tam_mandala

Not being restricted to shopping at plus size stores. And, not feeling like exercise is a battle against my body. It's a tie... Oh, and not needing to ask for a seat belt extender on the airplane!!

This is something that I am starting to think about. For the last year and a half I have been very connected to a running/fitness group. Some of the people in this group have become friends, especially with some of the "bigger girls" in the group. As I begin this journey and am full of excitement about it, I am finding myself wondering if I am going to tell people... They will surely notice after January, as the weight comes off, as I am eating and drinking less and differently when we go out. I don't want to keep things from folks, because as another posted said, it is important for me to be fully known and seen. To be an authentic person. And yet, I am concerned if they will judge me as taking the easy way out - I know my former trainer will! If I don't tell them, I'd feel like I was lying and presenting that all of a sudden diet and exercise clicked for me? I think the bottom line, over the next few months leading up to the surgery, I need to get sure and confident in my decision to have the surgery and in what I tell folks.

That is very encouraging! I'm wondering if when I have my meeting with her next month, my nutritionist will give me a presume weight loss goal? How common is that?

I am in the preop stage and meet with my surgeon for the first time on Thurs. One of the questions I have is will I be denied if I lose too much weight during the 6 - month period. I have a BMI of 41, and no comorbidities. I have Oxford United Health Care, and they require a BMI of over 40...I'm right on the edge. Anyone else encountered this issue...?

I'm tam_mandala on Ig.

Oh wow... Can I ask what your height and weight is? I haven't had an in-depth conversation with my NUT yet, and am curious if I will be getting the same instructions. Not that I'd mind...it won't be easy. But then, none of this will...

Yes, let's do that!

That is a beautiful way to put it...

congrats! I had my first appointment today too! I have a 6 month wait, but I'm looking at it as a time to get ready...a lot in my life has to change!

well, since today's visit counts as Month 1, I will be a January sleever afterall. preferably mid-January. so, I can enjoy Christmas and NYE Champagne, fully!

Well, I've spent the last month trolling here and instagram and youtube, and today I met with the surgeon and his team. Today was my first official preo-op appointment! I almost burst into tears when I got back to my car, and instead called my Mom. This feels like the right decision, like the solution I've been struggling to find. The clock is ticking and I'm looking forward to a January surgery date. Until then... lots of questions..lots to process...lots of changes to make. But, it will all get me to where I want to be.

thanks so much!! and, congrats on your progress...

Thank you both for responding. I got most of my questions answered... More, when I meet with the surgeon next month.

I have my first meeting with the surgeon and his team this afternoon. I am very excited to begin this journey! I have a list of questions ready to go, but a, curious from you all, what should I be sure to ask? What questions do you wish you would've asked your surgeon. I am in Chicago, and will be going to Dr. Lutfi at Presence St. Joseph. Any insight from folks who've had him as a surgeon is also appreciated!

My surgeon's office said that it doesn't matter if I lose weight, and that the only number that is reported is the one from today. That was encouraging. And, it was close...I've had bronchitis the last 4 days and have lost weight. It will be back next week, like that "friend" that won't leave at the end of the party...

I'm hoping to be a January sleever. I have my first meeting with the surgeon and the team tomorrow!

I'll be asking when I talk to both the surgeon and the bariatric case manager thru Optum. will post the response here...and start shopping for weights.

Noted.

I wish I only had a 3 month wait. Good luck with insurance approval!

Thanks, that is encouraging. I would like to try and lose some, or at least use the period to get ready for what will be a huge change in my life. Good luck with pre-op!

I have no co-morbidities, not even borderline, which even my primary is shocked by.

Does UH require going thru Optum? That isn't clear to me in looking at my paperwork...

So glad to have found this forum! Just saying hello. I am very early in the stage and have my first meeting with the surgeon on Thursday!