance. I also have to meet with an exercise specialist and attend a meeting at least once. This is the surgeon's requirement not my insurance. Saw my PCP today and he wanted an EKG along with it. I would rather it this way then to get a surgery date first and plan with hopes high just to run into a hurdle. Plus this way gives the insurance more documented facts to assist with the approval. Bottom line my surgery will not be scheduled until after approval. It's like the surgeon gave you a spot but then what if it's a delay ... To many what if's to me to schedule without approval. I'm almost done!

Good for you! Now you're almost there! Pretty soon you'll be day 1 post-op! Well wishes

@@thinner-me ... I feel the same way! I'm more worried about the office. I had my initial consult on 7/6 and was told I would receive a package with orders and each "specialist" name and number to schedule appt. Well it's 7/16 and still no package (I'm 20 minutes away from office). Called yesterday to follow-up .."oh your package was sent today." I'm like really do you know how long it can take to get an appointment with these doctors. So, she gave me the numbers to start calling. Was only able to schedule 2 out of 5 because the others said they need the orders and it's not in their system... Really Wtf.. I don't want to do the surgey around our favorite holidays ..Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas - plus my bday and others.. Just ready to get this going .. Sorry for rant!

I have BCBS IL.. My only requirements per my plan is BMI>40 and psych clearance. I have appointment with psych 7/21. I asked my surgeons office if they can submit for approval after psych appt and clearance and they said no. I have to have all orders cleared which is the surgeons requirements i.e. EGD, Pulumary, etc. Is this a common practice ?

thanks for your honest reply! I'm kinda leaning towards RNY too! My surgeon said he considers RNY mostly for those who are diabetic. Currently I have no comorbities but it's scary because the sleeve is such a new procedure and if complications happen I don't want to be the experiment!

So, did you feel like the surgery made you do the right thing?

My heart and prayers go out to you ALL that are experiencing such tremendous distress and complications! I also pray for the health and welfare for all those that have had WLS. Steven1569, I live in Chicago and I am in the process of starting my WLS journey. My bariatric team is through Central Dupage Hospital (Northwestern Medicine) and my surgeon will be Dr. Woodard. After reading this forum regarding complications, I am wondering what questions should I really be asking? What should I expect from my medical team? What type of protocols should I inquire about in the event of a complication? Is there a 'group' of experienced, knowledgeable professionals that you have found here in Illinois? I read you had your surgery in Mexico - but it appears you have now have a team here in Chicago. Any advise you can give to this Newbie would be great! I didn't just want to hear all the good things about WLS ; so, I am glad I found this forum.

I had my first meeting with my surgeon yesterday and will now begin their requirements (the various Nut, GI, Pulmonary etc) I was so excited! No one called me to see how things went besides my closest Aunt (BFF) (she had the band so is a little more open. I told my mom and sisters on the 4th of July as reminder and my mom said it's stupid all you need is dedication to your diet. My sisters basically ignored my comment as they don't agree either. Well between us gals (my mom and sisters) I am the ONLY that has struggled with weight. They always say I get it from my Father's side of the family. When we take pics I'm always the one that looks the odd one out. They go shopping but don't include me because I need the big girl stores. I know this is the best thing for me but I wish they supported me. I even asked my one sister if she would go with me on surgery date and she was like really Rhonda! Am I making the wrong decision? Do you make this type of decision without the support of those closest to you? I had to tell them because I have 3 children (2 underage) and if anything happened they need to know. I was so filled with Joy and they took it ...

That's what's up! Happy for you! Well wishes

I have a desk job and I only want to take a week off. I hope to have my surgery scheduled on a Friday (1 work sick day), home by Saturday or Sunday (2 days of recovery) take M-F off from work (5 days), Saturday and Sunday (2 more days of recovery) and back to work that Monday. Therefore, I will only use 6 days of paid time off but have 9 days of straight recovery time. I hope this is doable and I'm not in lala-land! I here the constipation can have you 'stuck' in the house.

Good luck to you!

Welcome! I am a newbie as well. I had my first consultation with surgeon on July 6. I have a series of pre-op testings to do but I'm hoping for a surgery date within the next 2-3 months. I hope all goes well with all of our journeys! Well Wishes!

My insurance requires the >40 BMI and the psych clearance. My surgeon requires the EGD, bloodwork, PCP clearance, Pulmonary, attend a meeting, and meet with exercise specialist. Well, these 'specialist' appointments are out to Mid-August and September. I asked the surgeon's office once I've seen the psych (appt 07/21) would they be able to submit to the insurance? She said the doctor likes to have all the orders completed before submitting to the insurance. But I don't understand why when BCBS only requires the psych clearance and BMI. Now I will be done with the insurance requirements by the end of this month. I could possibly be approved early August and have surgery schedule in September. BUT with the surgeon's requirements I am now looking at a October - hell maybe even November date. ugh!!! I'm feeling you ThickAndTired .. why can't the surgeon's office submit to insurance?

That's great! Well wishes!

what are your side effects to Chantrix - if any? I'm thinking about asking my PCP to assist me.

Congrats! I'm sure you will be fine and do what you have to do to make this tool another success story! Well wishes!